Derivation of Orthometric Heights from GPS Measured Heights Using Geometric Technique and EGM96 Model

Abstract

As a result of wide spread use of satellite based positioning techniques, especially Global Positioning System (GPS), a greater attention has been focused on precise determination of geoid models with an aim to replace the classical leveling with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) measurements. In this study, geometric technique of deriving orthometric height from GPS survey along a profile and the use of EGM 96 geoid model for deriving orthometric height from GPS data (using GNSS solution software) are discussed. The main focus of the research is to critically examine the potentials of these methods with a view to establishing the optimum technique as an alternative to classical differential levelling. From the results obtained, the standard errors are 1.453m and 1.450m for EGM 96 model and the geometrical approach respectively. From the graphical representation of the residuals from the two methods, it was observed that the two curves suddenly became sinusoidal from station 9 (corresponding to SB08 in the tables). This similarity pattern of the residuals makes it difficult to draw a conclusive judgment between the two methods examined; however, from the standard errors, it could be inferred that the geometrical technique gave a better result over EGM 96 model.

Key Words: Geometrical Interpolation, EGM 96 Model, Orthometric Heights, Ellipsoidal Heights