GFZ German research centre for geo sciences
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Section 1.1: Space Geodetic Techniques

water vapour profile
(GFZ)
[Translate to English:] Start des PRETTY-Kleinsatelliten
Launch of Vega VV23 rocket. On 9 October at 03:36 CEST the 23rd Vega flight saw 10 satellites launched into Earth orbit. One of these was the small satellite PRETTY (Passive REflectomeTry and DosimeTrY). (Foto: ESA-CNES-Arianespace / Optique Vidéo du CSG)
[Translate to English:] PRETTY-Satellit
PRETTY satellite 2023 in the thermal vacuum chamber of Beyond Gravity, Vienna (Credits: Beyond Gravity)
VLBI Antenna
VLBI antenna at Geodetic Observatory Wettzell. VLBI is one of four space geodetic techniques utilized for the computation of the international Earth-fixed reference frame (ITRF). ITRF is the metric basis for geokinematics, Earth rotation and sea level. (Photo: R. Heinkelmann, GFZ)
GFZ water vapor radiometer
With the GFZ water vapor radiometer on building A17 we measure the integrated water vapor as an important parameter in the climate system in parallel and in close proximity to the GNSS ground station. The radiometer data serve as independent measurements to validate the GNSS data. In addition, the radiometer can also measure vertical profiles of temperature and humidity up to 10 km altitude. (Photo: Torsten Schmidt, GFZ)
GFZ Global GNSS Network 2024
GFZ Global GNSS Network 2024. This map shows the locations where we operate GNSS receivers. GNSS are satellite navigation systems such as GPS and Galileo. We use the recorded data to investigate ground movements, determine the water vapor content of the atmosphere or calculate satellite orbits. (GFZ)
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Our research focuses on the further development and geoscientific applications of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) for the comprehensive observation of the complex Earth system. To this end, we operate more than 100 globally distributed GNSS ground stations and dedicated GNSS receivers on Low Earth Orbiting (LEO)- satellites. Additionally, we utilize extensive international observation infrastructures. This spectrum is complemented by work on Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI), primarily to determine the terrestrial and celestial reference frame and the Earth Orientation Parameters (EOP) as fundamental geodetic data products. This enables us to significantly contribute to various GFZ research topics (atmosphere, ocean/cryosphere, natural hazards, landscape development as well as the MESI scientific infrastructure.

Our geoscientific GNSS applications are incredibly diverse. For example, we can precisely determine the geometric changes of the Earth’s surface within millimeters aiding accurate tracking of continental plate movements. Such measurements in real-time also play a crucial role in early warning systems for natural disasters. By analyzing GNSS signals modified when passing through the Earth’s atmosphere or reflected off its surface, we determine temperature, water vapour, electron density and properties of ocean, land and ice surfaces. Our data are used on a daily basis to improve weather forecasts and contribute to the Global Climate Observing System.

We are firmly integrated in an international environment with numerous interdisciplinary cooperation partners from research, education and industry as well as international organisations and research programmes.

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