As defined in the GGOS Terms of Reference, the GGOS Coordinating Board is the central oversight and decision-making body, and represents the IAG Services, Commissions, Inter-Commission Committees, and other entities.

The GGOS Coordinating Board sets the strategic direction of GGOS in consultation with the GGOS Consortium and monitors the implementation of the adopted strategic plan. As such, the Coordinating Board monitors the GGOS Coordinating Office, which is tasked to manage and coordinate day-to-day activities leading to the fulfillment of strategic objectives. The Coordinating Board reports overall progress to the GGOS Consortium.

The strategic plan prepared by the GGOS Coordinated Board is shaped to maximize the benefits of GGOS—the observation system of the International Association of Geodesy—to the scientific community and society as a whole.