GNSS Gravity Leveling

Abstract

A new method of GNSS gravity leveling is introduced to determine precisely normal height differences, Both the principle and application of the method are elaborated. Leveling surveying, gravity measurements, and GNSS measurements are carried out in a special region (including slopes, valleys and mountain ridges) to verify its accuracy by combining with gravity potential model. The results show that the precision by this method is mainly influenced by ellipsoidal height differences, gravity potential models, and gravity observations. However, the error by this method exhibits a clear linear relationship with the height difference, while it is independent of the length of the survey line. Within a specific range of height differences (within 360 m), the precision of the GNSS gravity leveling can reach the level of ± 10 mm. This method can, to some extent, provides a modern solution for height measurement which can replace the high-precision leveling surveying. The advantages of GNSS gravity leveling include high precision and high efficiency. It has a promising application prospect in geodesy, hydraulic engineering, earthquake and volcano monitoring.