Evaluation of the NAVD 88 Using Aerogravity and Lidar Data in the Gulf of Mexico

Conclusions

•Significant errors exist within the NAVD 88

•Similar magnitude errors could exist within EGM96 or other EGM’s

•Future EGM’s will directly impact the gravimetric geoid solutions at the long to intermediate wavelengths

•Seamless gravity data is needed from deep ocean onto shore and off the opposite national coast(s) to resolve shorter wavelengths

•Resulting gravimetric models can be studied in the context of MDT models to determine the best fitting littoral geoid

•The implication then would be that these models would also be suitable in the interior

•Such geoid models will better resolve orthometric heights and provide an improved relationship between oceanographic and terrestrial applications