What is the role of GPS in contemporary surveying?
posted 4th November 2024
Global Position System (GPS) is an accurate navigation system that relies on signals from satellites to determine a specific location on Earth's surface. The benefit for contemporary surveying, is that they are highly accurate in any weather conditions.
GPS uses satellites that circles above the Earth, transmitting signals that contain the time time and location of the satellite. Ground based receivers can access signals from four, or more, GPS satellites, calculating an exact location on the surface.
It was originally developed for the military, but has become available to the public since the 1990s, now used in common applications, including navigational systems, mobile phones, and contemporary surveying.
What is the Role of GPS in Contemporary Surveying?
Let's get down to why you are reading this blog. What is the role of GPS in contemporary surveying? Surveying and mapping is one of the first commercial adaptations of global position systems, providing the latitude and longitude position without having to measure angles and distances.
It is important to note that it has not replaced field surveying instruments, such as 3D laser scanners. GPS technology is often incorporated into Total Stations, providing complete surveying data.
What Methods Are Used by Surveyors?
We use three methods of GPS measurements when carrying out surveys:
Static GPS Baseline
This determines accurate coordinates for surveying points by recording GPS observations over a known survey point for around twenty minutes. The data is then processed to provide accurate coordinates.
Continuously Operating Reference Stations
This relies on a GPS receiver being permanently installed in a location as a starting point. The most common users of these stations include mining sites, local governments, and major engineering projects. Surveyors can collect field data, combining it with GPS data to calculate precise positions.
Real Time Kinematic Observations
This is where we keep one receiver in a set position, known as the base stations, and another is then moved between positions, known as the rover station. The position is then computed and stored within seconds. The rover station can take accurate measurements within six miles.
Conclusion
At MB Survey Solutions, we rely on GPS in contemporary surveys. It is not always needed, but in some cases it is a valuable asset to ensuring the accuracy of your survey, enabling you to move ahead with your project with complete confidence. We have expert team members working on residential and commercial projects from our Essex based offices. Give us a call now to find out how we can use GPS to improve your survey data today.