SIRGAS-CON reference frame

DGFI is responsible for the IGS Regional Network Associate Analysis Centre for SIRGAS (IGS RNAAC SIR) since June 1996. Its main objective is to compute and deliver loosely constrained weekly solutions for the reference frame SIRGAS-CON (SIRGAS Continuously Operating Network) to the IGS (International GNSS Service). These solutions are combined together with those generated by the other global and regional IGS Analysis Centres to form the IGS Polyhedron. The processing of the SIRGAS-CON reference frame also includes the computation of weekly station positions referring to the current ITRF (International Terrestrial Reference Frame) and accumulative position and velocity solutions for estimating the kinematics of the network. The first ones are introduced as reference coordinates for surveying applications (GPS positioning, cadastre, etc.) in Latin America, the second ones support scientific and practical projects requiring coordinate time-dependence.

Until 31 August 2008, DGFI processed the entire SIRGAS-CON network in one block only. However, given the large number of SIRGAS-CON stations, this usual one-block processing became unfeasible and it was necessary to re-define the analysis strategy of the network. The new analysis strategy is based on i) defining a core continental network as the primary densification of the ITRF in Latin America and the Caribbean, and ii) improving the geographical density of this core network by means of densification sub-networks. The core network is computed by DGFI. The densification sub-networks are processed by six SIRGAS Local Processing Centres hosted by Latin American Institutions. The individual contributions are integrated in a unified solution by the SIRGAS Combination Centres DGFI and IBGE. The DGFI combinations are provided to the users as the SIRGAS official products, while the IBGE combinations assure redundancy and control for those products. Weekly stations positions as well as multi-year solutions are available at the DGFI FTP Server as well as at the SIRGAS web page.

SIRGAS-CON horizontal velocities (Solution SIR09P01)

References (selected publications)

Sánchez, L., C. Brunini (2009). Achievements and Challenges of SIRGAS. In: Drewes, H. (Ed.): Geodetic Reference Frames, IAG Symposia; Springer, Vol. 134: 161-166.

Sánchez, L., W. Seemüller (2009). SIRGAS Combination Centre at DGFI: report for the SIRGAS 2009 General Meeting. Presented at the SIRGAS 2009 General Meeting. Buenos Aires, Argentina. September.

Seemüller, W., M. Seitz, L. Sánchez, H. Drewes (2009). The position and velocity solution SIR09P01 of the IGS Regional Network Associate Analysis Centre for SIRGAS (IGS RNAAC SIR). DGFI Report No. 85. DGFI, Munich.

Seemüller, W., L. Sánchez (2009). SIRGAS Processing Centre at DGFI: report for the SIRGAS 2009 General Meeting. Presented at the SIRGAS 2009 General Meeting. Buenos Aires, Argentina. September.

Seemüller, W. (2009). The Position and Velocity Solution DGF06P01 for SIRGAS. In: Drewes, H. (Ed.): Geodetic Reference Frames, IAG Symposia; Springer, Vol. 134: 167-172.

Seemüller, W., H. Drewes (2008). Annual Report 2003-2004 of IGS RNAAC SIR. In: IGS 2001-02 Technical Reports, IGS Central Bureau, (eds), Pasadena, CA: Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Available at igscb.jpl.nasa.gov/igscb/resource/pubs/2003-2004_IGS_Annual_Report.pdf.