By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning, under the leadership of Dr. Turad Senesie, has commenced the installation of “Continuous Operating Reference Stations” (CORS) across strategic locations in Sierra Leone. This initiative aims to enhance accuracy in surveying, mapping, agriculture, construction and geospatial research through improved Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) data.
CORS is a permanent GNSS-based technology that provides real-time, high-accuracy positioning data. According to Dr. Turad Senesie, this advancement will significantly improve the precision of cadastral surveys, reducing errors that have historically led to boundary overlaps and land disputes, particularly in urban areas.
“When installed, surveyors across the country will be able to achieve international accuracy standards for cadastral surveys, reducing positioning errors to about 5 cm or less. This is a major improvement from the previous 3-5 meter accuracy obtained through handheld GPS devices and mobile phones,” Dr. Turad Senesie stated.
The introduction of CORS will revolutionize land surveying and geospatial data management in Sierra Leone. Key benefits include:
- High-precision surveys: Ensuring accuracy in land measurements and reducing discrepancies.
- Time efficiency: Minimizing the time required for surveying processes.
- Cost reduction: Lowering operational costs for surveyors and developers.
- Enhanced spatial data quality: Providing more reliable and comprehensive geospatial information.
The Ministry has confirmed that installations are underway in all primary and secondary cities nationwide. This move is part of broader land sector reforms designed to modernize land administration and management.
To ensure effective utilization of the new technology, Dr. Turad Senesie disclosed that training sessions for Ministry staff, the National Land Commission and licensed surveyors will commence immediately after installation. This training will equip professionals with the necessary skills to operate and maximize the benefits of the CORS system.
The initiative reflects the Government’s commitment to land sector reforms, fostering progress and stability in land administration across Sierra Leone. Dr. Turad Senesie emphasized that these advancements are evidence of the Ministry’s dedication to addressing long-standing challenges in land governance while promoting sustainable development.
The installation of CORS marks a significant step in modernizing land surveying and geospatial data collection in Sierra Leone. With improved accuracy, efficiency and reliability, the initiative is expected to contribute to better land management, urban planning and infrastructure development across the country.
As Sierra Leone continues to embrace digital transformation in governance, the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning remains committed to implementing cutting-edge solutions that will enhance service delivery and ensure the equitable management of land resources.
