Improved Estimation of the Earth's Gravity Field.

Abstract

This final report describes research activities carried out by three investigators. The studies of N. Balsubramania related to vertical datums and how one might use geodetic techniques to connect the many vertical datums of the world. In addition he implemented data analysis using information at 17 space geodetic stations in six regional vertical datums. This data, with gravity field information, was used to define a global vertical datum and relate the regional datums to the ideal datum. Rapp prepared several papers related to the vertical datum question. The papers emphasized the importance of the geoid undulation, or height anomaly, in connecting vertical datums. Aspects of this research led to a proposal for a World Vertical Datum. In order to determine an improved gravity field for vertical datum purpose, a joint MA/GSFC project was established. This report describes the role that Rapp and Jekeli have played in the project. Jekeli pursued studies related to improved ways to carry out a harmonic analysis of discrete and average values. These studies developed equations to describe the aliasing error of the harmonic coefficient estimate. Equations are described that, when used to calculate average values, reduce the aliasing effects. Two papers and two presentations reflecting research carried out under this contract are included as an appendix. (AN)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 1995
Accession Number
ADA297438

Entities

People

  • Christopher Jekeli
  • Richard H. Rapp

Organizations

  • Ohio State University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accuracy
  • Altimeters
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Coefficients
  • Computations
  • Contracts
  • Data Analysis
  • Geodesy
  • Gravity Anomalies
  • Grids
  • Harmonic Analysis
  • Information Science
  • Legendre Functions
  • Operating Systems
  • Sea Level
  • Two Dimensional
  • World Geodetic System

Readers

  • Geodesy
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.
  • Technical Research and Report Writing.

Technology Areas

  • Space