AGOS Geospatial Equipment Pool

Australian Geophysical Observing System (AGOS) - Geospatial

AuScope’s Australian Geophysical Observing System augments existing NCRIS AuScope infrastructure with new capability that focuses particularly on emerging geophysical energy issues. The intended use AuScope AGOS infrastructure is to enable collection of new baseline data including surface geospatial and subsurface imaging and monitoring data, thereby providing for better long-term management of crustal services, particularly in Australia’s energy-rich sedimentary basins.

The Geospatial capability was established within AGOS to provide the research community with access to state-of-the-art geodetic instruments that support the highest precision measurement of deformation of the solid Earth. The AGOS Geospatial equipment, which will be available for loan, is suitable for Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) related geospatial and geophysical experiments. While characterising deformation of the Earth’s crust is the targeted application of the equipment, other novel uses will also be encouraged. However, access to the equipment will be prioritised according to the AGOS Geospatial Selection Criteria.

AGOS Geospatial equipment is available to all researchers on the basis of merit, as judged by an Access Committee on the basis of a short proposal. Researchers have to meet the project operating costs but training is provided in the use of the portable equipment. Applicants for access to AGOS Geospatial equipment are encouraged to contact Dr John Dawson, Geoscience Australia, to discuss their needs for prospective projects and then prepare a formal proposal. The equipment pool presently comprises 60 geodetic Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers and antennas as well as solar panels that support their operation. Applications to use AGOS equipment should be submitted to the AGOS Access Committee electronically by completing the AGOS Application Form which includes confirmation of institutional support (electronic signature is acceptable). The AGOS Geospatial Access Committee will deliberate periodically - normally four times per year in March, June, September, and December. The schedule of equipment allocations for successful proposals will be updated following the Access Committee deliberations. Successful applicants will be required to sign a project agreement. This is a simple form, confirming insurance arrangements and the liability of the proposer for losses and repairs. For more complex multi-party arrangements a formal Project agreement will be required to specify the nature of the project and the responsibilities of the parties. Note: The AGOS Geospatial instruments are in heavy demand and therefore potential users are urged to submit bids at the earliest opportunity.

AGOS equipment in action at the Gippsland/Otway Basin survey, November 2011.

Completed and Planned AGOS Geospatial Experiments

AGOS Geospatial Equipment

• LG - 20 GNSS units -- Leica Geosystems GR10 GNSS Receiver and the AR10 GNSS Geodetic Antenna
• TM - 20 GNSS units -- Trimble NetR9 Ti-1 GNSS Reference Receiver and Zephyr GNSS Geodetic 2 Antenna
• TN - 20 GNSS units -- Topcon NET-G3A GNSS Reference Receiver and Topcon G3-A1 GNSS Ground plane Antenna
• SP - 100 units – solar panels

For further information regarding the AGOS Geospatial equipment pool, contact:

AGOS Geospatial Access Committee
c/o Dr John Dawson
Minerals and Natural Hazards Division
Geoscience Australia
Tel: +61 2 6249 9028
Email: john.dawson@ga.gov.au 

Last updated 21 December 2011