Abstract: Satellite-based surveying is the main platform of global fundamental surveying, including satellite topographic survey, satellite gravimetry, satellite magnetic measuring, satellite altimetry, etc. The developments of satellite-based measuring projects have experienced “return type measuring satellite project”, “transmission type measuring satellite project” and some of “loads integration measuring satellite project”. This paper firstly reviews the development history and current situation of international satellite-based surveying projects, then analyzes the roles of China′s satellite-based surveying projects in various stages, including some existing problems. Finally, the ideas for the future development of satellite-based surveying are put forward.

Key words: satellite topographic survey, satellite gravimetry, satellite altimetry, magnetic measuring, return satellite, satellite transmission type measuring