II. Постарайтесь ответить на следующие вопросы перед прочтением текста:

1. What does the profession of geodesist include?

2. What skills are important for a geodesist to obtain?

3. What equipment is of a prime importance for a geodesist?

III. Выучите слова, необходимые для понимание текста:

1. geodesist [dʒi`ɑ`dəsist] - геодезист

2. in a nutshell [`nʌtʃɛl] – вкратце

3. applу [ə`plaɪ] применять, использовать

4. bodies [`bɒdɪs] of water – водное пространство

5. require  [rɪ`kwaɪə] - требовать

6. complete [kəm`plit] picture – полная картина

7. vital [`vaɪt(ə)l] – жизненно важный

8. mining [`maɪnɪŋ] - горное дело, горная промышленность

9. rotation [roʊ`teɪʃən] вращение

10. natural [`nætʃərəl] phenomena - естественное явление

11. trench [trentʃ]– впадина, каньон

12. glacier [`ɡleɪʃər] - ледник, глетчер

13. predict  [prə`dɪkt] - предсказывать; прогнозировать;

14. prevent  [prɪ`vent] - предотвращать

15. natural disasters – природные катастрофы

16. eruption [ɪ`rʌpʃən] – извержение вулкана

17. alter [ `ɒltər] – менять

18. appearance [ ə`pɪrəns ] - внешний вид

19. earthquake [`ɝθ`kwek|  ]- землетрясение

20. the point of origin – место происхождения

21. major [`meɪdʒər] task – основная задача

22. install [`ɪnstɒl] - устанавливать

23. to keep an eye on – следить, контролировать

24. revisit – повторно посетить

25. land marker – наземные ориентировочные знаки

26. advantage [æd`væntɪdʒ]- преимущество

27. animated simulations - динамическое моделирование

28. tech-savvy [`tek sævi] – хорошо разбирающийся в технике

29. applied mathematics – прикладная математика

30. clerical work - канцелярская работа

31. satellite [sætə`laɪt] – спутник

IV. Прочитайте и переведите текст.

The Profession of Geodesist

In a nutshell, a geodesist applies as a profession of geodesy. The science of geodesy is concerned with the physical appearance and related measurements of the Earth’s surface, including bodies of water. Geodesist will often be required to analyze and measure large sections of land areas in order to produce a more complete picture of the Earth. Geodesists will also usually work with all sorts of data and figures that are vital for construction, cartography, mining, and other fields that make use of the land.

A geodesist may also study other subjects, such as the Earth’s gravitational and magnetic field and its rotation, because these natural phenomena may alter the topography of the Earth. Other phenomena that geodesists study include formation of new volcanoes and underground trenches, and even the melting of glaciers. In this way, geodesists’ analysis may help other scientists to prevent or adapt to the changes. In this light, natural disasters like earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions are also studied because they can seriously alter the appearance of the Earth. By studying the movement of the ground, a geodesist can identify the point of origin of, say, an earthquake, that is vital information for residents living nearby.

Another major task of a geodesist is to install a network of “land markers” all over the world to keep an eye on any changes on the landscape. The distance between one marker and another is usually documented, and after a period of time, geodesists will revisit the site to measure again the distance and see how much has changed. Installing land markers may require geodesists to travel to some places, which can be an advantage for a person who loves traveling.

To create visual images of the numerical data, a geodesist may also have to work on a computer and program animated simulations, a task that often requires the scientist to be tech-savvy. Geodesists need to have certain knowledge and skills in applied mathematics, physics, computer programming, and even in clerical work to perform effectively. Technology such as the Global Positioning System (GPS) and the 24 satellites that rotate around the Earth also help geodesists in their tasks.

As one can see, the profession of geodesist is not the easy one, but its importance for the future of the mankind development, surveying the environment the people live in is of high importance.

[Источник: WiseGeek, URL: http://www.wisegeekedu.com/what-does-a-geodesist-do.htm (время обращения - 21. 06. 2015)].