Fast Static GNSS and Conventional Data Collection

Purpose and Rationale

Control surveys are used to establish control stations in a region of interest. Baselines (post-processed static
GNSS, RTK, total station angles and distances, levels) are measured using appropriate observation
techniques. These baselines are configured to form tightly braced networks, and with the outcome being
precise coordinates resulting from a rigorous adjustment of the networks.

This session deals with the collection of measurement data in the field. In earlier practical exercises we
developed a network built solely on GNSS baselines. This plan will now implemented to coordinate the Fast
Static GNSS observations. We will also observe conventional observations as required to demonstrate the
process. The session includes the following tasks:
• Fast Static post-processed GNSS observations in accordance with plan
• RTK observations in a suitable format for inclusion in network adjustment in TBC
• Total Station observations (distances, and vertical and horizontal angles) in a suitable format for
inclusion in network adjustment in TBC
• Digital Level observations in a suitable format for inclusion in network adjustment in TBC

Instructional Objectives
This session directly addresses the following course specifications:
• reduce measured angles and distances, manually and with appropriate software, to a form
suitable for use in geodetic calculations;
• explain the principles of post-processed GPS and its surveying applications, data acquisition
methodologies and accuracies; and
• plan, observe, reduce and adjust a GPS survey network in accordance with appropriate
standards

Revision and Prior Knowledge

It is expected that students are familiar with the session and mission plan previously developed. Instruction
on the Fast Static GNSS measuring process will be provided as part of the briefing before the survey.

Statement of Learning Objectives, Outcomes and Indicators

At the end of this session, you will be able to:
• Measure Fast Static GNSS points and sessions in accordance with predefined plan
• Take RTK observations in a suitable format for inclusion in network adjustment in TBC
• Take Total Station observations (distances, and vertical and horizontal angles) in a suitable
format for inclusion in network adjustment in TBC
• Take Digital Level observations in a suitable format for inclusion in network adjustment in TBC

Safety Requirements
Relevant health and safety issues will be addressed and managed during this session by adhering to advice
provided on the course StudyDesk, in the introductory Book, and specific instructions provided by your
supervisor. In particular, students are reminded to be careful of traffic and to wear high visibility vests at
all times.

Resource Requirements
Deliverables from the previous practical exercise were: a TBC project showing all independent baselines
drawn in appropriate colours and on appropriate layers for each session; and a spreadsheet completed to
reflect the TBC project and suitable for managing observation sessions in the field. Hard copies of these
documents will be essential to complete this exercise.
Room requirements: Z120
Aids and equipment required:
• TBC and Trimble data transfer software
• 6 GNSS receivers and ancillary equipment (including batteries)
• 6 TSC3 controllers with Trimble Access software (fully charged)
• Legs, tribrachs, and pillar caps
• Offset tapes
• Station booking sheets (Observation Log)
• 1 RTK setup and controller (does not need to be in addition to above though)
• Trimble S6 Bobotic Total Station and on-board control panel, and targets
• Digital level and staves

The Practical Exercise

As part of this exercise we will collect Fast Static GPS to coordinate ten control stations in
accordance with the session and mission plan developed earlier. Either before or after this we will
collect some sample data using RTK and conventional observations to demonstrate how these
integrate into the network adjustment in TBC.

A. Fast Static GNSS Field Data Collection

1. Instruction on the Fast Static GNSS measuring process will be provided as part of the briefing before
the survey. This will include configuration of the Trimble Access software on the controllers and an
opportunity to measure some trial points before beginning the control survey. Note that in accordance
with SP1v2, we will use a 15° elevation mask.

2. Check configuration of USQ Fast Static survey style. Check both base and rover options are identical.

3. Start a new job/project in the controllers. For the project name it is best to use something sensible and
recognisable such as SVY3107-2013-G1. The following should be noted
a. The project name is used for the *.job file, and is not critical to the survey except for security
of data

4. Select GDA94 as the project datum (this is for convenience only and so you can see points on the screen
– we could just as easily have used no datum/no projection or some other coordinate system)

