The International Terrestrial Reference Frame: ITRF2005 and Future Developments
Altamimi, Z.
Institut Geographique National

The International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF) is the standard frame that are widely used in Earth Science Applications as well as for satellite navigation. After a brief history of the ITRF, underling the methodology of its elaboration, the paper focuses on the most recent results as obtained from its current version, namely the ITRF2005. Contributions of the individual space techniques (VLBI, SLR, GPS and DORIS) to ITRF elaboration and datum definition are detailed. Future ITRF developments and improvements are outlined, and in particular the advantages of using time series of station positions and Earth Orientation Parameters which are now the standard ingredients of the ITRF construction, starting with the ITRF2005. The paper attempts to put on light future expectations of Galileo contribution to the ITRF as well as its relationship with the Galileo Terrestrial Reference Frame (GTRF). The mutual benefit and advantages of the ITRF and GTRF compatibility are addressed in terms of geodetic and geophysical applications.