GLOBK

GLOBK is a software package used in geodesy to process global GNSS data and generate consistent global solutions. It implements a global Kalman filter framework that blends observations from many stations across networks to estimate time-evolving geodetic parameters and produce global reference frame products.

The package ingests GNSS observations and performs state estimation for parameters such as station coordinates and velocities, site motions, and, where applicable, earth orientation parameters and site-specific tropospheric or ionospheric parameters. It is designed to realize a terrestrial reference frame in a way that integrates information from multiple networks and timescales. GLOBK can incorporate data from additional techniques such as VLBI or SLR when available, enabling joint or cross-technique solutions and contributing to global frame realization.

Typical outputs from GLOBK include time series of station positions and velocities, estimates of global parameters like plate motions, and global references frames suitable for geodetic and geophysical research. The software has been used in academic and research contexts to study crustal deformation, tectonics, and long-term geodetic trends, and to support efforts toward consistent ITRF realizations.

GLOBK is a legacy tool whose use has persisted in some research groups, particularly where a Kalman-filter approach to global GNSS analysis is advantageous. Its deployment typically requires substantial domain knowledge in GNSS processing, Kalman filtering, and reference-frame realization, as well as careful interpretation of the resulting products.

See also: GNSS, Kalman filter, terrestrial reference frame, ITRF, earth orientation parameters.