Accuracy Evaluation of Altimeter-Derived Gravity Field Models in Offshore and Coastal Regions of China

Satellite radar altimetry has made unique contributions to global and coastal gravity field recovery. This paper starts with a general introduction followed by the progress of satellite technology. Then, methods marine recovery dominating models are described briefly. Finally, typical compared shipboard measurements evaluate their accuracies in offshore regions China. The root mean squares deviations between all more than 7 mGal within range 9.5–10.2 regions. Further analysis indicates that new missions including Jason-2, SARAL/Altika, Envisat data have relatively higher accuracy, especially SARAL/Altika data, significantly improving field. Accuracies low areas strong currents, showing tide correction is very important for altimetry-derived as well determination. Moreover, an external check, need operations improve precision, such instrument accuracy finer processing.