5. Best to have no geoid model selected, though again this is not critical to the survey

6. Measure points for each session in accordance with the plan. The following should be noted
a. Orient antenna as close as possible to true North.
b. It is best to log all observations as rover sessions (although this is not critical as long as the
base option is configured consistently with the rover configuration).
c. The Log File name is used for the *.T02 file (best to have log files inclusive of both the
session and group number e.g. G3S1)
d. The point names are critical and should be the same for each group and each session
(although we can fix up errors later it is best to get them right the first time). Use the names
as listed on the spreadsheet.
e. Fill in relevant details on the field observation log sheet as necessary (refer to Appendix)

7. Turn off receivers between sessions. And make sure there at least a short period of time when all
receivers are turned off at the same time so there is a clear gap in the data and you do not end up with
some very short (unwanted) baselines. Make sure to reset and re-measure antenna heights if staying on
the same point for more than one session – if on a pillar, re-level and remeasure height.
8. It is critical to measure consistent and accurate antenna heights. Also be careful to specify where this is
measured to in the controllers. If on pillars, then heights are measured from the top of the pillar cap.

9. After the field data collection session, you should download the controllers and back up the data.
Your facilitator will assist with this.

B. Conventional Field Data Collection

1. RTK

a. Change the USQ RTK configuration to record QC1 and QC2 records.

b. Using Ananga as the base station (continuously operating), take normal RTK baseline
observations to selected stations (ground marks are most suitable for this). Observe points
for different time intervals ranging from 30 seconds to 10 minutes.

c. Download and backup data.

2. S6 Total Station

Note - make sure that you enter a pressure, temperature and, curvature and refraction correction in the
controller. Do not set corrections in both the controller and the total station though - to set them in the
Trimble Access software, make sure the total station instrument settings are null.

Observation Procedure:
• Create New Job by importing existing points (this is the preferred option). – Alternatively File, New Job, ‘Job
Name’ in appropriate field.
• Configure Survey Style. – Configuration, Survey Style, Select ‘S Series’ from list, Edit, Instrument, Check
fields with appropriate information about total station
o Measure mode – STD
o Average obs – 5
o Auto F1/F2 - off
o Measure dist on F2
o Auto lock off for offsets
o Set backsight – No
o Servo auto turn – not critical, but suggest off
o Don’t edit instrument precisions
o 2mm centering error
o Automatic directions
o Set reasonably large point tolerances for F1/F2for this exercise
• Level total station from digital bubble - Accept
• Click on Survey, and select the Survey Style just configured
• Station Setup
• Key in temperature, Pressure etc, then ‘Accept’
• Select Instrument Station from list (or key in approximate coordinates)
• Enter Instrument Height - Suggest using the top mark for the height.
• Options / Station setup
o These are only default values. You should select the option that matches your normal workflow. You
can override the default values for any particular station setup.
o configure the default point names - All null
o default heights – All null
o default instrument coordinates – All null. If the instrument point does not exist, the default instrument
coordinates are used. If you leave the Default instrument coordinates set to null, you can key in
coordinates for instrument points that do not exist when you perform a station setup.
o the default azimuth – All null. If an azimuth cannot be computed between the instrument and
backsight points, the Default azimuth is used.
o Default instrument coordinates and default azimuth are used only if the instrument point is not
already coordinated, and an azimuth to the backsight cannot be computed.
 o In our survey we do not require you to measure to the backsight, so clear the Measure backsight
check box on the second page of options. The software automatically creates a virtual backsight,
Backsightxxxx (where xxxx is a unique suffix, for example, Backsight0001), using the current
instrument orientation as the azimuth.
o Set the corrections associated with the instrument.
• Note - If you intend to perform a network adjustment in the Trimble Geomatics Office
software using data from a conventional survey, make sure that you enter a pressure,
temperature and, curvature and refraction correction.
• Survey / Measure Rounds / Options
o Face Order – FI… F2…
o No. of Rounds – 6 (or as required)
o Observation Order – 123…321
o Automate Rounds – Tick off
o Set Backsight – No
o Average Observations – 5 (or as required)
o Measure Distance on Face 2 – Tick on (or as required)
o ‘Accept’
• Exclude backsight
• Tap total station icon on RHS to bring up a configuration matrix. Set auto lock to off and DR to off (note that
this actually means for both items you will see ‘on’ since you get what you press with these screens).
• Set information of first station
• Point instrument to first target, then click on ‘Measure’ and ‘Accept’.
• Key in information for Target 2 as previously done before with Target 1
• Point instrument to Target 2, then hit ‘Measure’ and ‘Accept’.
• Repeat Procedures if more than 2 targets
• After all targets are measured on Face 1, ‘End Face’
• Then tap ‘Turn” and repeat measurements in reverse direction tapping ‘Turn’ after each observation.
• At end of round you will get some residuals. Tap ‘+Round’ and ‘Turn’ to continue to next round.
• Repeat until completing all rounds
• When finished occupying station, click ‘close’ on the residuals view on screen.
• After all observations, Survey / End Conventional Survey.
• Power down as required and move to new station.

