Research Projects

Geoid, an equipotential surface of the Earth's gravity field, is a reference surface for physically meaningful heights, such as orthometric height or height above mean sea level. Geoid models are adopted as national vertical datums in countries like Canada, New Zealand, USA, and Turkey. A precise gravimetric geoid model is essential for infrastructure development, geoscientific activities, and impact assessment studies. Stokes' 1849 formula for calculating geoid using gravity anomalies has led to different geoid modelling methods. The Colorado geoid experiment highlights the importance of comparing multiple methods and parameter sweeps for computing precise national geoid. Geoid models are also crucial for Deformation and Seismic Modeling (DEM/DSM) developed using LiDAR/UAV/satellite data. The quality of flood mapping and hydrodynamic modeling relies on the accuracy of available data for hydrological research and river monitoring. The project GARUDA Geoid Analysis using Rigorously Unique methods, for DEM and its Applications proposes a pilot project scalable to the national level to test four distinctive geoid modeling methods for realistic representation of terrains.