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ELEVATIONS (ORTHOMETRIC HEIGHTS) FROM GPS

Key Words: Geoid, Geoid Height (Geoid Undulations), Geoid


Model, Orthometric Heights (Benchmark Elevations),
Ellipsoid Height (Geodetic Height)
GPS is a three-dimensional positioning system, and therefore, it is
possible to obtain elevations from GPS surveys

However, the heights, as measured by GPS, are referenced to the


ellipsoidal surface and not to the geoidal surface

The benchmark elevations used in surveying and engineering are


referenced to the surface of geoid and are called orthometric
heights or (mean sea level) elevations
Geoid undulations, Geoid heights, and Orthometric heights
Geoid is an equi-potential surface that closely follows the
mean sea level in the undisturbed oceans
Geoidal surface has undulations relative to the ellipsoidal
surface due to local variations of gravity

If the geoid heights (geoid undulations) from the ellipsoid in the


project area are known, the orthometric height can be deduced as
given by the following relationship
h=H+N
Where h = geodetic (ellipsoidal) height
H = orthometric height

N = geoid height (geoid undulation)


Note that the values of N can be positive or negative and are
negative in all of conterminous U.S.

Above shows that, at least in theory, if geoid heights in the project


area are known, GPS can be used to determine orthometric heights

However, the geodetic height determined by point positioning is


not sufficiently accurate for any surveying/engineering
applications nor are the geoid heights known to the degree of
accuracy required in these applications

Recall, in relative positioning, the baseline components can be


determined very accurately, and this includes the geodetic height
difference (h) between the two points

The equation given earlier can be written for two points as (refer to
figure shown in class)
h1 = H1 + N1
h2 = H2 + N2
and

h2 - h1 = h = H2 - H1 (H) + N2 - N1 (N)

or H = h - N

In general, the change in geodetic height (h) is not equal to the


change in orthometric height (H) as the geoid undulation varies
from point to point, i.e. ellipsoidal surface and geoidal surface are
not parallel

This means that in order to determine the orthometric height of a


point accurately, both h and N must be determined accurately

Currently, geodetic height differences (h) can be determined by


GPS very accurately due to the availability of better
receivers/antennas
GPS static positioning can determine h to an accuracy of 2-5 cm.
if proper procedures are used (Follow NGS guidelines - See
NOAA Technical Memorandum NOS NGS-58 found at the web
site http://www.ngs.noaa.gov/PUBS_LIB/NGS-58.html)

Geoid heights can be determined from a standard geoid model that


is usually included in some GPS post processing program

So far, several geoid models have been developed by the National


geodetic Survey (NGS) using a large amount of gravity data, i.e.
GEOID90, GEOID93, GEOID96 and GEOID99 (Read information
on geoid models at http://www.ngs.noaa.gov/GEOID/)

With the latest geoid model, geoid height differences (N) can be
determined with uncertainties that are typically better than 1 cm.

over distances up to 20 km. in many areas of the U.S. now


(Zilkoski, p. 68, POB - March 2001)

Following steps should be followed in order to obtain good


orthometric heights using GPS
GPS data must be collected and processed using the guidelines
developed by the NGS
Include a number of reliable benchmarks in the GPS network
Use the latest National Geoid Model

QUESTIONS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

What is orthometric height ?


What kind of heights are used in defining a flood plain ?
Why cannot we use GPS heights directly in surveying and engineering ?
What is the current vertical datum used in the U.S. ?
What is a geoid model ?
What are geoid undulations ?
What are geodetic heights ?
What is the relationship between geodetic heights and orthometric heights ?
Why are the difference of geodetic heights and the difference of orthometric heights
between two points not equal, in general?
10. What height difference is given for a baseline determined by GPS surveying ?

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