The measurement of the earth From Columbus to space 44 mins - 2019 ZDF The two-part documentary links the findings of history with the expeditions of modern researchers in the 21st century and makes it clear that the research journey to measure the Earth is far from over. In 1492, Christopher Columbus reached a continent completely unknown to his contemporaries. The original goal of his voyage: to find the shortest route to the riches of India. Better orientation and knowledge of the fastest route would give the Spanish crown an advantage over its competitors. To this day, many surveying ventures are driven by this same motive.