WISCORS (Wisconsin Continuously Operating Reference Station) Network

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WISCORS Details | Benefits of a CORS network | Partnerships | WISCORS Field Components

Overview

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Geodetic Surveys Unit operates a statewide Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) reference station network, called the Wisconsin Continuously Operating Reference Stations (WISCORS) Network. This network consists of more than 120 permanent GNSS reference stations that can provide GNSS corrections to mobile users in real-time. Mobile users properly equipped to take advantage of these GNSS corrections can position in the field to the 2 centimeter accuracy level in real-time.

The mission of the WisDOT Geodetic Surveys Unit is to apply state-of-the art methods of precise positioning and advanced geodetic techniques to establish and maintain the horizontal and vertical geodetic control infrastructure across the state of Wisconsin. A principal function is the operation of a statewide GNSS CORS network.

WISCORS Details

  • CORS are established at a spacing of approximately 40 to 50 kilometers (25 to 30 miles) across the state of Wisconsin.
  • Software monitors quality of data sent from the reference stations and outputs GNSS corrections to mobile users in real-time.
  • All WISCORS network reference stations are capable of receiving the following global satellite constellations:
    • United States NAVSTAR Global Positioning System (GPS)
    • Russian Federation global navigation satellite system (GLONASS)
    • European Union global navigation satellite system (Galileo)
    • Chinese global navigation satellite system (BeiDou-3)
  • WISCORS reference station data is available for download online via the WISCORS Web Application.
  • New users can request access to the network via the WISCORS Web Application.

Benefits of a CORS Network

  • Eliminates the need and cost for another receiver to act as a base station.
  • Eliminates the resource time associated with equipment setup at the base site.
  • Greatly enhances consistency of coordinate determination.

Partnerships

The WisDOT Geodetic Surveys Unit has partnered with the federal government, state and local government agencies, educational institutions, and private sector organizations in the development and operation of the WISCORS Network.

Through cooperative agreements, host site partners have agreed to contribute facilities, power, and access to high-speed internet. WisDOT has procured the majority of the GNSS hardware, materials and supplies associated with construction of the CORS monuments, as well as the information technology (IT) components required to operate the system.

WISCORS Field Components

The WISCORS field components installed at a host site partner facility include:

  • Ground based monument (concrete obelisk or stainless steel shallow-driven tripod) or building mounted monument
  • GNSS receiver, GNSS antenna, coaxial cable, plastic conduit, and lightning arrester
  • Enclosure boxes to house equipment and electrical components
Kewaunee
WISCORS concrete pillar monument at Kewaunee, Wis.
Winneconne
WISCORS building mount monument at Winneconne, Wis.
GNSS receiver and battery backup unit
GNSS receiver and battery backup unit installed at a WISCORS host site facility.

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