Geodesy

Did that continent just move?

Rising sea levels, continental drift, earthquakes: surveyors are on the case. They use satellite signals, such as the Global Positioning System (GPS), precise leveling and electronic distance measurements and lasers, to locate positions on the earth's surface.

This data is required for accurate mapping, coordinate reference systems, earthquake prediction, mineral exploration and to monitor phenomena such as continental drift and sea level changes.

Amery Ice Shelf Survey
measuring ice-velocity and
surface profiles of the ice shelf
Photograph Courtesy 
of Rachael Manson