The 2013 DGFI realization of the ITRS

Abstract:

The International Terrestrial Reference System (ITRS) is realized by a reference frame every three to five years in order to ensure highest accuracy and topicality. Currently, a new realization called ITRF2013 is computed. Besides technique-specific model improvements and the general adoption of the IERS Conventions (2010) for the first time, non-tidal loading effects will be considered, which are assumed to improve both the accuracy and precision of the frame. Three ITRS Combination Centres are in charge of the computation which is based on the combination of four space geodetic techniques: VLBI, SLR, GNSS and DORIS. The presentation gives an overview of the combination strategy developed by DGFI and discusses its characteristics. It presents the analysis of the individual input data series and the combination results. Depending on the progress of the ITRF2013 effort, the final realization could be presented. Finally, the results of an accuracy assessment for the combined solution are given, including the comparison to a frame without non-tidal loading corrections.