Impact of Local GNSS Permanent Networks in the Study of Geodynamics in Central Italy

Abstract

The DICA (Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering) of Perugia University currently operates two local GNSS permanent stations networks in central Italy. These networks supply various types of positioning services, which are currently being used mostly by surveyors and mapping agencies. This kind of networks also have a strong potential for the monitoring of crustal deformations in local areas. In the specific case, such applications are particularly interesting because the covered region (Umbria and central Italy) is characterized by a relevant seismicity In the present paper, both networks are described, as for stations location, data availability, and performances in terms of positioning services at different accuracy levels. The possibilities for applications on local geodynamics with different approaches are then discussed, showing the results of a test performed with displacements simulated by means of a mechanical device. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2009.