Land surveying involves determining property boundaries in a precise manner. It is imperative to gather accurate and reliable geospatial data. This is where GPS-based data collection comes in. Many land surveyors are now using GPS for their surveying and mapping activities. With GPS technology, extremely complex calculations can be done easily. Find out more about GPS surveying by reading below:
What Is GPS?
GPS or Global Positioning System was a project developed by the US Department of Defense in 1973. Today, the military isn’t the only one who uses GPS technology. It has been an important part of different industries—from military to commercial operations. Using signals from satellites, GPS transmits accurate information about time and location.
This system can be accessed by any device with GPS compatibility. That is why GPS can be used everywhere. For example, your mobile phone has a GPS receiver that gathers signals from multiple satellites. This way, you can easily pinpoint your location and get turn-by-turn directions.
The GPS technology isn’t only applicable in personal navigation. This is also used for fleet management, package delivery, construction, and more.
Various Industries That Use GPS
- Land Surveying
- Aviation
- Agriculture
- Defense
- Trucking and Logistics
- Construction
- Oil and Gas Transportation
- Utilities
- Transit
Different Purposes of GPS
A lot of businesses and industries use GPS due to its accuracy and dependability. We have compiled the five main uses of this technology:
Determining a Position (Location)
With the help of satellites, GPS allows surveyors to mark positions in terms of latitude, longitude, and height. It uses a technique called trilateration. This is primarily used to calculate location, velocity and elevation. Through this surveying method, the position of the GPS receiver is determined from the distance measurements to satellites.
In terms of positioning accuracy, GPS technology is precise within 3-15 meters. The accuracy depends on signal conditions. Companies can now survey positions in the shortest time possible, which can save time and resources.
Moving From One Place to Another (Navigation)
Nowadays, we can find GPS systems in our cars and smartphones. When we use GPS for navigation, we can determine alternative routes to get to our preferred destination. Navigation devices indicate the following:
- Roads or Paths From Point a To Point B
- Traffic Congestion
- Neary Road Hazards or Obstacles
- Busy Roads
- Alternative Directions
- Shortest and Fastest Route
In terms of land surveying, professionals use GPS to determine accurate routes. This allows them to navigate new and unfamiliar places.
Monitoring a Person or Object’s Movement (Tracking)
One of the main purposes of GPS is to track locations. GPS tracking devices are typically used by fleet companies and car owners to monitor and track their vehicles. Aside from this, GPS-based devices are utilized in law and traffic enforcement.
In the industry, land surveyors track positions and movements in the field. GPS systems allow them to determine distances easier and faster. Through GPS, the amount of work and time for surveying is reduced significantly.
Creating Maps and Survey Plots (Mapping)
GPS surveying is known as the accurate way of mapping and measuring land. Professional surveyors use GPS systems to map highways, buildings, power lines, and more. The collected information will then be used to take precise measurements and create maps.
When it comes to convenience. GPS is perfect for surveying. Mappers can carry GPS devices even in their backpacks. Unlike other techniques, GPS surveying is not constrained by line-of-sight visibility and great distances. GPS can operate no matter what the distance or the weather condition is. That’s why GPS is convenient in both small and large-scale survey projects.
Another benefit of GPS surveying is paperwork reduction. Survey teams no longer need to print large amounts of paperwork. They can now calculate data digitally and track them using their GPS devices. This way, human errors are avoided. Geographically referenced data are easily monitored and stored using this top-of-the-line technology.
Key Takeaways
The land surveying industry is rapidly changing—thanks to technology. We hope you find this article insightful. If you need help with any kind of land surveys, you may reach out to Pittsburgh Land Surveyors. We are a surveying company that specializes in construction surveys, flood elevation certification, and more.
Our top-rated surveyors take pride in our accurate and highly detailed surveying results. Feel free to call us today to learn more about our services!
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