Topography and geodesy are sister disciplines that provide us with advanced knowledge of the surfaces in a given area.
Topography studies relatively small surfaces where precision is required for the construction of industrial plants, factories, houses, hydroelectric plants, etc. Geodesy, on the other hand, carries out these studies over much larger areas, such as the extension of a highway spanning hundreds of kilometers, the laying of a railway line connecting several cities, international airports, electrical grid systems, and more.
As we can see, the purpose of both studies is quite similar, but the scales are fundamentally different. For this reason, each uses distinct techniques and instruments.
Below is a list of the main differences between geodesy and topography:
| Aspect | Topography | Geodesy |
|---|---|---|
| Scope and Scale | Focuses on small, local areas like construction sites. | Covers large areas, including continents and the entire planet. |
| Earth’s Curvature | Not considered in small projects. | Considers Earth’s curvature over long distances. |
| Instruments | Total stations, optical levels, drones. | GPS, GNSS systems, satellites. |
| Method | Measures distances, angles, and elevations in local areas. | Establishes global coordinates and studies Earth’s shape. |
| Applications | Construction projects, land surveying, urban planning. | Tectonic studies, global positioning systems (GPS). |
| Time Scale | Used for short-term, specific projects. | Used for long-term studies, including geological changes. |
| Coordinate Systems | Uses local coordinate systems for precise locations. | Uses global coordinate systems (e.g., WGS84). |
| Precision | High precision in small areas. | Precision adjusted for large-scale and global phenomena. |
Whether you need a topographic or geodetic survey, Acero Estudio are specialists in topographic surveys at an international level. With over 25 years of experience in Europe and Latin America, we provide specialized technical support for any project.
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