What is the difference between IGS & CORS?

 What is the difference between IGS & CORS?

IGS (International GNSS Service) and CORS (Continuously Operating Reference Stations) are related but distinct concepts in the field of GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System).

IGS is a global organization that provides GNSS data and products, while CORS is a network of GNSS receivers that provide real-time data for surveying, mapping, and geodetic applications. CORS stations are typically installed at permanent locations and continuously collect data from GNSS satellites, which is then transmitted to a central server and made available to users through the internet.

The IGS operates its own network of GNSS stations, which it uses to generate precise orbit and clock solutions for GNSS satellites, as well as precise coordinates for GNSS stations. The data and products generated by the IGS are used for a variety of purposes, including navigation, surveying, mapping, geodesy, and scientific research.

In summary, IGS is an organization that provides GNSS data and products, while CORS is a network of GNSS receivers that provide real-time GNSS data. Both IGS and CORS play important roles in advancing the field of GNSS and supporting a variety of GNSS applications.

	IGS	CORS
Purpose	Provide high-precision GNSS data products and services	Provide real-time GNSS data for surveying and geodetic purposes
Type of Data	GNSS satellite orbit and clock solutions, station coordinate and velocity solutions, GNSS receiver and antenna phase center information, and GNSS data	GNSS data and observations from a network of permanent reference stations
Data Processing	Data products are processed to correct for biases and errors, and to improve the accuracy and reliability of the data	Data from CORS are processed in real-time to correct for biases and errors and to provide the most accurate and reliable GNSS data possible
Use Cases	Geodetic reference systems, mapping, land management, urban planning, navigation, disaster management, environmental monitoring	Surveying, geodetic reference systems, engineering, construction, land management
Frequency of Updates	Regularly updated to reflect changes in the Earth's surface and to improve the accuracy of the reference system	Data from CORS are updated in real-time to reflect changes in the Earth's surface and to provide the most accurate GNSS data possible
Availability of Data Products	Data products are available for download from the IGS website	Data from CORS are typically available through an API or web interface provided by the operating organization

In summary, IGS provides high-precision GNSS data products and services for various geospatial applications, while CORS provide real-time GNSS data for surveying and geodetic purposes. Both systems have different use cases and data processing methods, but both are important for providing accurate and reliable GNSS data for various applications.