OPUS for Horizontal Subcentimeter-Accuracy Landslide Monitoring: Case Study in the Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands Region

AbstractThis study demonstrates the usefulness of an approach based on the Online Positioning User Service (OPUS) provided by the National Geodetic Survey (NGS) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to process Global Positioning System (GPS) data and conduct long-term landslide monitoring in the Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands region. Continuous GPS data collected at a creeping landslide site during 2 years were used to evaluate different scenarios for landslide surveying: continuous or campaign, long duration or short duration, morning or afternoon (during different weather conditions). OPUS uses the Continuously Operating Reference Station (CORS) network managed by the NGS as control points and user-collected data to solve for the position of the occupied station (rover). In July 2011, there were 19 NGS CORS sites in the Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands region. This dense GPS network provided a precise and reliable reference frame for subcentimeter-accuracy landslide monitoring in t...

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