geodesy

Photo by John Galetzka, US Geological Survey

The science of determining the size and shape of the Earth and the precise location of points on its surface. The first recorded measurement of the Earth's circumference that approximates to the correct value was that of Eratosthenes in the 3rd century BC. Modern geodesists use not only the techniques of surveying but also information recieved from the observations of geodesy satellites.

Related category

• GEOLOGY AND PLANETARY SCIENCE

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