What is geodesy?
The task of geodesy is to determine the exact size and shape of the Earth in an agreed coordinate system and to secure geodetic marks on the Earth's surface with precise values for coordinates, height, and gravitational acceleration.
Where is geodesy used?
Geodetic data can be used to solve various scientific and technical tasks such as mapping, geoid calculation, subsidence observations, geological and geodynamic studies, marine research, metrology services, etc.
What does the Land and Spatial Development Board do in the field of geodesy?
In the field of geodesy, its tasks include managing the geodetic system, updating geodetic networks, and long-term storage of geodetic data.
This includes the maintenance and protection of geodetic markers and the storage of geodetic data to ensure that it remains reliable and accessible in the future.
The management and updating of the geodetic system is a continuous process aimed at ensuring that the geodetic system is reliable and up to date and that the geodetic data complies with the geodetic system regulation.
The coordinates of geodetic points can be used to accurately determine the location of any object in nature. Points are useful for compiling and updating topographic maps; performing pre-construction work, from project design to marking buildings in nature; specifying property boundaries; mapping mining areas, etc.
A geodetic mark is a physical marker or object installed at the location of a geodetic point to visually indicate the geodetic mark.
Geodetic marks began to be marked in nature in Estonia more than a century ago. The oldest geodetic mark in use was installed in 1891 and is located near Kuremäe Monastery.
A geodetic network is a set of geodetic points secured in the landscape and located in a uniform coordinate system, which is used as a basis for geodetic measurements and topographic surveys. National geodetic networks must ensure that the territory of Estonia is mapped and data collections are maintained in a uniform coordinate system.
Geodetic networks:
Ensuring the reliability of GNSS reference stations, collecting and processing data, and providing ongoing maintenance guarantees accurate and reliable GNSS data for geodetic measurements, mapping, and navigation.
The organization of state protection of geodetic marks includes the coordination of state and local geodetic work relocation projects and reports, monitoring compliance with legislation, and providing opinions on planning and construction projects in matters concerning the protection of geodetic marks.
The accuracy and reliability of geodetic measurements are ensured by metrological methods. This includes calibrating equipment and ensuring that measurements comply with standards so that the results are accurate and comparable.
The task of the Land and Spatial Development Board geodesy archive is to store geodetic and construction geodetic data collected by various organizations. The stored materials are available for use by state agencies, geodesists, land surveying companies, design companies, universities, and research institutions.
The Land and Spatial Development Board geodesy archive contains approximately 78,000 storage units, including:
- geodetic works: data on geodetic network projects, reports and diagrams, coordinates and sketches of geodetic network points, heights of benchmarks and polygonometry points (height catalogs) and sketches;
- applied geodetic works: reports on works in 1:500, 1:1,000, and 1:2,000 scale.
Last updated: 06.11.2025
