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Alaska and GNSS
I know this belongs in another category, but the original Alaska post resides here. The discussion here is not to questions PLSS surveying techniques but GNSS surveying itself.
Alaska has in excess of 100 CORS sites, mostly in certain well developed areas. There are 8 rather large gaps in the balance of the state. In most states with a network of CORS the majority are state funded projects. From my quick observation 90% of the Alaska CORS sites are run by UNAVCO who are interested in tectonic movement. Of all those CORS, only 5 are GNSS capable (GPS and Glonass). One is operated by UNAVCO, 2 by Alaska DOT and 2 by a surveyors group. There are also 2 suitable Canadian GNSS CORS near the Alaskan border.
Alaska’s problem with GPS surveying is not with the BLM but with Alaska itself. Alaska needs to step to the plate by funding CORS GNSS stations starting in the gaps and then replacing existing CORS with GNSS receivers and antennas.
What is required of the US is to update/replace pages (OPUS) and/or rsgps (OPUS-RS). This has to be fully GNSS capable, GPS (L1/L2/L5 plus WAAS ranging), Glonass, Galileo (plus EGNOS ranging), Compass as well as geosynchronous SBAS satellites. It is my understanding that all current WAAS satellites are broadcasting L1 & L5 signals. That means an L1/L5 ranging solution is possible, whether or not other L5 data is used.
This program could actually be an Alaska only CORS/OPUS-GNSS, which can later be fully US deployed.
Paul in PA
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