Courses - GPS 441
GPS 441 Three-Dimensional
Geodetic Model (catalog description): Conventional
celestial and terrestrial references frames, precession, nutation,
polar motion, geodetic datum, geoid, ellipsoid of revolution,
geodetic coordinates, height systems, 3D geodetic model and model
observations, reduction of observations, observation equations,
partial derivatives, 3D network adjustments, height-controlled 3D
networks, GPS vector observations, review of spherical
trigonometry and spherical harmonic expansions. Prerequisite: GPS
401, GPS 403, equivalent or consent, Lec. 1, Cr. 1
The 3D geodetic model is the
unified model that applies to surveys and networks of any size and
shape. The recent popularity of this model stems from the fact
that it readily incorporates 3-dimensional GPS vector
observations. With accurate geoid undulations now widely
available, the transition for the traditionally separated
"horizontal" and "vertical" datums to the more natural
3-dimensional approach can finally be made. Not only does this
model deal with all observations, it is also by far the simplest
model in many aspects, at least mathematically speaking.
Considerable time will be spent
on the definition of the 3D geodetic model observations and how
these model observations are obtained from the actual, physical
observations. Adjustment techniques will be used amply to study 3D
networks in terms of network size and shape and types of
observations.
Since the formalism of the 3D
geodetic model applies equally well to accurate or less accurate
observations, it is relevant to all engineers and scientists who
position points on the earth from traditional observations with or
without GPS. Common to all applications is the geodetic reference
frame. This unit, therefore, includes details on the definition
and maintenance of the geodetic frame and on geophysical phenomena
that cause temporal variation of coordinates.
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