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Candidate’s Name Date (dd/mm/yy) Richard Frank Stanaway 30/11/20 Signature Thesis/Dissertation Sheet Surname/Family Name : Stanaway Given Name/s : Richard Frank Abbreviation for degree as give in the University calendar : PhD Faculty : Engineering School : Civil and Environmental Engineering A schema for complex time-dependent transformations between geodetic Thesis Title : reference frames Abstract 350 words maximum: (PLEASE TYPE) GNSS point-positioning is becoming more precise and accessible to a wider spectrum of non-expert users. As a consequence, the issue of misalignment between GNSS positioning reference frames and spatial data reference frames is already apparent. Positions of ground-fixed features within GNSS frames are kinematic in nature due to global plate motions and other geodynamic effects such as seismic deformation and glacial isostatic adjustment. On the other hand, dense, high resolution spatial data such as imagery and point clouds are not intrinsically kinematic at the moment of acquisition. Misalignment of this data with global frames such as those used by GNSS is inevitable unless a rigorous time-dependent transformation accommodating the complexity of global deformation is applied. Spatial data defined by different epochs of a kinematic frame require time-dependent transformations within GIS in order to align the data correctly for the purpose of visualisation and precision analysis. The absence of a transformation schema to handle complex deformation is already impacting significantly on the integrity of high precision spatial data acquired at different epochs. This thesis develops and describes a schema for time-dependent transformations between geodetic reference frames in complex deformation environments. The schema can support geodetic applications including positioning, surveying and spatial data management. Precision requirements for reference frames in practice are assessed taking into consideration the impact of global and local deformations on precision at different spatial and temporal scales. Strategies for the realisation of stable local reference frames using plate motion models are also described. Case studies in Australia and New Zealand are presented showing the significant improvement in precision and reference frame longevity that can result by application of the schema for geodetic applications in complex deformation zones. The case studies are characterised by very different tectonic settings to highlight the flexibility of the schema. Declaration relating to disposition of project thesis/dissertation I hereby grant to the University of New South Wales or its agents the right to archive and to make available my thesis or dissertation in whole or in part in the University libraries in all forms of media, now or here after known, subject to the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968. I retain all property rights, such as patent rights. I also retain the right to use in future works (such as articles or books) all or part of this thesis or dissertation. I also authorise University Microfilms to use the 350 word abstract of my thesis in Dissertation Abstracts International (this is applicable to doctoral theses only). 1st April 2019 ……………………………………..……………… ……….……………………...…….… …………………………………………………………… Date Signature Witness Signature The University recognises that there may be exceptional circumstances requiring restrictions on copying or conditions on use. Requests for restriction for a period of up to 2 years must be made in writing. Requests for a longer period of restriction may be considered in exceptional circumstances and require the approval of the Dean of Graduate Research. FOR OFFICE USE ONLY Date of completion of requirements for Award: 2 A schema for complex time-dependent transformations between geodetic reference frames Richard Frank Stanaway A thesis submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy of the University of New South Wales School of Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty of Engineering 1st April 2019 3 Originality Statement I hereby declare that this submission is my own work and to the best of my knowledge it contains no materials previously published or written by another person, or substantial proportions of material which have been accepted for the award of any other degree or diploma at UNSW or any other educational institution, except where due acknowledgment is made in the thesis. Any contribution made to the research by others, with whom I have worked at UNSW or elsewhere, is explicitly acknowledged in the thesis. I also declare that the intellectual content of this thesis is the product of my own work, except to the extent that assistance from others in the project’s design and conception or in style, presentation and linguistic expression is acknowledged. Signed Richard Frank Stanaway Date 1st April 2019 4 Abstract GNSS point-positioning is becoming more precise and accessible to a wider spectrum of non-expert users. As a consequence, the issue of misalignment between GNSS positioning reference frames and spatial data reference frames is increasingly apparent. Positions of ground-fixed features within GNSS frames are kinematic in nature due to global plate motions and other geodynamic effects such as seismic deformation and glacial isostatic adjustment. On the other hand, dense, high resolution spatial data such as imagery and point clouds are not intrinsically kinematic at the moment of acquisition. Misalignment of this data with global reference frames such as those used by GNSS is inevitable unless a rigorous time-dependent transformation accommodating the complexity of global deformation is applied. Spatial data defined by different epochs of a kinematic frame require time-dependent transformations within GIS in order to align the data correctly for the purpose of visualisation and precision analysis. The absence of a transformation schema to handle complex deformation is already impacting significantly on the integrity of high precision spatial data acquired at different epochs. This thesis develops and describes a schema for time-dependent transformations between geodetic reference frames in complex deformation environments. The schema can support geodetic applications including positioning, surveying and spatial data management. Precision requirements for reference frames in practice are assessed taking into consideration the impact of global and local deformations on precision at different spatial and temporal scales. Strategies for the realisation of stable local reference frames using plate motion models are also described. Case studies in Australia and New Zealand are presented showing the significant improvement in precision and reference frame longevity that can result by application of the schema for geodetic applications