GPS SURVEYING

Surveying has changed substantially over the years — what used to take months of
observation, measurement and geometrical calculations now takes a few hours or days
thanks to the introduction of GPS technology. In fact, the surveying industry was one of
the first to utilize GPS technology, recognizing the potential benefits of the technology.
Today, surveying professionals rely on GPS to provide accurate and reliable data for
clients across a wide range of industries and applications. Despite the widespread usage
of GPS technology in surveying, however, it’s not a topic many know about — that’s
why we’re here to explain the GPS surveying basics

WHAT IS GPS SURVEYING?

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To understand the GPS surveying process, you need to understand what GPS is. In
short, GPS, or the global positioning system, is a satellite-based navigation system.
GPS was first developed for military use starting in the 1970s and became fully
operational in 1993. Since then, it has expanded its use to consumer and
commercial applications.

GPS uses a network of satellites, which communicate with receivers on the ground.
When a receiver requests data to calculate its location, four or more GPS satellites
will communicate with the receiver, sending the position of the satellite, the time the
data was transmitted and the distance between the satellite and the receiver. The
information collected from these satellites then calculates the latitude, longitude and
height of the receiver. If the receiver is moving, continuous data collection can be
used to calculate the changing position of the receiver over time, which can be used
to calculate speed. No matter the weather conditions or time, GPS can triangulate
the signal and provide a location.

While most people are familiar with GPS and have used it to some degree on their
smartphones or car navigation systems, GPS is a powerful tool for commercial
applications. It’s particularly useful for the surveying industry. Surveying was one of
the first commercial adaptations for GPS for its ability to obtain latitudes and
longitudes without the need for measuring distances and angles between points. In
combination with other surveying equipment, like the Total Station, GPS technology
provides valuable information for surveyors to help develop plans and models for
client projects.
HOW IS GPS SURVEYING DONE?

 GPS surveying uses similar technology to nearly any other GPS application —
however, how surveyors use GPS differs significantly. The primary differences are in
two areas — technology and usage.

 Technology: Surveyors use more sophisticated technology than typical GPS

applications to increase the accuracy of the data they collect. The receivers used for
surveying are significantly more complex and expensive than those you would find in

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 a typical car navigation system, with high-quality antennas and more sophisticated
calculation technology.
 Data Usage: The data surveyors collect from the GPS technology is used
differently than in a typical navigation system — instead of using location data for
navigation, the data is used for measuring between two points. These
measurements are collected then stored, manipulated and displayed in a geographic
information system, or GIS, for use in a survey model.

But how do surveyors use GPS to collect data? The specifics come down to the GPS
surveying techniques that they use. While the basics of GPS are simple to
understand, there are several techniques that surveyors use to make the most of the
GPS measurements they collect. There are three primary methods of GPS
measurement that surveyors use, which are listed below.

1. STATIC GPS BASELINE

A Static GPS Baseline is a technique used to determine accurate coordinates for
survey points. Baseline measurements achieve this by recording GPS observations
over time, then processing that data to provide the most accurate result.

The technique works by using two GPS receivers. These receivers are placed at
each end of a line to be measured. The receivers then collect GPS data
simultaneously for at least 20 minutes — the exact duration of the observation period
varies based on how long the line is and how accurate the measurements need to
be. Once all of the data is collected, a special type of software is used to calculate
the difference in position between the two receivers.

This GPS surveying technique is basic but highly useful and accurate, especially
when measuring particularly long distances. Because the GPS data is collected over
a long period of time, and the observations are collected at the same time at each
end of the baseline, the natural distortions that occur in GPS signals cancel each
other out. Generally speaking, the accuracy of Static GPS Baseline measurements
are one part per million, meaning that a 30 kilometer distance can be measured with
about 30 mm of uncertainty..

2. REAL-TIME KINEMATIC OBSERVATIONS

Real-Time Kinematic or RTK Observations are similar to baseline methods in that

they are used to measure distances between a base station and a second receiver.
The difference, however, is that instead of measuring the location of two points over
a long period of time, RTK Observations use multiple points in quick succession.
Like the baseline method, the RTK method uses two
receivers, one being a static base station. The other receiver is the Rover Station,
which moves to multiple positions during the measurement period. The position of

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 the Rover Station is collected within a few seconds and stored. Once the
measurement period is complete, this data is stored and used as survey data.

RTK observations are nearly as accurate as the baseline technique, though they
are limited to a range of about 20 kilometers. This method maintains a high level of
accuracy by collecting data at the Base Station and the Rover Station simultaneously
and correcting data in real time — the exact position of the Base Station is known, so
any variations can be used to correct the position of the Rover Station in real time.
This method, therefore, can quickly gather survey data for smaller areas.

