Lecture-1

Chapter 8 Applications of GPS

GPS is defined as satellite navigation and positioning system formed by satellites moving at an altitude of
22,200 km about the surface of Earth, for all civilian and military users which may be land, sea water air-
borne providing location, velocity and time information irrespective of weather conditions. The location
is used to determine ground position and velocity even when there is obstruction in direct line of sight
between the two observation stations. This system has enormous applications in various fields. Some of
those are:

8.1 Geodetic control surveys

A control survey represents a class of survey for establishing point with high accuracy enabling support of
activities i.e. mapping, construction, boundary surveys etc. A unified coordinate base system can be
established for survey and other activities by addition of established control nets with a monumented
control point network. Range of a control survey can vary by establishing few points to a network that
may consist of numerous points or may cover a large extent of geographic area. For high order control
surveys, high precision total stations are used whereas in most of the cases time and resources is very
much important compared to accuracy. GPS surveys are now a better alternative to those needs. Static
method is used in high order geodetic control surveys, but for low order control surveys such as in
photogrammetric and other types of mapping, fast static techniques are used. For achieving the desired
results and proper completion proper planning is must. It is necessary to plan the whole geodetic survey,
considering the factors e.g. geometry and availability of the satellites.

8.2 Cadastral Survey

Cadastral survey is the discipline of land surveying which considers the definition of property boundaries
and their ownership. It is the most important of all type of surveys, as the major dealing of land is done in
real estate and cadastral surveys provide accurate results.

It is common in most of the cases of real estate dealing where the conflict arises because of improper
records of land sizes. To resolve issues a cadastral survey has to be performed.

With the introduction of GPS in surveying, cadastral surveys also share its benefits. Whether it is for large
or small areas GPS receivers proved to be faster alternatives without compromising the accuracy of the
measurements.

RTK mode of Differential GPS is preferred in cadastral surveys to attain high accuracy. To achieve
maximum accuracy in real-time Dual frequency (L1 & L2) is necessary; most of the professional
receivers available today are dual frequency receivers. But second frequency is locked until a separate
license is purchased. To attain same accuracy using single frequency, Baseline Processing of acquired
data is to be done in the post processing.

8.3 Photogrammetry, Remote sensing and Surveying

Along with enhancement of ease and versatility of spatial data acquisition by GPS Technology, it is
integrated with Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Surveying with a much diversified approach. GPS
can be integrated with Remote Sensing to yield applications in various fields like precision farming &
environmental modeling; Disaster mitigation, Emergency response, mobile mapping, etc.

GPS receivers now days are widely used in surveying everywhere, hence providing very accurate digital
data. For any application of surveying, this data can be directly utilized. For example, surveying of roads,
terrain, lakes, etc. is done mostly by GPS these days, providing a cluster of accurate control points.
Geodetic GPS with post processing corrections can provide an accuracy of the order of sub-meter,
therefore can be effectively used for any surveying project. It can provide very accurate controls required
for Satellite Photogrammtery for mapping and creation of stereo-model. It incredibly boosts the process
like creation of a new map, updating of existing map, etc.