GEOCENTRIC

GEOCENTRIC, having the earth for its centre, or the same centre as the earth; a term applied in astronomy to the place of a planet as seen from the centre of the earth, in opposition to its heliocentric place, or that point in the ecliptic in which the planet would appear if viewed from the centre of the sun.

GEODESY ($\backslash gamma\backslash delta$, and $\backslash delta\backslash alpha\backslash iota\backslash omega$ I divide), that part of practical geometry which relates especially to the measurement and division of surfaces. In its more extended signification geodesy embraces all the trigonometrical and astronomical operations necessary for the construction of maps, for measuring the length of a terrestrial degree, &c. &c.; and includes, in short, all those operations which relate to the measurement of the earth's surface. See FIGURE OF THE EARTH, GEOGRAPHY, and TRIGONOMETRICAL SURVEY.