Toward the next earth gravitational model

Abstract

The development of a new Earth Gravitational Model (EGM) to degree 2160 is progressing with the availability of improved versions of worldwide 5′×5′ gravity databases and GRACE‐derived satellite solutions. Critical to the success of this endeavour is the compilation of a complete and accurate 5′×5′ global gravity anomaly database that takes advantage of all the latest data and modeling for both land and marine areas worldwide. This paper will provide an overview of the data being used in the model, describe the status of the development of the new EGM, show comparisons of preliminary models with independent truth data, and discuss the plans for finalizing the model.