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Articles

Number 6 (2011)

Ellipsoidally Referenced Surveys: Issues and Solutions

Submitted
August 13, 2013
Published
2011-06-06

Abstract

One of the most significant issues in hydrography today is the use of the ellipsoid as a vertical reference for surveying measurements. High-accuracy GPS is used to vertically position hydrographic data collection platforms, relating bathymetric observations directly to the ellipsoid. Models are used to translate those observations to another datum. The use of high-accuracy vertical GPS and translation models to replace traditional tidal correctors is relatively new to the hydrographic community and, as such, requires some discussion. Even though individual components of the process are well understood in their particular field, it is their amalgamation and application to hydrography that requires explanation, clarification and evaluation.Many hydrographic organizations around the world are using Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) derived heights in their data collection and processing stream. The International Federation of Surveyors (FIG) has recognized the importance of these new developments and has established a new working group under Commission 4, tasked to developing best practices for Ellipsoidally Referenced Surveys (ERS). Over twenty groups from academia, industry and government who are engaged in some form of ERS have provided the working group with a summary of their practices and experiences. This paper outlines the issues related to ERS and summarizes the solutions being employed.