Geodesy: The science which treats mathematically the figure, form, and size of the earth.

Geodetic Surveying: Is that branch of surveying which takes into account the size and shape of the earth. Geodetic surveying addresses the three dimensional aspects of the world (curvature of the earth) and four dimensional aspects of the points in the space-time continuum. Sophisticated instrumentation and procedures are employed in order to attain specific accuracies and precisions. Also, advanced and sophisticated computing techniques are required. Geodetic surveying may require knowledge and training in aspects of physical, engineering, and geophysical sciences in order to complete assignments.