Will Featherstone's research grants and contracts

Ground station facility for membership of the atomic clock ensemble in space mission
ARC LEFP grant LE110100054 (2011-2014): $1,230,000
(with Prof M.E. Tobar, Prof A.N. Luiten, Prof J.G. Hartnett, Prof E.N. Ivanov, University of Western Australia, Prof C. Salomon, ACES Scientific Collaboration, Prof Dr P.J.G Teunissen, Curtin, Dr C.J. Vale, Dr B.V. Hall, Swinburne University of Technology, Dr R.B. Warrington, National Measurement Institute)

The Atomic Clock Ensemble in Space is an ESA mission in fundamental physics and technology based on the operation of atomic clocks on-board the International Space Station. Time scales will be delivered to Earth ground stations by a high performance link allowing the most accurate world synchronisation of clocks ever achieved. Australia was nominated as a crucial site to maintain data collection on southern transits to offset northern bias. The project will allow the ground station, clock and time distribution infrastructure necessary for membership and participation in the mission. Results could ultimately lead to the unification of the standard model of physics and relativity resulting in a consistent description of quantum gravity.

Geodetic determination of the amount and spatial-scale of land subsidence and/or uplift in Australia
ARC Linkage Grant LP110100284 (2011-2014): $135,000
(with Dr J.L. Awange, Curtin, and Ms L.M. Morgan, Landgate)

Heights are often assumed static, and relied upon as such by their users (from sea level change studies to the person on the street). Geodetic measurements now reveal that anthropogenic (human-induced) and geological (natural) processes cause temporal changes in heights in Australia. This project will use geodesy to quantify the rate and spatial extent of subsidence and uplift, firstly in Western Australia, to determine a methodology that can be extended nationally and internationally. The outcome will be a spatially variable vertical velocity model that will transform heights to a common time-epoch, as well as applying corrections to tide gauge measurements of sea level change.

Establishing the reference frame using astronomical and space-geodetic observations
ARC Super Science Fellowship FS110200045 (2011-2015) $556,800
(with Prof. J.M. Dickey, Dr J.E. Lovell, Dr C.S. Watson, University of Tasmania, Dr P. Tregoning, Australian National University)

Australia is increasingly dependent on spatial positioning and spatial data, yet mostly relies upon international agencies and research organisations to provide regular updates of coordinates and reference frame definition used on Earth. Improving the accuracy of the reference frame definition and our understanding of errors in the space-based measurements will provide new insights for studies of the Earth. The research will yield results in studies of national significance, such as sea level rise, the effects of melting polar regions, and crustal deformation, as well as developing Australia's expertise in exploiting observations of the Earth from space.

A geoid-based vertical reference frame for height modernization in North America
GEOIDE Canada Research Grant (2010): $20,000
(with Prof. M.G. Sideris, Univ of Calgary, Canada, A/Prof. S. Pagiatakis, York Univ, Canada, Dr M. Craymer, Dr J. Huang, M. Véronneau, Geodetic Survey Division, Canada, C. Southam, Environment Canada, Dr D.A. Smith, Dr D. Roman, D. Conner, National Geodetic Survey, USA, Dr M. Amos, Land Information New Zealand, Dr D. Blitzkow, Univ of Sao Paolo, Brazil, Dr-Ing H. Denker, Univ Hannover, Germany, A/Prof G. Fotopoulos, Univ of Texas at Dallas, USA, Dr J. Ihde, Bundesamt für Kartographie und Geodäsie, Germany)

With the recent decision of the Canadian and US governments to establish geoid-based vertical datums by 2013 and 2018, respectively, the advancement of research on geoid and vertical datums is of paramount importance. The National Geodetic Surveys of Canada (GSD) and the US (NGS) have determined that the maintenance and expansion of the vertical network of benchmarks by traditional spirit levelling is too costly, time consuming and laborious. The surveying community is still intensively using these benchmarks, but many have now disappeared, became unstable, or do not reflect their published elevations due to uplift or subsidence of the terrain because most of the levelling network was not maintained over the last 20-50 years. The only viable alternative for a long-term height reference system is to base it on the geoid, plus a model of its temporal variations, which no longer can be neglected.

Validation of synthetic regional gravity field models
ARC Linkage-International Grant (2009): $54,000
(with Em.Prof Petr Vanicek, University of New Brunswick, Canada)

This research will further develop the theoretical and practical methods required to test any model of the Earth's gravity field. Previously, geodesists have had to rely on analytical error estimates, usually based on observed data. A synthetic Earth gravity model avoids this scenario by giving an exact validation technique of the methods used. The synthetic model will allow users of geoid models (e.g., for GPS heighting) to have much more confidence in their results. When used with a precise geoid model, GPS is faster and cheaper than conventional spirit-levelling, offering around 800% productivity gains.

