Lecture note

Establishment of a precise height system using geodetic approaches (such as precise leveling) plays a significant role in precise positioning. However, precise leveling and establishing vertical height reference systems are very important task that requires deep knowledge of land surveying engineering, geometric geodesy, and physical geodesy (potential theory). The beauty of this field lies in its ability to connect geometry, physics, and dynamic properties. Precise leveling in geodesy not only involves using precise instruments to collect data in the field but also emphasizes the importance of data processing, which can sometimes be very time-consumingand needs deep knowledge in geodesy.

The aim of this lecture note is to provide a theoretical background in precise leveling using geodetic methods and technical recommendations, for engineers, students, and researchers. Nowadays, in an era marked by a shortage of experts in geodesy and the crisis of having fewer well-educated professionals in the field, I was motivated to write this compendium. Hopefully, it will help attract more persons to pursue careers in this field. In addition, another motivation behind this effort is the lack of references that adequately present the methods and technical specifications for this purpose.

A special thanks to Mr. Fredrik Dahlström and Docent Jonas Ågren from the National Mapping, Cadastral, and Land Registration Authority of Sweden (Lantmäteriet) for providing and sharingprecise leveling and gravity data.