[3] Due to a limit on space, the first edition intentionally leaves out information on the history of geodesy, only including it when essential to understanding the current practices.

This edition also covered more details on how the development of electronic computers impacted the field of geodesy.

[9] J. C. Harrison, reviewing for Science, stated that a second edition was "most welcome" to make sure the books stayed current with the changing field.

The review's main complaints were that the book focused too heavily on only British perspectives, and that it downplayed the utility of magnetic surveys.

[11] A positive review was published in Geological Magazine by A. H. C., who described the fourth edition as "as comprehensive and up to date as ever.