Towards a new vertical spatial framework for Australia
Cooperative Research Centre for Spatial Information (2008): $78,078

The Australian Height Datum (AHD) is plagued with numerous problems, many of which can now be rectified with new approaches and datasets now available. We propose to determine by what means and to what extent the AHD can be improved, with a view to a proper and scientifically rigorous revision of the AHD. This new vertical datum will provide the fundamental framework for height determination in Australia, including any new Australian digital elevation model (DEM), the feasibility of which is currently being considered by the Australian Academy of Science and the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering. Ultimately, a revision of the AHD will enhance this essential piece of national spatial infrastructure, providing tangible benefit to many industry sectors and all levels of government.

Environmental geodesy: variations of sea level and water storage in the Australian region
ARC Discovery-Project Grant (2008–12): $1,160,000
(with Dr P. Tregoning, Australian National University, Prof. R. Coleman & Dr C.S. Watson, University of Tasmania, Prof. C. Rizos, University of New South Wales, Dr J.L. Awange & Dr M. Kuhn, Curtin University of Technology, and Dr O. Titov Geoscience Australia)

Australia, as part of the global planet, is ominously poised in a period of significant environmental change caused by continued warming of the Earth. Changing sea-levels and variation in national water storage present significant challenges that are at the forefront of Australian consciousness. This research provides the first assembly of national geodetic intellect to tackle these complex problems through the development and extension of space-geodetic observational techniques, and drawing upon recent and significant injections into geospatial infrastructure. It will provide the first-ever comprehensive indication of the contemporary state of changes in sea-level, Antarctic ice cover and broad-scale national water storage.

Next generation GNSS ambiguity resolution
ARC Linkage-International Grant (2007): $151,000
(with Prof Peter Teunissen, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands, and Prof. C Rizos, University of New South Wales)

The theme of the proposed collaborative research project is carrier-phase ambiguity resolution (AR) for the next generation of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (EU’s Galileo, US’s modernised GPS, Russia’s GLONASS, Japan’s QZSS). Since AR is the key to high-accuracy GNSS positioning, the project aims at extending the current GPS-based AR-theory that is needed for the next generation GNSS. This issue becomes even more pressing with the trend towards more demanding GNSS applications in terms of reliability, robustness and system integrations. The theoretical work will be backed up with extensive numerical computations (data analyses and simulations) in the Australian context.

Optimal CORS GNSS site selection
Cooperative Research Centre for Spatial Information (2006): $75,000
(with Dr J.L. Awange, Curtin University of Technology)

The National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS), through AuScope, will establish over 100 CORS (continuously operating GNSS - global navigation satellite system – reference stations) across Australia. Approximately one third of the $65 million AuScope budget is allocated to install and maintain CORS. This demonstrator ties together the research outcomes of CRCSI projects 1.1, 1.2 and part of 2.2, with new work to be applied to the installation of CORS stations nationwide. Commercial opportunities are predicted since there is currently no global consensus on the way to select the best CORS site. It will ultimately lead to real-time positioning and navigation at the cm level anywhere in Australia.

Ellipsoidal physical geodesy - improved global and local gravity field modelling
2006–2010 ARC Discovery Grant: $750,000
(with Dr Sten Claessens, Curtin University of Technology)

For over 300 years, geodesists have known that the Earth’s figure is roughly an oblate ellipsoid of revolution. However, physical geodesists still use a spherical Earth model. This research programme will examine, from first principles, the complete treatment of the Earth’s gravity field in a purely ellipsoidal framework, ranging from satellite-based gravity field determination to regional geoid modelling. This will result in a general theory of ellipsoidal physical geodesy, which will improve the accuracy of gravity field and geoid modelling and allow us to fully profit from data observed by the new dedicated satellite gravity missions.

Skycontrol 2: Long-range positioning of aircraft using multibase GPS and INS
2005–2006 ARC Linkage Grant: $104,290
(with Mr Don Abbey and Mr Chris Earls, AAM Hatch Pty Ltd, and A/Prof Ola Øvstedal, Agricultural University of Norway)

This extends our ARC linkage project (LP0347509) by one year, where we developed and tested a long-range airborne GPS (global positioning system) using a network of ground-based receivers. While the original objectives have been met, and exceeded in some instances, we have now identified the real need to use complementary positional information from INS (inertial navigation systems). As well as reducing the cost of airborne mapping surveys in Australia, our SkyControl2 system will have the added benefit of increased accuracy and reliability.

