Synergy of VLBI and GPS observations in Japan

Abstract

Although Very Long Baseline Interferometer (VLBI) operations require considerable resources compared to GPS, VLBI is an essential tool for geodesy in maintaining International Terrestrial Reference Frame and providing Earth Orientation Parameters for precise GPS surveying. This paper reviews GSI's VLBI programs focusing on the synergy with GPS in Japan. One of the largest fruits is the realization of Geodetic Coordinates 2000 based on the intertechnique solution of VLBI and GPS for national geodetic application.