Description
Measure and model the Earth's size, shape, gravity field, orientation, and surface deformation to build and maintain geodetic reference frames and datums. Use satellite and terrestrial observations (e.g., GNSS, VLBI, SLR, InSAR, gravimetry) to support mapping, navigation, surveying, sea-level studies, and hazard monitoring.
- • Analyze and interpret geodetic and geophysical data from GNSS, VLBI, SLR, DORIS, InSAR, tide gauges, and terrestrial surveys.
- • Plan and conduct geodetic field campaigns, including GNSS control surveys, leveling, gravity measurements, and benchmark installation.
- • Conduct absolute and relative gravity surveys and tie measurements to national gravity networks.
- • Investigate crustal motion, subsidence, uplift, and Earth rotation parameters using time-series analysis.
- • Prepare geodetic control maps, reference frame realizations, transformation parameters, and metadata for GIS and mapping.
- • Establish, densify, and maintain horizontal and vertical datums and CORS networks.
- • Compute precise positions, velocities, baselines, and uncertainties using least-squares adjustments and PPP/RTK methods.
- • Model and compute the geoid and height transformations from satellite and terrestrial gravity data.
- • Assess sea-level change and vertical land motion by integrating tide-gauge and satellite altimetry with geodetic observations.
- • Provide geodetic guidance for engineering projects on coordinate systems, elevations, and site control.
- • Develop and maintain software, scripts, and workflows for geodetic data processing and transformation.
- • Analyze geodetic data using specialized software such as Bernese, GAMIT/GLOBK, GIPSY, or RTKLIB.
- • Perform quality control, outlier detection, and error propagation; document accuracy and precision.
- • Integrate remote sensing (InSAR, lidar) with ground-based geodetic networks for deformation mapping.
- • Support disaster response by rapidly estimating coseismic offsets and fault slip from geodetic data.
- • Advise agencies on datum modernization and transitions (e.g., NAD83 to NATRF2022, NAVD88 to NAPGD2022).
- • Derive and publish coordinate conversion grids and transformation parameters between global and local systems.
- • Inspect survey control and construction layouts to verify compliance with geodetic standards.
- • Collaborate with oceanographers and climate scientists on sea level, ice mass change, and loading studies.
- • Research improvements to reference frame stability, orbit determination, and time/frequency transfer.
- • Evaluate site selection for geodetic observatories, CORS stations, tide gauges, and gravimetric benchmarks.
- • Review technical reports, survey plans, and metadata for geodetic accuracy and consistency.
- • Identify crustal hazard zones by modeling strain accumulation and fault locking from geodetic observations.
- • Maintain instrument calibrations, antenna phase center models, and monument stability records.
- • Design and manage real-time GNSS networks and deliver RTK/RTN corrections.
- • Produce geodetic products and reports, and present findings at conferences or in peer-reviewed journals.
- • Compute and apply geophysical corrections (tides, loading, atmospheric delays, pole tides) to geodetic solutions.
- • Develop strategies to minimize systematic errors and multipath in GNSS deployments.
- • Curate and archive geodetic datasets; submit to repositories following FAIR and FGDC/NGS standards.
- • Provide training and technical support to surveyors, engineers, and GIS professionals on geodetic best practices.
- • Use UAVs or mobile mapping with integrated GNSS/INS for control and validation of mapping projects.
- • Coordinate with international services (IGS, IERS, GGOS) to align products with global standards.
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
