Session 1: Reference Systems, Frames, and Height Systems in Physical Geodesy

This session addresses theoretical and practical developments in terrestrial and space-based reference systems and their role in gravity field modelling and vertical datum realization.Topics include the realization and maintenance of global and regional reference frames, the integration of geometric and physical heights, vertical datum modernization, geopotential number determination, time-dependent reference frames, collocation strategies, and links to the GGOS infrastructure. Contributions addressing the unification of regional height systems and their stability under mass redistribution, as well as contributions on the International Height Reference System/Frame (IHRS/IHRF) and the International Terrestrial Gravity Reference System/Frame (ITGRS/ITGRF), are particularly encouraged.

Session 2: Satellite Gravity Missions and Global Gravity Field Modelling

This session focuses on current and future satellite gravimetry missions and their contribution to static and time-variable global gravity field models.Topics include GRACE/GRACE-FO, GOCE, NGGM, MAGIC, and successor mission concepts; satellite-to-satellite tracking; gradiometry; constellation design; quantum sensing technologies; global model combination strategies; uncertainty assessment; and efficient representation of high-degree gravity models. Studies linking mission architecture with scientific and societal applications are welcome.

Session 3: Regional and Local Gravity Field Modelling and Geophysical Interpretation

This session covers theoretical, computational, and applied aspects of regional and local gravity field determination.Contributions may address downward continuation of gravity data, topographiccorrections using high-resolution DEM, integration of terrestrial, airborne, and marine data, and uncertainty quantificationand validation strategies. Interdisciplinary studies combining gravity with GNSS, InSAR, seismic, geological, and tectonic constraints for lithospheric and basin-scale interpretation are encouraged.Studies addressing gravity and magnetic methods for mineral and basin exploration are also encouraged.

Session 4:Terrestrial, Airborne, and Marine Gravimetry – Instrumentation, Analysis, Quantum and Emerging Technologies

This session highlights advances in absolute, relative, and airborne gravimetry, including classical and quantum technologies.Topics include instrument development and calibration, mobile and UAV platforms, gravity gradiometry, optical clock-based geopotential measurements, survey design, data standards, intercomparisons, and contributions toward modern gravity reference frames. Applications in geodynamics, hydrology, exploration geophysics, and hazard monitoring are invited.

Session 5: Satellite Altimetry, Marine Gravity and Mass Transport Processes

This session addresses advances in satellite altimetry and their integration with gravity field modelling.Topics include altimeter calibration and retracking, marine gravity recovery, sea surface height and mean dynamic topography, coastal and inland water monitoring, cryosphere applications, and ocean mass variability. Contributions linking altimetry with height systems, climate processes, and regional geoid modelling are encouraged.

Session 6: Gravity for Climate, Natural Hazards and Earth System Processes – Regional and Global Perspectives

This broad session integrates climate applications, hazard studies, and regional geodynamics, including the Indian subcontinent and the Himalayan-Indo-Burma region.Topics include groundwater depletion, glacier mass balance, flood and drought monitoring, earthquake cycle studies, post-seismic deformation, mantle processes, basin evolution, resource exploration, and environmental monitoring. Contributions addressing gravity field modelling and geodynamic structure of the Indian Shield, Himalayan foreland, Indo-Burma arc, sedimentary basins, and adjacent oceanic regions are particularly encouraged.Interdisciplinary studies integrating gravity with GNSS, seismic networks, InSAR, ocean observations and Earth system models are strongly welcomed.

Session 7: Geodetic Constraints on Crustal and Lithospheric Structure of the Indian Plate

Crustal and lithospheric density structure of different tectonic zones of the Indian plate. This session focuses on geodetic investigations of the crustal and lithospheric density structure of the Indian plate across its diverse tectonic provinces. Contributions addressing gravity field modelling, geoid refinement, geopotential characterization, and mass-distribution analysis for resolving lateral and vertical density variations are particularly encouraged.

Emphasis is placed on high-resolution terrestrial, airborne, satellite, and emerging quantum gravimetry, integration with precise GNSS levelling and chronometric heighting, and advanced inversion frameworks supported by high-performance computing. Such geodetically constrained density models are essential for improving estimates of Moho geometry, lithospheric thickness, isostatic balance, and long-wavelength deformation across the Indian subcontinent.

The Modernization of the Reference Datum in India and Quantum Technology

This sub-theme invites papers on integration of legacy and updated geodetic data in defining and realisation of national vertical datum, joining land and sea: high-resolution sea surface topography and chart datum, vertical datum realisation of islands and unifying them with mainland datum, and interoperability between national, regional and international reference frames. Contributions on methodological and computational strategies for achieving precise, high-resolution geoids in regions with sparse data, datum consistency, and transition strategies from existing datums are highly encouraged.

Perspectives aligned with the Geospatial Policy of the Government of India, ongoing upgrades of the national geodetic reference infrastructure, and emerging quantum technologies are especially welcome, as they offer new opportunities to strengthen national geodetic capabilities. As the fundamental spatial framework underpinning critical governmental actions, geodesy holds substantial scientific, economic, and societal importance.

Machine Learning / AI Applications in the Indian Context

This sub-theme focuses on leveraging AI and machine learning to advance gravity, geoid, and mass-change studies across India and neighbouring regions. Key areas include AI-driven high-resolution geoid modelling, data-driven inversion for lithospheric structure, and deep-learning techniques to downscale satellite gravimetry for groundwater and glacier monitoring.

Research integrating gravity with GNSS, InSAR, and seismic data through modern ML architectures is strongly encouraged to enhance geophysical precision.

Strategic and Applied Themes

This section highlights the strategic use of gravity and geoid data to support India’s national priorities, from water-resource management to mega-infrastructure projects. Contributions are invited on applications of geodetic products in dam monitoring, river-linking, and urban tunnelling.

Emphasis is placed on gravity-based landslide and subsidence risk assessment, and studies aligning geodetic data with the National Geospatial Policy and national capacity-building initiatives.