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Dr Craig Roberts

Dr Craig Roberts

Senior Lecturer
Engineering
Civil and Environmental Engineering

Senior Lecturer in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Research interest

  • Investigate the implications of 3D kinematic datum modernisation for professional and mass market users, particularly in tectonically active environments.
  • Investigate the application of high precision multi-GNSS/ PPP positioning. Leveraging CORS infrastructure and combining UAV or laser scan data for practical application to surveying and geospatial engineering.
  • Understand the policy implications of new measurement technologies on authoritative geospatial data management (GPS for cadastral, DCDB, LandXML, eGeodesy, SUI standards, Dial before you dig, smartphone imagery etc).
  • Investigating AR/VR applications in Surveying and Geospatial Engineering

Interest in engineering

Why did you get into engineering?

I like geometry, maps and the outdoors and Surveying combines all three.

What are your research goals?

To modernise the national/ international datum and map the geophysical changes that we can now measure in 4D. To better understand multi-GNSS positioning and augmentations. To develop governance to better map underground utilities in accordance with GDA2020 and AS5488 Subsurface utility standard.

What do people not understand about you do?

People trust their modern devices to give them the correct positions all the time. Measurement science is far more complex and expectations of accuracy nowadays are sometimes unrealistic.

Advice for prospective Surveying and Geospatial engineers

Love maths (especially geometry – do Maths Ext 1). Love maps. Love gadgets. Be precise. Love the outdoors.

Lectures/Courses taught

GMAT1110 - Surveying and Geospatial Engineering

GMAT2120 - Surveying and Geospatial Technology

GMAT3700 - Precise Positioning and Applications

GMAT3150 - Field Projects 1 - Survey Camp

GMAT4150 - Field Projects 2

Honours thesis supervision - A wide variety of projects

Students

Number currently in lab: 4

Student Projects:

Hydro-geological Fault Characterisation using Terrestrial Laser Scanning

Land administration responses after major disasters

Augmented reality applied to subsurface utilities

Governance of utility data in accordance with GDA2020 and AS5488

An investigation into ground deformation monitoring techniques utilised in urban tunnel excavations and the root causes of surface subsidence

The importance of virtual reality in collaborative pavement engineering

Geodetic Datums on the Moon, Planets and Asteroids

Time-dependent geodetic transformations and datum modelling.

Integration of Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar into a National Geodetic Datum

Developing a new Geoid for Costa Rica

Looking for students for projects related to:

Laser scan of 40 foot rock to reconstruct former rock cave

Geospatial Engineering in support of sustainable drinking water supply for Uralla Shire

Space junk and space policy

The Impact of the ATRF on the cadastre in NSW and beyond

Comparing the big 4 in sub-metre GNSS positioning: Omnistar, Starfire, Veripos, Atlas

GNSS Heights from CORS for Machine Guidance applications

Surveying and mapping with your smartphone

 

Professional Organisations and Consulting positions

Secretary and Public Officer of the IGNSS Association Inc.

Academic Education Rep for Intergovernmental Committee on Surveying and Mapping Permanent Committee on Geodesy (ICSM PCG)

UNSW Rep Australasian Spatial Information Education Research Association (ASIERA)

Former Board member of the Board of Surveying and Spatial Information (BOSSI)

Former Chair of the Definition of a Land Survey committee (under BOSSI)

Survey Mapping Industry Council representative for UNSW

Academic member of Institution of Surveyors NSW (ISNSW)

Member of Surveying and Spatial Sciences Institute (SSSI)

Member of American Geophysical Union (AGU).

