United Nations Global Geodetic Centre of Excellence |

Modern society relies on satellites. Satellite information is essential for economic growth, the operation of critical infrastructure, and is a cornerstone of national defence forces. But have you ever stopped to think what satellites rely on?

Satellites are reliant on constant updates about their 'place in space' (satellite orbit information) and the Earth's 'place in space' (shape, orientation, gravity field, and coordinate reference frame). This Earth and satellite 'place in space' information are collectively known as geodetic products. Constant updates to the geodetic products are needed because the Earth and satellites are always moving.

The Earth actually moves like a spinning top. As the Earth spins, it also wobbles. Weather and natural hazards like earthquakes cause the air, water, and ice to move from place to place around the Earth which makes it wobble. Thanks to geodesy it is possible to measure these wobbles. Without updates to geodetic products, satellite applications that society takes for granted, and all the benefits they provide, would degrade or fail.

The geodetic products are created through the global geodesy supply chain which includes:

Ground observatories and scientists who constantly observe the movement of the Earth and satellites;
Data centres and data centre operators who quality check the data from observatories and make it available to the global geodesy analysis community; and
Analysis centres, correlation centres, and analysts who translate the raw data into geodetic products.

It is a global geodesy supply chain because the observatories and highly qualified people need to be distributed around the world to achieve the required accuracy and reliability of the geodetic products. Figure 1 illustrates this start-to-end process of the global geodesy supply chain, from ground observations to usable products that keep satellites operational and accurate.

Figure 1: The global geodesy supply chain.

Connect With Us

un-ggce@un.org

UN-GGCE LinkedIn

UN-GGCE YouTube

The UN-GGCE team is composed of three internationally recruited personnel, one locally recruited staff member, and one on-site secondee from the German government (BKG) to the Centre. In addition, five personnel support the Centre virtually under collaboration and cooperation arrangements.

In 2020, the United Nations Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM) welcomed and supported the offer from the Federal Republic of Germany to establish and host a Global Geodetic Centre of Excellence (UN-GGCE) at the United Nations Campus in Bonn, Germany. Following the signing of the Agreement on the Operationalization of the UN-GGCE between the United Nations and the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community (BMI), the Centre officially commenced operations. The State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community, Juliane Seifert, emphasized:

"With the successful conclusion of the Agreement for the United Nations Global Geodetic Centre of Excellence Germany once more proved itself to be a reliable international partner. The Centre of Excellence is going to provide important contributions to a UN Member State agreed worldwide geodetic infrastructure. This infrastructure is the reliable long-term foundation for applications like satellite navigation, space-borne Earth observation as well as monitoring of the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030."

Recognizing the growing need for a high quality and sustainable Global Geodetic Reference Frame (GGRF) to support good policy development and decision-making for inclusive social progress, increasing environmental sustainability and vibrant economic development, the General Assembly on 26 February 2015 adopted resolution, entitled 'A Global Geodetic Reference Frame for Sustainable Development':

- A/RES/69/266
- Arabic
- Chinese
- English
- French
- Russian
- Spanish

The resolution recognizes the importance of international cooperation, as no one country can do this alone, to realize the GGRF and services to underpin global navigation satellite systems technology and provide the framework for all geospatial activity, as a key enabler of geospatial data interoperability and data integration, and sustainable development. The resolution also recognizes the economic and scientific importance of and the growing demand for an accurate and stable global geodetic reference frame for the Earth that allows the interrelationship of measurements taken anywhere on the Earth and in space, combining geometric positioning and gravity field-related observations, as the basis and reference in location and height for geospatial information, which is used in many Earth science and societal applications, including sea-level and climate change monitoring, natural hazard and disaster management and a whole series of industrial applications including mining, agriculture, transport, navigation and construction, in which precise positioning introduces efficiencies.

UN-GGCE's overarching goal is to assist Member States and geodetic organizations to coordinate and collaborate to sustain, enhance, access and utilise an accurate, accessible and sustainable GGRF to support science, society and global development. The objective is to support, within available resources, the implementation of General Assembly resolution 69/266 through strengthening and advancing: global geodetic cooperation and coordination; worldwide geodetic infrastructure; standards and policies; education, training and capacity development; and communication and awareness.

