In 1975, China measured Mount Qomolangma, the highest peak in the world, for the first time, determining its height to be 8,848.13 meters. Three decades later, a new attempt was made to update the information and the mountain was found to have shrunk to 8,844.43 meters. 

A new round of measurements was initiated on April 30 by the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, General Administration of Sport of China and Government of Tibet Autonomous Region. It took nearly a month for the eight-member survey team to reach the summit at the third attempt, after failing twice due to weather changes. 

Measuring the world's highest peak is a formidable mission, which requires advanced surveying and mapping technologies. The innovations used in this survey included the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System, an airborne gravimeter to measure gravity, and 3D interactive virtual reality instruments. 

The success of the project showcases the courage and spirit of the Chinese amid difficulties. The updated information will enhance human knowledge of nature and boost scientific work. 

(This is an edited excerpt of an article originally published in People.com on May 27)  

(Print Edition Title: On the Top of the World)