Active member of FIG GNSS Developments and Modernization Commission 5, Sub Group 5.3.3

Member, FIG Working Group 2.3, “Education Management and Marketing”

Member, IAG WG1.3.1 “Deformation Models for Reference Frames”

Awards 

Best Academic Paper, SatNav 2003, Melbourne, Australia, July 2003

Best Oral Presentation, SSC2009, Adelaide, Australia, Oct 2009

SSSI NSW Education and Professional Development Award - 2014

SSSI National Education and Professional Development Award - 2014

Best Paper Award for 2015 by the Editorial Board of the Journal of Spatial Science

Grants

Cooperative Research Centre for Spatial Information – Project 1.02, Next generation Australian and New Zealand Datum

Education

PhD/postgraduate

PhD, The University of New South Wales, 2002

Undergraduate

B.Surv, The University of South Australia (formerly South Australian Institute of Technology), 1988
Phone
(+61 2) 9385 4464
E-mail
c.roberts@unsw.edu.au
Location
Civil Engineering Building (H20) Level 4, Room CE412 GDA2020: -33° 55’ 06.0”, 151° 13’ 58.5” Kensington Campus
  • Books | 2002
    Roberts CA, 2002, A CONTINUOUS LOW COST GPS-BASED VOLCANO DEFORMATION MONITORING SYSTEM IN INDONESIA, University of New South Wales, SCHOOL OF SURVEYING AND SIS
  • Book Chapters | 2008
    Wang J; Wang J; Roberts CA, 2008, 'Investigations into a dynamic geocentric datum', in Sideris MG (ed.), Observing Our Changing Earth, Springer-Verlag, Berlin
  • Journal articles | 2023
    Ding M; Roberts C; Schmidt S, 2023, 'Emergence of Hadron Mass and Structure', Particles, 6, pp. 57 - 120, http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/particles6010004
    Journal articles | 2022
    Cui Z-F; Binosi D; Roberts CD; Schmidt SM, 2022, 'Hadron and light nucleus radii from electron scattering*', Chinese Physics C, 46, pp. 122001 - 122001, http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1674-1137/ac89d0
    Journal articles | 2022
    Pimenova O; Roberts C; Rizos C, 2022, 'Regional “Bare-Earth” Digital Terrain Model for Costa Rica Based on NASADEM Corrected for Vegetation Bias', Remote Sensing, 14, http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/rs14102421
    Journal articles | 2022
    Raya K; Cui Z-F; Chang L; Morgado JM; Roberts CD; Rodríguez-Quintero J, 2022, 'Revealing pion and kaon structure via generalised parton distributions *', Chinese Physics C, 46, pp. 013105 - 013105, http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1674-1137/ac3071
    Journal articles | 2020
    Grinter T; Roberts C; Janssen V, 2020, 'Ambiguity-Resolved Real-Time Precise Point Positioning as a Potential Fill-In Service for Sparse CORS Networks', Journal of Surveying Engineering, 146, http://dx.doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)SU.1943-5428.0000314
    Journal articles | 2019
    Huang P; Rizos C; Roberts C, 2019, 'Airborne Pseudolite Distributed Positioning based on Real-time GNSS PPP', Journal of Navigation, 72, pp. 1159 - 1178, http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0373463319000213
    Journal articles | 2018
    Huang P; Rizos C; Roberts C, 2018, 'Satellite selection with an end-to-end deep learning network', GPS Solutions, 22, pp. 108, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10291-018-0776-0
    Journal articles | 2016
    Roberts C; Boorer P, 2016, 'Kinematic positioning using a robotic total station as applied to small-scale UAVs', Journal of Spatial Science, 61, pp. 29 - 45, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14498596.2015.1068232
    Journal articles | 2015
    Grant DB; Donnelly N; Crook C; Amos M; Ritchie J; Roberts C, 2015, 'Special feature – managing the dynamics of the New Zealand spatial cadastre', Journal of Spatial Science, 60, pp. 3 - 18, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14498596.2014.943312
