Geodetic control network

Network of reference stations used by Austrian Positioning Service (APOS)

A geodetic control network is a network, often of triangles, that are measured precisely by techniques of control surveying, such as terrestrial surveying or satellite geodesy. It is also known as a geodetic network, reference network, control point network, or simply control network.

A geodetic control network consists of stable, identifiable points with published datum values derived from observations that tie the points together.[1]

Classically, a control is divided into horizontal (X-Y) and vertical (Z) controls (components of the control), however with the advent of satellite navigation systems, GPS in particular, this division is becoming obsolete.

In the U.S., there is a national control network called the National Spatial Reference System (NSRS).[2]

Many organizations contribute information to the geodetic control network.[3]

The higher-order (high precision, usually millimeter-to-decimeter on a scale of continents) control points are normally defined in both space and time using global or space techniques, and are used for "lower-order" points to be tied into. The lower-order control points are normally used for engineering, construction and navigation. The scientific discipline that deals with the establishing of coordinates of points in a control network is called geodesy.

  1. ^ Rear Adm. John D. Bossler. "Standards and Specifications for Geodetic Control Networks". 1984.
  2. ^ "8. Theme: Geodetic Control | The Nature of Geographic Information". www.e-education.psu.edu. Retrieved 2023-12-31.
  3. ^ Minnesota Geospatial Information Office. "MSDI Data: Geodetic Control".