LINZ Investigates Real-time GNSS Data Delivery

7 September 2009

A LINZ-commissioned report has recommended an upgrade of LINZ’s PositioNZ network to provide real-time Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) data.

PositioNZ is made up of more than 30 Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS) and currently records position data every 30-seconds with the data being provided in hourly and daily files. The upgrade to real-time provision of data would see position data ‘streamed’ to users every second, similar to streaming internet video.

The report estimates that real-time positioning technology may benefit the New Zealand economy in the tens of millions of dollars over the next decade. The report identifies current and potential economic benefits of this technology across a range of industries, including surveying, infrastructure development, construction, and agriculture.

“LINZ has already committed funds to upgrading our PositioNZ stations to take advantage of the report’s recommendations,” says LINZ National Geodesist Graeme Blick. “Our aim is to provide real-time GNSS data to the public by the end of the year.”

The report also says the upgrade would further benefit the New Zealand economy by reducing the duplication of network resources. Third party commercial users have often established their own real-time CORS stations near PositioNZ stations.

It recommends that, as with current PositioNZ data, real-time GNSS data is provided to users free of charge over the internet.

Read the full report, prepared by McKenzie Podmore Ltd, on Economic Issues Regarding LINZ Conversion of its Precision Reference Network to Real Time Status (PDF 97KB).

Media enquiries: Brad Young, Land Information New Zealand, phone +64 4 460 0147, email media@linz.govt.nz