Global Positioning System (GPS) is an integral part of today’s surveying
practice. From construction staking to GIS data collection, GPS is widely
used in many areas. With the aid of Continuously Operating Reference
Stations (CORS), GPS technology has become a tool used to establish
control networks, collect topographic features, monitor structure
displacements, and provide construction references.
Dynasty Group, Inc. has more than ten years experience using GPS
technology. Using various techniques, we tie most of our projects to the
State Plane Coordinate System. For sizeable projects, our firm typically
takes the hybrid approach to establish horizontal controls by using both
GPS and total stations. The observations collected with both technologies
are analyzed and adjusted simultaneously so that the same order of
accuracy is achieved among all prime controls for the project, regardless
of which device was chosen to occupy a control point.
Understanding GPS technology is the key to a complete and successful
project. A surveyor must possess certain knowledge and experience, from
GDOP to project planes, from grid coordinate to ground coordinate, and
from fast-static to real-time kinematic GPS surveys in order to deliver
sound results. Moreover, it’s also important to understand the areas of the
technology being applied. For example, most construction is performed on
the ground and layout crews will take measurements on the surface of
earth. Therefore, it is critical to note if the published GPS coordinates are
projected on the ground or at grid level. Projection on the ground or to the
grid level, in conjunction with US survey foot or international foot, is
another area where mistakes often occur when using GPS technology in
surveying.
Combining GPS technology with total stations, 3D Laser Scanners and/or
Laser Rangers, numerous innovative techniques can be utilized for
efficient and accurate data collection tasks.
Dynasty Group, Inc. has the latest Leica GPS equipment and they can be
configured in many ways to satisfy the needs of any project. The data
collected is analyzed in Leica Geo-Office or Star Net software.
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