    Journal articles | 2015
    Grant DB; Donnelly N; Crook C; Amos M; Ritchie J; Roberts C, 2015, 'Special feature – managing the dynamics of the New Zealand spatial cadastre', Journal of Spatial Science, 60, pp. 3 - 18, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14498596.2014.943312
    Journal articles | 2013
    Stanaway R; Roberts CA, 2013, 'Realisation of a Geodetic Datum using a gridded Absolute Deformation Model (ADM)', Earth on the Edge: Science for a Sustainable Planet. IAG Symposium Series No.139, 139, pp. 259 - 265
    Journal articles | 2011
    Janssen V; Grinter T; Roberts CA, 2011, 'Can RTK GPS be used to improve cadastral infrastructure?', Engineering Journal, 15, pp. 43 - 54, http://dx.doi.org/10.4186/ej.2011.15.1.43
    Journal articles | 2011
    Roberts CA; Iredale I, 2011, 'Promoting the surveying profession', Geomatics World, 19, pp. 24 - 26
    Journal articles | 2009
    Wang J; Wang J; Roberts CA, 2009, 'Reducing gps carrier phase errors with emd-wavelet for precise static positioning', Survey Review, 41, pp. 152 - 161
    Journal articles | 2007
    Roberts C; Swanson E, 2007, 'Focus section on Hadronic Physics', Journal of Physics G: Nuclear and Particle Physics, 34, pp. S1 - S2, http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/0954-3899/34/7/s01
    Journal articles | 2004
    Roberts CA; Rizos C; Ge L; Zhang K; Kealy A, 2004, 'Improved atmospheric modelling for large scale high-precision positioning based on GNSS CORS networks in Australia.', Positioning, 3, pp. 218 - 225
    Journal articles | 2001
    Janssen V; Roberts CA; Rizos C; Abidin HH, 2001, 'Experiences with a mixed-mode GPS-based volcano monitoring system at Mt. Papandayan, Indonesia', Geomatics Research Australasia, pp. 43 - 59
    Journal articles | 2000
    Rizos C; Han S; Roberts CA; Han X; Abidin HH; Sugando OK; Wirakusumah AD, 2000, 'Contiuously operating GPS-based volcano deformation monitoring in Indonesia: the technical & logistical challenges', Geodesy beyond 2000: the challenges of the first decade, 121, pp. 361 - 366
    Journal articles | 2000
    Roberts CA, 2000, 'Volcano: monitoring volcanoes in Indonesia using GPS', Measure and Map, pp. 28 - 31
    Journal articles | 1999
    Janssen V; Roberts CA; Rizos C; Abidin HH, 1999, 'Low-Cost GPS Based Deformation Monitoring at Mt. Papandayan, Indonesia', Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 115, pp. 139 - 151
    Journal articles | 1997
    Roberts CA, 1997, 'Solar Car Racing with GPS and GIS', GIS User No 21, Feb-Mar 1997, pp. 24 - 25
    Journal articles | 1996
    Wong K; Roberts C; Han S; Rizos C; Hirsch B; Masters E, 1996, 'Part 2: GPS in support of the 1996 world solar challenge', Australian Surveyor, 41, pp. 269 - 277, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00050339.1996.10558643
    Journal articles | 1996
    Wong K; Roberts C; Han S; Rizos C; Hirsch B; Masters E, 1996, 'Part 2—GPS in Support of the 1996 World Solar Challenge', Australian Surveyor, 41, pp. 269 - 277, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00050326.1996.10441768
  • Conference Papers | 2019
    2019, 'Everything the modern surveyor needs to know about multi-GNSS (and was too afraid to ask)'
    Conference Papers | 2018
    Huang P; Rizos C; Roberts C, 2018, 'Online GPR-KF for GNSS Navigation with Unmodelled Measurement Error', in Lecture Notes in Electrical Engineering, pp. 59 - 70, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-0005-9_5
    Conference Papers | 2018