3. CONTINUOUSLY OPERATING REFERENCE STATIONS

Continuously Operating Reference Stations or CORS operate using the same

principles as the other measurement techniques described. The primary difference is
that the base station is installed in a permanent known location. This allows
measurements to be taken at any point in the district using the permanent base
station as a starting point.

With a CORS-based system, receivers can be placed anywhere in the local area to
collect data. When data collection is complete, the surveyors can combine the
collected data with data from the CORS to calculate positions, correcting any
anomalies to obtain an accurate position. In some cases, if multiple CORS are
available, receiver data may be compared to the data of multiple CORS to achieve
even more accurate results.

CORS are commonly used for major engineering projects that require continuous
surveying over a long period of time — some examples include local government
projects, mining sites and tectonic plate studies for scientific organizations. One
specific example is the Australian Regional GPS Network, or ARGN, which uses an
online processing system to provide positions that are accurate within a few
centimeters in under 24 hours. Some countries even have CORS systems that cover
their entire nation, allowing for more accurate and reliable GPS positioning anywhere
in the country for both commercial and consumer applications.

WHO USES GPS SURVEYING?

GPS surveying is a quick and accurate way of mapping and modeling the physical
world, from mountainous landscapes to city skylines. This versatility and utility are
why GPS surveying is the standard practice for any surveying operation. Nearly any
group that needs surveying done will use GPS surveying, including government
organizations, scientific groups or commercial businesses. Some of the benefits
these groups enjoy from GPS surveying include:

 Flexibility: Unlike conventional surveying techniques, GPS surveying can function

regardless of visibility. If survey stations are out of each other’s sight due to line-of-
sight issues or weather, GPS technology can still measure their positions and
provide accurate location data. This is particularly useful when surveying coasts and

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 waterways with few land-based reference points, which is particularly helpful for
nautical navigation and construction efforts. The only downside is that GPS stations
need to access satellites with a clear line of communication, limiting the utility of GPS
surveying in areas with trees or tall buildings.
 Mobility: GPS systems are fairly mobile, able to be carried inside backpacks or
mounted on vehicles to collect data quickly and over a wide area. In combination
with CORS systems, mobile GPS survey equipment can achieve real-time data.
 Speed: GPS technology is extremely quick compared to the old surveying
techniques that relied on extensive measuring and calculations. Now, GPS provides
near instantaneous data and can automatically compare that data to provide
accurate results quickly, sometimes even within a few minutes. With faster data,
survey teams can get quicker results and organizations can reduce decision time.
Accuracy: The ultimate question stakeholders are concerned about is the accuracy
of GPS survey equipment. Ultimately, it depends on who does the surveying. Poor
equipment and inexperienced users can negatively affect your accuracy. However,
when using sophisticated GPS technology combined with top-level expertise and
high-quality software, you can achieve high levels of accuracy every time.

These benefits are the primary reasons many companies choose GPS
surveying specialists for their surveying needs. However, all this data is meaningless
without context. For almost all industries, GPS survey data is combined with
sophisticated 3D modeling to create detailed, actionable data that organizations can
use to plan their projects. This 3D modeling data not only allows companies to
visualize and plan projects, but it also allows for 3D model machine control for
construction projects.

3D machine control uses positioning sensors to give machine operators feedback on

their equipment, directing them in how to use the equipment to achieve the desired
results. This technology promises to be the new standard for efficient worksite
operations, improving the accuracy of construction equipment on site. For more
information about GPS machine control modeling, contact Take-Off Professionals or
look through our site to learn about our services.

WHAT INDUSTRIES USE GPS SURVEYING?

 Almost any industry that needs surveying will choose GPS surveying for its high level
of accuracy and utility. One of the biggest sectors using GPS technology is the
construction industry — construction companies need fast, accurate survey results
for their projects so they can start and finish projects quickly and confidently. Some
of the biggest industries in the construction sector needing GPS surveying
technology include:
Commercial Site Industry: Data is essential in the commercial site construction
industry at every level. Commercial site construction companies need accurate,

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useful data and models to create cost estimates, organize their resources and
improve overall efficiency. GPS survey data can help, providing accurate results
quickly so that commercial site companies can make decisions that improve their
profitability.
Roadwork and Highway Industry: Engineers and contractors in the roadwork and
highway industry need accurate survey data from start to finish. Quality surveys help
create accurate models, which roadwork and highway professionals can use to place
accurate bids, plan projects and organize their resources efficiently to maximize their
profitability. On top of it all, roadwork professionals need to get it all done quickly to
minimize the inconvenience and cost to the people using those roads. GPS surveys
are essential in these efforts, providing quick, accurate results for models so that
roadwork professionals can get to work as quickly as possible.