Course detail

Physical Geodesy

FAST-DEB058Acad. 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

7

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

prof. Ing. Viliam Vatrt, DrSc.

Department

Institute of Geodesy (GED)

Entry knowledge

Fundamental principles of geophysics, astronomy and gravitational theory at the level of bachelor´s and master´s degree.

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

Znalost fyzikálních základů geodézie. Přehled tradičních a současných metod fyzikální geodézie. Seznámení se současnými technikami určování fyzikálních parametrů Země.


Student will study basic issues of physical geodesy, geopotential models and satellite methods for their creation.

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

Hofmann-Wellenhof, B., Moritz, H.: Physical geodesy. Springer, 2005. (EN)

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. (EN)
Pick, M.: Advanced Physical Geodesy and Gravimetry. Ministry of Defence CR, 2000. (EN)

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme DKA-GK Doctoral 1 year of study, summer semester, compulsory-optional
  • Programme DPA-GK Doctoral 1 year of study, summer semester, compulsory-optional
  • Programme DPC-GK Doctoral 1 year of study, summer semester, compulsory-optional
  • Programme DPC-GK Doctoral 1 year of study, summer semester, compulsory-optional

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

39 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

prof. Ing. Viliam Vatrt, DrSc.

Syllabus

1. Gravity potential theory. Spherical harmonic functions and Legendre´s functions. Poisson´s equation, Laplace´s equation and some of the solutions. 2. Field of centrifugal force of the rotating Earth. Field of tidal forces. Earth´s gravity field. Gravity potential level surfaces of gravity potential. 3. Theory of heights. Stokes´ parameters and their determination. Normal gravity and gravity force field of level spheroids. 4. Earth´s normal gravity field. Measurement of fundamental gravity field parameters. 5. Modern methods for determination of the Earth´s shape. 6. Tidal phenomena, local and regional geodynamics. Earth´s magnetic and thermal field. 7. Practical applications of physical geodesy methods.