Geodesy for the Layman

NIMA has an introduction called Geodesy for the Layman. This document was last updated in 1984. It early chapters are contain some of the better general discussions of geodesy without mathematics. The later chapters on satellite geodesy are somewhat dated.

This document is on the web at the NIMA Geodesy and Geophysics Publications site. The copy there has scanned figures that are sometimes difficult. The figures have been cleaned up, re-scanned or redone and inserted inline into the NIMA version of 2-2002. The text has not been changed.

The NPS Cleaned Geodesy for the Layman Table of Contents with links to the document.

Coordinates and Maps Module This is a web site that covers the basics of coordinates in the real world with no mathematics. It has a lot of useful information in the text and examples. It covers the latitude,longitude and height on the spherical earth, on the ellipsoidal earth, and the real world. Examples of different types of maps are included.

Gravity Note (340 Kbytes) provides an overview of what is meant by "gravity" in geodesy and how it shapes the world. The types of latitude are covered as well as the geoid and heights.

Gravity Note - Calculus Version ( 250 Kbytes )

Gravity Models - Calculus Version(370 Kbytes)

A interactive computation of the Geoid Height (the Undulation of the vertical, N) is available here. By clicking on a map you can find two versions of N. One is from a recent high precison model ( EGM96 ). This is a 360 order model. The second is from the low resolution model used in many GPS receivers. This is the original WGS84 model truncated at 18 th order and then evaluated at 10 degree grid points. The difference ( the error in these GPS receivers computation of mean sea level height ) is given.

Geoid Height Computation Instructions

1.  Coordinate Conversions
    Latitude,Longitude,Height -- Cartesian
    Geodetic -- Geocentric Latitude

2. Radii of the Earth

The Geographer's Craft, University of Colorado
This is an extremely good and complete tutorial on Geodesy, Maps, GPS and related topics. It is well organized. The different sections are fairly independent. Originally developed at the University of Texas, it is now at the University of Colorado.

NIMA Publications
NIMA Geodesy and Geophysics Publications Page
         with Geodesy for Layman and other NIMA Publications
NIMA Safety Publications Site Contains Bowditch

NPS OC 2902 - Site Map

Last Modified/Reviewed: 10 March 2003 Approved for public release by Point of Contact: James Clynch Disclaimer, Privacy and Security Notice, and External Links Notice

Material contained herein is made available for the purpose of peer review and discussion and does not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of the Navy or the Department of Defense.