(mathematics) a course allowing the parallel-transport of vectors along a course that keeps tangent vectors remain tangent vectors throughout that course (a straight curve, a line that is straight)
geodesy
(sciences, geography) The discipline which deals with the measurement and representation of Earth, its gravitational field and geodynamic phenomena (polar motion, Earth tides, and crustal motion) in three-dimensional, time-varying space
“He worked on geodesy but became interested in conformal map projections where he invented a quincuncial map projection using elliptic functions.”
“In the field of geodesy, however, Eratosthenes will always be remembered for his measurements of the Earth.”
“These are commonly considered to include plutology, with geodesy, geothermometry, seismology, and tectonophysics as subdivisions.”
geodetics
The scientific discipline that deals with the measurement and representation of the earth, its gravitational field and geodynamicphenomena (polar motion, earth tides, and tectonic motion) in three-dimensional, time-varying space.