Error propagation in absolute geodetic networks a continuous approach

Summary

Studies of error propagation in geodetic networks of an absolute type have already been carried through by several authors using various mathematical techniques. The geodetic elasticity theory relies on a continuation of the actual, discrete network. The traditional observation and normal equation matrices are substituted by partial differential equations with corresponding boundary conditions. The continuous approach only reflects the global error behaviour opposed to the discrete case, and produces only asymptotic results. An advantage of the method is that we may directly profit from existing mathematical knowledge. The fundamental solution of the partial differential equations acts as a formal covariance function and yields the best linear unbiased estimates for estimable functions of the adjustment parameters. Levelling networks and networks with distance and azimuth measurements are studied in this framework.