Geodetic Journey

The Global Geodetic Observing System (GGOS) is preparing a strategy document that will guide the implementation of GGOS over the next years and influence the future development of geodesy. The title for the process is The Global Geodetic Observing System: Meeting the requirements of a global society on a changing planet in 2020, denoted shortly as GGOS 2020.

The GGOS2020 strategy document contains the specifications for a global geodetic observing system in terms of concepts, conventions, infrastructure and services, that would be apt to meet future requirements of a global society facing increasingly challenges from a changing planet. With this, the document provides the basis for the further development of the Global Geodetic Observing System (GGOS) over the next decade and more. Currently, GGOS is being built on the basis of the existing Services of the International Association of Geodesy (IAG).

This report will provide

(i) an account of the scientific and societal problems as well as practical applications that benefit directly or indirectly from geodetic observations, services and products;

(ii) a comprehensive overview of the user requirements for geodetic observations and products as derived from a broad range of societal benefit areas and scientific requirements;

(iii) the functional specifications for a geodetic observing system meeting the user requirements;

(iv) a concept for future realizations of (terrestrial) reference systems apt to meet the user requirements;

(v) the design description of a system matching the functional specifications, in terms of conventions, techniques, infrastructure, and data analysis;

(vi) Considerations and recommendations for the system implementation.

Learn more about the GGOS both at UNRs GGOS homepage, IAG and on GGOS homepage.