Reconnaissance and Planning - 12.11.1 | 12. Total Station Surveys | Geo Informatics
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Reconnaissance and Planning

12.11.1 - Reconnaissance and Planning

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Interactive Audio Lesson

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Identifying Control Points

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Teacher
Teacher Instructor

Today, we'll discuss how to identify control points during the reconnaissance phase of a Total Station survey. Can anyone tell me what we mean by 'control points'?

Student 1
Student 1

Are those the points we will be measuring from?

Teacher
Teacher Instructor

Exactly! Control points serve as reference stations for all measurements taken. It's essential to select stable locations. Why do you think stability is important?

Student 2
Student 2

Because if the control points move, the measurements will be inaccurate.

Teacher
Teacher Instructor

Correct! Stability ensures consistent measurements. Remember to use the acronym 'SAFE' – **S**table, **A**ccessible, **F**ixed, and **E**asily identifiable control points are what we need!

Student 3
Student 3

Can we use existing markers found on maps?

Teacher
Teacher Instructor

Absolutely! Existing geodetic control points can speed up the process. Now, let’s summarize: Control points must be stable, accessible, fixed, and easily identifiable.

Assessing Line-of-Sight

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Teacher
Teacher Instructor

Moving on, let’s discuss line-of-sight. Why is it critical to assess it before data collection?

Student 4
Student 4

Because obstructions can block the laser or signal, leading to errors.

Teacher
Teacher Instructor

Exactly! A good line-of-sight ensures accurate measurements. Can anyone think of common obstructions we might encounter?

Student 1
Student 1

Like trees, buildings, or even hills?

Teacher
Teacher Instructor

Right! All of these can interfere. It’s helpful to sketch the site layout and mark potential obstructions. Would that help in planning?

Student 2
Student 2

Yes, we can plan alternative routes for measurements!

Teacher
Teacher Instructor

Perfect! Remember, ensuring a clear line-of-sight is vital for reliable data collection.

Establishing a Survey Control Network

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Teacher
Teacher Instructor

Let's discuss the establishment of a survey control network. What is its purpose?

Student 3
Student 3

I think it helps in structuring where to take measurements from different points.

Teacher
Teacher Instructor

Exactly! It organizes how we collect data. Does anyone know how we can create a control network?

Student 4
Student 4

By using known reference points or coordinates, right?

Teacher
Teacher Instructor

Correct! We might use GPS data or previously established surveys. It’s like building a map where each control point connects to the others. Can you see why planning this well is so important?

Student 1
Student 1

Yes! Inaccurate control points can lead to errors in the whole survey.

Teacher
Teacher Instructor

Exactly! To recap, a strong control network is vital for coordinates that support accuracy in surveys.

Planning the Data Collection Route

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Teacher
Teacher Instructor

Lastly, let’s explore how to plan a data collection route. Why do we need a detailed plan?

Student 2
Student 2

To ensure we collect all necessary data efficiently and not miss anything.

Teacher
Teacher Instructor

Exactly! It maximizes our efficiency. Can you think of how we might decide the number of stations needed?

Student 3
Student 3

By considering the size of the area we need to cover?

Teacher
Teacher Instructor

Yes! The area size, complexity, and types of data to collect matter. Now, what’s one method for managing our route effectively?

Student 4
Student 4

Maybe using a grid layout? That way, it’s organized.

Teacher
Teacher Instructor

Excellent point! A grid layout simplifies the collection process. To sum up, planning the data collection route ensures thoroughness and organization.

Introduction & Overview

Read summaries of the section's main ideas at different levels of detail.

Quick Overview

This section outlines the critical steps of reconnaissance and planning necessary before conducting a Total Station survey.

Standard

Effective reconnaissance and planning lay the foundation for successful Total Station surveys. This involves identifying control points, line-of-sight, obstructions, and establishing a survey control network.

Detailed

Reconnaissance and Planning

Planning is essential for the success of a Total Station survey. This section details the preliminary steps required to prepare effectively:

  1. Identifying Control Points: Surveyors must visit the site to pinpoint control points that will guide measurements. Identifying these locations ensures that the data collected is both accurate and reliable.
  2. Line-of-Sight and Obstructions: Surveyors must assess the line-of-sight to ensure unobstructed views for measurements. Obstacles can hinder the accuracy of angle and distance measurements.
  3. Establishing a Survey Control Network: Using existing geodetic control stations or establishing a new control network sets the foundation upon which the survey will be executed. Accurate coordinates must be established for efficient data collection.
  4. Planning the Data Collection Route and Stations: Finally, determining the number of stations and types of data collected informs how the survey will proceed. This organized approach enhances efficiency and effectiveness in data collection.

Audio Book

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Site Visit for Control Points

Chapter 1 of 3

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Chapter Content

• Visit the site to identify control points, line-of-sight, and obstructions.

Detailed Explanation

Conducting a site visit is crucial for survey preparation. During this visit, surveyors locate control points, which serve as reference locations for measurements. They also assess the line-of-sight, ensuring that the Total Station can have a clear view of these points without any hindrance from trees, buildings, or other obstacles.

Examples & Analogies

Think of control points like landmarks on a map. If you're trying to navigate somewhere, knowing reliable landmarks (like a tall building or a unique tree) helps you orient yourself and find your way. In surveying, these control points provide a similar function.

Establishing a Survey Control Network

Chapter 2 of 3

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Chapter Content

• Establish a survey control network or use existing geodetic control stations.

Detailed Explanation

A survey control network consists of a series of control points that are surveyed to known coordinates. Establishing new control points ensures precise data collection, while existing geodetic control stations provide reliable reference points that can enhance the accuracy of the survey.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine jumping into a game of chess. You need to know where your pieces are positioned to play effectively. In surveying, the control points act like the pieces on the chessboard that guide surveyors in determining the layout of the land.

Planning Data Collection

Chapter 3 of 3

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Chapter Content

• Plan data collection route, number of stations, and data types.

Detailed Explanation

Planning involves delineating the path that the surveyor will take and determining the number of locations where measurements will be taken (stations). Additionally, deciding on the types of data to be collected is essential to ensure that all necessary information is captured for the survey's purpose.

Examples & Analogies

Consider planning a road trip. You need to map out your route, decide how many stops you’ll make, and figure out what sights you want to see along the way. Similarly, a survey needs a mapped-out plan to efficiently gather the required data.

Key Concepts

  • Reconnaissance: The process of identifying and assessing the necessary factors for successful surveying.

  • Control Network: A system of control points that organize measurement locations for a survey.

  • Line-of-Sight: The clear visual path between the Total Station and the measurement targets.

Examples & Applications

A surveyor visiting a construction site to identify control points before beginning work.

When planning, surveyors might identify obstructions such as fences or buildings that could limit angles in measurements.

Memory Aids

Interactive tools to help you remember key concepts

🎵

Rhymes

When you’re out on the site, keep the points in sight; stable and fixed, they’ll help you get it right.

📖

Stories

Imagine a surveyor on a site with lots of trees. They first mark the control points in clear view. Later, when they measure, they find the path was blocked, leading to errors. They learn the value of planning their line-of-sight.

🧠

Memory Tools

Remember 'SAFE' for control points: Stable, Accessible, Fixed, Easy to identify.

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Acronyms

The acronym 'CALL' for planning a data route

**C**ontrol points

**A**rea size

**L**ine-of-sight

**L**ogon areas.

Flash Cards

Glossary

Control Points

Markers or locations used as reference for taking measurements in surveying.

Survey Control Network

A structured arrangement of control points used to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of surveying.

Reference links

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