Buffon's Problem determines Gaussian Curvature in three Geometries

Abstract

A version of the classical Buffon problem in the plane naturally extends to the setting of any Riemannian surface with constant Gaussian curvature. The Buffon probability determines a Buffon deficit. The relationship between Gaussian curvature and the Buffon deficit is similar to the relationship that the Bertrand-Diguet-Puiseux Theorem establishes between Gaussian curvature and both circumference and area deficits.