Showing 11-13 of 13 results found.

К сожалению, нет результатов, соответствующих вашему запросу. Пожалуйста, попробуйте еще раз.

Советы по поиску

Введите ключевое слово в строку поиска, расположенную вверху.
Введите ключевое слово или запрос в строку поиска.
Попробуйте удалить фильтры.
Будьте конкретны в терминах поиска и проверьте их написание, чтобы получить более точные результаты.

Showing 41-50 of 93 results found.

26 Mar 2026

26 Mar 2026

Download PDF

26 Mar 2026

Download PDF

1 Mar 2026

Download PDF

10 Feb 2026

Download PDF

10 Feb 2026

Download PDF

1 Dec 2025

Download PDF

1 Sep 2025

Download PDF

8 Aug 2025

Contribution of United Nations global geospatial centres (away from Headquarters) to enhancing global geospatial information management arrangements.

Fifteenth Session

Download PDF

6 Aug 2025

Download PDF

As part of the UN-GGCE Partnership launched in June 2024, which recognizes the exceptional commitment and significant contributions of Member States, universities, and organizations to advancing the science of geodesy and strengthening the global geodesy supply chain, the UN-GGCE proudly acknowledges the following founding partners and partners:

Founding Partners:

Partners

Strategy and Operation

UN-GGCE Strategy and Operating Plan v1.0
Арабский
Английский
Французский
Русский

UN-GGCE Partnership Program

Hidden Risk

Hidden Risk - Report

Hidden Risk - Video

1st Joint Development Plan for Global Geodesy

Global Geodesy Needs Assessment

Newsletters

Policy Briefs

State of Geodesy 2026

UN-GGCE Highlights Report 2024–2026

The UN-GGCE Highlights Report 2024–2026 provides an overview of the activities and achievements of the United Nations Global Geodetic Centre of Excellence during the period 2024–2026. The report highlights key milestones, initiatives and contributions of the Centre since its establishment.

UN-GGCE Highlights Report 2024-2026

Roadmap to Modernise a Country's Geospatial Reference System

Overview
The Roadmap provides a guidance on how to modernise and implement a country's GRS to ensure that all geospatial data whether from maps, satellite imagery, or GNSS enabled technologies is accurately aligned to a unified, nationally consistent way. This foundation supports precise positioning, underpins smart infrastructure, enhances resilience to climate change and natural disasters, and facilitates integration with international geodetic frameworks. The Roadmap also defines governance structures, guides institutional responsibilities, and prioritizes investments in infrastructure and capacity development.
The Roadmap is organised as a sequence of steps to guide countries from understanding their current geodetic environment through to implementation, adoption, and long-term operation of a modern Geospatial Reference System (GRS).

Reference material

Roadmap to modernise a country's Geospatial Reference System (Version 0.2, Date: 23 May 2025)

1. Understand the Current Geospatial Reference System and Stakeholder Needs

Part of the Roadmap to Modernise a Country's Geospatial Reference System.

Understanding the current Geospatial Reference System and stakeholder needs is essential before making any changes, as updates can be costly, time-consuming, and disruptive if not clearly required. Changes that are unnecessary may waste resources and impact systems that already meet user needs. Updated components must be justified by stakeholder demand and meet accuracy requirements now and into the future.

Action 1.1: Document the current Geospatial Reference System in the form of a Geodesy Factsheet for your country (Appendix A).

Action 1.2: Create a diagram describing your country's GRS (Figure 1).

Action 1.3: Identify and understand the needs of stakeholders.

Action 1.4: Summarize stakeholder needs and decide which elements of the GRS need updating.

Action 1.5: Classify stakeholders using a matrix of their level of interest and level of influence (Figure 2).

Reference material

GRS diagram

2. Communicate Why an Update is Needed

Communicating the need to update the Geospatial Reference System

Part of the Roadmap to Modernise a Country's Geospatial Reference System.