3. Digital Levels
a. Observations with Trimble DiNi Digital Level

i. Configuration/Settings of recording – Tick recording on and check recording mode is

RMC.

ii. Files/Project Menu/New Project – enter appropriate name

iii. Main Menu/Survey/Line Levelling – New, set appropriate line number, BF, don’t select
Alternate

iv. Enter start point number (you can select the point if you have already used it – height will
be auto entered in this case), no code is necessary, and ‘known’ height if you have one.

v. Take backsight reading. The side button will cause less instrument vibration than the one
on the front panel, but either is okay. Result will be displayed on screen.

vi. Select Increment, or individual point number. Your first change point after a benchmark
will normally be CP1 and these can be incremented until you reach the final benchmark.
‘Find’ will find the next point number.

vii. Take foresight reading.

viii. Leapfrog to next set up and take backsight reading to previous station.
 ix. Select Increment, or individual point number. Your first change point after a benchmark
will normally be CP1 and these can be incremented until you reach the final benchmark.
‘Find’ will find the next point number.

x. Continue until end of level line.

xi. Lend – to end the line. Select Yes if you know the RL of the closing point or No if it is
not known.

xii. Power down and download data.

xiii. To download data, collect the usb cable and insert a usb drive. Open project
import/export (may need to go to Files/Data imp/export) and copy the required
jobs/projects. Store the *.dat file inappropriate folder ready for import to TBC.

b. Modifying Digital Level File for Manual Observations

i. First carry out a manual level run and book all details

• Obtain copy of a working file *.DAT and open in ‘Notepad’.

• Each set of levels between 2 stations requires 3 lines

These are: backsight Rb
foresight Rf
Reduced Level Z

• Edit existing observations in file. The important data in each line to be adjusted will be
the station name and Rb / Rf / Z as appropriate.

• For extra observations copy and insert the 3 lines and edit Rb / Rf / Z as appropriate.
Ensure observation numbering in order.

• Ensure start and end lines remain intact.

• Sh line is the difference between start and end RL and this must be manually calculated.

• Db is the sum of backsight readings and must be manually calculated.

• Df is the sum of foresight readings and must be manually calculated.

• M5 refers to the version of the file – leave as is.

• Make sure the .dat file name in the first line is the same as the file name when you
re-save.

Deliverables
All field observations downloaded and backed up. It is quite possible, though not necessary, that this will be
in a TBC project.

Assessment of Learning, Evaluation, Reflection

At this stage you should be able take Fast Static GNSS and conventional observations suitable for input into
a control network adjustment.
Link to Next Exercise
In our next session we will use these field observations in several different network adjustments.

Appendices
USQ GNSS Field Observation Log Sheet
 USQ GNSS Field Observation Log Sheet
Course/Year _____________/_____________

Station Name _____________________

Station Mark Type _____________________

Pillar (P) or Ground Stn (G) ________

Station ID ________________________

Receiver Operator ________________

Survey Style used ___________________

Session Number _________________

Log File Name _____________________

Type Model S/No. USQ No.

Receiver __________ __________ ___________ ___________

Antenna ____________________ (if not internal)

Controller ___________________

Actual Start Time __________________ (Local Time)

Actual Start Time __________________ (Local Time)

Antenna Hts __________ + __________ +__________ = __________ / 3 = __________

Check Antenna Ht at end of survey __________

Antenna Setup: Include a sketch of the antenna setup showing all mounting
• accessories ie. tripod,pillar,tribrach, etc. Show all distances
• where heights measured from ( ground mark or pilar cap)
• where heights booked above were measured to (defined points on the antenna such as bottom of mount)
• indicate whether distances are slant or vertical.