Upgrading the Metsähovi Geodetic Research Station

Abstract

AbstractMetsähovi Geodetic Research Station (MGRS) of the National Land Survey of Finland, has undergone a major upgrade. The first observations at MGRS were started in 1978. A decade-long reform began in 2012, during which all major systems were renewed. This included Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) station, Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR) system, and a dedicated geodetic Very Long Baseline Interferometer (VLBI) system. Furthermore, the absolute gravimeter (AG) was upgraded, the superconducting gravimeter (SG) was renewed, and the station infrastructure was completely refurbished. When completed, MGRS will be one of the northernmost stations in the core network of the Global Geodetic Observing System (GGOS) of the International Association of Geodesy (IAG). MGRS has a full suite of co-located major geodetic instrumentation, and local geodetic networks and facilities to connect various observing techniques (local ties). Together, the core stations form the solid backbone for maintaining the International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF) and monitoring the orientation of the Earth in space and producing information for computing precise satellite orbits, including GNSS. The stability of the stations and their long and consistent series of measurements is paramount both for global and regional networks. We present recent developments at MGRS and introduce the instrumentation that already contributes and will contribute in the future to various IAG services.