General Remarks on the Potential Use of Atomic Clocks in Relativistic Geodesy

Current developments of optical atomic clocks and in laser technology make it feasible to geodetically exploit relativistic effects instead of just correcting for it in highly accurate measurements. New observables, like direct observations of potential differences, become available and therefore require the development of novel measurement methods. Geodetic tasks will benefit from a consistent relativistic approach. Modern quantum sensor technology provides the practical means to further develop the emerging field of relativistic geodesy.