Course content

An introduction to classical mechanics, Earth's gravity potential, Low satellite orbits, Perturbation theory, orbit determination, orbit analysis, Earth's gravity field parameter determination, Satellite altimetry (projects), Altimeter measurements, Mean sea surface (MSS)determination, Sea surface topography (SST), Applications (for example in ocean circulation and transport).

Learning outcome

Learning objective: After completing the course the candidate shall have an in-depth understanding of satellite monitoring of Earth’s deformation and change in time. Knowledge: After completing the course, the candidate shall have knowledge about how satellites monitor Earth’s water, ice and land surfaces and their changes in time, knowledge of methods and techniques for determination of Earth’s deformation and change in time using different satellite gravimetry and altimetry missions and analysis of the results. Skills: After completing the course, the candidate shall be able to perform sea level changes, Ice mass changes, ocean circulation computations including their sophisticated correction terms, and analysis and interpretation of the results.General competence: After completing the course the candidate shall have obtained ability to work independently and in a team towards relevant research front in Earth observation technology, ability to identify the Earth monitoring satellite data interface and relation with other related disciplines, ability to understand the international perspective of satellite Earth observation technologies and be able to cooperate internationally.

Learning methods and activities

The course will be given as conducted self-tuition, with one project which should be approved before exam.

Compulsory assignments

• Exercise

Specific conditions

Required previous knowledge

Master in geomatics. TBA4565 Geomatics, specialization course TBA4245 GPS and Geodesy or equivalent (some knowledge of Earth's gravity field and satellite observations).

The course will be run if at least 3 students with relevant background wish to attend. If you wish to attend, please contact the course coordinator. Students not admitted to the PhD programme in engineering may be approved by the course coordinator. If so, once you have the course coordinator's written approval to sign up, forward it to the PhD coordinator, maren.grimstad@ntnu.no, and she will sign you up.

Course materials

Vanicek and Krakiwsky (1986) Geodesy: The concepts.Seeber (2002) Satellite Geodesy.Nahavandchi (2003) Satellite gravimetry.Shum C.K. (2004) Lecture notes.Recent articles.