R&D Areas

Research & Development Project
Advanced GNSS Station

We engage in the design and development of low-cost CORS stations for GNSS-IR studies, as well as to serve as base stations for GNSS-based mapping and surveying. Recently, we developed and deployed a low-cost GNSS CORS station at Mane in Spiti Valley to provide accurate positioning data and estimate geophysical variables like snow depth and snow water equivalent using GNSS-IR technology. The station features a Tallysman antenna and an ArduSimple receiver, ensuring reliable performance in remote, high-altitude environments. Efforts are going on to improve the system design and performance

Research & Development Project
Fig. (a) Illustration of the process of GNSS-derived PWV estimates. [Source: Mawandha et al. 2019]. (b) Illustration of the Principle of reflectometry using geodetic ground stations. [Source: GGOS (Global Geodetic Observing System)]
GNSS Meteorology/Reflectoemetry

We engage in GNSS Meteorology, using satellite signals to measure precipitable water vapor (PWV) by analyzing atmospheric signal delays. Additionally, we work with GNSS Interferometric Reflectometry, which examines GNSS signal reflections from surfaces like soil and water to monitor snow depth and water levels, providing a cost-effective environmental sensing solution

GRACE Satellite
Fig. Satellite-to-satellite tracking in the low-low (SST-LL) mode [Source: GGOS (Global Geodetic Observing System)]
Hydro Geodesy through Satellite Gravimetry

In partnership with the Technical University of Dresden, we are developing computationally efficient methods for deriving high-resolution estimates of total water storage changes by leveraging data from the GRACE and GRACE Follow-On satellite missions.

InSAR Glaciers
Fig. Illustration of Permafrost terrain deformation measurements using InSAR technique [Source: Wang et. al. 2022]
Imaging Geodesy

In this domain, we leverage advanced satellite techniques, primarily Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) to measure permafrost deformation, glacier velocities with millimetre-level precision. These cutting-edge methods offer powerful insights into freeze-thaw cycles of the active layer and long-term ground subsidence driven by permafrost degradation. By harnessing InSAR capabilities, we enhance monitoring of land deformation in permafrost regions and deepen our understanding of glacier dynamics through detailed 3D InSAR velocity measurements.

Outreach Activities

2025
Civil Engineering Department Building
A 3-day short course on Advanced GNSS Surveying and Mapping was conducted from May 5th to 7th, 2025, at the Remote Sensing and Geoinformatics (RCG) Lab, Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Bombay. The course was attended by 10 participants, from Survey of India (SOI) employee and students.
2024
Student Training Session
A short course titled "GNSS Surveying: Basic Theory and Practice" was conducted on May 17–18, 2024, at Sardar Patel College of Engineering, Mumbai. The course saw participation from 60 individuals, including civil engineering professionals.
2023
Student Training Session
The short course “GNSS Surveying: Basic Theory and Practice” took place on June 12–13, 2023, at Sardar Patel College of Engineering, Mumbai. It was attended by 60 participants, mainly professionals from the civil engineering field. The program emphasized practical, hands-on learning, covering field data collection, mapping exercises, and practical training on Total Station (RDM & REM), GPS-based mapping, and Differential GNSS techniques.