Correction to: High-fidelity elastic Green’s functions for subduction zone models consistent with the global standard geodetic reference system

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.

ILRS Reference Point Determination Using Close Range Photogrammetry

A global geodetic reference system (GGRS) is realized by physical points on the Earth’s surface and is referred to as a global geodetic reference frame (GGRF). The GGRF is derived by combining several space geodetic techniques, and the reference points of these techniques are the physical points of such a realization. Due to the weak physical connection between the space geodetic techniques, so-called local ties are introduced to the combination procedure. A local tie is the spatial vector defined between the reference points of two space geodetic techniques. It is derivable by local measurements at multitechnique stations, which operate more than one space geodetic technique. Local ties are a crucial component within the intertechnique combination; therefore, erroneous or outdated vectors affect the global results. In order to reach the ambitious accuracy goal of 1 mm for a global position, the global geodetic observing system (GGOS) aims for strategies to improve local ties, and, thus, the reference point determination procedures. In this contribution, close range photogrammetry is applied for the first time to determine the reference point of a laser telescope used for satellite laser ranging (SLR) at Geodetic Observatory Wettzell (GOW). A measurement campaign using various configurations was performed at the Satellite Observing System Wettzell (SOS-W) to evaluate the achievable accuracy and the measurement effort. The bias of the estimates were studied using an unscented transformation. Biases occur if nonlinear functions are replaced and are solved by linear substitute problems. Moreover, the influence of the chosen stochastic model onto the estimates is studied by means of various dispersion matrices of the observations. It is shown that the resulting standard deviations are two to three times overestimated if stochastic dependencies are neglected.

The role of the prediction stategies for the reliable transformation beetween two geodetic reference systems

<p>One of he most common problems of the daily surveying/geodetic/cartographic practice is reliable transformation between two geodetic reference systems. There are plenty of well-known transformation’s models (e.g. 3D Helmert transdformation, 2D silimilarity transformaton, etc) applied for this purpose. Transformation scope is to optimally absorb the systematic inconsistencies of geodetic reference systems. In many cases, the pure deterministic approach is not sufficient, as the geodetic reference systems contain systematic effects, that are not successfully eliminated or reduced. Hence, a more sophiscticated methodology should be implemented, in order to enhance transformation’s accuracy. In this paper a case study is presented, including testing of  different deterministic transformation models between the old Greek Datum and the new official 1987 Hellenic Geodetic Reference System The estimated residuals do not fullfill the present needs of accuracy, thus we further implement some specified prediction models. The final outcome reads an improvement of the transformation between these two geodetic reference systems.</p>

BIM and GIS integration for infrastructure analysis

<p>The use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) is certainly increasing, especially in the field of Civil Engineering and Architecture. In recent years, research for new solutions has focused on the integration of BIM and GIS (Geographic Information System), referred to as GeoBIM. Most applications focus on issues related to the import and interoperability of BIM data into a GIS environment and vice versa. Data integration in a well-designed GeoBIM should address the following aspects: i) data harmonization and consistency (e.g., accuracy estimation, geometric and semantic representation, amount of detail, geo-referencing); ii) interoperability of data coming from different sources; iii) transformation of a set of data into a standardized format. One of the most evident inconsistencies if working with BIM or GIS is in the georeferencing of data: BIM designers work in a local Cartesian system while the terrain morphology is referred to a Geodetic Reference System, in the case of Europe, and therefore also for Italy, such system is the ETRS89, realization ETRF2000. The objective of this work is to achieve a true integration between BIM and GIS through the use and combination of the strengths of both technologies: the semantic and spatial component of GIS with the 3D and detailed information coming from the BIM model. A model that meets these requirements will allow a management of the structure and / or infrastructure in a wider and more complete context; therefore, not only at the local level but will be applicable to structures that have a strong impact with the territory and located in areas subject to hydrogeological risk. One of the innovative aspects of the study is the integration of the regional Topographic Database (TDB) with the altimetric component extracted automatically from LiDAR data; the process aims to allow the reconstruction of the volumes in an automated way of each object to define the 3D spatial attribute for the purposes of three-dimensional modeling. The study area is located near the “Monti Lattari” in the Campania Region, in southern Italy. The whole area consists of areas exposed to high hydrogeological risk, characterized by the presence of a complex infrastructural network (railway, highway, national and provincial roads), rich in viaducts, tunnels and galleries. In details, the GeoBIM model of a viaduct (Olivieri Viaduct), built between the years ‘50 and ‘60, has been made. The main structure is a Maillart-arch-type bridge, made of reinforced concrete with a continuous frame deck and two access viaducts. The structural model has been generated from the point cloud acquired by Terrestrial Laser Scanner (TLS). The BIM model has been realized by using Revit software package (Autodesk), which allowed to organize the information useful to define the entire viaduct: each virtual element has been “informed” with all the parameters and characteristics of the structural elements. The next work phase was addressed to the design of a workflow able to combine the BIM model into a GIS developed by using ESRI tools. So, the parametric model produced in Revit is transformed into a GeoDatabase.</p>

