Three-dimensional adjustment of integrated geodetic observables in Earth-centred and Earth-fixed coordinate system

Abstract

The demand for integrated adjustment of different geodetic observables arose from practical reasons. The popular basic concept of the seventies and sixties was reconsidered. A new procedure was developed for the adjustment of precise geodetic observables, by which the astro-gravimetric data—geoid undulations and deflections of the vertical—can be taken into account in different ways. New “quasi-linear” observation equations were introduced for geodetic total stations measurement, which have a more convenient numerical advantage with respect to traditional approach. The method is tested and demonstrated by field measurements. Rotational residuals and additional parameters—scale differences and antenna phase centre offsets—can be used to handle the outliers of GNSS baseline components aided by proper statistical tests. The common application of GNSS baselines and levelled height differences proved to be an efficient tool to improve the height component of local 3D networks. If the deflections of the vertical are comparable to the accuracy of geodetic total station measurements the integrated adjustment is preferable.