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.
First Geodesy Cartoon Released
Com1, Com2, ECS, GGOS, IAG, IGFS, 🌍 Geodesy NewsWe’re excited to share the first release in our new cartoon series about geodesy: The New Height of Qomolangma (Mt. Everest). This cartoon offers an engaging and educational look at the long-standing debate between China and Nepal over the official height of Mt. Everest. Each country reported slightly different values based on their national height reference systems. Only through international cooperation and a shared global standard — the International Height Reference Frame (IHRF) — was it possible to reach a unified solution.
Why do height measurements differ between countries?
→ Learn more about height systems
What is a Height Reference Frame, and why is a global standard essential?
→ Explore the concept of the IHRF
Why does the IHRF Coordination Center matter?
→ Find out here
About the Series
This cartoon is part of a broader effort to raise awareness of geodesy through visual storytelling. To make this essential science more accessible, the International Association of Geodesy (IAG) and its Global Geodetic Observing System (GGOS) have launched a new multilingual cartoon series. The goal: to highlight geodesy’s critical role in understanding our planet.
→ Watch the Geodesy Cartoon website
More episodes are coming soon — stay tuned!
Author: Martin Sehnal (Director of GGOS CO)
Introducing the IUGG Early Career Scientist Network
ECS, IUGG, 📰 General NewsIt’s an exciting time for early career scientists (ECS) in geodesy and geophysics! The International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics (IUGG) has launched the IUGG Early Career Scientist Network (ECSNet): a new initiative designed to connect, support, and empower the next generation of Earth scientists.
Who is an ECS?
Before diving into the network, let’s clarify who qualifies as an Early Career Scientist within the International Association of Geodesy (IAG).
An IAG ECS is defined as anyone who has received a BSc, MSc, or PhD degree within the last ten years. This broad definition ensures that a wide range of emerging researchers and professionals can participate in and benefit from the group’s activities and initiatives.
What is the IUGG ECSNet?
The IUGG ECSNet serves as a central platform for all eight IUGG Associations. It’s a space designed to:
– Connect with peers: Learn about, network, and collaborate with ECS from diverse disciplines and regions.
– Share your work: Present your research, exchange ideas, and discuss challenges in a supportive environment.
– Access resources: Discover funding opportunities, mentoring programs, career tips, and more.
– Amplify your voice: Ensure that the perspectives and needs of ECS are heard within the IUGG and its member associations.
At its core, ECSNet fosters a vibrant, interdisciplinary community, encouraging collaboration across the Earth science disciplines.
Mainpage of IUGG’s ECSNet website [Copyright: ECSNet]
How is IAG represented in the IUGG ECSNet?
Julia Azumi Koch serves as the ECS representative for the IAG within the IUGG ECSNet. She actively communicates the ideas, interests, and concerns of the IAG ECS community to the broader IUGG network. Her involvement ensures that geodesy is well represented and helps shape how ECSNet can effectively support ECS in the field of geodesy.
Get involved!
Whether you’re just beginning your PhD, working as a postdoc, or in the early stages of a geoscience career, the IUGG ECSNet is for you. It’s a great opportunity to broaden your network, find support, and contribute to the future of our field.
Learn more and join the community: https://iugg-ecs.org/
Want to get more involved with the IAG ECS group?
Visit our website: https://geodesy.science/ecs
Or contact us directly:
Author: Julia Koch (IAG ECS representative)
New Horizon Europe Project “EQUIP-G” on terrestrial quantum gravimetry
Com2, IGETS, IGFS, Project QuGe, 📰 General NewsJune 1st was the start of the new Horizon Europe Project “EQUIP-G”
Imaging the Earth’s interior has always been one of the key challenges in geosciences as it is a prerequisite for understanding our planet’s internal dynamics and the coupling between its inner and outer envelopes. Gravity measurements at different altitudes (ground, airborne and space-based observations) provide a unique imaging tool, as they supply direct information on mass changes at different spatio-temporal scales. Following decades of research, developments and industrial transfers, quantum technology reached a high level of maturity and is now possible to deliver operational quantum gravimeters offering various advantages with respect to devices that have been hitherto used.
Logo EQUIP-G project [Copyright: Marvin Reich]
Example figure AQG in field research [Copyright: Marvin Reich]
This will represent the first step towards establishing the terrestrial segment of the pan-European quantum gravimetry infrastructure, revolving around a shared Instrumental Park. For this purpose, quantum gravimeters, dual quantum gravi-gradiometers and an onboard quantum gravimeter will be employed. These instruments will be comprehensively tested, before being deployed in the field. EQUIP-G will demonstrate, through innovative measurement strategies, the ability of the quantum gravity network to contribute to EU priorities, such as Green Deal, energy management and risk mitigation. Metrological oversight will ensure that all collected quantum gravity data will be SI traceable. Data will be managed in line with the FAIR principles and with a long-term perspective to establish a Technical Core Service for gravimetry within EPOS. EQUIP-G will engage in strong community building, aimed at involving the whole European gravimetry community in the development of the long-term Instrumental Park initiative that will extend beyond the end of the project, democratizing the use of quantum gravity devices produced in Europe.
Author: Marvin Reich (Vice-Chair QuGe WG1)