The National Imagery and Mapping Agency (NIMA) has a requirement to investigate and/or develop new multi-resolution techniques based on spherical spline representation and their adaptation to the problems of geopotential modeling. In the course of investigation, develop all necessary tools both mathematical and theoretical, solve the estimation problem using spherical splines employing a combination of gravity, satellite and altimetry measurements. Develop an approach for error propagation within the multi-resolution model. Compare the results and approach with those via spherical harmonic models. Unclassified test data sets available to NIMA of gravity and altimetry measurements may be furnished to the contractor upon request. Contractor will be responsible for all equipment, information and materials necessary to accomplish the following specific tasks of this requirement: (1) Determine the feasibility of using multi-resolution methods such as spherical splines to represent the geopotential locally and globally. This will be extended to vector functions defined on the sphere, as well as to functions defined in the space above the sphere and (approximately) satisfying Laplace's equation; (2) using global and local gravity data sets, construct appropriate multi-resolution spline representation of the potential for global and local fields. Test the new representation with conventional models and geopotential prediction techniques. Contractor shall prepare a technical report detailing all findings, conclusions and recommendations on the best methodology to pursue. The technical report shall be submitted in softcopy on either a DOS formatted CD or 3.5 inch magnetic media disk. Report shall be written in either Microsoft Word 98 or later, Rich Text Format (.rtf) or in Portable Document Format (.pdf). NIMA intends to award this requirement to Ohio State University, subject to the availability of funds.

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