Accuracy of deflections of vertical determined from discrete solution of the geodetic boundary value problem

The general problem of determining the figure of the earth leads to the solution of the geodetic boundary value problem. By its discrete approximation we obtain ‘the discrete disturbing potential’ that maintains all properties of the original problem. Thus, the discrete approximation of the disturbing potential can be used in studying the behaviour of the earth's gravity field outside the disturbing masses. The deflections of the vertical are one of the quantities describing the behaviour of the earth's gravity field. A method for their computation from the discrete solution of the geodetic boundary value problem is put forth and estimates for its accuracy are given.