GPS Surveying
Just about everyone has heard of Global Positioning Systems, whether your an experienced user or you've seen it on television. This method of locating points on the ground has become an everyday part of Land Surveying and it's use can cut the time needed to complete a project dramatically. The first thing to keep in mind is that survey grade GPS is much different than what is available for personal use. Most personal systems are available in a 1 to 10 meter accuracy, which means at any given time the coordinates of the unit are within a circle the size of the mentioned accuracy. Survey grade GPS, when used properly, can provide centimeter (0.01 meter) accuracy. Keep in mind that GPS works best on open ground and the quality of the data is greatly reduced when the antenae's view of the sky is obstructed by things like trees, bridges, large buildings and mountains. These obstacles can be worked around to a point, but if you want ultimate accuracy then a conventional total station may be a better idea in cluttered situations.
Rest assured, we will make the determination of whether your project can utilize GPS to maintain your accuracy requirements before we quote you a fee to do the project. Nothing frustrates us more than when we see firms trying to provide centimeter level accuracy points in wooded areas and under bridges just because their GPS equipment is showing them a number on the screen. No matter how modern the equipment is, it is still subject to signal loss due to these obstructions and another method should be employed in those cases (unless accuracy is not a primary concern).
The abilty to foresee these problems before undertaking the project goes back to having the right experience to use the equipment. Our employees have over 13 years experience using GPS for both Static and Real Time Kinematic surveys.
TYPES OF SURVEYING WE PROVIDE WITH GPS
1. TOPOGRAPHIC SURVEYS
2. CONSTRUCTION STAKING
3. CONTROL SURVEYS (providing primary survey control for highway surveys, large site surveys, aerial photogrammetry surveys)
4. HYDROGRAPHIC SURVEYS
5. GAS WELL & CELL TOWER SURVEYS
6. TRAIL MAPPING
The Right Way!
These are ideal site conditions for the proper use of GPS equipment. Lots of open ground and relatively low roof lines make this project very GPS friendly. Keep in mind the areas close to the building should still be collected by conventional means.
Not Such A Good Idea?
This site would probably be better served by conventional surveying methods. Trees, tall man made structures and steep terrain are all things to avoid when surveying with GPS. Unless you're only trying to get within a couple of feet, then by all means carry on!