INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICAL GEODESY

//GEODESY
:: the science of accurately measuring and understanding three fundamental properties of the
Earth: its geometric shape, its orientation in space, and its gravity field— as well as the changes of these
properties with time.
:: Geodesy takes its etymology from two Greek words, “ geo” meaning “earth” and “daiesthai”
meaning “to divide”
:: “Geodesy is the science of the measurement and mapping of the Earth’s surface” - Friedrich
Robert Helmert (1880)
:: is a combination of mathematics, earth science and other related fields that “deal with the
measurement and portrayal of the Earth’s surface”.

//BRANCHES OF GEODESY

:: Physical Geodesy

:: concerned with determining the Earth’s gravity field, which is necessary for
establishing heights.

:: Physical Geodesy

:: concerned with describing locations in terms of geometry. Consequently, coordinate

systems are one of the primary products of geometrical geodesy.

:: Geodetic Astronomy

:: concerned on determining by astronomical observations, the positions of points on

the earth and the azimuths of the geodetic lines connecting such points

:: Satellite Geodesy

:: concerned with using orbiting satellites to obtain data for geodetic purposes.
// APPLICATION OF GEODESY
:: Primary or Zero order Triangulation, trilateration, and traverse.
:: The measurement of height above sea-level by triangulation or spirit levelling
:: Astronomically observations of Latitude, Longitude and azimuth to locate origin of surveys,
and to control their direction.

:: Crustal movement. To detect changes in the relative positions on the ground, and their heights
above sea level.

:: Observation of the direction of gravity by astronomical observations for latitude and longitude.

:: Observation of the intensity of Gravity by the pendulum and other apparatus

:: To deduce the exact form of Earth’s sea level equipotential surfaces at all heights

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