Most citizens of the developed world are familiar with GPS equipment, on boats, in the car or as a tool when exploring new cities. Few of these citizens know that GPS is a space geodetic technique.

The Geodetic Journey is an outreach activity that claims to promote the field of geodesy to the general public by making journeys that focus on geodesy both today and it´s history particularly in the region where the journey take place.

From Ancient Surveying to Modern Earth Observation.

With train from Beijing to Lhasa.

A team of experts will travel from Beijing to Lhasa and Shanghai. Starting in Beijing, the journey will go by train through the "Mother of China" region and along the ancient Silk Road before reaching Lhasa and Tibet.

In Tibet the team will visit Mt. Everest/Qomolangma Base Camp and other geophysical interesting and beautiful sites - all seen from a geodetic perspective.

On this journey the team will unveil China´s and the Tibetan Plateau´s natural beauty and characteristics as well as it´s scientific and technical culture, history and recent discoveries

The route

The journey will go from the Chinese capital Beijing through the ancient centres of the Middle Kingdom to the mysterious Lhasa and the Tibetan Plateau ending finally in modern Shanghai. The route has been chosen based on its historical and geodetic importance. The sites are choosen based on the book Scenic splendor of China, Chinese National Geography and their geophysical interest.

This is one of two or more journeys that will all focus on the importance of geodesy and the need for international cooperation to meet the societal requirements today and in the future.