Astronomical Geodesy

Introduction to the field of Astronomy

• Astronomy is defined as [Morris~ 19751 "The scientific study of the
universe beyond the earth~ especially the observation, calculation, and
theoretical interpretation of the positions, dimensions, distribution~
motion, composition, and evolution of celestial bodies and
phenomena".
• Astronomy is the oldest of the natural sciences dating back to ancient
Chinese and Babylonian civilizations. Prior to 1609, when the
telescope was invented, the naked eye was used for measurements.
• Geodetic astronomy, on the other hand, is described as [Mueller, 1969]
the art and science for determining, by astronomical observations, the
positions of points on the earth and the azimuths of the geodetic lines
• connecting such points. When referring to its use in surveying, the
terms practical or positional astronomy are often used. The
fundamental concepts and basic principles of "spherical astronomy",
which is the basis
• for geodetic astronomy, were developed principally by the Greeks, and
were well established by the 2nd century A.D. The treatment of
geodetic astronomy in these notes is aimed at the needs of
undergraduate surveying engineers. To emphasize the needs, listed
below are ten reasons for studying this subject matter:
• (i) a knowledge of celestial coordinate systems, transformations among them, &
variations in each of them;
• (ii) celestial coordinate systems define the "link Between satellite and terrestrial
coordinate systems;
• (iii) the concepts of time for geodetic purposes are developed;
• (iv) tidal studies require a knowledge of geodetic astronomy;
• (v) when dealing with new technologies (e.g. inertial survey systems) an
understanding of the local astronomic coordinate system is essential;
• (vi) astronomic coordinates of terrain points, which are expressed in a "natural"
coordinate system, are important when studying 3-D terrestrial networks;
• (vii) astronomically determined azimuths provide orientation for terrestrial networks;
• (viii) the determination of astrogeodetic deflections of the vertical are useful for
geoid determination, which in turn may be required or the rigorous treatment of
terrestrial observations such as distances, directions, and angles
• (ix) geodetic astronomy is useful for the determination of the origin
and orientation of independent surveys in remote regions;
• (x) geodetic astronomy is essential for the demarcation of
astronomically defined boundaries
• BASIC DEFINITIONS
• In our daily work as surveyors, we commonly deal with three different
surfaces when referring to the figure of the earth:

• the terrain,
• an ellipsoid, and
• the geoid
• Activity:

1. Research Biaxial Ellipsoid with figure.

2. “ Geodetic Latitude, Longitude, Ellipsoidal Height with figure.
3. “ orthometric Height with figure.
4. “ Astronomic Latitude and Longitude with figure.
5. “ Geoid Height and Terrain Deflection of the Vertical