'Astro-geodetic methods' are a group of important methods in
geodesy,
satellite techniques and
astrometry.
The classical 'astro-geodetic leveling' is a reasonably accurate method to derive the terrestrial
geoid, provided a starting point is given. It combines the precise determination of the true
zenith (geographic or
astronomical positioning) with geodetic measurements and
coordinate calculations.
Astro-geodetic
geoid solutions are computed by the spatial
integration of the two components of
vertical deflections.
'Modern astro geodetic' methods use also
satellite measurements (optical and electronical, LASER etc.), with
CCD observations, and
combinations of terrestrial and
GPS data (espec. for precise heighting and for the stabilisation of geoid solutions).