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1.2 Basic concepts of Satellite Geodesy

Satellites can be used as:

1) HIGH ORBITING TARGETS, visible over large distances: geometrical method with simultaneous observations (Dynamic no relevant).

2) SENSOR IN THE GRAVITY FIELD OF THE EARTH: dynamical method

The relationship between the observation platform and the target platform leads to the following classification "receiver"-"transmitter":

1) EARTH-to-SPACE methods (the most developped): directions from camera observations, Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR), Doppler positioning (TRANSIT), geodetic use of GPS.

2) SPACE-to-EARTH methods: Radar altimetry, spaceborne laser, satellite gradiometry.

3) SPACE-to-SPACE methods: Satellite to satellite tracking.



Manuel Hernandez Pajares
Thu Jun 4 14:25:37 GMT 1998