The **Geodetic Supply Chain** forms the global infrastructure behind precise positioning and geodetic reference frames. In this Blended Learning course, you will discover how this chain is organized internationally, what role ground stations and technologies such as GNSS, VLBI, SLR, and DORIS play, and why this essential infrastructure is under pressure due to limited awareness, funding, and the availability of specialized professionals.
During this Blended Learning course, you’ll be introduced to the global Geodetic Supply Chain. You’ll discover how ground stations, international measurement networks, data centers, analysis centers, and organizations work together to maintain the geodetic infrastructure on which precise positioning and many other Geo-ICT applications are based.
It’s not just about the technology. You’ll also explore why this global infrastructure is vulnerable. Limited public awareness, insufficient structural funding, a shortage of specialized professionals, and limited political attention can put the continuity of the Geodetic Supply Chain at risk.
The Geodetic Supply Chain begins with a global network of ground stations where geodetic observations are continuously carried out. These measurements form the basis for precise reference frames that can be used to determine positions and changes in the Earth.
You will learn how this global infrastructure is structured and how its various components are interconnected. From ground stations and measurement networks, the data is transmitted to data centers and analysis centers, where observations are processed and combined. Ultimately, this results in geodetic products and reference frames that are used worldwide by scientists, governments, and Geo-ICT professionals.
You’ll also learn about the role of international organizations and partnerships and discover why international cooperation is essential to maintaining a global geodetic reference frame in a reliable and sustainable manner.
An important part of the Geodetic Supply Chain consists of the various measurement techniques applied at and around ground stations. You’ll learn about GNSS, Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI), Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR), and DORIS.
You’ll learn the basics of how these techniques work, what observations are made using them, and why different techniques are needed in combination. You’ll also examine the equipment and infrastructure available at ground stations for these purposes.
The goal is not to become a specialist in each individual measurement technique. Rather, the aim is for you to understand the role that GNSS, VLBI, SLR, and DORIS play within the overall chain, how the various techniques complement one another, and why the continuity of this measurement infrastructure is important.
Measurements taken at a ground station have only limited value on their own. The true power comes from collecting, verifying, processing, and combining observations from stations around the world.
You will therefore trace the data through the various links in the Geodetic Supply Chain. You will see how raw observations are ultimately processed through international data centers and analysis centers into, among other things, precise positions, satellite orbits, Earth orientation parameters, and global geodetic reference frames.
This makes it clear that a position ultimately used by a Geo-ICT professional is the result of a much larger international infrastructure. The accuracy and reliability at the end of the chain depend on the proper functioning of all preceding links.
The global geodetic infrastructure is essential, yet largely invisible to many users. We use applications every day that depend on accurate positioning and geodetic reference frames, while relatively little is known about the infrastructure and professionals who make this possible.
During this Blended Learning course, you will therefore also explore the vulnerability of the Geodetic Supply Chain. You will examine issues related to the funding, management, and replacement of ground stations, the availability of specialized professionals, knowledge transfer, and international cooperation.
The position of geodesy on the social and political agenda will also be addressed. When there is insufficient awareness of how important the underlying infrastructure is, there is a risk that investments in people, knowledge, and measurement infrastructure will lag behind. You will learn why the continuity of the Geodetic Supply Chain is therefore not only a technical issue but also an organizational, financial, and administrative one.
During the Blended Learning program, you’ll work with examples that help you connect the various components of the global chain. You’ll not only step into the role of a geodesist but also examine the infrastructure from the perspective of organizations, managers, policymakers, and users of geodetic products.
You’ll work on assignments such as:
By the end of the course, you will understand how the global Geodetic Supply Chain is organized, which technologies and organizations play a role in it, and how ground stations, data centers, and analysis centers collectively form the basis for global geodetic products. In addition, you will be able to explain why this infrastructure is vulnerable and why ongoing investments in measurement infrastructure, knowledge, people, and international cooperation are necessary.
You’ll receive 1-on-1 guidance. After signing up, our course coordinator will contact you to schedule your first session.
Do you have questions about the course content? Or are you unsure whether the course aligns with your learning goals or preferences? Would you prefer an in-house or private course? We’d be happy to help.
