This book covers the entire field of satellite geodesy and is intended to serve as a textbook for advanced undergraduate and graduate students, as well as a reference for professionals and scientists in the fields of engineering and geosciences such as geodesy, surveying engineering, geomatics, geography, navigation, geophysics and oceanography. The text provides a systematic overview of fundamentals including reference systems, time, signal propagation and satellite orbits, together with observation methods such as satellite laser ranging, satellite altimetry, gravity field missions, very long baseline interferometry, Doppler techniques, and Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). Particular emphasis is given to positioning techniques, such as the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System (GPS), and to applications. Numerous examples are included which refer to recent results in the fields of global and regional control networks; gravity field modeling; Earth rotation and global reference frames; crustal motion monitoring; cadastral and engineering surveying; geoinformation systems; land, air, and marine navigation; marine and glacial geodesy; and photogrammetry and remote sensing. This book will be an indispensable source of information for all concerned with satellite geodesy and its applications, in particular for spatial referencing, geoinformation, navigation, geodynamics, and operational positioning.

Proceedings of the 56th Colloquium of the International Astronomical Union held in Warsaw, Poland, September 8-12, 1980

The international symposium Towards an Integrated Global Geodetic Observing System was an initiative of section II Advanced Space Technology of the International Association of Geodesy (lAG). Ittook place in the building ofthe Bavarian Academy of Sciences in Munich from October 5 -9, 1998. About 130 scientists from 24 countries participated in the symposium. It was organized jointly by the Deutsches Geodatisches F orschungsinstitut and the Institut fUr Astronomische und Physikalische Geodasie/Technische Universitat MUnchen. The objective of the symposium was an analysis of the state-of-art of geodetic space techniques and an outlook into the possibility of the establishment of a global integrated observing system. In view of the fact that most geodetic space techniques have reached or approach the one part per billion relative precision level the question arises what their j oint and coordinated operation could offer to the study of system Earth. For this purpose the symposium was divided into four themes, i. e. reference system and datum integration, strength and weakness of space techniques, upcoming gravity field satellite missions, and implications for Earth sciences. Each of these themes was addressed by invited lectures of prominent scientists with sufficient time left for discussion. The oral sessions were complemented by poster sessions. A panel discussion at the closing session completed the program.

An in-depth description of the theory and mathematical models behind the application of the global positioning system in geodesy and geodynamics. The contributions by leading experts in the field ensure a continuous flow of ideas and developments. The mathematical models for GPS measurements are developed in the first half of the book, and these are followed by GPS solutions for geodetic applications on local, regional and global scales.

Current studies of recent crustal movement are presented using space and terrestrial geodetic methods. Results of the studies, as well as methodological questions related to monitoring, are discussed. Papers are grouped within the following section headings: - Global Plate Motions Instrumentation and Modeling; - Regional Dynamics Modeling of Deformation; - Deformation Studies by GPS Horizontal Crustal Movements; - Vertical Crustal Movements; - Gravimetry and Crustal Deformation This volume is a comprehensive reference for research scientists and students.