This paper shows how terrestrial geodetic networks can be rigorously adjusted in three dimensions. It summarizes investigations about the types of field data and how many of each type are necessary for the adjustment, the role of coordinate systems used, the mathematical models and which methods of least squares adjustment are desirable, and the attainable accuracies of adjusted parameters for chosen precisions of field observations. The trends for optimum design and minimum field data requirements for successful terrestrial three-dimensional adjustment are indicated. The conclusions relied on extensive use of statistical tests. Both simulated and real network data were used.
Read full abstract