Category Archives: positioning Equipment

The Difference Between a Theodolite and a Total Station

March 25, 2012

Both are tools used to measure horizontal and vertical angles during surveying and engineering projects. Each have particular pros and cons which can be utilized in various situations. in general, it will depend on the time, money, man power, and expertise you have available when deciding on the right tool for your job.

Although theodolites have been used for hundreds of years, the main operation of these tools remains the same. a theodolite consists of a moveable telescope mounted between a vertical and horizontal axes. The angle of each axes can be measured with fairly accurate precision as long as the operator has sufficient knowledge of the tool’s use and basic trigonometry. however, the use of a theodolite generally requires the help of at least one other person besides the main operator to help measure and align angles. When precision counts, it is imperative that both operators are properly trained and understand all of the elements of gathering data; this may include leveling the tripod/theodolite and measuring stake, as well as aligning the stake and measuring line to gather accurate data, and finally use mathematical and graphical skills to generate the appropriate output.

The benefits of a total station will outweigh the downsides, in most cases, because of its all-inclusive features and digital integration. These tools integrates theodolite functions in order to measure angles and distance with an EDM (electronic distance meter). They also use a system of prisms and lasers to develop digital readings of all the measurements during your job. All of the information gathered with the total station is stored in an external computer where data can be manipulated and added to CAD programs. Robotic total stations are available that allow the operator to work alone with the use of a remote control.

A total station is generally superior to a theodolite because of its digital integration and precision. however, total stations are much more expensive and require not only surveying training, but specific product and software training as well. When completing surveying jobs that span large distances, especially over treacherous terrain, a total station will provide the most reliable and accurate results. for simple plots of smaller areas, a theodolite is sufficient. Before you purchase either tool, ensure it comes with the necessary accessories you’ll need on the job. for a theodolite you will want a measuring stake and steel tape, a tripod, as well as grid paper and a pencil to record the data. in most cases, a total station will come with all the necessary accessories you need, however, some may not so always double check

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Mapping Land Companies and 3D Technology, Working Together in Surveying

December 7, 2011

Mapping land companies utilize 3D technology to provide an impressive record or display of your project site, using either LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) or aerial photography. Digital surveying includes collating and collecting the earth’s surface data from distant sensing, which is arranged into a raster and/or vector file that can be seen using appropriate software. the key role of 3D surface in surveying is to generate a precision aerial illustration map, which give the exact representation of the earth’s surface, and for utilization in a variety of purposes. For instance, 3D mapping is utilized in mining to record development of extractive bulk, or to assess forest fire aftermath.

As surveying becomes more high-tech and dynamic, the utilization of 3D laser scanner in surveying becomes common. 3D was introduced in 1998 for data collection for different purposes. its introduction brought revolution in surveying through the Global Positioning system (GPS), which provides elevation and spatial data for planning and laying out of construction projects. the enormous demand for 3D technology grows through the years as environmental and archeological land surveys also employ it.

Before there was no advanced technology available, traditional techniques were used in surface mapping. in addition to tool scarcity, surveyors used expensive conventional ways, which were manual and time-consuming. 3D surveying provides spatial data without any constraint, in a short period of time automatically.

Laser scanners utilize unconventional light forms, as stripes, to yield a 3D model of the site. the image is then cleared through 3D scanners that generate high-definition model information with the tiniest deviation, which is needed by architects or engineers.

Mapping land firms use the information gathered from latest GPS tools which submit data in 3D and 2D CAD images to assess its accuracy. Obtaining 3D models are not limited to use in commercial building projects, but for historical landmarks, too.

The information gathered by the surveying companies is interpreted utilizing CAD software. However, some surveyors, due to unfamiliarity with the 3D exhibited by CAD models, still rely on traditional techniques. Correct interpretation of information is needed to come up with accurate measurements. Diagrams and regression graphs are provided by CAD models. Some people don’t recognize that they can edit and measure outcome based from requirements in CAD images.

The involvement of 3D scanners in mapping gives surveying firms independence to accomplish a variety of projects at a specific time without overspending or incurring deficit. 3D plays a key role in giving safety and security to many people through yielding accurate results to engineers or architects as they build infrastructure projects.

