Referencing regional geoid-based vertical datums to national tide gauge networks

Abstract The objective of this study is to investigate the best means for referencing a regional geoid-based vertical datum to a network of tide gauges. In this study, a network of 27 tide gauge stations scattered along the coasts of Canada are used in order to assess the replacement of the conventionally derived Canadian Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1928 with a geoid-based datum. This is in-line with the future implementation plan of Canada’s geoid-based vertical height system. A mixed least-squares adjustment was performed for various scenarios, including satellite-only global geoid models, combined global geoid models and regional geoid models. In addition, various sea surface topography and vertical ground motion models were tested for estimating orthometric heights. The resulting approximation of a local equipotential surface is compared to previously published values and considerations for referencing a geoid-based vertical datum to tide gauge networks are emphasized.