MULTINATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
type: Concept

IGS/CBIS
type: Concept
in scheme: providers
definition: The international GPS Service is a global system of satellite tracking stations, Data Centers, and Analysis Centers puts high-quality GPS data and data products on line in near real time to meet the objectives of a wide range of scientific and engineering applications and studies. The IGS collects, archives, and distributes GPS observation data sets of sufficient accuracy to satisfy the objectives of a wide range of applications and experimentation. These data sets are used by the IGS to generate the data products mentioned above which are made available to interested users through the Internet. In particular, the accuracies of IGS products are sufficient for the improvement and extension of the International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF), the monitoring of solid Earth deformations, the monitoring of Earth rotation and variations in the liquid Earth (sea level, ice-sheets, etc.), for scientific satellite orbit determinations, ionosphere monitoring, and recovery of precipitable water vapor measurements. The primary mission of the International GPS Service, as stated in the organization's Terms of Reference, is "to provide a service to support, through GPS data products, geodetic and geophysical research activities. Cognizant of the immense growth in GPS applications the secondary objective of the IGS is to support a broad spectrum of operational activities performed by governmental or selected commercial organizations. The service also develops the necessary standards/specifications and encourages international adherence to its conventions." Website: "http://igscb.jpl.nasa.gov/" [Summary provided by IGS.]