Ansis Zariņš

Digital zenith camera for vertical deflection determination

Abstract Recent accomplishments in advancement of accurate astrometric reference star catalogues, development of digital imaging technology, high accuracy tiltmeter technology, and geocentric coordinate availability provided by GNSS, have made possible accurate, fast and automated determination of vertical deflections using astrometric methods. Zenith cameras for this kind of measurements have been developed or are being developed by several research groups. The paper describes a research project by Institute of Geodesy and Geoinformation, intended to design a portable digital zenith camera for vertical deflection determination with 0.1” expected accuracy. Camera components are described, proposed data processing algorithm and preliminary results, obtained with prototype instrument, are presented.

Digital zenith camera of the University of Latvia

AbstractDesign of digital zenith camera in Institute of Geodesy and Geoinformatics of the University of Latvia started in 2009. Now, after tests of a prototype, improvements of design and manufacturing of the second version, it has reached operational status. The paper describes construction of camera, features of it’s control software. Vertical deflection determination results are discussed.

On reference star recognition and identification

AbstractThe paper deals with a research in the area of automation of positional star observations. In order to fully employ recent progress in imaging technologies, star image recognition and reference star identification process should gain comparable level of automation. A software package for this purpose has been developed in the Institute of Geodesy of the University of Latvia. It is capable of near-real-time image processing, star identification and astrometric position determination.

Parameters for automated star identification

The determination of parameters for identifying stars sensed by charge-coupled device (CCD) is discussed. Numerical experiments are summarized which support the parameter space bound estimation practicality of the proposed star pattern recognition and identification by matching with coordinate list in star catalogue. The parameter analysis performed to apply them for proper identification algorithm which is developed and used at the Institute of Geodesy and Geoinformatics. This algorithm is applied for identification of large volume star sets.

Field tests of astrometric subsystem

AbstractThe paper presents results of astrometric subsystem’s functionality tests for space object laser ranging and astrometric position determination device, which is under construction in the Institute of Geodesy and Geoinformatics (GGI) of the University of Latvia. Properties of hardware performance for astrometric image acquisition were evaluated and optimal parameters have been selected. Software for image processing and calculation of instrument orientation was tested and adjustments have been made for real-time operation support. Object tracking properties were evaluated, and mount error model parameters were calculated, using test measurements.