A software package for computing a regional gravimetric geoid model by the KTH method

Abstract

Nowadays, the geodetic community has aimed to determine 1-cm accuracy gravimetric geoid model, which satisfies the demands of most engineering applications. However, the gravimetric geoid determination is a difficult mission which needs an exclusive attention to obtain reliable results for this purpose. Today, Least-Squares Modification of Stokes (LSMS) formula which is so-called the KTH method (Swedish Royal Institute of Technology) has been performed in the regional geoid studies. Based upon the earlier investigations, the KTH method provides more reasonable results than the Remove Compute Restore technique, especially in roughly terrain with sparse terrestrial gravity data. Nevertheless, a compact and practical software package is now not available for users and researchers in geosciences. Thus, in this paper, a scientific software called “LSMSSOFT” is developed and presented by adding a new algorithm which speeds up the evaluation of Stokes’ integral. Afterwards, the LSMSSOFT is applied to a case study for the construction of a geoid model over the Auvergne test area in France. Consequently, the algorithm treated in the software and its results imply that the LSMSSOFT is an alternative software package for modelling the gravimetric geoid by the KTH method.