As surveying firms utilize 3D in their surveying tasks, more people benefit from accurate mapping and surveying results for a variety of purposes. Surveyors, GIS professionals, engineers, architects and other experts in the same field accomplish their surveying tasks using high-definition models with better accuracy in a short time.

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Hydrographic Surveying Equipment

September 7, 2011

Hydrographic survey equipment is used to help people to gather information about the waters that are navigable around the globe. this then helps to ensure that the main ships, boats, yachts and liners that travel the seas, oceans, rivers and lakes of this world can do so safely.

Mainly this equipment is used for surveying navigable waters, but it can also be used in relation to marine navigation which helps us to understand better the state of the sea floor and the ways in which it is changing.

However this kind of equipment is mostly used today by offshore oilfield companies. They use it to inspect the sea floor during the initial stages when they are considering where place these oilfields. They will also use it through out the time the oilfields are located where they re to carry out regular inspections of the infrastructure surrounding the rigs.

All the information that is collected during such surveys is done so under strict rules in order that the data can be accurately chartered. As well as providing data on the features of the sea, ocean or river bed it will also include shore features as well can be used by sailors to navigate by.

Initially such surveys were carried out through the use of a ship which had an echo sounder on board. Which would send beams of sound down to the sea bed and these would then echo back and would provided an accurate reading of the depth from the sea/ocean top to its floor. but today much more sophisticated electronic sensor systems are being used and aircraft are now being used more often as well as ships.

Often when the Hydrographic survey is taking place several soundings will be taken for each square foot of the sea, ocean, river or lake that they cross. but then it will need to be thinned out because the information collected will often be used for very different purposes.

Some of the information collected will be used to produce navigation charts; some will be used to produce digital terrain models whilst other information will be used to make topographical charts. plus at the same time as being sorted into the areas it will be used for also any errors that have been collected need to be corrected.

Often along with the Hydrographic survey equipment the surveyor carrying out this work will need additional equipment for collecting data as well. it is this additional equipment that will be used to provide the information to correct any soundings that are showing up as errors. then once the information is considered to be correct it can then the charts can be created using either speciality charting software of a CAD package like AutoCAD.

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How can I get a set of teach -yourself cds on land surveying, mapping and gis?

August 29, 2011

land surveying and mapping are the same as geomatics or geoinformatics depending on your country. I reside in Port Harcourt, Nigeria and need the cds for immediate purchase.

Land surveying is very complex and requires a 4 year degree to become licensed in Florida, USA. It is doubtful that you could teach yourself land surveying from cds. I would suggest enrolling in a college if you are really interested in becoming a land surveyor.

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How can you find your lat/long for gps'ing your property boundaries? Is there a GIS map?

July 2, 2011

edcsns17.cr.usgs.gov/EarthExplorer/
I'm trying to get more specific information than this, is there any available? THANKS

Try this website to enter your address to convert to lat/long:

stevemorse.org/jcal/latlon.php

me loves geography.

both answers above are really good answers.

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A Guide To Wire EDM

June 21, 2011

Wire EDM has become very popular in the manufacturing industry and many workshops are emerging. in order to gain larger and more complex wire jobs, modular work piece fixtures play a crucial role.

Many mold makers have realized that the trick of winning the wired game lies in being different from competitors. They have realized that it is not about doing intricate work and cutting large pieces, which even their competitors do, but it is more important to figure out the different processes and practices, which can provide with a profitable niche. more owners are paying premiums for advanced machines, as they know that the returns would surely pay in the long run.

Wire EDM has an unusual hollow center section that allows the head to guide the wire through the cuts. this is very beneficial, as the cutting wire cannot reach the portion of the work piece that is in contact with the table. this means that the work piece has to be flipped off again for the second time, to cut the previously inaccessible area. Incase of large and long parts, there is no alternative but to clamp the work piece directly on the table. Smaller components, on other hand can be worked upon modular pallet fixturing systems, which produce good results. the cutting time for each machine is highly increased as the quick-change system offers a way to change the function in a matter of seconds.

Proper gripping of the work piece is very crucial for providing efficiency and pace in cutting .the decision whether to grip the work piece vertically or horizontally largely depends on the geometry involved, profile to be cut and the amount of extra stock that has been provided by the mold maker. the system makes the process very cost effective and precise.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=Josh_Riverside

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