- Gravitational law, Laplace's equation and boundary value problemsb.
- Gravity field, normal field and anomalous field of the earthc.
- Global gravitational field and spherical harmonic expansionsd.
- Stokes' formula, Poisson's integral and Vening Meinesz formula
- Trunction errors, combination of Stokes' formula with global gravitational modelsf.
- Molodenski's theory, Bjerhammar's methods and collocation
AH2914 Physical Geodesy 7.5 credits

Gravity field of the earth. Geoid determination.
Information per course offering
Course offerings are missing for current or upcoming semesters.
Course syllabus as PDF
Please note: all information from the Course syllabus is available on this page in an accessible format.
Course syllabus AH2914 (Spring 2011–)Content and learning outcomes
Course contents
Intended learning outcomes
After completing the course, students should
- be familiar with the mathematical and physical fundamentals of physical geodesy
- understand the principles of gravity field determination
- be able to carry out practical geoid computations
Literature and preparations
Specific prerequisites
Bachelor of Science in surveying or geomatics including at least 120 credits and documented proficiency in English B or equivalent.
For students enrolled in a program at KTH:
AH2922 Map projections and reference systems or equivalent.
AND
AH2923 Global navigation satellite systems or equivalent.
Recommended prerequisites
For single course students:
Bachelor of Science in surveying or geomatics including at least 180 credits and documented proficiency in English B or equivalent.
For students enrolled in a program at KTH:
AH2922 Map projections and reference systems or equivalent.
AND
AH2923 Global navigation satellite systems or equivalent.
Literature
Fan, H. (2008). Theoretical Geodesy. KTH.
Examination and completion
Grading scale
Examination
- TEN1 - Examination, 4.5 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
- LAB1 - Laboratory Work, 3.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.
The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.
If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.
Written exam (TEN1; 4.5 cr)
Approved laboration (LAB1; 3 cr)
Examiner
Ethical approach
- All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
- In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
- In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.