IVS and its important role in the maintenance of the global reference systems

VLBI technique plays a primary role in the maintenance of global reference frames. The International VLBI Service for Geodesy and Astrometry (IVS) was established in February 1999 in order to support VLBI programs for geodetic, geophysical and astrometric research and operational activities. IVS coordinates the observations, the data flow, the correlation, the data analysis and the technology developments. Today not only science, research and development are making use of the results but also practical applications are dependent on IVS products. Thus, acting within the frame of International Association of Geodesy (IAG) and the International Astronomical Union (IAU), IVS has to guarantee provision of the required results on a regular, timely basis including Earth orientation parameters, position and velocity vectors. The paper will summarize the activities of the service and will give a prospective for the next few years, based on the experiences of the first IVS General Meeting. (C) 2002 COSPAR. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.