Separation between reference surfaces of selected vertical datums

This paper discusses the separation between the reference surface of several vertical datums and the geoid. The data used includes a set of Doppler positioned stations, transformation parameters to convert the Doppler positions to ITRF90, and a potential coefficient model composed of the JGM-2 (NASA model) from degree 2 to 70 plus the OSU91A model from degree 71 to 360. The basic method of analysis is the comparison of a geometric geoid undulation derived from an ellipsoidal height and an orthometric height with the undulation computed from the potential coefficient model The mean difference can imply a bias of the datum reference surface with respect to the geoid. Vertical datums in the following countries were considered: England, Germany, United States, and Australia. The following numbers represent the bias values of each datum after adopting an equatorial radius of 6378136.3m: England (-87 cm), Germany (4 cm), United States (NGVD29 (-26 cm)), NAVD88 (-72 cm), Australia AHD (mainland, -68 cm); AHD (Tasmania, -98 cm). A negative sign indicates the datum reference surface is below the geoid. The 91 cm difference between the datums in England and Germany has been independently estimated as 80 cm. The 30 cm difference between AHD (mainland) and AHD (Tasmania) has been independently estimated as 40 cm. These bias values have been estimated from data where the geometric/ gravimetric geoid undulation difference standard deviation, at one station, is typically ±100 cm, although the mean difference is determined more accurately.The results of this paper can be improved and expanded with more accurate geocentric station positions, more accurate and consistent heights with respect to the local vertical datum, and a more accurate gravity field for the Earth. The ideas developed here provide insight on the determination of a world height system.