Australian researcher Dr Suelynn Choy has been internationally recognised for her efforts in satellite navigation by taking out a World Metrology Day Award. Dr Choy is from RMIT University and CRCSI Project Leader won this year’s award by demonstrating—in an Australian first—that data generated by local infrastructure and transmitted by regional satellite navigation system the Japanese Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) can be used to provide accurate point positioning anywhere in Australia that CORS networks are inaccessible. This takes the possible precision from one metre down to as little as two centimetres.
The World Metrology Day Awards are hosted by the National Measurement Institute in honour of the international agreement on units of measurements, and serves to acknowledge and celebrate the outstanding achievement in practical applications of measurement.
Dr Choy’s research met this high standard by demonstrating where robotic tractors used in precision agriculture can be controlled by satellites, as well as track, turn and operate machinery autonomously.
In February Japanese and Australian officials signed an agreement supporting applications of this very kind. Dr Choy’s research will support the field of intelligent transport systems and increase Australia’s productivity across many industries including transport, emergency services, engineering and mapping. Australia’s agricultural production will also benefit from this research.
Currently a Senior Lecturer at RMIT’s School of Science, Dr Choy completed her PhD in GPS Precise Point Positioning in 2009. Her collaboration with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) on utilising the Japanese Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) for precise positioning led Dr Choy to the CRCSI to further strengthen collaboration with JAXA and undertake research to use the QZSS LEX/L6 signal for real-time precise positioning in Australia.
After completing her undergraduate degree in surveying, Dr Choy pursued a PhD in satellite navigation which led into her current position as an academic.
Australia’s National Measurement Institute CEO Dr Peter Fisk said the award is recognition of Dr Choy’s tremendous innovation in her field.
“Dr Choy’s research is laying the foundations for significant improvements to our current global navigation systems which will in turn benefit many industries such as transportation, emergency services, engineering and mapping,” he said.
More details including a demonstration of this work can be found here.
