geoid Definition
the shape that the surface of the ocean would take under the influence of the gravity and rotation of Earth alone, if other influences such as winds and tides were absent.
Using geoid: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "geoid" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The geoid is used as a reference surface for measuring elevations and depths on Earth.
Example
The geoid is an equipotential surface of the Earth's gravity field.
Example
The geoid is an irregular shape, unlike the idealized sphere or ellipsoid used to represent the Earth's surface.
geoid Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with geoid
the difference between the height of a point on the Earth's surface and the height of the geoid at that point
Example
The geoid height is an important parameter for precise positioning using GPS.
Example
The EGM2008 geoid model is widely used for geodetic applications.
geoid undulations
the deviations of the geoid from the reference ellipsoid
Example
The geoid undulations are caused by variations in the Earth's gravity field.
Summary: geoid in Brief
The term 'geoid' [jee-oid] refers to the shape that the surface of the ocean would take under the influence of the gravity and rotation of Earth alone, if other influences such as winds and tides were absent. It is an irregular shape, unlike the idealized sphere or ellipsoid used to represent the Earth's surface. The geoid is used as a reference surface for measuring elevations and depths on Earth, and is an equipotential surface of the Earth's gravity field.
