On the Development and Application of the International Terrestrial Reference System (ITRS) and its Reference Frame (ITRF) in Fundamental and Applied Research

V. S. Vdovin, G. M. Steblov

Transactions of IAA RAS, issue 75, 3–11 (2025)

DOI: 10.32876/ApplAstron.75.3-11

Keywords: IERS, ITRS, ITRF, geodynamics, standard ISO 19161-1:2020

Abstract

The article presents the interim results of a study focused on the use of the International Terrestrial Reference System ITRS and its primary reference framework ITRF in geodynamics. The objectives of the study include a brief analysis of the overall state of ITRS/ITRF, their application within the Russian Federation, the role of the ISO 19161-1:2020 standard in the development of ITRS/ITRF, as well as an overview of the activities conducted by the ITPZ RAS advancing ITRS/ITRF in Russia. System analysis is employed as the primary research method. The article describes the relationship between ITRS/ITRF and IERS, including the geographical distribution and affiliation of IERS centers, ITRF solutions, maps of ITRF stations, and the use of ITRS/ITRF as a geodetic basis for researching Earth's crust movements, space geodesy, and Earth rotation. It also examines the application of ITRS/ITRF in the economies of developed countries, with the EU as a case study, and discusses the legal status of ITRS/ITRF in the Russian Federation. A brief overview of the ISO 19161-1:2020 standard is provided. It is emphasized that this standard is regarded as a vital document — considered a cornerstone for professionals working in geographic information systems, geodesy, and related fields. It offers a comprehensive framework for understanding and implementing ITRS, ensuring that geodetic coordinates meet international standards. The implementation of the standard will provide many benefits to organizations and specialists working with geographic information, including: global consistency (ensuring geodetic data conforms to international practices, thereby increasing reliability and accuracy), compatibility ( facilitating interoperability among various systems and technologies, which simplifies data exchange and integration across platforms), precision and accuracy (maintaining high levels of positional accuracy essential for applications such as navigation and Earth monitoring), future readiness (as technology evolves, ISO 19161-1:2020 guarantees that geodetic data remains relevant and aligned with the latest advancements). The activities and future plans of the ITPZ RAS regarding the development of ITRS/ITRF in Russia are also presented. The conclusions highlight the crucial role of ITRS/ITRF systems in the global economy, their international contextualization, and the importance of regulatory support. Additionally, the report discusses the ongoing efforts by ITPZ RAS to develop ITRS/ITRF in Russia and explores prospects for their further advancement.

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