LESSON 1
GEODESY FOR THE LAYMAN
OVERVIEW
LESSON DESCRIPTION:
In this lesson, you will learn to identify the different datums and ellipsoids that encompass the earth.
TERMINAL LEARNING OBJECTIVE:
ACTION:
You will learn to identify the different datums and ellipsoids.
CONDITION:
You will be given the material contained in this lesson.
STANDARD:
You will correctly answer all practice questions following this exercise.
REFERENCES:
The material contained in this lesson was derived from FM 3-34.331.
INTRODUCTION
When Eratosthenes made his meridional arc measurement some twenty-two hundred years ago, the basic
foundation for modern geodesy was established. Through the years, refinements have been made,
necessary values of precision and accuracy have been determined, and a scientific attitude has evolved
about solving the problem of size and shape. Geodesy is defined as the science of precise positioning of
points on the earth's surface and the determination of the earth's exact size and shape. It also involves
studying variations in the earth's gravity and how these variations apply to precise measurements of the
earth. The geodesist's role is to put things on the surface of the earth in their exact places. In this lesson,
you will learn how to perform this task.
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EN0593
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