The Global Geodetic Observing System (GGOS) relies on the geodetic infrastructure established and managed by a large international scientific community organised under the auspices of the International Association of Geodesy (IAG). In particular, the Scientific Services of the IAG facilitate the global coordination of geodetic activities and ensure reliable products not only for other Earth sciences but also for a diverse and growing number of daily applications. The observing system built on this solid and broad base acts as a unifying umbrella for the IAG Services to ensure a comprehensive and integrated monitoring of the Earth’s shape, gravity field and rotation.
The GGOS is committed not only to advancing geodetic methods and addressing the relevant science issues of geodesy and geodynamics, but also issues relevant to society (global risk management, geo-hazards, natural resources, climate change, severe storm forecasting, sea level estimations and ocean forecasting, space weather, and others). To this end, the current GGOS strategy seeks strong cooperation within the geodetic, geodynamic and geophysical communities, and with organisations involved in global Earth observation and with UN bodies related to geodesy.
This session encourages contributions related to, but not limited to, the activities of the IAG Services, from data acquisition and delivery to the release of final products from either single or multiple techniques; identification and storage of geodetic data; status and potential extension of observing networks; development of basic concepts as essential variables for Earth system monitoring; international cooperation with the UN and other stakeholders; efforts to promote data sharing and improve observing networks; emerging techniques, and future programs and missions relevant for geodesy.