GPS Surveying

Measurement
Techniques

Learning Objectives
After completing this lecture you will
be able to:
Explain several phase observation
techniques commonly used by surveyors

Lecture Outline
Introduction
Classic Static
Fast/Quick/Rapid Static
PP Kinematic
RTK
Conclusion

Introduction
Various measurement techniques - 4
most common to phase observable
Classic Static Surveying
Fast/Rapid/Quick Static Surveying
Post Processed Kinematic Surveying
Real Time Kinematic Surveying (RTK)
Not post processed but can be done as
well

PPS Requirements
10:30

10:35

Static GPS Surveying

Classic Static
Original GPS Surveying Technique
Observe 30 minutes + of data
Regular intervals (e.g. 15 seconds)
Data processed in software after the
event (Post Processed)
Used for
Highest Order Control Surveys and / or
for Long Lines - e.g. 100km Network
Deformation Surveys
Bringing control into a project area over
distances longer than 10km

Fast Static
Also - Rapid Static or Quick Static
Evolved from Static Technique but
uses more intelligent ways to solve
ambiguities
Typically for lines under 10km
Observation times from 5 to 15
minutes depending on line length
and satellite number and geometry
Post Processed
5mm + 1ppm horizontal

Uses of Fast Static

Used for Higher Order Control
Surveys for lines less than 10km e.g. 3 - 5km Networks or by Local
Authorities at 1km or less
Densifying Control (within 10km)
for
Local Authority Requirements
Mapping
Engineering
Mine sites
DCDB Upgrade

Static / Fast Static Example

11:00

10:00

12:00

1:00

2 Receivers
5 SVs

Base 1

Static / FastStatic Example

10:00

11:00

12:00

1:00

2 Receivers
5 SVs
Base 2

Completed Survey
10:00

11:00

12:00

1:00

2 Receivers
5 SVs

All points must have an independent

check redundant observations

Post Processed Kinematic

Once Ambiguity is known and lock
maintained, centimetre precision possible
even while moving
Requires initialization to solve ambiguities
at start and when signal is lost
Post Processed
Stop and Go mode occupation time
measured in seconds (contour and detail)
Used in Continuous mode for Railway
Lines and GPS Controlled Photogrammetry

PP Kinematic Example
10:30

10:00

$#@%!
Loss of Lock!

New

t
Po in

Init

PP Kinematic Example
10:30

10:00

Loss of Lock!

Begin OTF
Initialization 5 SVs

Known Point Initialization

OTF Initialization
Complete

PP Kinematic Example
10:30

10:00

Loss of Lock!

Completed Survey

Real Time Kinematic (RTK)

Base
Receiver

Broadcast
Raw Data Remote Receiver

Similar to PPK but Phase Data sent from Base by Radio

Can be Initialized with Ambiguity on the Fly (OTF)
Range typically up to 10km
Short occupation time means:
Centimetre rather than millimetre precision
Sensitive to number of satellites and their geometry
multipath can have major effect
Communications is a major limiting factor
Challenge to Total Stations

USES of RTK
Local Connections, Cadastral,
Engineering, Mining, Hydrographic,
contour and detail
Given real time - set out is possible
Even if real time is not essential cuts back on processing
Avoid radiation fever (redundancies)
Can post process as well for QA

RTK Requirements

RTK Rovers

VRS Base System

On-The-Fly Initialization
Rove until the unit is
in FIXED mode

Roving time will depend

on the environment

Requires at
least 5 SVs in
view to both
receivers

RTK Example

$#@%!

OTF Initialization

Loss of Lock!

RTK Example

Known Point
Initialization

Loss of
lock!

Completed Survey
Radial Survey

All points must have an independent check

redundant observations measure from another base!

Conclusion
You can now:
Explain several phase observation
techniques commonly used by
surveyors

Self Study
Read relevant module in Study Book
Do self assessment quiz

Review Questions