1ST GGOS IA SUMMER SCHOOL | YEBES OBSERVATORY | 14TH TO 18TH JULY 2025
The Yebes Observatory (National Geographic Institute of Spain) recently hosted the first Summer School on Space Geodesy, organized by GGOS IberAtlantic, the GGOS affiliate for the Iberian Peninsula and Atlantic region, encompassing Spain and Portugal. Held from July 14 to 18, the school brought together eight early-career researchers from Spain and Portugal for five days of intensive theoretical and practical sessions on modern space geodesy techniques, set in the unique environment of the Yebes Observatory, the first GGOS Core Site in Spain. While initially designed for eight selected students, the event also welcomed additional IGN staff and interns, reaching 20 participants daily and featuring 14 expert speakers from Spanish and Portuguese institutions.
Established in 2024, GGOS IberAtlantic aims to serve as a unified voice for geodesy in the region, communicating scientific findings in a clear and accessible way to the public and policymakers. By highlighting geodesy’s vital contributions, the initiative seeks to attract new projects, funding, and skilled professionals to the field.
The Summer School offered a unique educational experience focused on GGOS-related topics. Participants engaged in both theoretical and practical sessions covering techniques such as VLBI, GNSS, SLR, DORIS, Gravimetry, and Local Tie measurements. The program highlighted the RAEGE project and offered hands-on exposure to operations at fundamental geodetic stations worldwide, including data post-processing and analysis. In addition, the event fostered networking among peers and experienced professionals, providing insights into real-world applications of geodetic science.
The initiative aligns with GGOS IberAtlantic’s goal of addressing the shortage of students and professionals in geodesy across Spain and Portugal. By showcasing the work carried out at these observatories, the Summer School aimed to inspire young researchers to pursue careers in the discipline.
Combining specialized training, practical experience, scientific outreach, and cultural activities, the program successfully fostered scientific vocations, strengthened geodetic capabilities, and built collaborative networks throughout the Ibero-Atlantic region.
The program opened with a welcome session and an overview of different Earth observation techniques, GNSS, VLBI, DORIS, SLR, and gravimetry. Although the observatory does not currently host a DORIS station, a lecture on the technique was delivered by the invited speaker Karine Le Bail (Chalmers University of Technology, International DORIS Service). Also highlight contributions from José Carlos Rodríguez Pérez (GGOS BNO – IGN) about GGOS and geodesy in the frame of the United Nations, José Antonio López Fernández (IGN) welcoming the assistants to the IGN and its history, and other experts from the IGN Geodesy department that introduce the techniques. The first day closed with a general visit to the observatory.
Each subsequent day focused on a specific geodetic technique:
Tuesday focused on VLBI with theoretical and hands-on sessions on correlation and data analysis. The day concluded with a cultural visit to Alcalá de Henares, a city renowned for being the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes, the celebrated author of Don Quijote de la Mancha.
Wednesday focused on GNSS, with sessions on precise positioning and PPP techniques. Participants also learned about permanent GNSS stations and their role in geodetic networks. The day ended with a visit to the Royal Observatory of Madrid, offering historical and scientific insights into Earth observation.
Thursday was centred on Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR). Students engaged in practical training on engineering aspects and orbit estimation, and had the opportunity to perform SLR observations themselves. The day concluded with a nighttime stargazing session and an informal dinner, fostering both learning and community building.
Friday addressed the integration of geodetic techniques through sessions on local ties, emphasizing the importance of combining data from different observation methods to enhance geodetic accuracy and consistency.
The initial intention is to hold the school every two years, although it will be necessary to assess the feasibility of opening it to international students in future editions, depending on the availability of funding. This first edition was financed by organizations that are part of GGSO IberAtlantic. The school was free of charge for participants, and accommodation was provided on-site at the observatory.
From GGOS IberAtlantic, we consider this first edition of the school to be a great success. We hope that the participants will continue to engage with geodesy in their future careers. In any case, we created an unforgettable week, bringing together people genuinely interested in geodesy and fostering a vibrant learning community.
