Dependences in the pillar 'Earth's gravity field' of GGOS - description using UML notation

Earth’s gravity field is one of three pillars of the Global Geodetic Observing System (GGOS). Gravity measurements are made using both classical methods by the means of ground measurement facilities (relative and absolute gravimetry) and methods based on the satellite techniques (SLR, missions CHAMP, GRACE, GOCE) or airborne gravimetry. The main objective of this GGOS pillar is to determine geoid’s shape, Earth’s static gravitational potential and temporal variations induced by solid Earth processes and mass transport in the global water cycle. The paper presents relationships between the main classes of diagrams of the Earth’s gravity field described using UML (Unified Modelling Language). Such description can be helpful in the analysis of the gravitational field pillar linkages with other pillars of GGOS. The main purpose of this paper is to give the full explanation of connections between all Earth’s gravity field GGOS components. Key words: Earth’s gravity field, UML, GGOS.