The International Services of the IAG were established to continously collect observations and meta data related to astrometry, geodesy, geophysics and neighbouring disciplines. Participating in the IAG services implies a free access to globally acquired data, exchange of analysis methods, development and application of quality procedures, as well as access to and comparison of value-added products. The participation in a scientific service is completely organized on a voluntary basis, i.e. in no way financial profits are aimed for or achieved by any contributor.
DGFI operates - mostly by long-term commitments - data centers, analysis centers, and combination centers, and takes over various responsibilities and functions in the services (see below). The research of DGFI on space-geodetic observations significantly benefits from the activities in the International Services of IAG through the exchange of data, procedures, and knowledge.