The aim of the course is to provide the basic knowledge of procrustes analysis and the state of the art of its applications in geodetic sciences. Procrustes analysis is a well known technique used to directly provide least squares matching of two or more data matrices or for the multidimensional rotation and scaling of different matrix configurations. Applied at first as a useful tool in statistics, today it has become a popular method of shape analysis. Recent applications of procrustes analysis in geodetic sciences have evidenced the peculiarities and the capabilities of this technique, mainly for the general solution of the datum transformation problem. The first part of the course reviews the development of the most significant models, algorithms and statistical issues published in this field. The consistency of Procrustes Estimators and the reconstruction of surfaces from LIDAR measurements will be presented. The second part of the course is devoted to the most significant applications of procrustes analysis techniques in the geodetic field. In particular the datum transformation problem solution and the determination of the vertical deflection in hybrid GPS-LPS networks will be presented. About Photogrammetry, the solution of the classical bundle block adjustment and its extension to the global registration of laser scanning models will be explained. Finally, an original procrustes method to update digital cadastral maps will be proposed. The course is addressed to geodesists, photogrammetrists, GIS users. October 13, 2003 First session "State of the art" 9,00 - 12,30 Lecturer : K. Mardia, Leeds University 1. Introduction to Procrustes Analysis pause 2. Recent Advances in Statistical Procrustes Analysis. Second session “Estimators Consistency and reconstruction of surfaces“ 14,30 - 18,00 Lecturer: V. Patrangenaru, Georgia State University 1. Consistency of Procrustes Estimators pause 2. Procrustes sample means and reconstruction of surfaces from an atlas of LIDAR outputs October 14, 2003 Third session “Geodetic applications“ 9,00 - 12,30 Lecturers: E. Grafarend,, F. Krumm, Stuttgart University 1.Datum transformation problems pause 2.Advanced applications Forth session “Photogrammetric and cartographic applications“ 14,30 - 18,00 Lecturers: F. Crosilla, A. Beinat, Udine University 1. Procrustes analysis and photogrammetry pause 2. Advanced applications in digital mapping