5.2.7. Advantages of GPS in Surveying

• Global coverage and availability.

GPS technology can provide location information anywhere on Earth due to its network of satellites that orbit the planet. This means surveyors can operate in various geographical locations without concern for local infrastructure, allowing projects to continue in remote or underserved areas.

Think of GPS like a virtual map that works everywhere – whether you're in a busy city or in the countryside, your GPS device can still pinpoint your location using satellites high in the sky. Just as your smartphone can find directions to a restaurant in a new city, GPS helps surveyors locate points accurately around the globe.

• Operable in any weather condition.

One of the key advantages of GPS is its ability to function effectively in various weather conditions. Unlike traditional surveying methods, which may require clear visibility or specific environmental conditions, GPS can collect positional data despite rain, fog, or even snow, making it a reliable tool throughout the year.

Imagine trying to take a photo in a rainstorm – sometimes you can't capture an image if your camera is blocked. But if your camera could somehow see through the rain and still take clear photos, that’s akin to how GPS works in diverse weather conditions, constantly locating satellites and allowing surveyors to continue their work uninterrupted.

• High accuracy with proper techniques.

When used correctly, GPS technology provides highly accurate positioning data. With techniques like Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) surveying, surveyors can achieve centimeter-level precision. This level of accuracy is essential in applications where small deviations can lead to significant issues, such as in construction or land surveying.

Consider a high-end smartwatch that can track your steps accurately – it’s great for fitness but might not be precise if worn loosely. Similarly, GPS needs the right setup and techniques to ensure it can pinpoint locations as accurately as a perfectly fitted watch, ensuring that surveyors get the precise data they need for their projects.

• Faster data collection and processing.

GPS surveying significantly speeds up the data collection process compared to traditional methods. With instant access to precise coordinates, surveyors can gather data quickly and process it without the delay involved in manual calculations. This efficiency helps meet tight project deadlines and reduces overall surveying time.

Think of how quickly you can send a message with your smartphone compared to writing a letter and mailing it. Similarly, GPS allows surveyors to 'send' their location data instantly, speeding up the entire process compared to older methods that require more time-consuming calculations and paperwork.

• Reduces manpower and logistics.

By using GPS, surveyors can limit the number of personnel required on-site. This reduction in manpower leads to decreased operational costs and simplifies logistical planning. Fewer workers mean fewer vehicles, equipment, and resources needed to complete surveying tasks, streamlining the entire project.

Consider a team of chefs preparing a meal – if they all work together well, they can prepare the meal with fewer people in the kitchen, saving time and energy. In the same way, GPS allows surveyors to complete tasks efficiently, needing fewer people to achieve the same outcome, resulting in a well-organized, cost-effective operation.

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