Abstract
For several years, geodesists have debated the proper role of electronic distances in modern geodetic surveys. The role must be defined on an individual basis as a function of the desired accuracy and ultimate purpose of the survey. This paper proposes a mixed mode of observations for the types of surveys currently being observed following conventional first-order triangulation techniques. The mixed observational procedure requires only a portion of the survey control stations be instrument-occupied, and directions and electro-optical distances be observed to the remainder of the stations. The method allows the substitution of truck-or trailer-mounted portable towers, equipped with targets and reflectors, for a portion of the Bilby towers which are presently required to provide theodolite observations from all primary control stations in a conventional triangulation network. For the example considered, the mixed observational method provided more accurate position determinations than were obtained using conventional triangulation.
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References
J. RICHARDS, Masters Thesis, the Ohio State University, 1961: “The Accuracies of Stations in the Super First-Order Triangulation at Cape Canaveral with Respect to the Density of Geodimeter Baselines in the Net”.
J.F. DRACUP, National Geodetic Survey, NOS: “Trilateration-A Preliminary Evaluation”.
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Biographical Sketch Gary M. Young received his B.S. degree in Mathematics from Virginia Polytechnic Institute in 1965. In the same year he joined the Triangulation Branch, Geodesy Division, National Ocean Survey (NOS), formerly the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, where he analyzed and adjusted horizontal control data. Mr Young received his M.S. degree in Geodesy from Purdue University in 1970, and after completing further studies returned to the NOS in 1971. He is presently Chief, New Datum Section, Control Networks Division, National Geodetic Survey, NOS. He is a member of ACSM and AGU.
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Young, G.M. A mixed observational survey method. Bull. Geodesique 114, 349–363 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02522148
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02522148