The Department of Defense World Geodetic System 1972

Abstract

An improved World Geodetic System has been developed to satisfy the mapping, charting, and geodetic needs of the Department of Defense. The system, designated WGS 72, represents the culmination of approximately five years of data collection within the Department of Defense and the scientific community. Principal agencies involved in the developmental cycle include the USAF, Defense Mapping Agency, US Naval Weapons Laboratory, and Naval Oceanographic Office. The method of solution for an adjustment of this magnitude is characterized by the formation of a large scale matrix by combining normal matrices from each of the major data input sets. The scaling and weighting processes for the final matrix are discussed. The resultant ellipsoid parameters, datum shifts and their related accuracies are presented and compared against similar quantities in other recent geocentric systems.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 1974
Accession Number
ADA110165

Entities

People

  • Thomas O. Seppelin

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accuracy
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Computational Science
  • Computer Programs
  • Coordinate Systems
  • Data Sets
  • Department Of Defense
  • Geodesy
  • Geodetic Satellites
  • Gravitational Fields
  • Gravity
  • Gravity Anomalies
  • Grids
  • Islands
  • Jet Propulsion
  • Tracking Stations
  • World Geodetic System

Readers

  • Geodesy
  • Regression Analysis.
  • Technical Research and Report Writing.