Module 5

GPS Surveying

Presented by,
Manjunath K,
Assistant Professor,
Veerappa Nisty Engineering College,
Shorapur.
Introduction.
• Global Positioning System (GPS) surveying is a technique used to determine
precise positions on the Earth's surface by utilizing signals transmitted by
satellites in space.
• GPS has revolutionized surveying and mapping activities due to its accuracy,
efficiency, and widespread availability.

The GPS system consists of three main segments

1. Space Segment
2. Control Segment
3. User Segment
Space Segment
• The space segment comprises a constellation of
satellites orbiting the Earth.
• These satellites continuously transmit radio signals
containing information about their precise positions
and the current time.
• The signals are transmitted in a manner that can be
received by GPS receivers on the ground.
• These satellites orbit the Earth at altitudes of
approximately 20,000 kilometers (12,000 miles) in
precise orbits to ensure global coverage and
accurate positioning.
Control Segment
• The control segment consists of a network of ground stations located around
the world.
• These ground stations are responsible for monitoring the GPS satellites,
uploading updated navigation data, and maintaining the accuracy of the
satellite orbits and clocks.
User Segment
• The user segment comprises GPS receivers, which are devices used by
individuals, organizations, and various industries to determine their positions
on the Earth's surface.
• GPS receivers receive signals from multiple satellites simultaneously and use
trilateration techniques to calculate their precise locations based on the time it
takes for the signals to travel from the satellites to the receiver.
• Users can access a wide range of positioning and navigation services provided
by GPS, including location-based services, vehicle tracking, precision
agriculture, construction site monitoring, and surveying applications.
Reference co- ordinate systems

• In GPS (Global Positioning System), coordinate systems are essential for

accurately representing positions on the Earth's surface. There are several
coordinate systems used within GPS applications, each serving different
purposes.
Here are some commonly used reference coordinate systems in GPS.
1. Geographic Coordinate System (Latitude and Longitude).
2. Geodetic Coordinate System
3. UTM (Universal Transverse Mercator) Coordinate System.
4. State Plane Coordinate System.
5. Local Coordinate Systems.
6. ECEF (Earth-Centered, Earth-Fixed) Coordinate System
1. Geographic Coordinate System (Latitude and Longitude)
• The geographic coordinate system uses latitude and longitude to define
locations on the Earth's surface.
• Latitude measures the angular distance north or south of the equator, ranging
from -90° (south pole) to +90° (north pole).
• Longitude measures the angular distance east or west of the prime meridian
(usually Greenwich, England), ranging from -180° to +180°.
• This system is widely used for navigation and general positioning.
2. Geodetic Coordinate System
• The geodetic coordinate system is similar to the geographic coordinate
system but uses more complex mathematical models to account for the
Earth's shape and curvature.
• It provides more accurate positioning data, especially over large distances
and in areas with significant elevation changes.
3. UTM (Universal Transverse Mercator) Coordinate System
• The UTM coordinate system divides the Earth's surface into a grid of zones,
each 6 degrees of longitude wide.
• Within each zone, coordinates are represented in meters easting and northing
from a defined origin within that zone.
• UTM coordinates provide a convenient way to represent positions for
mapping and surveying purposes, especially over smaller areas.

