Astronomic Azimuth is based on the true shape of the earth while the __________ azimuth is based on the __________ approximation of the earth's shape.

Study for the Geodesy Refresher Exam. Prepare with multiple choice questions, hints, and explanations. Ace your exam with confidence!

Multiple Choice

Astronomic Azimuth is based on the true shape of the earth while the __________ azimuth is based on the __________ approximation of the earth's shape.

Explanation:
Astronomical azimuth uses observations of celestial bodies and projects them onto the local horizon, so it reflects the true, irregular shape of the Earth (the geoid) and the actual direction of gravity (deflection of the vertical). Geodetic azimuth, on the other hand, is computed with respect to a smooth reference model of Earth—the reference ellipsoid—so the bearing is derived from a mathematical approximation of the Earth's shape. That’s why the correct pairing is geodetic azimuth based on the mathematical approximation of Earth’s shape.

Astronomical azimuth uses observations of celestial bodies and projects them onto the local horizon, so it reflects the true, irregular shape of the Earth (the geoid) and the actual direction of gravity (deflection of the vertical). Geodetic azimuth, on the other hand, is computed with respect to a smooth reference model of Earth—the reference ellipsoid—so the bearing is derived from a mathematical approximation of the Earth's shape. That’s why the correct pairing is geodetic azimuth based on the mathematical approximation of Earth’s shape.

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