GI25404 Geodesy – Semester IV – Geo – R-2025

Subject Code & Name: GI25404 – Geodesy

Regulation: R-2025

Semester: IV (Fourth Semester)

Branch: B.E. Geoinformatics Engineering (Geo)

Credits / L-T-P: 3 Credits | L-T-P: 3-0-0

Course Objectives

• To develop analytical skills in geodetic computations, celestial positioning, and interferometric techniques for modern geospatial and geodynamic studies.

Full Unit-wise Syllabus

Unit I – Fundamentals of Geodesy and Earth’s Figure

Definition and importance of geodesy – Classification and historical development – Shape of the Earth: Geoid, ellipsoid, spheroid – Geodetic datums and reference systems – Distance, angle and height measurement methods – Selenodesy and planetary geodesy – Role of terrain characteristics in mapping.

Activities: Computation of geodetic parameters (radius of curvature, reduced latitude) for a reference ellipsoid.

Unit II – Geometric Geodesy and Coordinate Transformations

Geometric geodesy principles – Geodetic and geocentric coordinate systems – Horizontal and vertical datums – Reduced latitude and curvature – Coordinate transformations (Geodetic ↔ Geocentric ↔ Cartesian) – Datum transformation and shifts – Azimuth and geodetic control networks – Mapping applications.

Activities: Poster presentation on Two- and three-dimensional datum transformation.

Unit III – Geodetic Astronomy and Positioning

Spherical trigonometry in geodesy – Celestial sphere and celestial coordinate systems – Equatorial, ecliptic and galactic systems – Transformation between terrestrial and celestial systems – Time systems (UT, GST, LST) – Astronomical azimuth and latitude determination – Applications in navigation and positioning.

Activities: Case study on applications.

Unit IV – Physical and Interferometric Geodesy

Earth’s gravity field and geopotential theory – Gravity anomalies and their interpretation – Geoid determination methods – Satellite missions (GRACE, Jason) – Applications in geophysics and plate tectonics – Principles of interferometry – InSAR, SBAS, PSInSAR – VLBI concepts – Applications in deformation monitoring.

Activities: Reproduction of research paper on Applications in geophysics and plate tectonics

Course Outcomes (COs)

• CO1: Explain the principles of geometric and physical geodesy, Earth’s figure, and geodetic reference systems.
• CO2: Apply coordinate transformations, spherical trigonometry, and astronomical methods for geodetic positioning.
• CO3: Analyze gravity anomalies and model the geoid using terrestrial and satellite data.
• CO4: Evaluate interferometric geodesy techniques (InSAR, SBAS, VLBI) for deformation and geodynamic studies.

Assessment Pattern (Quick Note)

• Weightage: Continuous Assessment 40% | End Semester Examinations 60% Methodology for Continuous Assessment : Quiz - 10%, Case study report – 20%; Seminar report – 20%, Internal Examinations – 50% References 1. Wolfgang Torge, Geodesy, 2nd Edition, Walter De Gruyter Inc., Berlin, 2015. ISBN: 3110170728, 9783110170726. 2. Guy Bomford, Geodesy, Nabu Press, 2015. ISBN: 1172029091. 3. Petr Vanicek, Edward J. Krakiwsky, Geodesy: The Concepts, 2nd Edition, North Holland Publications Co., Amsterdam, 2014. 4. Thomas H. Meyer, Wolfgang Torge, Physical Geodesy, 2nd Edition, De Gruyter, 2018. ISBN: 978-3110468359. 5. David J. Getling, Geodesy for Geomatics and GIS Professionals, CRC Press, 2018. ISBN: 978-1138393325

Source: Official Anna University – B.E. Geoinformatics Engineering R-2025 Syllabus
Last Updated: October 2026