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  1. Home
  2. Academics
  3. Surveying Engineering
  4. Career Options
montage of professional surveyors in different environments

Geodesy

Since ancient times, man has made measurements in an attempt to determine the exact size and shape of the earth. Additionally, maps of the known world have been created for use in navigation. Today the need to determine the exact size, shape, and motions of the earth are important nationally and internationally in land use planning, shipping, transportation, and space exploration. The creation of map projections is a subject of geodesy. To enable users to tie maps together, monumented points with known coordinates are created. These points are used to control projects in aerial, boundary, construction, and hydrographic surveys.

Geodesy is the field that explores the exact size, shape, and motions of the earth. In this process, geodesists create a network of monumented points on the earth's surface with coordinates. In the past these coordinate systems have been locally derived, but with the advent of international travel and space exploration, world-wide coordinate systems have been created. Part of the study of geodesy are the fluctuations in strength the earth's gravitational and magnetic fields. These fluctuations affect several areas of study as well as other branches of surveying. The two images below are maps of the earth's gravitational and magnetic fields.

Gravitational map of the Earth Gravitational map of earth.

Map of the Earth's magnetic declination in 1995 Map of the Earth's magnetic declination in 1995.

image of a satelliteTraditionally, these coordinate systems were created by observing the stars. Today the Global Positioning System (GPS) is used to determine precise positions of these monuments to within a centimeter. This system of 24 satellites creates a network of precisely known positions orbiting the earth. Using signals broadcast from these satellites, precise positioning, navigation, and timing are possible.

Geodesist work closely with all branches of surveying, as well as other professionals such as geophysicists. They need knowledge in upper-level mathematics and physics to define and create models of the earth.

Surveying Engineering

  • Baccalaureate Degree in Surveying Engineering
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  • Career Options
    • Boundary Surveying
    • Construction Surveying
    • Geodesy
    • Geographical Information Systems
    • Hydrographic Surveying
    • Photogrammetry and Image Analysis
  • Surveying Employment

Surveying Engineering

Program Co-Coordinators:

Dimitrios Bolkas
office: Center for Technology 104
phone: (570) 675-9127
email: [email protected]

Henrique Candido de Oliveira
office: Center for Technology 124
phone: (570) 675-9139
email: [email protected]

Meet the Faculty

Quick Links

Free Tools for Surveying Students
Student Surveying Society
Surveying Job Postings
Apply to Penn State now
Get Started

See Also

  • Program Description for B.S. in Surveying Engineering
  • Program Description for A.EngT. in Surveying Engineering Technology
  • Program Description for B.S. in Civil Engineering
  • Suggested Academic Plan for B.S. in Surveying Engineering
  • Suggested Academic Plan for A.EngT. in Surveying Engineering Technology
  • Suggested Academic Plan for Concurrent Major in Surveying Engineering and Civil…
Map of Pennsylvania showing Penn State’s 24 locations with Penn State Wilkes-Barre highlighted.

Penn State Wilkes‑Barre

Located on a scenic estate just 13 miles from Wilkes-Barre, Penn State Wilkes-Barre offers four-year baccalaureate degree programs, two-year associate degree programs, and a wide range of professional develop­ment oppor­tunities. Our small classes encourage close inter­action with professors who are committed to helping you be successful.
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