The main tasks of higher geodesy are outlined. Information about the figure and the gravitational field of the Earth is given. The connection of higher geodesy with other sciences is shown. Theoretical bases of creation of control geodetic networks and methods of their fixation on terrain are considered. Description of high-precision instruments is given, sources of measurement errors are analyzed. Particular attention is paid to geometric and trigonometric leveling. Mathematical theory of working of measurement results, methods of equalizing geodetic networks on a plane, including assessment of accuracy of equalized elements, is presented. For students of geodetic specialties of universities.