The applicability of CORS networks in Western Australia
Western Australian Department of Land Information research contract (2005): $120,000
(with with A/Prof M.P. Stewart, Curtin University of Technology)

This research project is evaluating the benefits of establishing a network of Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS) throughout Western Australia, supporting the geodetic network and facilitating greater accuracy when using GPS (global positioning system) receivers.

A facility for ultra-precise time and frequency transfer: creating an Australian user group for the ESA atomic clock ensemble in space mission
2005 ARC Linkage Infrastructure Equipment and Facilities grant: $242,000
(with A/Prof ME Tobar; Dr PT Fisk; Prof C Salomon; Dr JG Hartnett; Dr EN Ivanov; A/Prof AN Luiten; The University of Western Australia, CSIRO - Telecommunications & Industrial, Ecole Normale Superieure, ACES)

This facility will allow state-of-the-art time and frequency transfer between the National Measurement Laboratory and the University of Western Australia. These are the only two institutes that construct precision oscillators and clocks in Australia. The combination of the unique expertise will allow new research programs involving precise time and frequency transfer, which is important for navigation, telecommunications and fundamental physics applications. Moreover the facility will supply the infrastructure necessary for the preparation for an Australian User Group for the Atomic Clock Ensemble in Space mission on board the International Space Station, which is currently due for launch in 2008.

Prediction of sea level change around Australia and its calibration and validation by satellite-geodetic measurements 2003-2007 ARC Discovery Grant: $529,000
(with Dr M. Kuhn, Curtin and Prof Wolfgang Keller, Universitaet Stuttgart, Germany)

The redistribution of mass and loading due to deglaciation will change the gravity field, spin axis and centre of mass of the Earth. As such, global sea level will not rise by the same amount in all places, and will even fall in some. This project will extend our realistic Earth model, constructed from a previous ARC grant, to simulate such changes in sea level. These simulated values will be compared with contemporary estimates of ice mass balance and temporal gravity changes measured by satellite geodesy. Ultimately, this will allow for more informed management of sea level change in Australasia.

A system for long-range positioning of airborne mapping sensors using a multi-receiver, Internet-compatible GPS network Chief investigator
2003-2005 ARC Linkage Grant: $192,000
(with Mr Don Abbey and Mr Chris Earls, AAM Hatch Pty Ltd)

This project will research, develop and test a GPS-network-based system, SkyControl, for the accurate coordination of airborne mapping sensors. A ground network of GPS receivers will be established and the aircraft positioned at long ranges (100 km) using a network solution, as opposed to the single-baseline solutions used at present. The GPS data from the ground network will be transferred to a central location via the Internet and stored in an intelligent database so as to allow efficient data management and processing. This approach will ultimately reduce the cost and increase the reliability of airborne surveys in Australia and overseas.

Investigations of the integrity of the Australian Height Datum
2002-2005 ARC Discovery Grant: $242,000

The Australian Height Datum (AHD) forms the fundamental framework for all vertical spatial information in Australia. It supports a wide range of applications in areas such as geodesy, surveying, mapping, telecommunications, resource exploration and environmental science. This medium-term research programme will investigate the many issues surrounding the integrity of the AHD, and will rigorously redefine, correct and unify it within a global vertical framework. This will provide improved height information to the numerous users of the AHD in Australia, and allow Australia to contribute more fully to the global spatial data infrastructure.

Palaeoseismic studies in Western Australia: implications for earthquake hazard assessment
2001 University of Western Australia Small Grant: $15,726
(with Prpf Mike Dentith, University of Western Australia)

The southwest seismic zone (SWSZ) in Western Australia is one of few intra-plate tectonic regions in the world where earthquake activity is not associated with the plate boundaries. Importantly, the proximity of the SWSZ zone to Perth presents a significant seismic hazard. At present, the magnitude, type and controls deformation of the Earth’s crust in the SWSZ are not fully understood. Seismic hazard mapping generally relies upon historical distributions of earthquake activity, with little regard for the geological controls on this activity. Therefore, palaeosiesmology (the study of ancient earthquakes) will be used to create a longer time-series of earthquake data, which will lead to an understanding of the relative importance of geological controls and hence improve risk mapping techniques in the SWSZ.

