Definitions for "Geodesy"
That branch of applied mathematics which determines, by means of observations and measurements, the figures and areas of large portions of the earth's surface, or the general figure and dimenshions of the earth; or that branch of surveying in which the curvature of the earth is taken into account, as in the surveys of States, or of long lines of coast.
The science which describes the size and shape of the Earth in mathematical terms by such direct measurements as triangulation, leveling and gravimetric observations. The aim of geodesy is to support the establishment of a coordinate system used to locate points on the Earth's surface.
Science dealing with the measurement and mathematical description of the earth -- size, shape, and gravitational field. Also refers to large scale surveys where the shape of the earth is taken into account.