Geodesy is the mathematical science of describing the shape of the earth. Though land surveying and topography could be considered part of geodesy, the latter is often understood as ‘higher’ geodesy, that is describing the larger shape of the earth. Geodesy provides the framework for all global positioning systems such as GNSS.  

Geodesy is not only concerned with horizontal coordinate reference systems on the surface of the earth but also about defining vertical reference levels or chart datums such as those derived from water levels.  

The FIG Standards Network and Standards in Surveying

The FIG Standards Network and Standards in Surveying

A simple inspection of still-existing Roman roads, aqueducts and canals shows that the Romans were exceptionally skilled engineers. Shoe sizes provide a person’s shoe fitting size. There are many di...

Geodetic GPS

Is the moment coming when our GPS product survey will have to be renamed? Any new title should reflect the existence and use of GLONASS receivers, combined GLONASS/GPS receivers and Galileo receivers....

European Datum 1950 - A History

European Datum 1950 - A History

The European datum of 1950 (ED50) is the first common datum developed for the European Continent. It remains the de facto datum used in offshore operations in the North Sea and has legal status in the...

Geodetic Reference Frame for the Americas

Geodetic Reference Frame for the Americas

SIRGAS (an acronym of the Spanish term for ‘Geocentric Reference System for the Americas’) is an international organisation under the umbrella of the International Association of Geodesy (IAG) and...

Oman Launches New Geodetic Datum

Oman Launches New Geodetic Datum

Today GNSS is widely used in Oman. High and homogeneous quality of GNSS positioning requires a geocentric datum attached to the International Terrestrial Reference Frame of which the parameters are re...

Unique National Geodetic Network in Cameroon

The full feature is online at http://member.gim-international.com/. Please subscribe for free using the Subscribe button in the left hand column. When Cameroon’s Ministry of State Property Survey an...