Are Satellite Cameras Useful for Geodetic Science?
Satellite cameras have been used in geodetic science since the 1950s. They play a key role in calculating precise geodetic measurements, which are used in navigation, climate research, monitoring natural disasters, and more. It is time to explore the impact of satellite cameras on geodetic science.
What Is Geodetic Science?
Geodetic science is all about measuring the Earth’s shape, size, gravity, and orientation in space. These aspects of the Earth are constantly shifting, so a scientist’s job is never-ending. Geodetic science is essential for GPS because, without accurate measurements, it would cease to function. Geodesy is also playing a key role in monitoring climate change. Thanks to satellite camera technology and other geodesy techniques, scientists can assess the melting of polar ice caps, rising sea levels, and elastic tidal deformation. Now let’s look at satellite camera use in geodetic science!
How Does Geodesy Impact The World?
Thanks to geodetic scientists, any location on the Earth can be identified instantly with incredible accuracy. Having precise coordinates for all areas of the world is essential for accurate and safe navigation. For example, the GPS in your car or phone would not work without accurate geodetic measurements. Geodesy is also helpful for establishing land boundaries; thanks to satellite cameras, countries can know exactly where their borders end. Geodesy science is used for mineral exploration by helping companies navigate remote areas and more accurately find mineral deposits. It is also a critical aspect of monitoring climate change.
Satellite Cameras and Geodesy a Match Made in the 1950s
Satellite camera work in geodetic science began almost immediately after the monumental launch of Sputnik way back in 1957. Explore 1 and Sputnik 2 in 1958 played a key role in helping scientists calculate an accurate determination of Earth’s flattening. Early satellites allowed certain areas to be viewed simultaneously from several points on Earth, resulting in accurate direction and range measurements. Satellites didn’t have to worry about measurements being interrupted by high natural features or tall man-made structures.
In the 1960s, the DopplerTransit-1B and the balloon Echo 1, Echo 2, and PAGEOS were launched. ANNA-1B was the very first geodetic-focused spacecraft and was a combined mission featuring NASA and the army. The ANNA-1B housed the army’s Sequential Collation of Range instruments. This camera was incredibly successful and led to a range of discoveries. The ANNA-1B resulted in the accurate determination of spherical harmonic coefficients and linked the world’s geodetic datums. While the US army was conducting geodesy missions, the Soviet military was also launching a number of spacecraft in the 60s and 70s.
Satellite Cameras and Geodetic Science From 1970 to 1990
During the 1970s, satellite cameras started rapidly improving scientists’ ability to survey, navigate, and position. The Transit satellite system was incredibly successful at Doppler surveying and navigating. The launch of even more geodesy cameras in the 70s resulted in the creation of the World Geodetic System. GPS was under rapid development in the 1980s and, for the first time, allowed precise navigation and positioning. During this time, GPS became an easy and widely used tool in surveying. Geodetic science went even deeper in the 90s, thanks to satellite cameras. Cameras help scientists study a range of phenomena, including crustal motion, Earth rotation, and polar motion.
Satellite Cameras and Geodesy in the Modern Era
The 1990s saw a marked shift in the field of geodetic science. Satellites now became permanent fixtures, and the world collaborated to create long-lasting geodetic networks and reference frames. A number of specific geodesy space cameras were launched throughout the 2000s. The most famous satellite camera launched was CHAMP; other notable geodetic satellites included GRACE and GOCE. The primary mission of these geodetic satellite cameras was to measure the Earth’s gravity field.
The other big development in this era was in 1993, which saw the permanent constellation of 24 GPS spacecraft. GPS currently consists of up to 31 operational spacecraft, which are then grouped into six orbital planes with inclinations of 55°. These satellite cameras are orbiting at 20,000 km.
Final Thoughts
Geodetic science is an incredibly important field of study. We rely on accurate measurements every day, from navigation to climate change to natural disaster tracking to land boundaries, and many of us could not live without GPS. The geodesy field has reached new heights thanks to the introduction of satellite cameras, which have allowed unprecedented accurate and detailed measuring of the Earth’s size and shape. Comment below what your favorite satellite camera system is for geodetic science.
