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geodesy

/dʒiˈɑdəsi/
IPA guide

Other forms: geodesies

Geodesy is the scientific discipline that applies mathematics to precisely measure the earth, including things like its shape, gravity, and orientation in space.

People who work in the field of geodesy may be called geodesists or geodetic surveyors. They make sophisticated measurements that take into consideration factors like the curvature of the earth. Although geodesy and traditional land surveying (typically done to determine property boundaries or locations for buildings) overlap, geodetic surveyors use more sophisticated tools, such as GPS satellite systems and laser scanners, and focus on a more global, rather than local, perspective. They construct 3D models of the planet and how it changes.

Definitions of geodesy
  1. noun
    the branch of geology that studies the shape of the earth and the determination of the exact position of geographical points
    see moresee less
    type of:
    geophysical science, geophysics
    the science that studies how energy and matter interact in the earth's surface, interior, and surrounding space
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