Ask AI: Write an essay on what role satellite geodesy methods have played in determining datums. Include 2 references using APA 7 referencing style.

Title: The Role of Satellite Geodesy Methods in Determining Geodetic Datums The evolution of technology and science has substantially influenced our capacity to understand and interact with our world. This phenomenon is especially true in geodesy, an Earth science discipline where the application of satellite methods has revolutionized the determination and interpretation of geodetic datums. This essay will discuss the pivotal role satellite geodesy methods play in the establishment of datums. Satellite geodesy methods are advanced geodetic techniques that employ the use of satellite data in the determination of precise locations on Earth's surface. The advent of the Space Age in the mid 20th century led to the successful launch of man-made satellites around the Earth, which subsequently heralded a new era in Geodesy (Hofmann-Wellenhof & Moritz, 2005). The use of satellite geodesy methods, particularly Real time kinematic satellite navigation (RTK), Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR), and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), have been pivotal in systematically determining geodetic reference frames or datums with higher precision and accuracy. The datums offer a standard measurement system used to represent the position of things on Earth’s surface (Vanicek & Krakiwsky, 1996). One foundational principle behind datum determination through satellite geodesy is time and space relationship. Satellites, as they orbit the Earth, emit signals captured by receivers on the Earth's surface. The determination of the exact moment these signals were sent and when they are received, and the calculation of the signal’s speed of travel, facilitate computation of distances. High-accuracy datums are determined through precise distance measurements and corresponding mathematical models (Vanicek & Krakiwsky, 1996). Furthermore, satellite geodesy methods have contributed to the development of global datums like World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS84). WGS84 is extensively used in navigation, surveying, and Geographic Information System (GIS) applications. Here, satellite geodesy methods like GNSS, which includes GPS, have been fundamental in WGS84’s realization (Hofmann-Wellenhof & Moritz, 2005). In conclusion, the advent of satellite geodesy methods has considerably influenced the manner in which geodetic datums are established. These methods have not only allowed for more precised and accurate datum determination but also further accelerated the development of global geodetic frameworks like the WGS84. References: Hofmann-Wellenhof, B., & Moritz, H. (2005). Physical Geodesy. Springer-Verlag/Wien. DOI: 10.1007/3-211-27283-7 Vaníček, P., & Krakiwsky, E. (1996). Geodesy: The Concepts. North-Holland. ISBN: 0-444-88339-3