Date: Tue, 7 Nov 2000 10:38:04 +0200 (SAST) From: Ludwig Combrinck Reply-To: Ludwig Combrinck To: igsmail@igscb.jpl.nasa.gov cc: ludwig@hartrao.ac.za Subject: [IGSMAIL-3092]: Proposal for Geodetic Institute of Africa at HartRAO (fwd) Message-ID: Sender: owner-igsmail Precedence: bulk ****************************************************************************** IGS Electronic Mail 07 Nov 00:39:49 PST 2000 Message Number 3092 ****************************************************************************** Author: Ludwig Combrinck Although this mail has been sent out on a closed list, I have been asked to mail it on the IGS mail exploder. If you receive it twice, delete one copy..... Proposal for the Establishment of Geodetic Institute at HartRAO --------------------------------------------------------------- Dear Geodetic Community, The following letter is forwarded to you as I seek support for the establishment of a Geodetic Institute at the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO). After recent discussions with our director (Dr George Nicolson) and the President of the National Research Foundation (Dr Khotso Mokhele) I have been given the go ahead to draw up a proposal for a Geodetic Institute. The success of the proposal will depend to a large degree on the support that I can muster from the international geodetic community. The establishment of such an institute with own executive powers, driven by the requirements of science as viewed by the major role players in geodesy, would be able to inject life into African and global geodesy. The Geodetic Institute, with its international partners, will have the potential to solve permanently the many problems that have been encountered by the geodetic community over the years in Africa. Now is the time for you to speak and add your voice to the proposal. Introduction ----------- The HartRAO Space Geodesy Programme currently consists of three projects, each project supporting a specific space geodesy technique (VLBI, SLR and GPS). The collocation of the three techniques not only positions HartRAO to make a major and lasting impact on geodesy internationally, but opens new frontiers for Africa. Geodesy on the African continent has been lacking focus, drive and participation. It lags behind the rest of the world, while the continent in itself harbours exciting new research. The purpose of the Geodetic Institute for Africa at HartRAO will be to take Africa into the future by developing and nurturing country specific projects in space geodesy. These projects will be tied in a unifying structure which will advance and support Africa's role in geodesy. It will awaken the African giant in this discipline, enabling participation, collaboration between and development of many different sectors of the peoples of Africa. Africa Requires a Unifying Structure ------------------------------------ Geodesy is a multidisciplinary subject with complex problems. It encompasses the worlds of plate tectonics and earthquakes, long and short baseline measurements, large scale and small scale problems. It utilises different techniques which are constantly being developed and improved. It impacts on every indivual in one way or another, whether it be through technology, investment or respect that a country earns. Scientific achievements translates into respect from the world. Respect in turn culminates in investments which bring upliftment and real improvement into the life of the African. Despite this extensive global intellectual activity, a formal structure does not exist which will allow Africa to participate and deliver to the world the richness of its own dreams. The capabilities of its own researchers to exchange ideas, initiate collaborative research and compete collectively for external sources of funding are being hampered due to a lack of focus and coordination. No unifying body exists. Furthermore, there is no existing structure that encourages graduate and undergraduate students to pursue careers in Space Geodesy or related subjects (numerical modelling, geophysics, software development, geology, space sciences etc.). Surveying departments at South African universities have been closed down or have been absorbed into other departments. The multifaceted opportunities offered by GPS alone is virtually untapped in Africa. Where are the Africa built GPS receiver and application innovations ? For what and who are we waiting ? The establishment of the Institute of Geodesy for Africa at HartRAO would be a first step towards addressing these important issues. What is the Purpose of the Institute ? -------------------------------------- Within the defined area of geodesy and its related components, the purpose of the Institute would be to: (1) focus, sustain and develop research and teaching in Africa (2) act as a unifying and representative body for Africa (3) act as facillitator for the establishment of a common geodetic reference system throughout Africa compatible with the International Terrestrial Reference System (ITRF) (4) intensify and support densification of the ITRF using GPS in Africa (5) establish and maintain the African Reference Frame (AFREF) (6) act as regional data centre and analysis centre for Africa (7) identify, support and develop geodetic activities in Africa (8) support and develop the objectives of the IGS, IVS and ILRS (9) collaborate with and support the other international role players in geodesy, geodynamics and related subjects, such as the IAG and IERS (10) develop inhouse training facilities for undergraduate and postgradute students with emphasis on equity and redress (11) revitalise and support academic centre activities through student recruitment and scholarships (12) distribute and manage travel/research funds for worthy projects (13) position HartRAO/NRF as a major role player in new developments, research, teaching and the African Renaissance, specifically within the SADC countries, but also in Africa. Why Locate the Institute at HartRAO ? ------------------------------------- The current Geodesy Programme has a broad interdisciplinary vision and recognises that solutions to complex problems are only achievable through bringing together international role players and individuals with differing but complementary support structures and skills. We have been able, on a small scale, to establish working relationships with different groups, locally and internationally. On the GPS front alone, we have strong collaborative links with JPL, CNES, CNRS and NOAA, to mention but a few. NASA's GSFC has been an active and supportive partner for a long time. This has brought forth worthwhile returns in equipment, software and support in different forms, which in turn are benefitting global science. HartRAO has been recognised by the international community for its