Course detail

Physical Geodesy

FAST-NEA047Acad. year: 2024/2025

Fundamentals of gravity potential theory Gravity potential of a general body in outer potential point. Spherical harmonic functions and Legendre´s functions. Poisson´s equation, Laplace´s equation and some of the solutions. Field of centrifugal force of the rotating Earth. Field of tidal forces. Earth´s gravity field. Gravity potential level surfaces of gravity potential. Fundamentals of theory of heights. Stokes´ parameters and their determination. Normal gravity and gravity force field of level spheroids. Earth´s normal gravity field. Measurement of fundamental gravity field parameters. Statistical methods of physical geodesy. Interpolation and extrapolation of gravity anomalies. Modern methods for determination of the Earth´s shape. Fundamentals of Earth´s composition, tidal phemomena, local and regional geodynamics. Earth´s magnetic and thermal field. Practical applications of physical geodesy application in global view.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

prof. Ing. Viliam Vatrt, DrSc.

Department

Institute of Geodesy (GED)

Entry knowledge

Fundamental knowledge of geophysics and theoretical geodesy.

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

Verification of knowledge and skills takes place in exercises. Students are motivated to continuous study even during the lessons. The teacher repeatedly emphasizes essential profile information. The exam is carried out in the form of a test as well as in writing. Evaluation is carried out according to valid principles with a set scale of evaluation.


Extent and forms are specified by guarantor’s regulation updated for every academic year.

Aims

Knowledge of physical fundaments of geodesy. Overview of traditional and contemporary methods of physical geodesy. Acquaintance with contemporary techniques for determination of Earth´s physical parameters.
Student gets knowledge of physical geodesy, geopotencial models and satellite methods for models creation.

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

Not applicable.

Recommended reading

Burša, M., Kostelecký, J.: Space Geodesy and Space Geodynamics. Ministry of Defence CR, 1999. (EN)
Hofmann-Wellenhof, B., Moritz, H.: Physical geodesy. Springer, 2005. (EN)
Burša, M.: Geopotenciál, teoretické základy a modely. Učebnice, díl I, Geografická služba AČR, 2004. (CS)
Burša, M., Vatrt, V., Vojtíšková, M.: Geopotenciál, díl II, Modely a jejich využití v praxi, Geografická služba AČR, 2012.  (CS)
Pick, M.: Advanced Physical Geodesy and Gravimetry. Ministry of Defence CR, 2000. (EN)

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

26 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

prof. Ing. Viliam Vatrt, DrSc.

Syllabus

1. Geopotential models. 2. Tidal deformations. 3. Satellite altimetry. 4. Determination of Earth´s crust motions 1. 5. Determination of Earth´s crust motions 2. 6. Gyroscopes. 7. Acceleration sensors. 8. Inertial systems. 9. Satellite systems. 10. Integration of inertial and satellite systems. 11. Advanced international research projects. 12. geophysical methods - practical applications.

Exercise

26 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

prof. Ing. Viliam Vatrt, DrSc.

Syllabus

1. Geoid, quasigeoid profils and theirs difference. 2. Innovative conversion of various type of heights, practical aspectds. 3. Geopotential, gravity potential. 4. Geopotential models testing. 5. Creation of height systém. 6. Improvement of geopotential model.