What distinguishes geodetic surveys from other types of surveys?

Geodetic surveys are distinguished from other types of surveys primarily because they consider the Earth's curvature. This is crucial for the accuracy of measurements taken over large distances. Unlike plane surveys, which treat the Earth as a flat surface, geodetic surveys take into account the Earth's shape, which is approximated as an oblate spheroid. This is particularly important when surveying large areas where the curvature of the Earth can affect horizontal and vertical angles, distances, and coordinates.

By accounting for curvature, geodetic surveying allows for more precise calculations and is essential for applications that require high accuracy, such as mapping, navigation, and determining property boundaries over vast expanses. The use of advanced techniques and equipment in geodetic surveys further enhances their capability to gather data that is consistent and reliable, involving adjustments based on the Earth's gravitational field and other geophysical factors.