Estimation of the variance components in various covariance matrix structures

Abstract

This article describes the procedure of obtaining variance component estimates with the Minimum Norm Quadratic Unbiased Estimator (MINQUE). Using the examples of simulated measurements, variance components are estimated in geodetic two-dimensional network models. The efficiency of the estimators was tested using simulated data in three different structures of variance component models. Additive, group and mixed models were analyzed using distance and direction measurements, and the efficiency of the estimator was analyzed in all three cases, focusing in particular on the impact of various ratios of the initial variance components and geodetic network characteristics on the variance components estimation.