An adaptive approach to optimise regional geoid undulation model for engineering applications

Abstract

Geoid undulation model is typically used for the conversion between GNSS obtained ellipsoidal heights and their orthometric counterparts. In this study, an adaptive approach for optimizing regional geoid model based on global geoid model and local GNSS/leveling measurements is presented. A rigorous sequential least squares approach coupled with an adjustable criterion is used for identifying appropriate observables so that an optimized model that fulfills a predefined quality level can be automatically produced. It has been demonstrated that a city scale geoid undulation model with a quality level around ± 14$\mathrm{mm}\sqrt{\mathrm{km}}$ can be obtained by applying the proposed approach.

Keywords:

• Adaptive approach
• Geoid undulation
• Surface fitting
• Orthometric height
• GNSS/levelling
• EGM2008

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the anonymous reviewers for their constructive comments that, undoubtedly, helped to enhance the comprehension of our original manuscript.

Additional information

Funding

This article was subsidized for English editing by National Taiwan University under the Excellence Improvement Program for Doctoral Students (grant number 108-2926-I-002-002-MY4), sponsored by Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan.

Notes on contributors

Chun-Jia Huang

Chun-Jia Huang is a Ph.D. candidate at the Department of Civil Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.His research interests include the satellite geodesy, adjustment and data analysis, geographic information system.

Jen-Yu Han

Jen-Yu Han is a Professor at the Department of Civil Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan. He also serves as the Duty Director at the NCREE-NTUCE Joint Artificial Intelligence Research Center. His research interests include geodetic reference frames,error theory, deformation analysis, lidar system, andintelligent image sensor. .