The construction of a synthetic Earth gravity model and its application to physical geodesy
2000-2003 ARC Large Grant: $135,000
(with Prof. Petr Vanicek, University of New Brunswick, Canada)

This research will develop the theoretical and practical methods required to construct a synthetic model of the Earth’s gravity field. No such model is currently available in the geodetic sciences. Instead, geodesists have to rely on analytical error estimates, usually based on observed data. A synthetic Earth gravity model will avoid this scenario by giving an exact validation of the methods used. Therefore, the model will have applications in most aspects of gravity field determination and modelling. To this end, the synthetic Earth gravity model will also be made available to the international geodetic community.

Geodetic and environmental application of satellite altimetry over land
2000-2003 ARC International Researcher Exchange award: $26,000
(with Prof Pilippa Berry, De Montfort University, England)

A new technique, devised at De Montfort University, uses satellite-borne radar altimeters to determine heights and soil-surface moisture on land. The proposed collaborative program will use these independent data to correct errors in Australian Digital Elevation Models, to quantify the effects of these errors on the determination of the Australian gravity field, and to generate calibrated time-series of soil-surface moisture over the Australian continent. These projects will provide accuracy estimates to the users of Digital Elevation Models, allow for an improved determination of the Australian gravimetric geoid model, and create a totally new data set for the environmental sciences.

Geophysical characterisation of the Yallalie Astrobleme, Western Australia 2000-2003 Australian Society of Exploration Geophysicists Research Foundation grant $17,500
(with Prof Mike Dentith, University of Western Australia and Dr Alex Beavan, Western Australian Museum)

A 12-km-wide circular enigmatic buried structure, located at Yallalie in the Perth Basin, Western Australia, was discovered in 1990 by Ampol Exploration. High-resolution seismic-reflection profiles across the structure show a basin-shaped area that extends to a depth of approximately 2 km below the surface. The structure has sharp boundaries with surrounding faulted, but otherwise relatively undisturbed, rocks. In the centre of the structure there is an uplifted area approximately 3-4 km across, similar to those described from complex meteorite impact structures. This study will use a combination of digital elevation data, gravity surveys, aeromagnetic surveys and neutron activation analysis to prove whether this structure is of impact origin.

Real-time kinematic GPS operation and accuracy guidelines
2000 Main Roads Western Australia research contract $10,000

Real-time kinematic (RTK) Global Positioning System (GPS) measurements offer a fast and cost-effective means of providing survey-precision positions. In 1997, a control network near Curtin University of Technology’s Bentley Campus was established by Main Roads Western Australia (MRWA). This survey used GPS- and terrestrial-geodetic methods to yield 60 positions with accurate heights. These control points will be coordinated by contractors using RTK GPS with respect to five base stations, situated at distances between 10m and 10km, to determine whether RTK GPS can deliver height specifications for MRWA contact surveys.

Improved determination of elevations from the Global Positioning System
1999-2001 ARC Large Grant $140,000
(with A/Prof Bill Kearsley, University of New South Wales)

This research extends our earlier ARC project on the determination of AUSGEOID98, which was completed successfully, but revealed several new issues which form the subject of this proposal. Notably, there is a discrepancy among Global Positioning System (GPS), Australian Height Datum (AHD) and AUSGEOID98 heights, the resolution of which is essential for accurate height determination from GPS. It is anticipated that AUSGEOID98 will be enhanced by incorporating GPS measurements at benchmarks to allow the improved determination of elevations using GPS. This is particularly useful for real-time GPS positioning.

A GPS receiver facility to support Australian geodetic research
1999 ARC Research Infrastructure Equipment and Facilities Program grant $200,000 and $112,500 from University sources
(with the Universities of New South Wales, Tasmania, Canberra and the Australian National University)

This consortium of five Australian universities plans to purchase ten geodetic-quality GPS receivers and peripherals. This cooperative approach will enhance new and existing GPS-geodetic research opportunities for Australian academic geodesists. These research projects include the monitoring of deformation of man-made structures and natural features, global and regional plate tectonics, measurement of sea-level change, mapping of Antarctic ice sheets and their flow, sounding of the Earth’s atmosphere, and experiments in kinematic and rapid-static GPS-geodesy.

Synthetic modelling of the gravity field of the Earth
1998 ARC Small Grant: $9,250
(with Prof Petr Vanicek, University of New Brunswick, Canada)

This research will provide the theoretical basis and methods with which to produce a synthetic model of the Earths gravity field. Such a model is currently unavailable in the geodetic sciences, whereas models are available for the Earths seismic properties, for example. At present researchers have to rely on analytical error estimates based on observed data. A synthetic gravity model will avoid this scenario and thus give an independent validation of the procedures used. The model will have many applications in physical geodesy, and will also assist geophysicists in the interpretation of gravity data collected for resource exploration.

