Have you ever wondered how GPS systems know exactly where you are? Or how we track rising sea levels, shifting coastlines, or melting ice caps? The answer lies in geodesy—the science of measuring Earth’s shape, size, position, and gravity. It’s the foundation that lets us map, monitor, and understand our planet with pinpoint accuracy.
Geodesy powers everything from land surveying and infrastructure projects to climate research and satellite navigation. Yet behind this technology is a global system you rarely hear about: the geodetic supply chain. This vast network connects over 1,800 ground stations, data centers, and expert teams worldwide. Together, they gather and process the information needed to determine exact positions—both on Earth and in space.
At the heart of this system is the International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF). Think of it as Earth’s official coordinate system. It keeps satellite-based tools aligned, even as the planet shifts and rotates. Organizations like the International Association of Geodesy (IAG) and the Global Geodetic Observing System (GGOS) work behind the scenes to keep this framework stable.
As climate change speeds up and global data needs grow, understanding this hidden infrastructure becomes essential. That’s where this course comes in. Whether you work in engineering, environmental science, or just love how things work, you’ll get a clear look at how our world stays measured and mapped.
What will you learn
In just one day, you’ll uncover how the geodetic supply chain powers everything from GPS to global climate tracking. First, you’ll learn what geodesy actually is—and why it’s so important in everyday life. Then, you’ll dive into how satellites, ground stations, and analysis centers all work together.
Along the way, you’ll explore the role of the ITRF. You’ll see how it helps us locate Earth in space and measure moving satellites with incredible precision. We’ll show how geodesy connects the dots between systems and makes small corrections that keep your apps, maps, and models accurate.
Through real-world examples, interactive sessions, and visual demos, you’ll discover how geodetic data shapes the decisions we make—and why it matters for building a more resilient future.
Why choose this course
If your work depends on accurate location data, this course helps you understand the science that keeps everything aligned. It’s designed to simplify a complex system and show its value across industries.
- Taught by a geodesy expert with hands-on experience
- Real-world examples and demonstrations that make abstract concepts easy to grasp
- A compact, one-day format full of insight—without the overwhelm
- Relevant across industries—from surveying and hydrography to engineering and policy