1. Skip to globalnavigation
  2. Skip to lokalnavigation
  3. Skip to content
  4. Skip to sidebar
  5. Skip to toolbar

Geodesy

Geodesy is the study of the earth’s size and shape. Representing the earth accurately in models and maps requires precise understanding and measurements of its form.

A network of points on the earth’s surface have been located with exact coordinates. These points are called reference points, and have been used to develop networks of coordinates called reference networks.

A mathematical model of the earth’s surface based on a reference network is called a reference system. The reference system in turn defines the shapes and sizes of land areas when they are mapped.

Modern geodesy not only includes surveying the geoid itself, but also monitoring and accounting for changes in the earth’s surface. It also includes measuring and mapping the earth’s gravitational field.

Geodetic research in Denmark was conducted by the National Survey and Cadastre until January 1, 2005, when this responsibility was transferred to the Danish National Space Center. The National Survey and Cadastre remains accountable for the management of Denmark’s national reference networks while the Danish National Space Center conducts geodetic research and develops new tools to meet Danish society’s current and future geodetic needs.