The Earth is generally recognized as an oblate spheroid, meaning it is mostly spherical but slightly flattened at the poles and slightly bulging at the equator. This shape occurs due to the Earth's rotation, which causes the equatorial region to puff out slightly. The distinction in shape can be measured through geodesy, the science of measuring Earth's geometry, and is crucial for navigation and satellite technology. While often depicted as a perfect sphere in maps and globes, its true shape reflects the complex interplay of gravitational forces, rotation, and the physical properties of its materials.