#geodesy

• Aerial cartography — A technique and specialized branch of cartography dealing with the compilation, surveying, and correction of maps or topographic plans based on stereoscopic aerial photographs and photogrammetric data obtained from airplanes, helicopters, or drones. This modern process allows precise measurement of terrain relief and ground details, optimizing cadastre, urban planning, and environmental monitoring.
• Aerial photogrammetry — A branch of photogrammetry dealing with determining the shape, dimensions, and position of objects on the Earth's surface, as well as with compiling topographical maps and plans based on measurements executed on aerial photograms. This technical discipline combines elements of optics, aviation, and computational mathematics.
• Aerial photogrammetry — A branch of photogrammetry dealing with determining the shape, dimensions, and position of objects on the Earth's surface, as well as with compiling topographical maps and plans based on measurements executed on aerial photograms. This technical discipline combines elements of optics, aviation, and computational mathematics.
• Aeropolygonation — A geodesic method or technical procedure for determining network point coordinates by establishing a web of polygons measured partially or fully from aircraft or through aerophotogrammetry. This structural technique allows the rapid and precise mapping of large land areas or regions inaccessible by terrestrial means.
• Aerial surveyor — An engineer or technical specialist specializing in performing topographic surveys and field measurements through aerophotogrammetry; a specialist who interprets and planimetrically transposes photographs taken from aircraft to develop exact maps of the terrain. In an isolated instrumental sense, the term can also designate a complex optical device used for the stereoscopic restitution and rendering of aerial plates.
• Land surveying — The art, technique, or science of precisely determining the shape, size, and position of land areas; an applied branch of topography used for measuring and parceling land properties. It includes the mathematical and instrumental methods through which administrative boundaries and cadastral maps are established.
• Alidade — A sighting device or movable part structurally integrated into geodesic, topographic, or astronomical instruments (such as theodolites, sextants, or telescopes) that rotates around a central axis. This precision assembly carries index marks, verniers, or reading microscopes, being utilized for the rigorous measurement of azimuthal or vertical angles by achieving perfect visual alignment with field landmarks.
• Altimetric — Relating to altimetry or to the measurement of heights and altitudes of points on the Earth's surface; concerning the determination of relief on topographic maps and plans through contour lines or numerical elevations.
• Altimetry — A branch of topography and geodesy dealing with the study of methods, instruments, and techniques used for measuring and determining the altitude of points on the Earth's surface relative to a reference surface (usually the mean sea level).
• Tribrach — A mechanical leveling and centering base fitted with footscrews, used in surveying and geodesy as a structural support to mount optical instruments onto a tripod. It ensures horizontal structural stability and allows micro-alignment over a point.
• Andrae — A surname of Germanic origin, frequently found in Central and Northern Europe, borne by prominent figures in history, science, and theology (such as the Danish mathematician and statesman Carl Christoffer Georg Andræ). In cartography and geodesy, the name is structurally recognized through the 'Andrae projection', an early mathematical method for conformal map representation used in state topographic networks.
• Land surveying — The technical operation of precisely measuring the surface of an agricultural or forested land and establishing its boundaries using topographic instruments. It represents a fundamental procedure in geodesy and cadastre, utilized for drafting parcel plans, resolving boundary disputes, and officially registering properties in the land register.
• Land surveyor — A technical specialist historically authorized to perform land surveying, meaning the precise measurement of land surfaces, delimiting boundaries of real estate properties, and drafting cadastral plans. Although considered partially technical-archaic compared to the modern title of topographic engineer or geodesist, the term preserves a strong historical connotation related to agricultural property organization.
• Astrophotogrammetry — A specialized branch of practical astronomy and photogrammetry that deals with the precise determination of coordinate positions, shapes, dimensions, and distances of celestial bodies or planetary structures through measurements performed on astronomical photographs. This method is widely used in mapping planetary surfaces, establishing high-precision star charts, and calculating artificial satellite orbits by analyzing tracks left on photographic plates or digital sensors.
• Automated plotter — A complex apparatus or automated system used for the automatic drafting and generation of geographical, topographical, or geological maps based on digital data captured from geodesic surveys or aerospace scans.
• Azimuth — The horizontal angle formed between the meridian plane of a location (North direction) and the vertical plane passing through the observed point or target celestial body, measured clockwise from 0° to 360°; a horizontal coordinate element used for spatial orientation, topography, and marine or aerial navigation.
• Azimuth — The horizontal angle measured clockwise (from 0° to 360°) between the North direction of a reference meridian and the direction toward a given point on the Earth's surface or the projection of a celestial body on the horizon.
• Azimuthal — Pertaining to azimuth, belonging to azimuth, or carried out within the horizontal plane of the azimuth; often used to describe telescope mounts, map projections, or measuring instruments that utilize horizontal coordinates based on the angle formed with the North direction.