News in 2013


Anniversary:
150 Years of International Cooperation in Geodesy

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