basic geodesy

name:ahmed wazer                                           Nov 2012

ctegory:basic geodesy.

PREFACE

Although geodesy is the oldest among earth sciences, dating
back to the Sumerians of 5000 years ago, its subject and even its
name have been widely unknown. Man's present ventures into space,
his commercial explorations on the continental shelves and his
increasing knowledge of science and its relationship to the world
around him have made him aware of geodesy's increasing contribution.
This pamphlet is intended to present a concise overview of
the various interrelated topics dealt with in modern geodesy.
It explains the significance and impact of geodetic concepts
using general theory approach. It is hoped that this nlnitiation
into the Mysteries of Geodetic Concepts" will be welcomed by newcomers
to the field before they delve into technical textbooks and
also by those who do not intend to become geodesists but wish to
develop a general understanding of what geodesists are talking
about. The reader is referred to the complementary pamphlet
"Geodesy for the Layman," published by ACIC, which extends the
concepts of "Basic Geodesy."
The Defense Mapping School of the Defense Mapping Agency
expresses its gratitude to Mrs. Irene K. Fisher for preparation
of the original text and to the Defense Mapping Agency Topographic
Center for technical assistance.

I NTROOUCTl ON

Geodesy is one of the Earth Sciences.
Other familiar Earth Sciences or GEO-sciences are:
GEOgraphy, which describes what you find where on the earth:
land and water, climate, vegetation, and manls
habitat in relation to these.
GEOlogy, which studies the rock formations and their history.
GEOmorphology, which describes the landforms and their evolution.
GEOphYSics, which studies the physical forces that shape the earth.
GEOdesy is less well known, although it is the oldest of the
geosciences. What does it do?
The following is an "Initiation into the Mysteries of
Geodetic Concepts". It is centered on three major topics:
1. The shape and size of the earth.
2. The gravity field of the earth.
3. Point positioning.