Have you ever wondered how scientists precisely measure the Earth? The answer lies in a field of science called geodesy — and NOAA is helping explain it to the public.
Geodesy is the discipline focused on understanding the exact shape, size, and gravity of our planet. Experts in this field, known as geodesists, use specialized surveying equipment to take highly accurate measurements of the Earth’s surface.
NOAA’s National Geodetic Survey plays a key role in this work, helping establish the frameworks that make modern navigation, mapmaking, and land surveying possible. A geodesist was recently photographed on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., using a surveying device as part of this ongoing scientific effort.
NOAA released a video on July 9, 2026, aimed at helping everyday people understand what geodesy is and why it plays such an important role in how we understand and navigate the world around us.
