Practical Geodesy: Using Computers [Paperback]

Written for geodesists using computers of modest capacity, the book reviews the latest development in geodetic computation techniques. The aim is to take stock of available data (datums, ellipsoids, units etc.), to focus on applications and to illuminate spatial developments. Topics cover datums and reference systems, geodetic arc distances, different projections and coordinate systems. The material has been specially chosen and covers the practical aspect of geodesy, including the demonstration of global examples. Stressing the how-to-do approach, the book is of interest to students in geodesy, GIS consultants, hydrographers and land surveyors.1. Preamble.- 1.1 Welcome to the World of Geodesy.- 1.2 Organisation of this Book.- 1.3 Acknowledgements.- 2. BASIC Guidelines and Algorithms.- 2.1 Double-Precision Form for Numeric Constants.- 2.2 Error Messages.- 2.3 Conversion of BASIC Programs.- 2.4 Recasting Algorithms.- 2.4.1 Accuracy and Precision.- 2.4.2 Errors.- 3. Datums and Reference Systems.- 3.1 The Figure of the Earth.- 3.2 Vertical Datum.- 3.2.1 Definition of the Vertical Datum.- 3.3 Linear Units of Measurement.- 3.4 Geodetic Reference Datum.- 3.4.1 Defined Ellipsoids.- 3.4.2 Defining Parameters.- 3.4.2.1 An Era in the Science of Geodesy.- 3.4.2.2 Legal Metres or International Metres.- 3.4.2.3 Parameters and Associated Constants.- 3.4.3 Spheroidal Mapping Equations.- 3.4.4 Parameters and Associated Constants for the WGS84.- 3.5 Geodetic Reference Systems.- 3.5.1 Mercury Datum of 1960.- 3.5.2 World Geodetic System of 1960.- 3.5.3 World Geodetic System of 1966.- 3.5.4 World Geodetic System of 1972.- 3.5.5 World Geodetic System of 1984.- 3.5.5.1 Mathematical Relationship.- 3.5.5.2 Fundamental Geometrical Constants WGS84 and Others  World-wide.- 3.5.5.3 Revision of WGS84.- 3.5.6 Geodetic Reference System of 1980.- 3.5.7 North American Datum of 1983.- 3.5.8 Soviet Geocentric System of 1985.- 3.5.8.1 Fundamental Geometrical Constants SGS85 of the CIS.- 3.6 Space-baslÓà