Space Geodesy Pioneer

摘要

The field of geodesy is changing dramatically. The recent decades' developments - not only GPS and INSAR but also the Gravity field and steady-state Ocean Circulation Explorer (GOCE) mission carried out by the European Space Agency - have immensely altered both how professional surveyors, researchers and developers are regarded and how they work. Professor Reiner Rummel, co-initiator of GOCE mission which is measuring the gravity field from space, observes that geodesists tend to be modest and that it is mostly others who harvest the fruits of their labours in this field. Now semi-retired, professor Rummel reflects on the past and looks to the future of a field he has always thoroughly enjoyed.