Geodetic surveying involves accurately determining the position of points on the earth’s surface. This is critical to accurately determine property locations, boundaries and collect and manage geospatial data.

The Survey Operations Unit:

  • provides high precision geodetic surveys
  • supports Geoscience Australia to operate a network of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS); the strategically located reference stations continuously receive GNSS signals and provide real-time, high-precision positioning data, enabling surveyors and other users to determine accurate locations
  • works with the Intergovernmental Committee on Surveying and Mapping to develop standards and guidelines for geodetic surveying practice.

Airborne Gravity Survey

As part of an ongoing improvement process, the Government of South Australia is collaborating with Geoscience Australia to undertake an airborne gravity survey over Adelaide and surrounding regional areas in October 2024.

This survey will collect new gravity data which will provide more accurate height information and improve the Australian Vertical Working Surface (AVWS), a new reference surface for heights in Australia. This new surface will improve height determination from GPS positioning but will not replace the Australian Height Datum (AHD).

Height information is used when producing elevation models crucial for construction and development activities, as well as environmental risk analysis (i.e. flooding, sea level rises and bushfire risk).

Find more information about the gravity survey here (Factsheet – Airborne Gravity Survey (PDF, 259.9 KB)) or visit the Intergovernmental Committee on Surveying and Mapping website for more information about the Australian Vertical Working Surface.

In the meantime, if you have any questions, or would like to register for updates, please contact us at dhud.surveyoperations@sa.gov.au.

UPDATE: This survey was completed in early November 2024

Geoscience Australia will make the data available through the Geophysical Archive Data Delivery System following processing and review.