involvement, commitment, active role and positive approach towards developing and supporting Space Geodesy. HartRAO is a household name in the Space Geodetic community. We are the hub of Space Geodesy activities in Africa and is the logical choice to set the wheel rolling. Would it Divide HartRAO ? ------------------------- Two basic divisions exist at HartRAO; astronomy and geodesy. Both sciences utilise radio astronomy. Most of the VLBI equipment required, including the radio telescope and peripheral equipment are used by both divisions. Geodesy uses additional techniques such as SLR and GPS, which consist of separate instrumentation, but even there sharing takes place, for instance the GPS receiver uses the same clock reference (Hydrogen Maser) required for both geodetic VLBI and astronomical VLBI. Improvements (such as the surface upgrade) benefits geodesy and astronomy. Establishing of the institute would therefore not mean a separation, or declaration of independence. In fact it would mean growth, from 'National Facility' to 'International Facility'. That is why it is suggested to name the institute 'The Geodetic Institute of Africa at HartRAO'. No physical division would be practical, but a considerable number of physical additions would be required, which would benefit astronomy as well. How Would it Affect Current Administration at HartRAO ? ------------------------------------------------------- Special features of the institute would include a defined administrative framework. Funding for instance, would require to be governed and administered in such a way as to protect all the members of the Institute. Participants in the Institute and its activities would be members. Most or all of these members would have some level of formal Memorandum of Agreement with the Institute. The Institute would make use of the existing administrative system, but would require additions and enhancements. For instance, we should house the 'African Library for Geodesy', which will allow us to provide an important information service to other African countries. Substantial effort should be put into making the library an 'Electronic Library'. Institute Management ? ---------------------- The Institute would include a representative governing (Advisory Board) body with executive powers, made up of elected members (major role players from IAG, IERS, JPL etc). It is suggested that HartRAO has a dual management structure, recognising the structural and functional differences in the two divisions. A dual directorship is proposed, so that both astronomy and geodesy are 'internal users' of the facility. An equal number of senior staff from the institute and the astronomy division would form an executive management to enable management of matters affecting HartRAO as a whole. Geodesy should not govern astronomy, or vice versa, maximum growth and sustainability would be possible by 'directed' directorship. Links to Other Formal Bodies ---------------------------- As co-chair of the sub-commision 'Africa' of Commission XIV of the IAG (the commission on crustal dynamics) and as member of the Commission XIV Bureau, it would be appropriate to work through the various commisions applicable. I recognise the importance of the structures supporting geodynamics and geodesy which are in place and am sure that the leaders of these commissions will be able to play an important role in the establishment and objectives of the Institute. Minutes of a meeting to discuss AFREF (April 27, 2000) called by Claude Boucher, head of Commission X of the International Association of Geodesy (IAG) "Global and Regional Networks", also head of the ITRF and the representative of the International Earth Rotation Service (IERS) to the International GPS Service (IGS) indicates some of the requirements and problems of Geodesy in Africa. The Institute would actively work on the many items raised during this meeting and specifically requires 'personal attention' from Claude Boucher. We would be very pro-active in pushing the objectives of the IGS. The IGS is active globally in supporting the mission of the IAG & IERS/ITRF through the techniques and applications of the Global Positioning System (GPS). GPS is currently the only practical way to bring modern geodesy to Africa and can be used for realizing a continental reference network throughout Africa, this should be one of the prime responsibilities of the Institute. HartRAO has been succesful in this to some degree, having installed four GPS stations to date (HRAO, SUTH, RBAY, NAMI). Three more are in various stages of construction, to be located in Madagascar, Zambia and a collocated (tide gauge) installation at Simonstown. All of these are planned to be IGS stations. Conclusion ---------- The establishment of a Geodetic Institute for Africa at HartRAO will position the international geodetic community to actively participate in real solutions to solve the lack of equipment, weak support and related problems concerning geodesy in Africa. Although not very detailed, this document has been drawn up to elicit response from the various role players in Geodesy. After several years of presenting talks at different venues about densification of the ITRF in Africa, informing other agencies abroad about my intention to form a Geodetic Institute, we have now reached the stage where words can be turned to action. I would be very pleased to receive responses from the global geodetic community. In particular, from those who have similar objectives for Africa and have recognised the requirements for active growth in geodesy from within the continent. The succesful establishment of the Institute will require real support from the international geodetic community, this I depend on. In turn, the international geodetic community will pick the fruits of their labour and support, as they see IGS stations and working groups sprout up over the continent. Please forward this letter to anyone else you think should receive it. Please forward your comments, letters of support, descriptions of where you see yourself or your agency contributing, whatever you feel will make a contribution to the proposal to me via e-mail. I would like to include as much input as possible from the international geodetic community in the formal proposal to the NRF. I would like to have the proposal ready within this week. Regards and awaiting your favourable replies, Ludwig Combrinck +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Ludwig Combrinck Programme Leader HartRAO Space Geodesy Programme PO BOX 443 Krugersdorp 1740 South Africa e-mail: ludwig@ludwig.hartrao.ac.za : ludwig@bootes.hartrao.ac.za Tel: +27 12 326-0742 Fax: +27 12 326-0756 IGS Regional Data Center for Africa URL: http:\\www.hartrao.ac.za\geodesy\geodesy_index.html +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++