The sequential evaluation of Doppler satellite observations

Evaluation models for Doppler satellite observations, that contain the full geodetic accuracy potential and can easily be applied to moving receiver antennas were investigated. Integrated Doppler counts (the primary observation quantities in the TRANSIT satellite system) were sequentially evaluated using Kalman filter methods. The Kalman form of parameter updating was used as an alternative to normal-equation-oriented algorithms. The application of Kalman filter methods for the determination of time dependent state variables was analyzed, and concepts for programming for positioning with Doppler satellite methods were developed. The off-line programming system is shown to be very flexible. The on-line system consists essentially of real time programs, and does not require majority voting and polynomial representation of the satellite orbit.