Development of geodesy in Azerbaijan, main types and use of modern technologies
What is Geodesy?
Geodesy originates from the ancient Greek word geodaisia, meaning “dividing the earth” or “partitioning the land.” However, in the modern context, geodesy represents a much broader scientific field that focuses on studying the shape and dimensions of the Earth’s surface, creating plans and maps, and ensuring precise measurements for engineering and construction works.
By accurately determining the physical features of the Earth, geodesy provides a fundamental data base for geophysics, geology, geography, soil science, ecology and even meteorology. This information is crucial for managing natural resources wisely and for planning sustainable human settlements.
Main Types of Geodesy
1️⃣ Higher Geodesy
Higher geodesy deals with the study of the Earth’s overall shape, size, gravitational field, and the horizontal and vertical movements of the Earth’s crust. Establishing and calibrating state geodetic reference networks and integrating them into international geodetic systems is a core task. Such data are vital for monitoring earthquakes, volcanic activity and tectonic processes.
2️⃣ Topography
Topography is one of the fundamental branches of geodesy, focusing on local area surveys and the creation of detailed plans and maps. Topographic work is carried out in two stages:
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Fieldwork: Direct measurements on-site; determining relief points, drawing polygons, marking and securing reference points.
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Office work: Processing measurements in the lab, preparing plans and maps, and building digital databases.
Today, modern topography uses digital technologies, drone surveys and 3D modeling, making data collection faster and more precise.
3️⃣ Engineering Geodesy
Engineering geodesy covers the complete range of surveying activities required for the design, construction, monitoring and maintenance of buildings, industrial complexes, energy facilities, roads, bridges, dams and more. It includes site layout, geodetic control during construction, deformation monitoring and technical supervision during operation.
Without precise engineering geodesy, large-scale projects would carry significant risks and uncertainties.
4️⃣ Space Geodesy
Space geodesy uses artificial Earth satellites and radio waves to measure the Earth’s dimensions with high accuracy and calculate point coordinates globally. Systems such as GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and others play a critical role in this area. Space geodesy allows the tracking of continental drift and tectonic plate movements cost-effectively and efficiently.
5️⃣ Cartography
Cartography is the science of creating and using geographical maps to visually represent the Earth’s surface and its features. Modern cartography heavily relies on digital mapping technologies, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing methods. It is often called the “seeing eye” of geography and is an essential tool for visual data presentation.
Development of Geodesy in Azerbaijan
The foundations of geodesy in Azerbaijan were laid in the mid-19th century, primarily for military mapping purposes. During this time, various classes of geodetic stations were established, and their coordinates were determined with increasing accuracy.
Məmmədqasım Əliyev played a vital role in developing Azerbaijani geodesy by authoring the first Azerbaijani-language textbook “Geodesy Course” in 1928 and designing high-precision geodetic points. İbrahim ağa Vəkilov, another pioneer, organized topographic work not only in Azerbaijan but also in the Caucasus, Turkey, Iran and other regions. He led the creation of the first official political and physical map of Azerbaijan, published in 1920.
Modern Geodesy in Azerbaijan
Since the 1970s, geodesy has evolved as an independent scientific and industrial field in Azerbaijan. Institutions such as the Baku Cartography Factory, “Azeraerogeodeziya” Production Association and the State Committee for Geodesy and Cartography have played significant roles.
In recent years, state-of-the-art technologies such as GPS, Total Stations, laser scanners, drones and specialized software have become integral to geodetic work. Using satellite GPS systems, the coordinates of existing geodetic stations have been recalculated and aligned with international networks. Data from aerial and space photogrammetry are processed digitally and applied in modern mapping projects.
Moreover, geodetic measurements are crucial for urban planning, construction and transportation infrastructure projects. Modern engineering geodesy continuously monitors object deformations and provides real-time geodetic control during construction phases.
Conclusion
Geodesy in Azerbaijan is rooted in strong scientific traditions and continues to advance with the adoption of the latest technologies. Precise measurements, planning, mapping, topography, space and engineering geodesy are integral components of this field. Its development lays a solid foundation for effective urban planning, construction, land management and environmental protection across the country.