Calibration of GPS and gravity for deformation monitoring on local and continental scales
1998 ARC Small Grant: $10,769
(with A/Prof Mike Stewart, Curtin University of Technology)

Global Positioning System (GPS) and gravity measurements are used to monitor ground deformations at scales ranging from local engineering applications to global plate tectonics. However, these approaches have only been tested in dynamic environments where the true motion is unknown. Therefore, it is difficult to discern whether the observations are due to geophysical processes or are simply artefacts of data reduction procedures. This project will calibrate current techniques in a carefully controlled environment by applying a known amount of deformation to determine the resolution and confidence of GPS and gravity as deformation monitoring systems.

The development of an improved geoid model for the Perth metropolitan region
1998 Western Australian Department of Land Administration research contract: $15,000

This research has produced a model of the separation between the GRS80 ellipsoid and Australian Height Datum (AHD), which is optimised for the Perth region. This was necessary because the gravimetric version of AUSGEOID98 (ie. one generated from gravity data alone) is unable to model the steep geoid gradient generated by the geological structures associated with the Darling Fault. The optimised model, termed METROGEOID in this report, will improve the transformation of ellipsoidal heights, derived from the Global Positioning System (GPS), to AHD heights based on mean sea level, as well as supporting other geodetic activities undertaken by DOLA and its clients.

Real-time kinematic GPS test facility
1998 Main Roads Western Australia research contract: $8,500
(with A/Prof Mike Stewart, Curtin University of Technology)

Integrated geodetic research laboratory
1997 ARC Research Infrastructure Equipment and Facilities Program grant: $100,000 and $115,000 from University sources
(with the Universities of Western Australia and New South Wales)

Geodesy is the study of the Earth's shape and gravity field, and includes the temporal variations of these quantities. The Integrated Geodesy Research Laboratory will combine gravity measurements with those provided by satellite and other positioning systems to improve positioning, navigation and the monitoring of motion. This will enable studies in fields as diverse as vehicle navigation through to deformation of the Earth’s surface.

Geophysical and geodetic studies to determine the distribution of earthquakes in south-west Western Australia
1997 ARC Small Grant: $15,000
(with Prof Mike Dentith, University of Western Australia)

STATEFIX: The Western Australian High Precision GPS Network
1996 Western Australian Department of Land Administration research contract: $112,400
(with A/Prof Mike Stewart, Curtin University of Technology)

The STATEFIX project, commissioned and managed by the Department of Land Administration, represents the densification of the Australian National Network in Western Australia to an average spacing of approximately 200km. Some 230 dual-frequency GPS baselines (mean baseline length 202km) were observed between March 1996 and November 1996. This research contract will undertake the data processing and network adjustment at Curtin University of Technology.

British Council international collaboration on geoid modelling
1996-1998 travel grants: $5,600
(with Dr Joe Olliver, University of Oxford, England, and Dr Jon Evans, Univeristy of Wales, Wales)

Australian Height Datum elevations from GPS and gravity measurements
1995 ARC Small Grant: $8,000
(with Prof Mike Dentith, University of Western Australia)

This research will advance upon six years’ work in geoid-related projects undertaken at The University of Oxford and Curtin University of Technology, and more recently in collaboration with The University of Western Australia. The proposed project will investigate whether Australian Height Datum (AHD) elevations can be determined by using the Global Positioning System (GPS) and a gravimeter simultaneously, without the need for a geoid model or local control.

A new generation gravimetric geoid of Australia to support GPS geodetic applications
1994-1997 ARC Large Grant: $174,714
(with A/Prof Bill Kearsley, University of New South Wales, and Prof John Gilliland, University of South Australia)

All previous Australian gravimetric geoid models have omitted the use of digital terrain models. As such, they do not perform well in mountainous regions. This collaborative project will use a newly released digital elevation model, as well as several other new datasets, to produce a new generation of gravimetric geoid model for Australia. This will improve the use of the Global Positioning System (GPS) for height determination in Australia.

Gravity field refinement using digital terrain models
1993-1994 ARC Small Grant: $24,450

This particular study is an extension of research undertaken at the University of Oxford, England, as part of the principal investigator's D.Phil thesis. The proposed project has two primary goals: 1. To combine gravity observations and digital terrain models to define the geoid more precisely in mountainous regions to enable the geodetic surveyor to achieve reliable results via the Global Positioning System (GPS). (The geoid is the equipotential surface of the Earth's gravity field which corresponds most closely with mean sea level and is the datum for topographic elevations.) 2. Refine the knowledge of the local gravity field in mountainous regions for application in geophysical exploration.