High-fidelity elastic Green’s functions for subduction zone models consistent with the global standard geodetic reference system

Green’s functions (GFs) for elastic deformation due to unit slip on the fault plane comprise an essential tool for estimating earthquake rupture and underground preparation processes. These estimation results are often applied to generate important information for public such as seismic and tsunami hazard assessments. So, it is important to minimize the distortion of the estimation results on the numerical models used for calculating GFs to guarantee assessment reliability. For this purpose, we here calculated GFs based on a numerical model that is of high fidelity to obtain realistic topography and subsurface structural models of the Earth. We targeted two well-known subduction zones in Japan, the Nankai Trough and the Japan Trench. For these subduction zones, databases for realistic topography and subsurface structural models of the Earth are available in the “Japan integrated velocity structure model version 1”, which was proposed for earthquake hazard assessments conducted by the Japanese government. Furthermore, we eliminated the inconsistency in processing calculated GFs and space geodetic observation data for surface displacements, which is often overlooked, by using the same coordinate system. The ellipsoidal shape of the Earth, which is often approximated with a projected plane or a spherical shape, was also incorporated by faithfully following the definitions of the coordinate systems in Geodetic Reference System 1980, which is the global standard for space geodesy. To calculate elastic GFs based on such high-fidelity subduction zone databases with the ellipsoidal shape of the Earth, we introduced the finite element (FE) method. In the FE meshes, the resolution of the topography and subsurface structure is the same as that of the original databases. Recent development of the state-of-the-art computation techniques for the rapid calculation of crustal deformation using large-scale FE models allows for GF calculation based on such a high-fidelity model. However, it is generally not easy to perform such calculations. Thus, we released a library for the GFs calculated with 1-km grid spacing on the ground surface in this study to the geoscience community on a web server, aiming to contribute more reliable seismic and tsunami hazard assessment.

Sistemas Geodésicos de Referência: Rumo ao GGRS/GGRF

O estabelecimento de Sistemas Geodésicos de Referência globais integrando características geométricas e físicas é um dos desafios atuais da Geodésia, principalmente devido às demandas de diversas áreas do conhecimento de que as informações relacionadas aos Sistemas de Observação da Terra (EOS – Earth Observation Systems), sejam integradas em Redes Geodésicas de Referência (RGRs) com uma acurácia de 10-9 ou melhor. O surgimento das técnicas de posicionamento espacial trouxe melhora significativa na qualidade posicional e possibilitou a substituição das RGRs clássicas por redes modernas com características globais. Hoje, a questão das coordenadas de caráter geométrico, está bem resolvida com o ITRS/ITRF (International Terrestrial Reference System/International Terrestrial Reference Frame). Todavia, aspectos associados a diversos processos físicos, tais como os reflexos das redistribuições de massa, não são atendidos por referenciais puramente geométricos. A aprovação da resolução para o GGRS/GGRF (Global Geodetic Reference System/Global Geodetic Reference Frame) surge com a visão da integração entre o referencial terrestre, o celeste, um referencial com características físicas para as altitudes e a nova rede global de gravidade absoluta. Esforços têm sido feitos para definição e realização deste referencial global para as altitudes. É uma tarefa complexa em vista das características clássicas dos referenciais verticais, heterogeneidade em termos de qualidade e distribuição espacial de dados necessários, principalmente os relacionados ao campo de gravidade da Terra. Apresentam-se como grandes desafios para o futuro a necessidade de estabelecimento de procedimentos padrão para a integração ao referencial altimétrico global e a precisão necessária para o estabelecimento dos EOS.

