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Reference.org
Geodetic control network
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<p>A geodetic control network is a network, often of <a href="/facts/Triangle/cRXUwsMn">triangles</a>, that are measured precisely by techniques of <i>control surveying</i>, such as terrestrial <a href="/facts/Surveying/qchGcnRC">surveying</a> or <a href="/facts/Satellite_geodesy/r9AAcApl">satellite geodesy</a>. It is also known as a geodetic network, reference network, control point network, or simply control network. </p><p>A geodetic control network consists of stable, identifiable points with published datum values derived from observations that tie the points together. </p><p>Classically, a control is divided into horizontal (X-Y) and vertical (Z) controls (components of the control), however with the advent of <a href="/facts/Satellite_navigation/lVgPlF5v">satellite navigation</a> systems, <a href="/facts/GPS/DKVLnzF3">GPS</a> in particular, this division is becoming obsolete. </p><p>In the U.S., there is a national control network called the <a href="/facts/National_Spatial_Reference_System/fkRl01GX">National Spatial Reference System</a> (NSRS). </p><p>Many organizations contribute information to the geodetic control network. </p><p>The higher-order (high precision, usually millimeter-to-decimeter on a scale of continents) control points are normally defined in both space and time using global or space techniques, and are used for "lower-order" points to be tied into. The lower-order control points are normally used for <a href="/facts/Engineering/RFVg8H3I">engineering</a>, <a href="/facts/Construction/58eqDhy9">construction</a> and <a href="/facts/Navigation/sGGAJ0AQ">navigation</a>. The scientific discipline that deals with the establishing of coordinates of points in a control network is called <a href="/facts/Geodesy/EJH0Te0m">geodesy</a>. </p>