Establishment of a Geometric Geoid Model and Evaluation of the EGM2008 and EIGEN-6CA Models over the Dakar-Thies-Mbour Triangle in Senegal

Abstract

High-accuracy geoid determination is an essential goal that many groups of scientists and countries are striving to achieve. Techniques for determining geoid models have evolved over time. Unfortunately, this all-important determination requires relatively substantial technical and financial resources, depending on the type of geoid to be determined. This situation justifies the inadequacy, and sometimes absence, of accurate geoid models in many countries, despite the new challenges of altimetric positioning using space or satellite positioning techniques. This study focuses on the establishment of a geometric geoid model using simplistic techniques that are accessible and applicable in restricted or wide areas, with or without gravimetric data. The study was applied to the Dakar-Thiès-Mbour triangle, the two regions in the extreme west of Senegal that are home to the most infrastructure projects with the highest socio-economic stakes, as well as mines currently being exploited, and therefore the highest stakes in terms of positioning. This study also enabled us to assess the accuracy of a number of global field models in Senegal, which are used by some professionals for altimetric positioning using Global Positioning Satellite Systems (GNSS) in the absence of a local geoid model. The estimated geoid model is based on the determination of undulation at various sample points in the study area. To this end, a campaign of GNSS observations and direct levelling was carried out on the various points spread across the study area. These measurements were then used to determine the undulation at each point. Bilinear interpolation was used to deduce the undulations throughout the study area, based on the altimeter conversion grid. This grid was evaluated using GPS/level control points.