The 2D time-dependent similarity transformation model as a tool for deformation monitoring

Abstract

Besides the methodology of triangulation and geodetic networks nowadays, the permanent stations of satellite receivers exist, giving extra asset to geodetic daily practice. Permanent stations perform observations incessantly for the visible satellites. However, the coordinates of these stations are often changing over time due to geophysical and tectonic processes. Consequently, these changes are perceived to modern observations. So, along with the coordinates of geodetic points in a given epoch, their changes over time (e.g. the velocities of their movements) are also considered. Furthermore, any change to the reference system definition or/and to the network’s geometry can significantly impact the estimated coordinates and velocities. This paper investigates the reference datum definition problem (or datum problem, or zero order design problem) in a such network over time, which is later generalized for the study of the deformation control-networks. Emphasis is given to techniques of time-dependent 2D transformation models, with numerical tests on a simulation network.