The Coastline Paradox

How long is a coastline? You would think it has one single answer.

Measure it with a long ruler, and you get a specific length. But use a

smaller ruler, and suddenly the length increases. The coastline itself stayed the same.

Only the rulers changed. The more detail you capture, the more length

you add. This isn't just about maps. This principle applies to almost everything

in the physical world. Spain and Portugal measured the same border and got

different lengths. Both are technically right. This is the coastline paradox.

Length is not absolute; it depends on your scale. So, how long is