Ask AI: What and according to who are geodetic survey techniques

Geodetic surveying is a method of surveying in which the curvature of the earth is taken into account during calculations. This method is typically used for large-scale surveys that cover long distances or span a significant portion of the earth's surface. It differs from plane surveying, where the earth is considered flat and thus is suitable for small-scale surveys. According to the US National Geodetic Survey, geodetic survey techniques include triangulation, traversing, leveling, and astronomic observations. 1. Triangulation - This technique involves making measurements from a baseline and uses the principles of trigonometry to calculate distances and angles. 2. Traversing - This method involves defining a series of points at measured intervals along a line. The traversing technique is widely applied in roads, railways, and pipeline projects. 3. Leveling - It is a method to measure the difference in height or elevation between points on the earth's surface. Typically used in land surveying and construction to determine reference points and layouts or in geology and earth science to measure deformation or changes over time. 4. Astronomic Observations - These are used in geodetic surveying to provide orientations to the directional references of surveys, in the form of astronomic latitudes, longitudes, and azimuths. 5. More modern techniques include Global Positioning System (GPS) Surveying, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), and Remote Sensing which involves the use of satellites to capture data. These techniques can be applied in a range of fields, like creating maps, building infrastructure, defining legal boundaries for land ownership, or scientific research about our planet, and more. The specific technique chosen would depend on the requirements and the objectives of the survey.