Continuously operating reference station and surveying applications in KSA

Recently, there is an increased interest in surveying applications based on Continuously Operating Reference Station (CORS) technology in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Jeddah Municipality has started operating the first CORS network in KSA since 2007. This work discusses the new technologies used in Jeddah CORS network, the obtained accuracy and addresses, the different applications covered by CORS network such as cadastral surveying, road surveying, Lidar, among others. Moreover, the work presents the determination of the different transformation parameters between ITRF/WGS84 coordinate system and the local coordinate systems used in KSA. The purpose is to improve the communication abilities in order to operate modern smart cities. With full coverage and high accuracy of locations, Geographic Information System (GIS) and 3D models will be created to operate all aspects of life starting from the inside (the houses) and ending with saving the environment and the energy. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.