Using GPS to Improve Existing Classical Network

Abstract

When seeking to strengthen an existing classical network by integrating global positioning system (GPS) observations, one can determine the needed GPS‐derived distance between stations by the method suggested in the present study, rather than by arbitrary selection or by uniform distribution. In some cases, one may not wish to patch an existing network, but in other cases it may be desirable to temporarily prolong the useful life of a terrestrial network by such additions. The work described has principally focused on the practical considerations necessary to improve the test network by addition of a carefully selected set of GPS‐derived distances. The selection is intended to ensure that lines between all pairs of points in the test network meet the required accuracy standards. The results suggest an interesting, but not surprising, finding that the most useful GPS‐derived distances to add are those between stations whose relative precision are the poorest.