Related resources

Communications presentation (UN-GGCE Capacity Development Workshop)
National communication materials: Australia | New Zealand
Roadmap Appendix B: Communications Plan (Example)

3. Establish Good Governance

Establishing effective governance arrangements

Part of the Roadmap to Modernise a Country's Geospatial Reference System.

Related resources

4. Develop Business Cases

Justifying investment in a modern Geospatial Reference System

Part of the Roadmap to Modernise a Country's Geospatial Reference System.

A business case for updating the country geospatial reference system should justify the investment by clearly outlining the benefits, costs, and expected outcomes. It provides decision-makers with evidence to support funding and prioritization, aligning the project with broader strategic goals of the government.

Action 4.1: Develop a business case/s which provide a clear and concise argument that demonstrates why an investment in the GRS is worthwhile.

Guidance

The business cases should be written in a way policy makers can understand and should explain why change is needed, resources required, potential value or gains for the country and risks associated with the project.
UN-IGIF Appendix 3.8 provides a draft structure (and example) of a business case covering five key perspectives.
Business Case Development presentation (UN-GGCE)
UN-IGIF Sustainable Funding Guide presentation

Examples and further reading

Australia example: Business Case - PNT in Government
Positioning Australia: industry case studies
Positioning Australia: economic benefits study
EUSPA Market Report 2024
Roadmap Appendix C: Airborne Gravity Business Case Example

5. Create a Project Plan

Planning the implementation of a modern Geospatial Reference System

Part of the Roadmap to Modernise a Country's Geospatial Reference System.

Developing a project plan is essential to define the scope, timeline, resources, and responsibilities for updating a geospatial reference system. It provides a structured roadmap that guides the project team, helping to manage risks and stay on schedule. A clear plan also facilitates communication and coordination among stakeholders, ensuring that objectives are met efficiently and effectively.

Action 5.1: Develop a project plan for the elements of the GRS you will be updating which includes scope, timeline, resources, and budget required for the GRS development.

Guidance

UN-IGIF Appendix 1.4

provides a template of a country-level action plan.

UN-IGIF Appendix 1.4

contain tools to monitor and evaluate the plan and establish success indicators.

6-8. Establish and Operate a GNSS Network

Design, installation, data collection and processing

Part of the Roadmap to Modernise a Country's Geospatial Reference System.

6. Establish a GNSS Network

Action 6.1: Design a GNSS network.

Action 6.2: Install a GNSS network.

Guidance

Stations should be located on stable ground with minimal subsidence or surface heave.
Aim for relatively consistent spacing between GNSS sites and include sites on major islands and key locations.
Consider multi-GNSS capability (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou).
Ensure consistent recording of GNSS data (e.g., RINEX format, IGS standards).
Standardize sampling rates (e.g., 1 Hz for real-time applications, 30s for long-term monitoring).
Maintain metadata records (station location, hardware, software, environmental conditions).
IGS Guidelines for Continuously Operating Reference Stations
ICSM Guideline for Installation and Documentation of Survey Control Marks

7. Collect GNSS Data

Action 7.1: Collect and archive GNSS CORS data.

Action 7.2: Collect and archive GNSS campaign data.

8. Process GNSS Data

Action 8.1: Process GNSS CORS data.

Action 8.2: Process GNSS campaign data.

Related resources

9. Perform National Geodetic Adjustment

Performing a unified and consistent national adjustment

Part of the Roadmap to Modernise a Country's Geospatial Reference System.

Related resources

Aligning national datums to ITRF (UN-GGCE)

What is a geodetic adjustment? (UN-GGCE)

How to undertake a national adjustment (UN-GGCE)

Example publication: Australian datum development (journal article)

10. Develop 7-Parameter Transformation

Enabling interoperability between legacy and modern reference systems

Part of the Roadmap to Modernise a Country's Geospatial Reference System.

Related resources

3_1_2_-_example_-_creating_transformation_parameters.pptx

11. Develop Plate Motion, Distortion or Deformation Model

Part of the Roadmap to Modernise a Country's Geospatial Reference System.

Related resources

12. Develop a Physical Height Datum

Part of the Roadmap to Modernise a Country's Geospatial Reference System.

