Using GNSS Observation for Mitigating the Impact of SODs and RODs on the Built Environment – Introducing the New SNIK Continuously Operating Reference Station and Its Applications

Continuously Operating Reference Station (CORS), based on GNSS observations, are widely used in many fields, both scientific and professional, related to the need of precise positioning. Several GNSS-based applications deal with the safeguard of the cities and, consequently, their inhabitants, from the effects of Slow-Onset Disasters (SODs), and Rapid Onset Disasters (RODs). With the focus of reducing the impact of these critical events on the built environment, by guaranteeing a more accurate and continuous monitoring, a new CORS, named SNIK, was installed by the research group Applied Geomatics Laboratory (AGlab) at the Polytechnic University of Bari, with the support of Stonex Italy. At the same time, an integrated test field, consisting of four GNSS rover receivers so far, was planned to be implemented on the new Rectorate building, currently under construction. The test field is set up to be upgraded with additional sensors, such as SAR corner reflectors, accelerometers, and weather stations. The availability of a continuous stream of GNSS observations will allow the development of new algorithms and approaches aimed at facing the consequences of potentially catastrophic events over the short and long-term period and implementing strategies aimed at mitigating their impact on the safety and the healthiness of the cities.