Geoid determination using one-step integration

A residual (high-frequency) gravimetric geoid is usually computed from geographically limited ground, sea and/or airborne gravimetric data. The mathematical model for its determination from ground gravity is based on the transformation of observed discrete values of gravity into gravity potential related to either the international ellipsoid or the geoid. The two reference surfaces are used depending on height information that accompanies ground gravity data: traditionally orthometric heights determined by geodetic levelling were used while GPS positioning nowadays allows for estimation of geodetic (ellipsoidal) heights. This transformation is usually performed in two steps: (1) observed values of gravity are downward continued to the ellipsoid or the geoid, and (2) gravity at the ellipsoid or the geoid is transformed into the corresponding potential. Each of these two steps represents the solution of one geodetic boundary-value problem of potential theory, namely the first and second or third problem. Thus two different geodetic boundary-value problems must be formulated and solved, which requires numerical evaluation of two surface integrals. In this contribution, a mathematical model in the form of a single Fredholm integral equation of the first kind is presented and numerically investigated. This model combines the solution of the first and second/third boundary-value problems and transforms ground gravity disturbances or anomalies into the harmonically downward continued disturbing potential at the ellipsoid or the geoid directly. Numerical tests show that the new approach offers an efficient and stable solution for the determination of the residual geoid from ground gravity data.