George Davidson (May 9, 1825 – December 1, 1911) was a geodesist, astronomer, geographer, surveyor and engineer in the United States.

[2] While a student, he had shown interest in scientific work, and had assisted Alexander D. Bache in his observations of the magnetic elements at Girard College.

For the next decade, Davidson engaged in field work to determine the exact latitude and longitude of prominent capes, bays, etc., and of the magnetic elements of the Pacific Coast, reporting also upon the proper locations for lighthouses.

His work included a survey of Washington, Cape Flattery, and Puget sounds, and he had charge of the main triangulation of the coast in the region of San Francisco.

[6] From 1876 to 1886, he had charge of the main triangulation and astronomical work on the west coast; the records of the computing division showed that the results of his observations stood higher than any ever executed in America, Europe, or India, and they were characterized as "unique in the history of geodesy.

At that time, it was the longest base line yet attempted in trigonometrical operations, and the system of triangulation directly connected therewith was called in his honor the "Davidson quadrilaterals".

[11] He contributed numerous papers to the California Academy of Sciences, and published a quantity of special reports contained in government publications.