The geodetic products that describe the system Earth are of high quality, although the Global Geodetic Observing System (GGOS) goals of 1 mm accuracy and 0.1 mm/yr stability for the terrestrial reference frame, the Earth Orientation Parameters (EOPs) and the static and time-variable gravity field of the Earth are not yet fully reached. There are limiting factors that need to be detected, analyzed, and quantified. In this context, the usage of a sub-set of available observations only, degrading station equipment quality, limitations in the observing concepts and analysis and combination methods evoke the question whether and how the derived Earth system products can be improved.
In principle, there are two ways to investigate the best methods for improving geodetic products. (A) New strategies of handling, analyzing and combining the already existing space-geodetic observations need to be developed. (B) The existing observing infrastructure should be extended by new stations, new satellite missions, and new types of observations or new observing concepts. In the latter case, simulation studies are indispensable.
This session provides a platform for presentations of new strategies, new analysis methods and simulation studies seeking to improve the determination of Earth system parameters and geodetic products such as the Terrestrial and Celestial Reference Frame (TRF, CRF), EOPs, Earth’s gravity field, satellite orbits, as well as atmospheric key parameters. Presentations investigating approaches for reaching a better consistency between the individual parameters are highly welcomed, e.g., studies towards consistent estimation of the TRF, CRF and EOPs. Concerning consistency, novel approaches to achieve a consistent estimation of the three pillars of geodesy, i.e., geometry, orientation and gravity, are also welcomed. In addition we are seeking contributions focusing on alternative analysis concepts such as employing co-locations in space, clock ties, or atmospheric ties. Simulation studies investigating dedicated co-location satellites or novel observation methods (e.g. inter-satellite links or VLBI tracking of GNSS satellites) and their potential for improving the geodetic parameters are also invited. Many of the aspects mentioned above are brought together within the GGOS Standing Committee PLATO (Performance Simulations and Architectural Trade-Offs). Therefore, contributions related to the activities carried out within this group are also appreciated.