Geometry at Work (Mathematical Association of America Notes)

Rating:
Summary: Yes, geometry is useful at work
Review: It is a sad fact indeed that the limits of exposure to geometry that most students have is proofs along the Euclidean line. In some sense it is amazing that Euclidean geometry has survived intact for so long. However, geometry itself has hardly remained the static field that this exposure suggests.
The effectiveness of non-invasive examination techniques in medicine is due to applied geometry and the science of mapping the movement of robots is based on geometric transformations. Some aspects of Computer Aided Design(CAD) rely on geometry and the modern science of Geographic Information Systems(GIS) relies very heavily on the geometry of polygons. Introductory papers on all four of these topics outline some very interesting applications.
Geometry is also a valuable tool in science, even finding uses in quantum mechanics. Many optimization problems can be solved using geometrical transformations. Quite frankly, until I read this book, I had not heard of some of these applications. However, once read, the value was clearly understood.
Naturally, the expected applications of geometry in art and architecture are covered, but not to any great extent. Some historical and ethnomathematics papers are also included, providing different perspectives on some aspects of geometry that you may not be aware of.
The editor of this book did an excellent job in choosing a broad spectrum of papers in a field that is extremely dynamic and practical. I strongly recommend that you read this book, it will reinforce your faith in the power of mathematics to change the world.

Published in Journal of Recreational Mathematics, reprinted with permission.

Rating:
Summary: Yes, geometry is useful at work
Review: It is a sad fact indeed that the limits of exposure to geometry that most students have is proofs along the Euclidean line. In some sense it is amazing that Euclidean geometry has survived intact for so long. However, geometry itself has hardly remained the static field that this exposure suggests.
The effectiveness of non-invasive examination techniques in medicine is due to applied geometry and the science of mapping the movement of robots is based on geometric transformations. Some aspects of Computer Aided Design(CAD) rely on geometry and the modern science of Geographic Information Systems(GIS) relies very heavily on the geometry of polygons. Introductory papers on all four of these topics outline some very interesting applications.
Geometry is also a valuable tool in science, even finding uses in quantum mechanics. Many optimization problems can be solved using geometrical transformations. Quite frankly, until I read this book, I had not heard of some of these applications. However, once read, the value was clearly understood.
Naturally, the expected applications of geometry in art and architecture are covered, but not to any great extent. Some historical and ethnomathematics papers are also included, providing different perspectives on some aspects of geometry that you may not be aware of.
The editor of this book did an excellent job in choosing a broad spectrum of papers in a field that is extremely dynamic and practical. I strongly recommend that you read this book, it will reinforce your faith in the power of mathematics to change the world.

Published in Journal of Recreational Mathematics, reprinted with permission.