Realization of a global vertical reference system

Abstract

The basic concepts for the realization of a world height system and the unification of existing vertical reference systems will be presented. To proceed towards a unified physical height system at the centimetre accuracy level a unique global height datum, consistent parameters, models and processing procedures of the Terrestrial Reference Frame (TRF) and gravity field, a closed theory for the combination of parameters (space techniques, gravity), consideration of time depended influences, and concepts for the realization are needed.