CORSnet-NSW: Delivering a state-of-the-art CORS network for New South Wales

Following the successful deployment and operation of the SydNET Continuously Operating Reference Station (CORS) network in the Sydney metropolitan region, Land and Property Information (LPI) is committed to expanding the network to cover the entire population of New South Wales. LPI has committed over seven million dollars for capital investment in the Survey Infrastructure Improvement Project ¨C the majority of which will be invested in the CORS network ¨C plus additional funds to operate the network. A strong team of eight technical and customer support staff was formed early this year to handle the development and operation of the network as well as the introduction of user fees. A new network name, CORSnet-NSW, was announced in June 2009 to reflect the new effort. With 28 sites currently operational, the team aims to expand the network to 70 sites within the next four years. Concluding a competitive and comprehensive tender process, a contract was awarded in June 2009 to deliver LPI with VRS3Net, the latest generation of CORS network management software from Trimble Navigation. The deployment of VRS3Net in CORSnet-NSW will significantly enhance the range and quality of services that LPI can provide to its customers. LPI aims to integrate VRS3Net with its existing accounting and delivery systems, which is a first for this system. Currently, fully-fledged network control centres are being built at the Land and Property Management Authority‟s (LPMA) data centres in Sydney and Bathurst. Once completed, these control centres will provide a fully redundant network with future-proof capabilities for many years to come. This new infrastructure will also enable a wide range of research projects in the areas of geodesy, surveying, positioning, navigation and telecommunications. LPI will be involved in research on long-term site monitoring, datum transformation, network-RTK algorithms and GNSS protocols in collaboration with universities and other government agencies.