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News and Activities

GGOS IberAtlantic (GGOS IA) functions as a regional node of GGOS, focusing on geodetic activities across the Iberian Peninsula and the Atlantic region. GGOS IA fosters collaboration among geodetic institutions while promoting scientific research and technological development tailored to the region’s unique geophysical characteristics.

Satellite Laser Ranging – How SLR Powers Geodesy

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Imagine pointing a laser at the sky and catching its reflection back from a satellite thousands of kilometers away. That’s the magic of Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR)!

Our new Geodesy Cartoon shows how ground stations shoot ultra-short laser pulses to satellites (and even to reflectors left on the moon). By measuring the exact round-trip travel time of the laser light, scientists can pinpoint satellite positions with millimeter precision.

Why it matters

SLR is more than just a cool laser show – it’s a cornerstone of modern geodesy. It helps us:

With about 40 global SLR stations and 4 lunar-ranging stations managed by IAG’s International Laser Ranging Service ILRS, this network keeps Earth observation and satellite navigation systems anchored in reality. Discover the science behind the laser beams that keep our reference frame precise – and our planet’s dynamics understood.

Explore SLR – Satellite Laser Ranging

More Geodesy Cartoons

Author: Martin Sehnal (Director of GGOS Coordinating Office)

South African National Geodesy Workshop

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Africa Workshop

Towards a National Geodesy Working Group for South Africa

Geodesy — the science of measuring the Earth’s shape, orientation, gravity field, and changes over time — is the foundation of modern mapping, positioning, land administration, infrastructure, and climate monitoring.

South Africa has a proud history in terrestrial and space geodesy, from early triangulation networks to today’s NRF Space Geodesy facilities, TrigNet GNSS stations, tide gauges, and participation in global collaborations. Yet, our efforts remain fragmented across institutions, with limited coordination.

In 2015, the United Nations adopted Resolution A/RES/69/266 on the Global Geodetic Reference Frame for Sustainable Development (GGRF), calling on all countries to strengthen geodetic infrastructure, skills, and governance. South Africa must respond by aligning nationally and globally.

To this end, a National Geodesy Workshop will be convened to:

  • Bring together key stakeholders in geodesy.
  • Strengthen coordination of infrastructure, data, services, and skills.
  • Align with the UN-GGRF agenda.
  • Establish a National Geodesy Working Group (NGWG) as a formal coordination mechanism.

This is an exciting step towards ensuring that South Africa continues to play a leading role in geodesy, contributing both to national development and the global community.

Author: Aletha de Witt (member of GGOS Governing Board, IAG representative on the IVS Directing Board)

Call for IAG proposals – IUGG Support Program of Scientific Meetings in 2026

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Funding Money coins

We would like to draw your attention to opportunities of support/sponsorship from the IUGG for selected scientific meetings (e.g., workshops, advanced schools, symposia) planned in 2026.

The call for proposals is open, refer to: https://iugg.org/meetings/guidlines-for-meetings-support/

If you wish to propose a meeting via IAG, please contact the IAG Secretary General IAG-Office(at)bkg.bund.de and submit your request until 10th of September 2025. There will be an IAG-internal reviewing process with a decision by end of September.

Proposed scientific meetings for the IUGG Support Program must:

  • Have a well-defined, scientifically relevant and actual topic in the fields of geodesy/geophysics;
  • Have scientific merit and a balanced scope w.r.t. IUGG associations i.e. preference will be given to multi- and trans-disciplinary meetings;
  • be internationally oriented;
  • be inclusive in view of countries/regions, gender and career stage of the participants.

Your request to IAG must specify all entries listed below:

  • Name of meeting, venue and dates
  • Primary sponsors and other known co-sponsors
  • Name and address of the Chair of the Local Organizing Committee
  • Meeting website
  • Scientific objective and scope of the meeting
  • Estimated number of participants, abstracts, and sessions
  • Level of support requested (in US$) and explanation of how the money will be used
  • Additional information as appropriate

Thank you in advance for your interest and kind cooperation!

Author: IAG Office (Secretary General)