A unified global height reference system as a basis for IGGOS

The definition of a global height reference system is based on a mean sea surface, gravity field parameters, and a three-dimensional terrestrial reference frame (TRF). Tide gauge records, satellite altimetry, gravity measurements on Earth and from space, TRF coordinates, and spirit levelling have to be combined for the realization of the vertical reference frame. Observations and parameters have to be consistent with respect to the used standards, conventions and models. They have to provide globally unified reference surfaces (geoid or quasigeoid, respectively, and mean sea surface). The continental reference systems of Europe (EUREF, ECGN) and South America (SIRGAS) are considering these requirements in their strategies. They are presented here, and slightly different definitions and realizations for a globally unified height reference system are discussed.