Continuously Operating Reference Stations
Also called: CORS · Topic: Remote Sensing, GIS and GNSS · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS) are a network of fixed GNSS (satellite navigation) stations run by the Survey of India. Each station knows its own position very exactly. It compares this with the position the satellites give, works out the error and sends out corrections. Users' receivers apply these corrections and find positions to centimetre level. This accuracy is needed for surveying, mapping and construction.
Example
A survey team laying out the path of a new highway in India uses a GNSS receiver linked to the CORS network. Every boundary pillar is fixed to within centimetres, far better than a normal phone's GPS.
Don't confuse with
- GAGAN: GAGAN also corrects GPS signals over India, but through satellites and mainly for guiding aircraft. CORS uses ground stations to give centimetre accuracy for surveying.
Related concepts
- Global navigation satellite system
- Global Positioning System
- Trilateration
- NavIC
- NVS series satellites
- GAGAN