The international symposium Towards an Integrated Global Geodetic Observing System was an initiative of section II Advanced Space Technology of the International Association of Geodesy (lAG). Ittook place in the building ofthe Bavarian Academy of Sciences in Munich from October 5 -9, 1998. About 130 scientists from 24 countries participated in the symposium. It was organized jointly by the Deutsches Geodatisches F orschungsinstitut and the Institut fUr Astronomische und Physikalische Geodasie/Technische Universitat MUnchen. The objective of the symposium was an analysis of the state-of-art of geodetic space techniques and an outlook into the possibility of the establishment of a global integrated observing system. In view of the fact that most geodetic space techniques have reached or approach the one part per billion relative precision level the question arises what their j oint and coordinated operation could offer to the study of system Earth. For this purpose the symposium was divided into four themes, i. e. reference system and datum integration, strength and weakness of space techniques, upcoming gravity field satellite missions, and implications for Earth sciences. Each of these themes was addressed by invited lectures of prominent scientists with sufficient time left for discussion. The oral sessions were complemented by poster sessions. A panel discussion at the closing session completed the program.
