Geodäten

Geodät (Geodesist) is a scientist who studies geodesy, the science that measures and interprets the shape, size and orientation of the Earth in space, together with its gravity field. Geodäten work to define accurate reference frames, geodetic networks, and datums that underpin mapping, surveying, navigation, and geographic information systems.

Geodesy combines geometric methods, such as triangulation, leveling, and photogrammetry, with physical methods that probe the Earth’s gravity field, rotation, and mass distribution. Modern practice relies on space-based techniques, including GNSS (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo), satellite laser ranging, very-long-baseline interferometry, and radar interferometry, to monitor the Earth at global and regional scales and to maintain terrestrial reference frames like ITRF and regional frames such as ETRS89.

History: From ancient surveying to the development of triangulation and geodetic datum systems in the 18th and 19th centuries, exemplified by Gauss and others. The advent of space geodesy in the 1960s transformed precision and global coverage, enabling stable global reference frames and monitoring tectonic motion and sea-level change.

Applications: Geodesists contribute to cartography, land surveying, navigation systems, satellite mission planning, climate science, and hazard assessment. They also support national mapping agencies, universities and research institutes, and international networks coordinating observations and reference frames through organizations such as the International Association of Geodesy.