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REPORT
CORS Makes Inroads Into Private Sector Instead of using the traditional base station and radio to send correction data to a rover, a Continuously Operating Reference Station (CORS) provides unmatched precise positioning with respect to a reference point that empowers multiple sectors. A CORS network stores data, in some circumstances processes it, and then transmits this data to rover receivers. By Priya Chadha
About CORS CORS collects and records Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) data from a given location for relative positioning. It provides a high-precision platform for surveying, mapping and monitoring large infrastructure projects like irrigation, railroad, canals, dams, smart cities, and drainage planning, besides enabling better management of revenue maps and state boundaries. The data is then streamed to a master control center for better control and monitoring, with one redundant control station (that serves as backup) for uninterrupted service in case maintenance is needed, or if there is a requirement for updating data centre and communication. “In the first phase, we introduced the service for internal users; in the second, for government organizations; and in the third, our focus was the industry (private sector),” said Neeraj Gurjar, Director, Geodetic & Research Branch, Survey of India, to Geospatial Artha.
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ince the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the apex regulatory agency in the US, built a network of Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) base stations to augment positional accuracy provided by the Global Positioning System (GPS), many countries and private agencies have followed suit by estab-
lishing a Continuously Operating Reference Station (CORS) network. Unfortunately, India did not have such a network in place until very recently, even as other developing countries jumped onto the bandwagon. That has now changed as the Survey of India (SoI) is offering the facility to the private sector for free. At present, SoI has CORS facilities in place in 81 locations.
The move has cheered all stakeholders and will add teeth to the geospatial industry. CORS has unmatched ability to provide precise positioning — a well-established network can allow users to obtain accuracies in the order of centimeters. This accurate location of an object with respect to a reference point empowers multiple sectors and with ever-increasing connectivity and digitalization, its utility will rapidly expand.
CORS has a fault-tolerant ability that makes it the most sought after mechanism for geophysical survey. It is also affordable, accurate, reliable, and saves time. GEOSPATIAL ARTHA Volume 01 » ISSUE 02
