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| South American Geodetic Reference Frame | |
|---|---|
| Name | South American Geodetic Reference Frame |
| Type | continental geodetic reference frame |
| Region | South America |
| Established | 1980s–2000s |
| Datum | geocentric datum |
| Realization | GNSS, VLBI, SLR, Doppler |
South American Geodetic Reference Frame The South American Geodetic Reference Frame is the continental geodetic reference used for positioning, mapping, and geophysics across South America. It provides a consistent set of coordinates and velocities tied to global systems for nations such as Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Colombia. The frame links regional networks to international reference systems managed by institutions such as the International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service, the International GNSS Service, and the International Association of Geodesy.
The frame defines a continental realization of an Earth-centered, Earth-fixed datum connecting national systems used by agencies like the Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística, the Instituto Geográfico Nacional (Argentina), the Servicio Hidrográfico y Oceanográfico de la Armada de Chile, the Instituto Geográfico Nacional (Peru), and the Instituto Geográfico Agustín Codazzi. It interoperates with global techniques from the Global Navigation Satellite System community represented by NASA, the European Space Agency, and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. The reference supports scientific programs involving the Comisión Nacional de Actividades Espaciales, the Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, and the Centro de Investigaciones Geográficas.
Early continental geodetic efforts tied to historical surveys by institutions such as the Royal Geographical Society and expeditions related to the Second Geodetic Survey were succeeded by modern campaigns led by the Pan American Institute of Geography and History and national mapping agencies. The consolidation of a continental frame accelerated with collaboration among Observatorio Nacional (Brazil), the Instituto Geográfico Militar (Chile), and observatories participating in the International Latitude Service. Satellite geodesy milestones involving missions like SEASAT, TOPEX/Poseidon, and Landsat advanced practical realization. Workshops and agreements at forums such as the United Nations Conferences and the Group on Earth Observations catalyzed harmonization across continental networks.
The frame is defined by a conventional origin, scale, orientation, and epoch consistent with the International Terrestrial Reference Frame realizations produced by the International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service. Realization uses observables from the International VLBI Service for Geodesy and Astrometry, the International Laser Ranging Service, and the International GNSS Service with processing centers like the Centro Nacional de Levantamientos Topográficos and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Coordinate epochs tie to standards promulgated by the International Astronomical Union and the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics; velocity fields incorporate tectonic models such as those developed by the South American Plate researchers at the Geological Survey of Brazil and the United States Geological Survey.
Networks include permanent GNSS stations hosted by organizations such as the Rede Brasileira de Monitoramento Contínuo (RBMC), the SIRGAS Permanent Network, and national arrays from Instituto Geográfico Agustín Codazzi and the Dirección General del Instituto Geográfico Nacional (Ecuador). Instruments comprise receivers from vendors collaborating with Trimble, Septentrio, and Topcon as well as space geodetic sensors used in campaigns by the European Space Agency and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Campaigns coordinate with astronomical observatories like the Observatorio Astronómico de Córdoba and geophysical centers such as the Instituto Oceanográfico de la Universidad de São Paulo.
Transformations link the continental frame to national datums (for example, systems maintained by Instituto Geográfico Nacional (Argentina) and Instituto Geográfico Nacional (Peru)) and to global frames like ITRF using Helmert, similarity, and plate-motion based models. Coordinate reference systems applied include geographic, projected, and grid systems used by Mercator-based practices and cartographic standards set by ISO and regional guidelines influenced by the United Nations Regional Cartographic Conference. Geoid models and vertical datums incorporate gravimetric data from missions such as GRACE and GOCE and studies by the International Association of Geodesy.
The frame underpins cadastral systems used by national land agencies like the Serviço de Patrimônio da União, supports infrastructure projects by ministries such as the Ministry of Transport (Brazil) and the Ministerio de Obras Públicas (Chile), and enables hazard monitoring by agencies including the Servicio Geológico Colombiano and the Instituto Geofísico del Perú. Scientific applications involve climate studies conducted with data from NOAA, sea-level research linked to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and tectonic deformation analyses associated with earthquakes documented by the United States Geological Survey and regional observatories.
Governance relies on coordination among continental bodies like the SIRGAS initiative, national mapping agencies including Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística and international bodies such as the International Association of Geodesy and the International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service. Updates follow best practices from working groups at the United Nations Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management and interoperability standards promoted by OGC. Long-term maintenance engages research institutions like the Universidad de Chile, the Universidad Nacional de La Plata, and technical centers at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and European Space Agency.
Category:Geodetic datums