Перехід України на Європейську вертикальну референційну систему (EVRS): геодезичні передумови та просторові наслідки

Abstract

Обґрунтовано актуальність переходу України на Європейську вертикальну референційну систему (EVRS) як необхідної умови підвищення точності та уніфікації висотного забезпечення в національній геодезичній і картографічній практиці. У статті проаналізовано передумови впровадження EVRS, її методологічні засади та просторові наслідки переходу від Балтійської системи висот 1977 року. Особливу увагу приділено аналізу регіонального розподілу висотних поправок на території України, оцінці впливу вибору вертикальної системи на точність цифрових моделей рельєфу (DEM) та узгодженість геопросторових даних із сучасними GNSS-технологіями. Показано, що застосування EVRS забезпечує усунення систематичних висотних похибок, підвищує стабільність і порівнянність просторових даних, а також створює основу для розвитку сучасних геоінформаційних досліджень і картографічних продуктів.

The purpose of this article is to analyze the geodetic prerequisites, methodological foundations, and spatial consequences of Ukraine’s transition from the Baltic Height System of 1977 (BHS-77) to the European Vertical Reference System (EVRS). The study focuses on substantiating the necessity of implementing a unified and modern vertical reference framework as a basis for improving the accuracy, consistency, and interoperability of national geospatial data. Particular attention is paid to the regional distribution of height differences between BHS-77 and EVRS, as well as to the role of EVRF2019_AMST/NH in harmonizing height data with European geodetic standards. The impact of the selected vertical reference system on the quality of digital elevation models (DEM), spatial analysis, and geoinformation products is also examined. Methodology. The research is based on a systematic analysis of regulatory documents governing the implementation of EVRS, as well as a review of scientific publications devoted to vertical reference systems, geoid and quasigeoid modeling, and precise levelling. A comparative assessment of the characteristics of BHS-77 and EVRS was conducted using official cartographic materials, results of the European Vertical Reference Frame EVRF2019, and GNSS-derived height data. Methods of spatial analysis and cartographic generalization were applied to identify regional patterns in height corrections across the territory of Ukraine. The study also evaluates the influence of vertical height errors on the reliability of spatial modeling results at different territorial scales. The results confirm that the Baltic Height System of 1977 is characterized by accumulated systematic errors and spatially non-uniform discrepancies, which in certain regions of Ukraine reach up to ±0.30 m. In contrast, EVRS ensures centimeter-level stability of height data through the consistent application of modern gravity field models and geodynamical corrections. The spatial analysis demonstrates clear regional trends in height differences, with minimal discrepancies in northern and western regions and maximum values in southern and coastal areas. The transition to EVRS significantly improves the consistency of digital elevation models, enhances their compatibility with GNSS measurements, and increases the reliability of spatial analysis and modeling outcomes. The presented diagrams and cartographic materials illustrate the strong sensitivity of applied spatial models to height accuracy, emphasizing the importance of a unified vertical reference system. The scientific novelty of this study lies in a comprehensive assessment of the transition to EVRS from the perspective of spatial differentiation and applied geospatial analysis. For the first time, the regional distribution of height discrepancies between BHS-77 and EVRS across Ukraine is systematically analyzed and interpreted in terms of geodetic and geodynamic factors. The study provides an integrated evaluation of the impact of vertical reference system selection on DEM accuracy and spatial modeling reliability, thereby expanding the methodological basis for modern geodetic and geographic research. The results of the study can be used in national geodetic and cartographic practice to improve the quality and interoperability of geospatial data. The implementation of EVRS enables: – Harmonization of national height data with European geodetic infrastructure; – Improvement of digital elevation model accuracy and consistency; – Reliable integration of GNSS-derived heights into geoinformation systems; – Reduction of systematic height errors in spatial analysis and modeling; – Creation of a stable vertical reference framework for long-term geospatial monitoring and mapping. Thus, the transition to the European Vertical Reference System represents a fundamental step toward the modernization of Ukraine’s geodetic and cartographic framework. Further research may focus on refining transformation methodologies for legacy height data, integrating EVRS with high-resolution remote sensing products, and expanding the application of unified vertical reference systems in advanced geospatial modeling and environmental studies.