    Sarmiento CJS; Rizos C; Roberts C, 2018, 'Time-variable satellite gravity models application for the development of an archipelagic geoid-based height system', in Proceedings - 2018 IEEE 14th International Colloquium on Signal Processing and its Application, CSPA 2018, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), MALAYSIA, Penang, pp. 203 - 208, presented at 2018 IEEE 14th International Colloquium on Signal Processing & Its Applications (CSPA), MALAYSIA, Penang, 09 March 2018 - 10 March 2018, http://dx.doi.org/10.1109/cspa.2018.8368713
    Conference Papers | 2016
    Rizos C; Huang P; Roberts CA, 2016, 'Inter-pseudolite range augmented GNSS PPP navigation for airborne pseudolite system', in Dempster AG (ed.), Proceedings of IGNSS Symposium, IGNSS Society, UNSW, Sydney, Australia, presented at IGNSS Symposium, UNSW, Sydney, Australia, 06 December 2016 - 08 December 2016, http://www.ignss2016.unsw.edu.au/sites/ignss2016/files/u80/Papers/peer-reviewed/IGNSS2016_paper_10.pdf
    Conference Papers | 2015
    Stanaway R; Roberts CA, 2015, 'A High-Precision Deformation Model to Support Geodetic Datum Modernisation in Australia', in International Association of Geodesy Symposia, Springer, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/1345_2015_31
    Conference Papers | 2014
    Donnelly N; Crook C; Haasdyk J; Harrison C; Rizos C; Roberts C; Stanaway R, 2014, 'Dynamic datum transformations in Australia and New Zealand', in CEUR Workshop Proceedings, pp. 48 - 59
    Conference Papers | 2014
    Haasdyk J; Donnelly N; Harrison C; Rizos C; Roberts C; Stanaway R, 2014, 'Options for modernising the geocentric datum of Australia', in CEUR Workshop Proceedings, CEUR, Canberra, Australia, pp. 72 - 85, presented at Proceedings of Research at Locate'14 in conjunction with Locate 2014, Canberra, Australia, 07 April 2014 - 09 April 2014, http://ceur-ws.org/Vol-1142/paper9.pdf
    Conference Papers | 2014
    Roberts CA; Donnelly N; Crook C; Haasdyk J; Rizos C; Stanaway R, 2014, 'A Two-Frame National Spatial Referencing System Accounting for Geodynamics', in IAG Commission 1 Symposium 2014: Reference Frames for Applications in Geosciences (REFAG2014), Springer Nature, Kirchberg, Luxembourg, pp. 235 - 242, presented at Reference Frames for Applications in Geosciences (REFAG2014), Kirchberg, Luxembourg, 13 October 2014 - 17 October 2014, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/1345_2015_188
    Conference Papers | 2014
    Roberts CA; Stanaway R; Rizos C; Donnelly N; Crook C; Haasdyk J, 2014, 'Defining a Local Reference Frame using a Plate Motion Model and Deformation Model', in Proceedings of IAG Commission 1 Symposium: Reference Frames for Applications in Geosciences, Kirchberg, Luxembourg, presented at REFAG 2014, Kirchberg, Luxembourg, 13 October 2014 - 17 October 2014, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/1345_2015_147
    Conference Papers | 2013
    Grinter T; Roberts CA, 2013, 'Real-Time Precise Point Positioning – Are We There Yet?', in Kealy A (ed.), Proceedings of IGNSS Symposium 2013 (IGNSS2013), Gold Coast, presented at IGNSS Symposium 2013, Gold Coast, 16 July 2013 - 18 July 2013, http://www.ignss.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=hhttUVRm01Y%3d&tabid=56
    Conference Papers | 2013
    Haasdyk J; Roberts CA, 2013, 'Monitoring mark movement using a state-wide simultaneous ‘adjustment of everything’− Implications for a next generation Australian Datum', in Kealy A; Henshaw R (ed.), Proceedings of IGNSS Symposium 2013 (IGNSS2013), Gold Coast, presented at International Global Navigation Satellite Systems Society IGNSS Symposium 2013, Gold Coast, 16 July 2013 - 18 July 2013
    Conference Papers | 2013
    Roberts CA; Davis-Raiss P; Lofberg D; Goodman G, 2013, 'Is Neo-Cadastral Surveying on your Smart Phone Feasible?', in Morgan C (ed.), Thorpe-Bowker, http://www.sssi.org.au/details/cat/15/sub/17/subnav/504.html, presented at Surveying and Spatial Sciences Conference, Canberra, 16 April 2013 - 19 April 2013
