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New Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) reference stations are being installed across Australia as part of the AuScope initiative established under the National Collaboration Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS).
The specific purpose of AuScope is to monitor the geodynamic behaviour of the Earth, such as tectonic plate deformation and sea level change, and to significantly improve the accuracy and precision of Australia's geodetic datum.
The GNSS component of the AuScope initiative focuses on increasing the density of GNSS Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS) across the country, which includes the installation of 10 reference stations in Victoria. These stations will contribute to the Australian Regional GNSS Network (ARGN) operated by Geoscience Australia, which serves as the national foundation for all positioning applications in Australia.
Prior to the AuScope project there was one ARGN GNSS CORS station located at the Melbourne Observatory.
This site continues to operate and contribute data to the ARGN.
To date there are nine operational AusScope stations in Victoria. The sites are located in Bairnsdale, Beechworth, Nhill, Bald Rock, Mt Emu, Stony Point, Portland, Marengo and Gabo Island.
The Portland and Stony Point reference stations are located adjacent to two of three fundamental tide gauges in Victoria. These sites are directly linked to the tide gauge to assist in national sea level monitoring studies. The Nhill reference station is a reinforced pillar connected to a six-metre-deep concrete bored pile. The other five sites are extremely stable pillar monuments built on stable granite rock outcrops.
Two additional reference stations are proposed for construction in the Otway and Gippsland regions.
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