Rigorous mathematical models for the densification and integration of geodetic networks

Existing position information in a network can be integrated with the densification solution in two ways: One way is to obtain a solution of the densification network followed by a merger of this and all other solutions or vice versa. Alternatively, the existing solutions (not used as weighted constraints) can be taken to be pseudo-observations in a simultaneous adjustment with the “new” observations. In both cases, all existing solutions must first be transformed to the coordinate system of the densified network and be statistically compatible with it. Simultaneous densification and integration is discussed through mathematical adjustment models in which the geometrical strength of networks is underscored. The rationale behind densifying and integrating networks either in two different steps or simultaneously is analyzed. It is concluded that the simultaneous approach should be avoided unless the various solutions turn out to be statistically compatible.