Discover the Importance of Terrestrial Reference Frames

The Global Geodetic Observing System (GGOS) of the International Association of Geodesy (IAG) has released an enlightening 2 minute video showcasing the critical role of geodetic terrestrial reference frames in our world. This short film illustrates how these reference frames are essential to both science and society, enabling countless innovative, location-based applications. Every time you use your smartphone for navigation, you're relying on a precise, internationally recognized terrestrial reference frame made possible by the science of Geodesy.

This video, available on the GGOS YouTube channel, is in English with subtitles in more than 16 languages, making it accessible to a global audience. Watch the short version here: https://youtu.be/zfqq-0d2txk

This short video supplements the very successful 10-minute long film version available since September 2023. The long version, narrated by native speakers in 12 languages, has been watched more than 40,000 times and provides a more comprehensive exploration of the importance of terrestrial reference frames. You can watch the long version here.

Both videos were produced by GGOS within its Coordinating Office at the Federal Office of Metrology and Surveying (BEV) in Vienna, Austria. In addition, the short version was produced in collaboration with the United Nations Global Geodetic Center of Excellence (UN-GGCE) to better engage a general audience interested in understanding the benefits of geodesy.