According to Wikipedia, the definition of Geodesy is:
Geodesy is the Earth science of accurately measuring and understanding Earth's geometric shape, orientation in space, and gravitational field. The field also incorporates studies of how these properties change over time and equivalent measurements for other planets (known as planetary geodesy). Geodynamical phenomena include crustal motion, tides and polar motion, which can be studied by designing global and national control networks, applying space and terrestrial techniques and relying on datums and coordinate systems.
Source: Wikipedia
Please feel free to provide your insights, suggestions or other thoughts regarding this definition.
The IAG Site has lots of information about current initiatives in the science. See: https://www.iag-aig.org
Irene Fischer wrote a memoir of her work in the field called "Geodesy, What's That?" It's a great look at the inside of the Army Map Service during the heady days of the early space age. There aren't a lot of books about the 'inside baseball' of geodesy world so this memoir is quite precious. A must read if you are excited by Geodesy.?ÿ
?ÿ
Here's the book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/GEODESY-WHATS-THAT-PERSONAL-INVOLVEMENT/dp/0595363997
Now space geodesy becomes a necessity...
An excellent reference.
Introduction to Geometrical & Physical Geodesy by Thomas Meyer, Ph.D.
JAC
@geodesist Geodesy deals specifically with the mathematics related to the earth. Even our closest neighbor (the moon) has it's own branch of study. Oddly enough they didn't use the term lunacy...