Related resources

Australian Geospatial Reference System Compendium (Part C: Physical Geodesy)

Height Datums and Geoid Models (UN-GGCE)

13. Update Legal and Policy Documents

Part of the Roadmap to Modernise a Country's Geospatial Reference System.

Action 13.1: Work with the project planning team to address the following questions:

Does your country have legislation, regulations or policies that must be updated to recognise the new datums?
How will changes impact land titles, cadastral records and boundary definitions?
Have key stakeholder groups been engaged sufficiently?
Have you provided guidance on how stakeholders can transition to or use the new datum?
Will the change cause discrepancies in border definitions by coordinating with adjacent countries?

Appendix A: Country Geodesy Factbooks

Portuguese

The Multilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MMOU) on Strengthening the Global Geodesy Supply Chain became operative on 10 March 2025.

The MMOU is a shared recognition by Member State government departments and agencies, private sector companies, organizations, associations, and academic institutions, together with the United Nations Global Geodetic Centre of Excellence (UN-GGCE), that action is required to make the foundations of positioning, navigation, and timing services robust.

The purpose of the MMOU is to help you.

The MMOU allows you to demonstrate to leaders and policymakers that the global geodesy supply chain is dependent on international cooperation and collaboration, and there is an international 'coalition of the willing' (the Participants of the MMOU) who consider this to be a problem we must work on together. The MMOU does not require Participants to make financial commitments.

You can join the MMOU as a Participant at any time.

If you wish to join, please send a letter to un-ggce@un.org on official letterhead from your government agency or organization.

Download the MMOU:

MMOU - Strengthening the Global Geodesy Supply Chain (Last updated: 15 September 2026)

Geodesy & Geospatial Opportunities

As part of the 1st Joint Development Plan on Global Geodesy, this page serves to announce vacancies for the Centre and to highlight opportunities supported by partners in geodesy and related geospatial fields.

These listings support international cooperation to strengthen skills, advance research, and grow the global geodetic workforce.

IAG & UN-GGCE Joint Job Platform

For geodesy-related, non-commercial vacancies in academia, research, and government, view or submit opportunities via the IAG & UN-GGCE Joint Job Platform:
https://geodesy.science/jobs

How it works:

- Submitted via Post a New Job
- Reviewed and approved by the IAG Secretariat
- Published immediately and shared through a weekly newsletter

Other Institutional Portals

Land Information New Zealand (LINZ)
Geospatial science, surveying, and land management positions.
More information
African Regional Institute for Geospatial Information Science and Technology (AFRIGIST)
Education, research, and training in geodesy, GIS, photogrammetry, and remote sensing.
More information

Share an Opportunity: If you are a partner and would like to publish an opportunity that does not fit the IAG Joint Job Platform, please send the information to un-ggce@un.org.

UN-GGIM • 2026-2028

International Consultation on the Future of Global Geodesy

The International Consultation on the Future of Global Geodesy aims to explore options for international governance

arrangements that support a robust and sustainable global geodesy supply chain. To inform these options, the consultation will examine the supply chain, its vulnerabilities and the needs of those who depend on geodetic products.

The Consultation Steering Committee will help guide the process and ensure that it is inclusive, transparent and grounded in evidence. The consultation is led by the UN-GGIM Subcommittee on Geodesy and managed by the United Nations Global Geodetic Centre of Excellence (UN-GGCE).

SELF-NOMINATIONS OPEN

Join the Consultation Steering Committee

Help refine and finalise the Consultation Plan, then guide the Consultation so that it is inclusive, transparent and grounded in evidence.

Nominations close Friday, 27 November 2026

Who	Anyone who meets the eligibility criteria can nominate themselves
Capacity	Members serve in a personal capacity
Term	From appointment until the Committee is dissolved, expected July 2028
Time	One two-hour virtual meeting a month, about an hour a week on average
Time	Not remunerated; meetings are virtual and no travel support is provided

How to nominate yourself

Terms of Reference (PDF) [LINK]

Satellite navigation, the timing that underpins telecommunications and financial systems, Earth observation, sea-level and climate monitoring, disaster response and national mapping all depend on geodetic products. Most people and organisations who rely on these products do not know they depend on them.

