Advancing Precision and Collaboration: The Installation of a Continuously Operating Reference Station (CORS) at Murang’a University of Technology

Introduction

We are thrilled to announce the successful installation of a state-of-the-art Continuously Operating Reference Station (CORS) at Murang'a University of Technology (MUT), a significant achievement made possible through a mutual collaboration between the RCMRD- Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD) and MUT. This collaboration marks a key milestone in enhancing precision and technological capabilities for research, education, and various engineering applications in Kenya.

What is a CORS?

A CORS is a specialized GPS/GNSS station installed permanently to continuously track satellite signals in real-time. By correcting any errors in these signals, CORS enables regular GPS devices within a 30 km radius to determine their location with centimeter-level accuracy. This technology is crucial for fields requiring high-precision positioning, including surveying, construction, agriculture, environmental monitoring, and more.

Significance of the Installation

In Kenya, approximately 46 CORS have been established, with the latest addition being at MUT. This station, donated by RCMRD as part of our mutual collaboration agreement, complements the existing network of stations managed by RCMRD, including those at their Kasarani offices, University of Embu, and Dedan Kimathi University of Technology.

The installation at MUT not only enhances the university’s research infrastructure but also extends the benefits of high-precision GNSS technology to the Murang’a community and beyond. The installation will support a wide range of applications, including:

1. Surveying and Mapping
2. Construction and Machine Control
3. Precision Agriculture
4. Environmental Monitoring
5. Transportation
6. Disaster Management
7. Marine and Coastal Applications
8. Scientific Research

Key Benefits

1. Permanent Reference Station: The CORS at MUT will serve as a permanent reference point with highly accurate coordinates, eliminating the need for additional project control networks and thereby reducing costs and timelines for various projects.
2. Base Station Functionality: As a base station, the CORS will receive GPS accuracy corrections and transmit them to rover receivers, enabling accurate measurements with minimal equipment and resources.
3. Real-Time and Static Measurements: The station supports both static and real-time kinematic (RTK) surveys, offering unparalleled accuracy for tasks such as topographic mapping, construction site setup, and structural monitoring.
4. Enhanced Educational Opportunities: For our students, the CORS represents an invaluable practical tool. It provides hands-on experience with cutting-edge GNSS technology, bridging the gap between theoretical learning and real-world application.
5. Scientific Research and Collaboration: The continuous, precise data provided by the CORS opens new avenues for scientific research in areas like crustal deformation, land subsidence, and structural health monitoring. Furthermore, it positions MUT as a hub for collaboration with other academic institutions, government agencies, and industry partners.

Next Steps

We are currently in the monitoring phase, ensuring the CORS operates at peak performance. Once this two-week period is complete, we will officially launch the station for use, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for MUT, RCMRD and its partners.

Conclusion

The installation of the CORS at Murang’a University of Technology is a testament to what can be achieved through strategic partnerships and a shared commitment to advancing technology and education. We are excited about the opportunities this will bring for our students, researchers, and the wider community, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration with RCMRD and other partners.

Stay tuned for more updates on the official launch and the impact of this groundbreaking installation.