Deformation monitoring and analysis using Victorian regional CORS data

This paper investigates the feasibility using continuously operating reference stations (CORS) in Victoria (termed GPSnet) for deformation monitoring and analysis. A number of critical issues associated with the suitability, geological stability, data quality of the GPS networks system, the precision and reliability of the GPSnet solution are investigated using geological information. Appropriate strategies for GPS data processing and deformation analysis are investigated. The absolute and relative displacement of selected GPSnet stations are analysed using chronological GPS CORS data and delicated high precision scientific GPS data processing software packages. The latest International Terrestrial Reference Frame is used for deformation analyses. Detailed data-processing strategies and results of deformation analyses are presented and some useful conclusions are drawn. Results show that the methodology of deformation analysis and data processing based on the regional CORS network data is feasible and effective. It is concluded that high-precision continuous tracking data from GPSnet is a very valuable asset and can provide a technically-advanced and cost-effective geoscientific infrastructure for deformation monitoring analysis. By mining the data from the GPSnet, not only reliable and high precision deformation information can be potentially obtained, but also high expenditure required for establishing dedicated deformation monitoring networks in this area can also be spared.