How can a finite area like Great Britain have an infinite length edge?
In: Mathematics
The reason it’s a “thing” is because maps got more and more precise and they needed an explanation for why they kept measuring things longer and longer. But you’re right that it’s an arbitrary distinction that would apply to anything. Of course there can always be a more exact measurement that would involve smaller and smaller incremental differences.
Beyond the immediate need for an explanation from mapmakers and mathematicians, a coastline is also just a good example to use because people can easily conceptualize a coastline as a fractal shape.
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