Gravity Reference Systems

• Introduction
• Gravimeter
• German Gravity Reference Systems
• European Gravity Reference Systems
• Global Gravity Reference Systems

Introduction

BKG’s gravimetric activities pursue the objective of realizing and maintaining a precise and uniform gravity standard for the Federal Republic of Germany, providing basic data for gravity anomalies and geoid models and for the analysis of mass and height changes.

For this purpose, measurements are carried out by means of stationary transportable absolute and spring gravimeters as well as with Superconducting Gravimeters. Continuous recordings are performed in Germany at Bad Homburg and Wettzell. Regular monitoring measurements with the absolute gravimeter are carried out at the stations of the German Primary Gravity Network and in combined geodetic networks in Germany and Europe. Further gravity measurements are necessary to secure the international gravity standard and for integration into the global reference system.