    Conference Papers | 2011
    Grinter T; Roberts CA, 2011, 'Precise Point Positioning – Where are we now?', in IGNSS Society 2011 Symposium Proceedings, Menay P/L, Sydney, Australia, presented at IGNSS Symposium 2011, Sydney, Australia, 15 November 2011 - 17 November 2011
    Conference Papers | 2011
    ROBERTS C; Chang L; Wilson D, 2011, 'Hadron physics and dynamical chiral symmetry breaking', in Proceedings of International Workshop on QCD Green's Functions, Confinement and Phenomenology — PoS(QCD-TNT-II), Sissa Medialab, presented at International Workshop on QCD Green's Functions, Confinement and Phenomenology, 05 September 2011, http://dx.doi.org/10.22323/1.136.0039
    Conference Papers | 2011
    Roberts CA, 2011, 'How will all the new GNSS signals help RTK surveyors?', in Proceedings of the SPATIAL SCIENCES & SURVEYING BIENNIAL CONFERENCE, Surveying and Spatial Science Institute, Australia, pp. 411 - 424, presented at SURVEYING AND SPATIAL SCIENCES BIENNIAL CONFERENCE, Wellington New Zealand, 21 November 2011 - 25 November 2011
    Conference Papers | 2011
    Stanaway R; Roberts CA, 2011, 'Rigid plate transformations to support PPP and absolute positioning in Africa', in Proceedings of FIG Working Week 2011, FIG – International Federation of Surveyors, Marrakech. Morocco, presented at FIG Working Week 2011, Marrakech. Morocco, 18 May 2011 - 22 May 2011
    Conference Papers | 2010
    Haasdyk J; Roberts CA; Janssen V; McElroy S; Kinlyside D, 2010, 'Automated monitoring of CORS infrastructure using the Bernese software quantifies distortions in GDA94/AHD71', in Proc XXIV FIG Int. Congress, FIG, Sydney, Australia, presented at XXIV FIG Int. Congress "Facing the Challenges - Building the Capacity", Sydney, Australia, 11 April 2010 - 16 April 2010, http://www.fig.net/pub/fig2010/index.htm
    Conference Papers | 2007
    Adiyanto FH; Roberts CA, 2007, 'Temporary CORS networks for land reconstruction in Aceh, Sumatera', in IGNSS 2007, UNSW, Sydney, Australia, presented at International Global Navigation Satellite Systems Society 2007, UNSW, Sydney, Australia, 04 December 2007 - 06 December 2007
    Conference Papers | 2007
    Wang J; Wang J; Roberts CA, 2007, 'Reducing carrier phase errors with EMD-Wavelet for precise GPS positioning', in USION National Tech Meeting (ed.), USION National Tech Meeting, San Diego, Californa, USA, pp. 919 - 928, presented at USION National Tech Meeting, San Diego, Californa, USA, 22 January 2007 - 24 January 2007
    Conference Papers | 2006
    Zhang K; Wu FF; Wu S; Rizos C; Roberts CA; Ge L; Yan TS; Gordini F; Kealy A, 2006, 'Sparse or Dense: Challenges of Australian Network RTK', in IGNSS 2006, Menay Pty Ltd, Surfers Paradise, Queensland, Australia, presented at International Global Navigation Satellite Systems Society 2006, Surfers Paradise, Queensland, Australia, 17 July 2006 - 21 July 2006
    Conference Papers | 2005
    Roberts CA, 2005, 'GPS for Cadastral Surveying - Practical Considerations', in national biennial Conference of the spatial Sciences Institute, Spatial Science Institute, Melbourne, presented at national biennial Conference of the spatial Sciences Institute, Melbourne, 12 September 2005 - 16 September 2005
    Conference Papers | 2002
    Roberts CA; Morgan PJ; Rizos C, 2002, 'ALLAN VARIANCE APPLIED TO TIME SERIES BASELINE RESULTS FOR GPS BASED DEFORMATION MONITORING APPLICATION', in 2ND International Symposium ON GEODESY FOR GEOTECHNICAL and STRUCTURAL APPLICATIONS, Berlin, Germany, pp. 299 - 311, presented at 2nd International Symposium ON GEODESY FOR GEOTECHNICAL and STRUCTURAL APPLICATIONS, Berlin, Germany, 21 May 2002 - 24 May 2002
    Conference Papers | 2001
