News in 2013
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Anniversary: 150 Years of International Cooperation in Geodesy
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In 1862, the Prussian General Johann Jacob Baeyer initiated the Central
European Arc Measurement (“Mitteleuropäische Gradmessung”) project. By the
end of that year fifteen countries had affirmed their participation, and in
1864 the first General Conference was held in Berlin. In 1870 the Prussian
Geodetic Institute was established and entrusted with the operation of the
Central Bureau. General Baeyer’s project is considered the forerunner to
today’s International Association of Geodesy (IAG). IAG will celebrate its
150th anniversary with a Scientific Assembly in Potsdam from 1 to 6
September 2013. The IAG is a foundation association of the International
Union of Geodesy and Geophysics (IUGG), established in 1919.
The local organisation of the Assembly is being undertaken by the German
Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), scientific successor of the Geodetic
Institute, located at Potsdam, 30km from Berlin. Potsdam is undoubtedly one
of Germany's most beautiful cities with a magnificent diversity of
architectural monuments and gardens, and offers a fascinating range of
attractions, such as the Babelsberg Filmpark and boat tours on the Havel
River. Potsdam’s key attractions are the Sanssouci Palace, summer residence
of King Frederick II, and Cecilienhof Palace, venue of the 1945 Potsdam
Conference.
Hundreds of scientists from all over the world are expected to attend the
Assembly. The scientific sessions will be held in the 4-star Hotel Dorint
Sanssouci in Potsdam City. An exciting programme of presentations will
highlight the contributions of Modern Geodesy to science and society, under
the following themes: • Definition, Implementation and Scientific Applications of Reference Frames • Gravity Field Determination and Applications • Observing, Understanding and Assessing Earth Hazards • Science and Applications of Earth Rotation and Dynamics • Observation Systems and Services • Imaging & Positioning Techniques and Applications
A session on IAG’s history will be followed by a walk-through of the
historic buildings at the Telegrafenberg, site of the past Geodetic
Institute and of the GFZ today.
The deadline for abstracts is 21 April 2013.
Web site: http://www.iag2013.org
Sanssouci Palace, Potsdam |
Potsdam, Telegrafenberg, end of the 19th century |
Potsdam, Telegrafenberg, today |
February 2013 |