John Rick V.

Belen Satellite Geodesy Activity #4

After reading the “Geodesy and Geodetic Surveying Module”, I am able to reflect that
satellite geodesy is an integral part of the surveying industry. Its application to geodetic
surveying is paramount especially when it comes to triangulation, traverse, and satellite
positioning. In triangulation work, astronomical observations at one or more stations are being
done to determine the true meridian as to which azimuth is referred. Whereas in traverse, GPS
is not effective due to obstructions overhead or surrounding stations including densely built-up
areas and in heavily forested regions where lines of sight are short.

Furthermore, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), relative to the satellite geodesy, is an

all-based positioning system that utilizes a constellation of satellites to provide the user with an
accurate position daily. The basic principle of GPS measurement is that satellites measure time
it takes for a signal transmitted to reach a GPS receiver and multiply the time elapsed with
speed of light to get distance from satellite to receiver. The components of GPS involve space,
control, and user segment. These three components consist of a current constellation of 21
satellite vehicles; ground stations around the world monitoring the health of each satellite; and
civilian and military users equipped with GPS receivers. Additionally, satellite-based errors;
satellite timing, or clock, errors; site-dependent error sources; and receiver-based errors are
some of the committed mistakes of the GPS. Its application is found in photogrammetry, land
surveying, location of features for geographic information systems (GIS), orthometric heights,
topographic surveys, and deformation monitoring.

This information is very useful for us in order to learn more about the applications of
geodesy in the aspect of surveying. Ultimately, as a future geodetic engineer, it is important to
know the science concepts behind the practical applications that we do.