Global Positioning System (GPS)

Advantages
 Unlike conventional surveying procedures, there is no need for intervisibility between stations.
 Independent of weather conditions as a result of using radio frequencies to transmit the signals.
 Use of same field and data reduction procedures results in position accuracy which are independent
of network shape or geometry and are primarily a function of inter-station distance.
 GPS surveying provides generally homogeneous accuracy. Hence, geodetic network planning in the
classical sense is no longer relevant. The points can be established wherever they are required and
need not be located at evenly distributed sites atop mountains to satisfy intervisibility, or network
geometry criteria.
 GPS surveying is more efficient, more flexible and less time consuming positioning technique than
using conventional terrestrial survey technologies.
 GPS can be used to obtain high accuracy three dimensional (3D) information, anywhere and any
time with relatively little effort on a global datum .
 The GPS instrumentation and the data processing software do not radically change even if very high
or moderately high accuracies are required (from 1 part in 104 to 1 part in 106 ).

Current Limitations of GPS

 GPS requires that there is clear opening to sky without any obstruction to the signals by overhanging
branches or structures (though the antenna can be raised above the obstruction). Hence, underground
usage is not possible. Further, there may be limited applications in densely settled urban areas .
 One needs careful advanced planning to realize true potential of GPS. Various issues related to
transportation, travel, and logistic support need to be sorted out before actual survey work for higher
efficiency.
 Frequently, GPS surveyed sites may not be useful for conventional surveys due to intervisibility,
shape and geometry requirements.
 Two intervisible stations would have to established by GPS in order to satisfy the requirement for
azimuth data for use by conventional (line-of-sight) survey methods.
 Since GPS coordinates are available in global WGS-84 datum, reliable coordinate transformation
schemes are required for transforming GPS coordinates into a local geodetic system for their
integration with results from conventional surveys.
 GPS results are, in general, more accurate than the surrounding control marks established by
terrestrial techniques over time. Comparison of GPS and terrestrial results will be the source of
confusion, controversy and conflict for many years to come .
 Since GPS vertical information is not available in universally acceptable geoid based height system,
GPS heights have to be reduced to a sea level datum by suitable transformation.
 The GPS instrumentation is still comparatively expensive. Although the price of one receiver is
likely to soon match that of a theodolite-EDM instrument, generally a minimum of two are required
for most survey works.
 Because of complex procedures for planning, data reduction and post-processing, GPS surveys
require skilled personnel for operations.
Geographical Information System (GIS)

GIS is a computer-based system that is used in input, output, storage, manipulation, retrieval and analysis of
spatial data. These systems consist of computer hardware and software. GIS are increasingly being used in
applications in natural resources, tourism, transportation, trade and commerce etc. GIS is also integrated
with modern technology of remote sensing and GPS. GIS are now integral part of hydrological models.

Advantages

Using GIS, it is possible to overlay large number of maps. Conventionally, manually overlays are prepared.
This process is cumbersome and error prone. In GIS retrieval of information is faster as it is done through
computer. Conventionally, maps are browsed to retrieve information. In GIS information retrieval is much
easier and is done automatically. In GIS, interactive/ virtual output may be prepared. The virtual output is
automatically updated, if the component maps are revised. In convention method, hardcopy output is
prepared. Updating of such maps is difficult. The map is required to be redrawn. Annotation is clumsy in
hardcopy maps. Thus, while retrieving information ambiguity may arise. Also all features may not be
annotated in paper maps. Thus, attribute information e.g. names etc. for some of the features are lost in
paper products. In GIS, information is stored in tables and is linked to geographic features and thus is not
limited by availability of annotation space/ color/ symbol etc. If multiple maps are prepared for same area
e.g. watershed, land use, geomorphology, common boundaries are drawn manually and may not match in
different maps. In GIS common boundaries are once digitized and are available to all layers. Once GIS map
layers are prepared, any number of maps can be designed. Handling of paper maps is difficult.

Limitations

Data capture or input is costly in GIS. Commercially available paper maps may be cheaper than GIS layer.
This is because of high cost of data capture in GIS. Use of GIS requires investment in computers, software
and training. GIS handling requires trained manpower. In GIS data are required to be converted in to native
format of GIS software. In suitable import/ export functionality is not available or the format is obscure/
unknown, data may be unusable. GIS software should have proper functionality as desired in an application.
For example, in transportation applications, network analysis function should be available. For hydrological
modeling, DEM analysis functions should be available.