University of Liege | Version française
Study programmes 2011-2012Last update : 14/06/2012
ASTR0213-1  Geometric Geodesy and Positional Astronomy

Duration :  30h Th, 15h Pr, 1d FW
Number of credits :  
Bachelor in geographical sciences, general orientation, 2nd yearFirst semester5
One-year preliminary programme leading to the Master in Geographical Sciences, Geomatics and Geometrology orientationFirst semester5
Lecturer :  René Warnant
Language(s) of instruction :  
French language
Course contents :  
The course is organized in 5 chapters :
1. Basics of Geodesy : history, geoid and reference ellipsoid, deflection of vertical, different types of reference systems used in Geodesy.
2. Geodetic astronomy : celestial sphere, astronomical coordinates and their determination, precession and nutations, time scales (sidereal time, solar time, atomic time).
3. Classical Geodesy : reference systems in planimetry (triangulation and its verification, definition of a local datum), reference systems in altimetry (different types of heights, leveling, orthometric correction).
4. Space Geodesy : basics, Doppler method (DORIS, TRANSIT), Satellite Laser Ranging, Very Long Baseline Interferometry, Satellite Altimetry (Topex /Posseidon, Jason), introduction to GNSS.
5. Dynamical Geodesy : terrestrial gravitational field, Geoid and its determination, gravimetry and Gravimetric anomalies.
Learning outcomes of the course :  
The course gives an introduction to the main concepts used in Positional Astronomy and in Geodesy. The student will be able to define correctly these concepts, to explain the links between these concepts and to use them to solve practical problems encountered in Geometrology. An important part of the course is dedicated to Space Geodesy. The course highlights the added value of space techniques in Geodesy. The student will be able to compare the different techniques used in Space Geodesy, their main advantages, disadvantages and complementarities.
Prerequisites and co-requisites/ Recommended optional programme components :  
Basic Mathematics and Physics courses (Wave Physics and Mechanics).
Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning) :  
The course is organized in 4 hour lectures given each week during the first semester.
Recommended or required readings :  
Lectures notes are available (in French).
Assessment methods and criteria :  
Oral exam (with written preparation) on the material seen during the theorical lectures and on the problems solved during practical class.
Contacts :  
René Warnant (Professor) Tel : 04/366 90 16 E-mail: Rene.Warnant@ulg.ac.be Benoît Bidaine (Ph. D. Student FNRS) Tel : 04/366 56 33 E-mail : B.Bidaine@ulg.ac.be Matthieu Lonchay (Ph. D. Student FNRS) Tel : 04/366 56 33 E-mail : M.Lonchay@ulg.ac.be

Items online :  
Geodesy
Chapters 1 & 2


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