World Geodetic System 1984,
Abstract
The Defense Mapping Agency (DMA) has developed World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS 84) as a replacement for WGS 72. The defining parameters and reference frame orientation of the WGS 84 Ellipsoid, and the WGS 84 ellipsoidal gravity formula, are those of the internationally-sanctioned Geodetic Reference System 1980. The WGS 84 Earth Gravitational Model (EGM), complete through degree (n) and order (m) 180, was developed using various types of data. The low degree and order portion of the WGS 84 EBM (through n=m=41) was developed from a weighted least squares solution based on use of surface gravity data, satellite radar altimetry, laser and Doppler satellite tracking data, range difference data (from NAVASTAR satellites), and 'lumped coefficient' data. The WGS 84 EGM coefficients above n=m=41 were determined from a spherical harmonic analysis of a worldwide residual 1 deg x 1 deg mean free-air gravity anomaly field from which the effect of the coefficients through n=m=41 had been removed. The WGS 84 Geoid was formed using a spherical harmonic expansion and the WGS 84 EGM (through n=m=180). Local Geodetic System-to-WGS 84 datum shifts are available for converting geodetic coordinates of approximately 80 local geodetic systems to WGS 84. Since most of the local geodetic systems either had no local geoids or those available were of poor quality, local geoids were prepared.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA167570
Entities
People
- B. L. Decker