GPS as Fast Surveying Tool

Abstract

Global positioning system (GPS) equipment, the world's best electronic distance measuring machines (EDMs), are becoming faster and easier to use. Not only does one use this new portable equipment to establish distance, but three‐dimensional positioning is quickly available. The use of GPS as a tool for accomplishing boundary surveys; topographic surveys; location surveys; control surveys for GIS/LIS, photogrammetry, national, state and local coordinate systems; and other land surveys is here to stay. Kinematic GPS, the latest use of the system is now a reality. Initially, 45 min to 2 hr of data collection was required to obtain first‐order work (1:100,000). One can now establish a new point with as little as 90 sec of data while maintaining the same first‐order accuracy. Further, it has been shown by actual field use that one can maintain sufficient signal strength to move from point to point while collecting data. Very little data is required to obtain the three‐dimensional position of the new point. The move can be made by vehicle or on foot.