Geodetic products are created by a global geodesy supply chain: observing infrastructure, data centres, analysis centres, scientific services, skilled people and funding, contributed by many countries and organisations. No formalised international arrangements are responsible for making sure it keeps working. If parts of the supply chain weaken or fail, the consequences reach far beyond geodesy, with significant economic and societal impacts.

At its Sixteenth Session in 2026, the UN-GGIM Committee of Experts agreed to advance structured and inclusive consultations on options for international governance for geodesy. It emphasised diverse views from Member States and the inclusion of the scientific community, in particular the International Association of Geodesy (IAG), and the private sector.

Examples of geodetic products

Reference frames

The coordinate frameworks every position on Earth, and the orientation of Earth in space, are measured against

Earth Orientation Parameters

How the Earth is spinning and wobbling in space

Satellite orbits

Precisely where satellites are

Gravity field models

The shape of Earth's gravity, the basis for heights and sea level

Steering Committee: who we are looking for and how to nominate yourself

The Steering Committee will have about 20 members, who serve in a personal capacity. They are selected for their own knowledge, experience and judgement, and for the perspective they can bring from a part of the global geodesy community. Members provide strategic leadership and oversight of the Consultation, drawing on the detailed technical work carried out by expert groups.

Members act as an active link between the Steering Committee and the stakeholder group whose perspective they bring, carrying information in both directions. The Committee safeguards the design and integrity of the Consultation and makes recommendations. Member States express their positions and take decisions through the UN-GGIM Subcommittee on Geodesy and the Committee of Experts.

Perspectives we need

Members are selected so that, together, they bring the perspectives of these stakeholder groups.

National government agencies responsible for geodesy, mapping, positioning or space, from each UN-GGIM region: Africa, Americas, Arab States, Asia and the Pacific, and Europe
Scientific community: geodesy (the IAG, including its scientific services)
Scientific community: astronomy (the International Astronomical Union)
Organisations that generate geodetic products operationally
National and regional space agencies
Earth observation coordination (for example GEO and CEOS)
Space and radio-spectrum coordination (for example UNOOSA and ITU)
Education, research and capacity development (for example FIG, universities and the UN-GGIM Academic Network)
Regional and national geodesy task forces (for example GGOS-Africa)
Standards organisations (for example ISO/TC 211 and OGC)
The private sector

Seats for specialist expertise in international law and intergovernmental process, and in finance and resource mobilisation, are filled only if the Committee would otherwise lack these skills. We aim for members to come from all five UN-GGIM regions, for no more than 60% of members to be of any one gender, and for a balance of members from developed and developing countries.

Who can nominate themselves

Membership is open through self-nomination. Anyone who meets the eligibility criteria can nominate themselves.

We are looking for a mix of people with different experience. You might work in geodesy or the global geodesy supply chain, or in a field that uses or governs geodetic products, such as space, Earth observation, radio spectrum, standards or intergovernmental policy. No one is expected to know about all of these: the Committee as a whole brings together the range of experience it needs. What members share is a commitment to making sure the Consultation is fair and hears from everyone it should.

Members also need to be able to give time from their appointment to July 2028, share the Consultation's progress through their professional networks, work in English and serve in a personal capacity. The full criteria are in Section 8 of the Terms of Reference.

How to nominate yourself

Email un-ggce@un.org by Friday, 27 November 2026 with the subject line "Steering Committee self-nomination". Each self-nomination includes:

A statement showing how you meet the eligibility criteria and which perspective you would bring;
Confirmation that you can commit the time required;
A short statement on how you will engage your professional networks; and
A preliminary conflict-of-interest declaration (Annex A, Appendix 1 of the Terms of Reference).

What happens next

The Consultation Startup Team reviews self-nominations against the eligibility criteria, the perspectives the Committee needs, the balance targets and the collective skills the Committee needs, and encourages further self-nominations where there are gaps. The Subcommittee on Geodesy Bureau endorses the membership, and members receive a letter of appointment. Members are onboarded in November and December 2026, and at its first meeting the Committee selects two co-chairs, one from a developing country and one from a developed country.

