TRF – Terrestrial Reference Frame

A Terrestrial Reference Frame provides a precise, stable, and time-evolving coordinate system to locate points on Earth’s surface. It is realized through space geodetic techniques such as VLBI, GNSS, SLR, and DORIS. Global realizations like the International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF2020) offer millimeter-level accuracy and are used for scientific applications such as tectonic motion and sea-level monitoring. In contrast, WGS84 (used by GPS) provides a practical global reference for navigation but with lower absolute accuracy. Regional realizations such as the European Terrestrial Reference Frame (ETRF) are aligned with ITRF but fixed to the stable part of a tectonic plate to support local geodetic and mapping applications.

More Info: https://geodesy.science/item/terrestrial-reference-frame/