Integrated Geomatic Techniques for Georeferencing and Reconstructing the Position of Underground Archaeological Sites: The Case Study of the Augustus Sundial (Rome)

A large part of the archaeological remains still to be discovered and excavated are not in remote and depopulated areas of the earth but are often beneath urban centres that have buried them with centuries of debris and later constructions. Excavating in these contexts is much more complex than digging in rural or sparsely inhabited areas because of the constraints imposed by existing buildings and infrastructure. It should also be considered that within an urbanised area, any archaeological remains are concentrated in the subsoil of the historic centre, which is, therefore, often surmounted by buildings that are more recent than the remains but historical as well, and thus, of considerable value and vulnerability. For this reason, an archaeological excavation in an urban area must be preceded by a real feasibility study, where the potential risks for the structures above are minimised and accurately quantified. In many situations, as in the case under study, the discovery of a small segment of a structure is the only clue to reconstruct the development of the remaining part still to be excavated, which may stretch tens or hundreds of metres away from the measurable part. As a consequence, an error of a few centimetres in the survey of the excavated part can lead to errors of metres in estimating the positions of the far parts still to be excavated, and this, in many cases, as in the one under study, must absolutely be avoided. In practice, high-precision geomatic surveys, in support of the archaeological and historical interpretation of the observable structures, will help to establish the exact locations to possibly continue the excavations, helping the accurate planning of the excavation itself. Here, we have shown how the various techniques, compared to each other, have made it possible to reconstruct the location of a short stretch (less than 7 m) of the Emperor Augustus’ Sundial, the only currently visible evidence of a scientific instrument of imposing dimensions (tens of metres in length and height) that served to define some of the characteristics of the calendar that we still use today. The portion of the sundial currently observable, according to the most reliable hypotheses, is located approximately at one end of a structure and extends for several tens of metres. The accurate positioning of the observable parts in a geodetic reference system will enable to identify with certainty the possible areas in which excavation may continue and will also allow to accurately reconstruct the principle of operation of the sundial through an approach that could be defined as “reverse engineering” of the scientific instrument itself. The aim of this work is to study and thus define the combination and integration of existing geomatic techniques for this specific field of application.

High Delity Elastic Green's Functions for Subduction Zone Models Consistent With the Global Standard Geodetic Reference System

Green's functions (GFs) for elastic deformation due to unit slip on the fault plane comprise an essential tool for estimating earthquake rupture and underground preparation processes. These estimation results are often applied to generate important information for public such as seismic and tsunami hazard assessments. So, it is important to minimize the distortion of the estimation results on the numerical models used for calculating GFs to guarantee assessment reliability. For this purpose, we here calculated GFs based on a numerical model that is of high delity to obtain realistic topography and subsurface structural models of the Earth. We targeted two well-known subduction zones in Japan, the Nankai Trough and the Japan Trench. For these subduction zones, databases for realistic topography and subsurface structural models of the Earth are available in the \Japan integrated velocity structure model version 1", which was proposed for earthquake hazard assessments conducted by the Japanese government.Furthermore, in order to eliminate inconsistencies in data processing of the calculated and observed response, we used the same coordinate systems for processing GFs as those adopted widely to process space geodetic observation data for surface displacements. The ellipsoidal shape of the Earth, which is often approximated with a projected plane or a spherical shape, was also incorporated by faithfully following the denitions of the coordinate systems in Geodetic Reference System 1980, which is the global standard for space geodesy. To calculate elastic GFs based on such high delity subduction zone databases with the ellipsoidal shape of the Earth, we introduced the nite element (FE) method. In the FE meshes, the resolution of the topography and subsurface structure is the same as that of the original databases. Recent development of the state-of-the-art computation techniques for the rapid calculation of crustal deformation using large-scale FE models allows for GF calculation based on such a high delity model. However, it is generally not easy to perform such calculations. Thus, we released a library for the GFs calculated in this study to the geoscience community on a web server, aiming to contribute more reliable seismic and tsunami hazard assessment.

