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103-0187-AAL 4 Credits MSC D-BAUG
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Satellite Geodesy

Enrolment ONLY for MSc students with a decree declaring this course unit as an additional admission requirement. Any other students (e.g. incoming exchange students, doctoral students) CANNOT enrol for this course unit.
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:07:47

Abstract

GPS, VLBI, SLR/LLR and satellite altimetry: Principles, instrumentation and observation equation. Modelling and estimation of station coordinates and station motion. Ionospheric and tropospheric refraction and estimation of atmospheric parameters. Basics of satellite orbit determination.

Objective

Understanding the major observation techniques in space geodesy as modern methods applied in Earth system monitoring (geometry, rotation and gravity field of the Earth and the atmosphere), in national surveying and navigation.

Content

Overview of GPS, VLBI, Satellite and Lunar Laser Ranging (SLR/LLR), Satellite Radar Altimetry with the basic principles, the instruments and observation equations. Modelling of the station motions and the estimation of station coordinates. Basics of wave propagation in the atmosphere. Signal propagation in the ionosphere and troposphere for the different observation techniques and the determination of atmospheric parameters. Basics of satellite orbit determination.

Resources

Literature

Script M. Rothacher "Space Geodesy"

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC
Frequency
Semesterly recurring

Examination

Type
graded semester performance

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
revision course / private study Satellite Geodesy
Self-study course. No presence required.
No time listed 37 h semesterly

Offered In