Establishing the GNSS & CORS Surveying System in Noonu Atoll

We are delighted to announce the signing of a landmark agreement with Water Solutions Pvt Ltd to establish a GNSS & CORS Surveying System in Noonu Atoll. This initiative represents a pivotal step in leveraging advanced technology to empower our community, strengthen natural resource management, and enhance land use, infrastructure development, and resilient environmental planning.

As stewards of our islands, we hold a deep collective responsibility to protect our natural resources—our land, marine ecosystems, and unique biodiversity—for future generations. The GNSS & CORS system is a vital tool in supporting evidence-based efforts to conserve these resources in the face of climate change, rising sea levels, and ongoing environmental challenges.

Key Project Activities

• Installation of a Continuously Operating Reference Station (CORS): Located at the Council premises, the station will provide real-time, high-accuracy GPS data to inform conservation and planning decisions.

• Deployment of GNSS Base and Rover Receivers: Offering operational coverage of over 25km from Manadhoo, enabling comprehensive resource mapping and environmental assessments.

• Integration with GIS Systems: Facilitating smart and sustainable planning of roads, utilities, zoning, and protected areas—supporting ecologically sensitive development.

• Delivery of Handheld GPS Devices: Empowering on-site surveys for island councils and technical teams to monitor shoreline movement, land use, and habitat health.

• Comprehensive Training Programmes: Equipping council staff with skills in system operation, GIS workflows, climate risk assessment, and environmental monitoring.

• 10-Year Maintenance and Support Services: Ensuring reliable long-term operation and continuous support for climate adaptation efforts.

Why This Matters for Our Community

• Natural Resource Conservation: The precise mapping and monitoring capabilities will help preserve vital habitats, manage coastal resources, and promote sustainable land use—protecting our fragile ecosystems from overexploitation and degradation.

• Climate Change Adaptation: Enhanced data will allow us to track shoreline changes, assess flood risks, and design defenses against rising sea levels, supporting proactive adaptation for vulnerable communities.

• Better Land Use Planning: Accurate boundary mapping, fairer land allocation, and ecologically balanced zoning for housing, agriculture, infrastructure, and conservation efforts.

• Faster, More Accurate Surveys: Reducing delays and costs for public and private sector projects, and enabling swift response to environmental events.

• Climate Resilience: Strengthening our ability to monitor and respond to changing environmental conditions, fostering sustainable development in harmony with nature.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Supporting councils, developers, and community organizations with real-time spatial data for transparent and inclusive governance.

• Boosting Local Economy: Encouraging sustainable investments, supporting micro-enterprises, and accelerating environmentally responsible project timelines.

• Youth Empowerment: Building local capacity in GIS, modern mapping technologies, and conservation methods, empowering the next generation of leaders in sustainable development.