Regional gravity field modelling is essential for increasing the resolution and accuracy of global gravity models on regional and national scales, as it captures small-scale gravity features that are averaged out in global gravity models. In particular, regional and national local geoid models are essential for establishing/maintaining national and regional physical height reference systems for infrastructure planning and for converting GNSS heights to physical heights (i.e. heights above sea level). Observed regional gravity field quantities are essential for detecting subsurface mass density anomalies, which are useful for exploring minerals, oil and gas or geothermal energy. They also support geological mapping and basement structure analysis, and studies of regional crustal structure, tectonic uplift/subsidence, and volcanic activity. Moreover, they are useful for improving modelling and monitoring regional water storage changes, glacier melting, and groundwater depletion, especially when satellite gravity data is integrated. The following geodetic products are key to realising, monitoring and applying this Essential Geodetic Variable:
IAG as part of the IUGG
IAG Related Organisations
IAG collaborates closely with numerous organizations within geodesy and beyond. See the list for details.
This website is provided by the IAG Secretariat and the GGOS Coordinating Office, which are hosted by the BEV – Federal Office of Metrology and Surveying (Bundesamt für Eich- und Vermessungswesen) in Vienna, Austria.