Expect two to three hours a week in more demanding periods: while the Consultation Plan is refined and finalised (December 2026 to March 2027), when draft deliverables are reviewed, and during final reporting (June to July 2028).

FUNDING

The Consultation depends on donor support

Donor support is what makes the Consultation possible. Contributions confirmed early, ahead of the planned start in April 2027, help the work begin on time, so that Member States receive the evidence and options they need to decide how global geodesy is sustained.

Running a consultation that reaches every region, the scientific community and the private sector requires resources beyond UN-GGCE's current capacity. Contributions pay for the analysis, the engagement with expert groups and the evidence base that the Consultation's findings will rest on.

Contributing funding or secondees gives an organisation no additional influence over the Steering Committee's recommendations. This protects the independence of the findings, which is what makes them worth funding.

Ways to contribute

Funding from Member State government departments, space agencies, private-sector companies and other partners
Secondees to work alongside the UN-GGCE team, with skills in law (including international and institutional law), communications, project management and administration, geodesy, risk management and analysis, or supply chain and systems analysis

How it works

Contributions are made through an exchange of letters. The donor sends a pledge letter setting out its contribution, and the United Nations replies with an acceptance letter setting out how the funds will be administered under United Nations financial rules. Contributions are pooled, and donors receive an annual progress report and a consolidated financial statement.

Contact UN-GGCE to discuss a contribution or request a draft pledge letter.

WHEN

Indicative timeline

Aug - Sep 2026	The Subcommittee on Geodesy Bureau, meeting with UN-GGCE, establishes a Startup Team to initiate the Consultation	Complete
Sep - Nov 2026	Steering Committee Terms of Reference established, endorsed by the Subcommittee on Geodesy Bureau and published	Complete
Nov - Dec 2026	Steering Committee self-nomination, selection and appointment; the Bureau endorses the membership
Nov - Dec 2026	UN-GGCE, with the Startup Team, drafts the Consultation Plan and calls on Member States and partners to provide resources
Nov 2026 - Feb 2027	Preparatory technical review of UN-GGCE's geodetic product maps by experts nominated through the IAG
Nov - Dec 2026	Steering Committee members onboarded; responsibility handed over from the Startup Team
Dec 2026 - Mar 2027	Steering Committee and UN-GGCE refine and finalise the Consultation Plan
Mar 2027	The Subcommittee on Geodesy reviews and endorses the Consultation Plan. At the end of March, the Subcommittee decides whether the Consultation can start.
Apr 2027 - Jun 2028	The consultation process, which will be described in the Consultation Plan
Jun - Jul 2028	UN-GGCE drafts the final report, which the Steering Committee reviews and recommends to the Subcommittee on Geodesy. The Subcommittee clears it before it is reported to the Eighteenth Session of UN-GGIM.

United Nations Global Geodetic Centre of Excellence

Советы по поиску

Geodesy Factbook (Blank Draft)

Geodesy is Critical to Climate Science - Policy Brief

UN-GGCE Newsletter 3

UN-GGCE Newsletter 12

Roadmap to modernise a country's Geospatial Reference System

GRS diagram

UN-GGCE Newsletter 11

UN-GGCE Newsletter 10

E/C.20/2025/18/Add.1 – Report

Contribution of United Nations global geospatial centres (away from Headquarters) to enhancing global geospatial information management arrangements.

UN-GGCE Multilateral Memorandum of Understanding

Communicating the need to update the Geospatial Reference System

Establishing effective governance arrangements

Justifying investment in a modern Geospatial Reference System

Planning the implementation of a modern Geospatial Reference System

Design, installation, data collection and processing

6. Establish a GNSS Network

7. Collect GNSS Data

8. Process GNSS Data

Performing a unified and consistent national adjustment

Enabling interoperability between legacy and modern reference systems

International Consultation on the Future of Global Geodesy

Join the Consultation Steering Committee

Critical infrastructure with no one formally responsible for it

Examples of geodetic products

Steering Committee: who we are looking for and how to nominate yourself

The Consultation depends on donor support

Indicative timeline

Get involved