CORS Usage for GPS Survey in the Greater Accra Region: Advantages, Limitation, and Suggested Remedies

The use of Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS) enables surveyors to differentially correct static Global Positioning System (GPS) measurements. CORS are designed to support the broad spectrum of post-processed, relative GPS techniques, and applications. Enhancing geospatial positioning applications of CORS data involves the critical role in defining the nation’s geodetic reference system. With the establishment of a coordinated system of CORS, an Online Positioning User Service can become available for processing in single positioning mode to provide corresponding accurate and homogeneous positional coordinates. The Survey and Mapping Division (SMD), Lands Commission of Ghana, has established four CORS in the Greater Accra, and Ashanti, Western and Brong-Ahafo Regions, respectively, to provide a basic CORS network in accordance with the International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF). However, most surveyors continue to reference their works in these regions to ground survey beacons that have been coordinated and adjusted by variable survey methods. This obviously makes homogeneity of data unpredictable. This study explored the extent of usage of existing CORS network established by SMD with particular focus on the CORS in the Greater Accra Region for GPS surveys and to determine its usefulness in ensuring homogeneity in GPS data collection. The professional participatory (interviews) technique was coupled with differential GPS field observations with the CORS as reference in one case and ground control stations as reference in the other in making relatively conclusive analysis. Test results showed that GPS field survey of an approximate range of 23 km away from the Accra CORS yielded an average positional change in Northings and Eastings of − 0.790 m, − 0.176 m and − 0.681 m, − 0.098 m for single and dual frequency, respectively, in different localities within the study area. Beyond a range of 25 km from the Accra CORS, the average positional change in Northings and Eastings are − 0.536 m, − 0.007 m and − 1.370 m, 0.334 m for single and dual frequency respectively. Of 128 geomatic professionals interviewed, 39% are aware of the availability of COR stations in Greater Accra, 61% are unaware, and 28% are aware and users of the Accra CORS whereas 11% are aware but non-users of the Accra COR station. Of all users sampled, 17.5% are regular and frequent users of the Accra COR station and 10.5% are occasional or seldom users. The results show that the Accra CORS is vital to ensuring a uniform homogenous GPS data. However, very few people are using it due to low public awareness of the usefulness of the CORS among professional surveyors and other users and a cumbersome, bureaucratic nature in CORS data acquisition for post-processing and RTK GPS surveys.

Deformation detection through the realization of reference frames

Hellenic Military Geographical Service (HMGS) has established and measured various networks in Greece which constitute the geodetic infrastructure of the country. One of them is the triangulation network consisting of about 26.000 pillars all over Greece. Classical geodetic measurements that held by the Hellenic Military Geographic Service (HMGS) through the years have been used after adjustment for the state reference frame which materializes the current Hellenic Geodetic Reference System of 1987 (HGRS87). The aforementioned Reference System (RS) is a static one and is in use since 1990. Through the years especially in the era of satellite navigation systems many Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) networks have been established. The latest such network materialized by HMGS is ongoing and covers until now more than the 2/3 of the country. It is referenced by International GNSS Service (IGS) permanent stations and consists a local densification IGS08 Reference Frame. Firstly, this gives the opportunity to calculate transformation parameters between the two systems and a statistical analysis of the residuals leads to intermediate conclusions. After that and in conjunction with existing past transformations, tectonic deformations and their directions are concluded. Moreover past GPS observations on the same pillars in compare to the newer ones give also a sense of tectonic displacements. Greece is one of the most tectonically active countries in Europe and the adoption of a modern kinematic or semi-kinematic geodetic datum is a necessity as it should incorporate a deformation model like 3d velocities on the reference frame realization. The detection of geodynamic changes is a continuous need and should be taken into consideration at each epoch.