Nationwide airborne gravity survey completed to strengthen Bhutan’s geodetic framework
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The survey was conducted from 19 to 29 January 2026 using Drukair helicopter services and aims to establish a high-precision national geoid model for Bhutan. The new model will enhance the existing DrukGeoid22 by ensuring complete and inclusive gravity data coverage across the country.
A geoid represents mean sea level adjusted to the Earth’s gravity field and serves as the fundamental reference surface for accurate height determination. It is critical for GNSS-based surveying, mapping, and engineering applications. The improved geoid model is expected to significantly enhance the accuracy and reliability of height measurements, mapping outputs, and engineering works across Bhutan.
The first phase of the project concluded on 3 February 2026 with a sensitization and awareness programme on the new geoid model. The session was attended by stakeholders from government agencies and private surveying and mapping firms and was led by Professor René Forsberg, Senior Scientist and Geodesist at DTU, Denmark.
The NLCS expressed its appreciation to DTU and Drukair for their continued collaboration and support in advancing Bhutan’s national geodetic capabilities, which will contribute to evidence-based planning and sustainable, resilient development.
