Optimum CORS Network Design for Geodetic Applications in Ethiopia

Abstract The establishment of the Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS) network as a national positioning service enables high precision in surveying, mapping, and navigation applications, thanks to developments in Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technology. In this study, we determined the best CORS network site in Ethiopia by taking into account aspects such as accessibility, internet coverage, and network geometry. We chose an excellent location for Ethiopia out of 228 options based on these parameters. The CORS network's performance was validated by using a network of triangles as a reference station and a virtual reference station (VRS) within the triangles. To validate the performance of the selected networks, simultaneous GNSS observations are conducted on the reference and VRS stations. The idea of VRS generated GNSS observation data utilizing reference station observation data and the location of VRS station using Wav2 Software. For observations based on genuine and created data, we compared the precise coordinates of the VRS station.The comparison showed a standard deviation of 0.65 cm and 2.7 cm in the horizontal and up directions. Therefore, this CORS network design can be used for different applications with 3D accuracy less than 3 cm.