CORS Usage for GPS Survey in the Greater Accra Region: Advantages, Limitation, and Suggested Remedies

Abstract

The use of Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS) enables surveyors to differentially correct static Global Positioning System (GPS) measurements. CORS are designed to support the broad spectrum of post-processed, relative GPS techniques, and applications. Enhancing geospatial positioning applications of CORS data involves the critical role in defining the nation’s geodetic reference system. With the establishment of a coordinated system of CORS, an Online Positioning User Service can become available for processing in single positioning mode to provide corresponding accurate and homogeneous positional coordinates. The Survey and Mapping Division (SMD), Lands Commission of Ghana, has established four CORS in the Greater Accra, and Ashanti, Western and Brong-Ahafo Regions, respectively, to provide a basic CORS network in accordance with the International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF). However, most surveyors continue to reference their works in these regions to ground survey beacons that have been coordinated and adjusted by variable survey methods. This obviously makes homogeneity of data unpredictable. This study explored the extent of usage of existing CORS network established by SMD with particular focus on the CORS in the Greater Accra Region for GPS surveys and to determine its usefulness in ensuring homogeneity in GPS data collection. The professional participatory (interviews) technique was coupled with differential GPS field observations with the CORS as reference in one case and ground control stations as reference in the other in making relatively conclusive analysis. Test results showed that GPS field survey of an approximate range of 23 km away from the Accra CORS yielded an average positional change in Northings and Eastings of − 0.790 m, − 0.176 m and − 0.681 m, − 0.098 m for single and dual frequency, respectively, in different localities within the study area. Beyond a range of 25 km from the Accra CORS, the average positional change in Northings and Eastings are − 0.536 m, − 0.007 m and − 1.370 m, 0.334 m for single and dual frequency respectively. Of 128 geomatic professionals interviewed, 39% are aware of the availability of COR stations in Greater Accra, 61% are unaware, and 28% are aware and users of the Accra CORS whereas 11% are aware but non-users of the Accra COR station. Of all users sampled, 17.5% are regular and frequent users of the Accra COR station and 10.5% are occasional or seldom users. The results show that the Accra CORS is vital to ensuring a uniform homogenous GPS data. However, very few people are using it due to low public awareness of the usefulness of the CORS among professional surveyors and other users and a cumbersome, bureaucratic nature in CORS data acquisition for post-processing and RTK GPS surveys.