ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an introduction to geodesy as it is necessary in satellite image processing and explores mathematical formulas and code samples. Geodesy is the branch of applied mathematics that deals with measurements on the earth’s surface. Geodesy is an applied field of physical geography that relates to the size and shape of the earth and to measurements on its surface. Perhaps the most important practical application of Geodesy is in calculating the distance or angle between two points on the earth’s surface and in determining the geographical coordinates of a location in relation to the reference grid. Satellite image programming often requires some familiarity with the fundamentals of geodesy and cartography. Calculations based on assuming that the shape of the earth is that of an ellipsoid of revolution are important in geodesy, cartography, navigation, and other geophysical sciences, since they provide a better approximation than results from using a flat or spherical earth model.
