Topcon for Chinese Crustal Movement Observation Network

Topcon provides receivers for China's Crustal Movement Observation Network. Topcon Positioning Systems (TPS) has been selected to supply GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems) receivers for the Crustal Movement Observation Network of China (CMONOC). Topcon will supply 132 campaign-mode (portable) GNSS CORS receivers and GNSS choke ring antennas for CMONOC.

The CMONOC project was established by the China Earthquake Administration (CEA) of the People’s Republic of China, to monitor crustal deformation and to predict earthquakes using GNSS technology. In the context of the devastating Wenchuan Earthquake (8.0 on Richter scale) last year, the Chinese government hopes to use state-of-the-art technologies to enhance disaster-relief capability. CEA is planning to use the equipment to re-measure more than 2,000 ground monuments throughout China in 2009.

Crustal deformation is measured by tracking the movement of points on the Earth's surface, ground tilt and strain, as well as fault slip. The Topcon Net-G3 family of receivers will be used to record geodetic data for the CMONOC in campaign mode, also known as portable, episodic or survey mode. At the contract signing ceremony held on March 27, Li Qiang, director of Crustal Movement Monitoring Research Center of CEA, said, "The cooperation with Topcon on CMONOC project is just the starting point for both sides, we look forward to further strengthening communication and cooperation with Topcon in the future." Eduardo Falcon, senior vice president and general manager of TPS’ Emerging Business unit, said, "The accuracy and preservation of data are paramount to the CMONOC project and Topcon is honored to have been selected to assist in this scientific endeavor critical to earthquake prediction in China. “By better understanding the Earth’s natural processes through monitoring and tracking the deformation, the devastating effects of earthquakes can hopefully be reduced and avoided. The CMONOC project is an exemplary use of GNSS technology in geophysical research."

The Topcon Net-G3 family of receivers that will be used for CMONOC incorporate Topcon G3 technology, which allows for universal signal tracking compatible with all existing and planned satellite navigation systems.