    Roberts CA; Rizos C, 2001, 'Mitigating differential troposphere effects for GPS-based volcano monitoring', in Kurt Kubik (ed.), 5th International Symposium on Satellite Navigation Technology and Applications, Canberra, presented at 5th International Symposium on Satellite Navigation Technology and Applications, Canberra, 24 July 2001 - 27 July 2001
    Conference Papers | 2001
    Tsujii T; Rizos C; Wang J; Dai L; Roberts CA; Harigae M, 2001, 'A navigation/positioning service based on pseudolites installed on stratospheric airships', in Kurt Kubik (ed.), 5th International Symposium on Satellite Navigation Technology and Applications, Japan Society for Aeronautical and Space Sciences, Canberra, pp. 36, presented at 5th International Symposium on Satellite Navigation Technology and Applications, Canberra, 24 July 2001 - 27 July 2001
    Conference Papers | 1999
    Roberts CA; Rizos C, 1999, 'The trials and triumphs of installing and operating a continuously operating GPS-based volcano deformation monitoring system in Indonesia', in Kubik K; Talbot N; Rizos C (eds.), 4th Australian Symposium on Satellite Navigation Technology and Applications, Brisbane, Qld, pp. Paper 53, presented at 4th Australian Symposium on Satellite Navigation Technology and Applications, Brisbane, Qld, 20 July 1999 - 23 July 1999
    Conference Papers | 1998
    Roberts CA; Chen H; Han S; Rizos C, 1998, 'Antenna phase centre variation: cause for concern for precise GPS deformation monitoring applications', in Spihaus AF (ed.), Western pacific geophysics meeting, Taipei, pp. 11 - 11, presented at Western pacific geophysics meeting, Taipei, 21 July 1998 - 24 July 1998
    Conference Papers | 1997
    Rizos C; Han S; Roberts CA, 1997, 'Permanent automatic low-cost GPS deformation monitoring systems: error mitigation strategies and system architecture', in US Institute of Navigation (ed.), 10th International Tech. Meeting of the Satellite Division of the U.S. Inst. of Navigation, INST NAVIGATION, Kansas City USA, pp. 909 - 917, presented at 10th International Tech. Meeting of the Satellite Division of the U.S. Inst. of Navigation, Kansas City USA, 16 September 1997 - 19 September 1997, https://www.ion.org/publications/abstract.cfm?articleID=2813
    Conference Papers | 1997
    Roberts CA; Rizos C, 1997, 'Permanent automatic GPS deformation monitoring systems: a review of system architecture and data processing strategies', in IAG scientific assembly, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, presented at IAG scientific assembly, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 30 September 1997
    Conference Papers | 1997
    Wong K; Roberts CA; Han S; Hirsch B; Rizos C; Masters EG, 1997, 'GPS and GIS in support of `Sunswift` during the 1996 World Solar Car Challenge', in Fryer J (ed.), 1st Trans Tasman Surveyors Conference, Newcastle, NSW, pp. 1 - 9, presented at 1st Trans Tasman Surveyors Conference, Newcastle, NSW, 12 April 1997 - 18 April 1997

Heavily involved in marketing activities with the profession to encourage high school students to consider studying Surveying at UNSW: Maths in Surveying day (3 times/ yr), Women in Surveying event on International Women's Day, High School Information days on campus at UNSW (2 times/yr), Careers Markets, etc etc....

Co-organise IGNSS every 2 years

Close relations with industry to place students in work and encourage industry engagement with the School of CVEN.

 

My Research Supervision

Olga Pimenova - Design of a new vertical datum for Costa Rica

My Teaching

GMAT1110 - Surveying and Geospatial Engineering

GMAT2120 - Surveying and Geospatial Technology

GMAT3700 - Precise Positioning and Applications

GMAT3150 - Field Projects 1

GMAT4150 - Field Projects 2

CVEN4951-3 - Honours Research Thesis (A, B, C)