4. State Plane Coordinate System

• The State Plane Coordinate System is used in the United States and divides
the country into zones, each optimized for accurate mapping within that
particular state.
• Coordinates are typically given in feet or meters and are referenced to a
specific origin within each state.
5. Local Coordinate Systems:
• In some applications, especially in construction and engineering projects,
local coordinate systems are established based on specific project
requirements.
• These local systems may be oriented to match the layout of a construction
site or to align with other local features
6. ECEF (Earth-Centered, Earth-Fixed) Coordinate System
• The ECEF coordinate system defines positions relative to the Earth's center,
using x, y, and z coordinates.
• It is commonly used in GPS calculations and satellite positioning.
Absolute and Differential positioning with GPS
• Absolute and Differential positioning are two techniques used in GPS (Global
Positioning System) to determine the precise location of a receiver on the Earth's
surface.
Absolute Positioning
• Absolute positioning, also known as standalone positioning, involves a GPS receiver
determining its position without any external assistance.
• In absolute positioning, the GPS receiver collects signals from multiple satellites in
the GPS constellation.
• By calculating the travel time of these signals from the satellites to the receiver, along
with the satellites' known positions, the receiver can triangulate its own position.
• The accuracy of absolute positioning can vary depending on factors such as the
number and geometry of visible satellites, atmospheric conditions, and receiver
quality.
• Typically, absolute positioning can achieve accuracies ranging from a few meters to
tens of meters.
Differential Positioning
• Differential positioning improves the accuracy of GPS measurements by correcting
errors that affect the absolute positioning method.
• In differential positioning, a GPS receiver at a known location, called the reference
station or base station, continuously monitors its own position using absolute
positioning techniques.
• The reference station computes the difference between its known position and the
position calculated using GPS signals.
• The rover stations apply the received corrections to their own GPS measurements,
significantly reducing errors introduced by factors such as atmospheric delays,
satellite clock errors, and ionospheric effects.
• Differential GPS (DGPS) can achieve much higher accuracy than absolute
positioning, typically in the range of centimeters to a few meters, depending on the
quality of the corrections and the distance between the reference and rover stations.
• Differential GPS is widely used in applications that require precise positioning, such
as land surveying, precision agriculture, construction, and maritime navigation.
Gagan system in India.
• The GAGAN (GPS Aided Geo Augmented Navigation) system is an Indian
satellite-based augmentation system (SBAS) developed by the Indian Space
Research Organization (ISRO) in collaboration with the Airports Authority of India
(AAI).
• It is designed to provide accurate, reliable, and continuous navigation signals over
the Indian airspace and surrounding regions.
Objective
• The primary objective of GAGAN is to enhance the accuracy and integrity of
GPS signals in the Indian airspace to meet civil aviation requirements for
various phases of flight, including en-route navigation, approach, and landing.
Coverage
• GAGAN provides coverage over the entire Indian Flight Information Region
(FIR) and extends up to 1500 km beyond India's borders, covering a vast area
encompassing most of South Asia and neighboring regions.
System Architecture
• GAGAN utilizes a network of ground-based reference stations, located across
India, to monitor GPS signals and atmospheric conditions.
• These reference stations send data to master control centers, where correction
messages are generated.
• The correction messages are then uplinked to geostationary communication
satellites, which broadcast the corrected signals to users' GPS receivers.
Augmentation Signals
• GAGAN augments GPS signals by providing correction data for improving
accuracy, integrity, and availability. The augmentation signals include:
• Correction for GPS satellite clock and ephemeris errors.
• Correction for ionospheric delays.
• Monitoring of GPS satellite health and integrity.
• Alerts for anomalies in GPS signals.
Applications
GAGAN is primarily designed to benefit civil aviation applications, including:
• En-route navigation for commercial airlines.
• Precision approach and landing for airports, especially in remote or challenging
terrain.
• Improved safety and efficiency of air traffic management.
• Enhanced situational awareness for pilots.
• Reduced reliance on ground-based navigation aids.
Benefits
• Enhanced safety and efficiency of air travel
• Improved accuracy and reliability of GPS-based navigation for various sectors,
including aviation, maritime, agriculture, surveying, and disaster management.
• Increased accessibility to satellite-based navigation services in remote and rural
areas.
Types of GPS Receivers
1. Handheld GPS Receivers.
2. Automotive GPS Receivers.
3. Aviation GPS Receivers.
4. Marine GPS Receivers.
5. Surveying GPS Receivers
Handheld GPS Receiver
• Handheld GPS receivers are compact, portable devices designed for outdoor
activities such as hiking, camping, geocaching, and recreational navigation.
• They typically feature a built-in antenna, a display screen, and user-friendly
interface buttons.
• Handheld GPS receivers may offer basic mapping capabilities, waypoint
marking, track recording, and navigation features.
Automotive GPS Receivers

• Automotive GPS receivers, also known as GPS navigation systems or

GPS navigators, are designed for use in vehicles.
• They often come as integrated units that can be mounted on a dashboard
or windshield, or as aftermarket devices that can be installed in vehicles.
• Automotive GPS receivers provide turn-by-turn navigation instructions,
real-time traffic updates, points of interest (POI) databases, and other
features tailored for driving.
Aviation GPS Receivers

• Aviation GPS receivers are specialized

devices used in aircraft for navigation and
flight management.
• Aviation GPS receivers often include features
such as flight planning, instrument approach
procedures, vertical navigation (VNAV), and
terrain awareness and warning systems
(TAWS).
Marine GPS Receivers

• Marine GPS receivers are designed for use

on boats, ships, and other watercraft.
• They are ruggedized and waterproof to
withstand marine environments.
• Marine GPS receivers may offer features
such as nautical charts, tide and current
information, anchor alarms, and AIS
(Automatic Identification System)
integration for vessel tracking and collision
avoidance.
Surveying GPS Receivers
• Surveying GPS receivers, also known as GNSS
(Global Navigation Satellite System) receivers,
are used for high-precision positioning and
mapping applications in surveying, geodesy,
construction, and engineering.
• They are capable of achieving centimeter-level
or even millimeter-level accuracy using
differential GPS (DGPS) or real-time kinematic
(RTK) techniques.
• Surveying GPS receivers often come with
advanced features such as data logging, post-
processing capabilities, and compatibility with
surveying software.
Engineering survey using Differential GPS
Guide on how to conduct such a survey
• Planning and Preparation.
• Equipment Setup.
• Base Station Operation.
• Rover Station Setup and Data Collection.
• Data Processing and Analysis
Planning and Preparation.
• Define the survey objectives, including the desired level of accuracy and the
scope of the project.
• Determine the survey area and identify the locations for establishing
reference stations (base stations) and survey control points (rover stations).
• Obtain necessary permissions and permits for surveying activities, especially
if the survey area includes private property or restricted access areas.
Engineering survey using Differential GPS
Guide on how to conduct such a survey
• Planning and Preparation.
• Equipment Setup.
• Base Station Operation.
• Rover Station Setup and Data Collection.
• Data Processing and Analysis
Planning and Preparation.
• Define the survey objectives, including the desired level of accuracy and the
scope of the project.
• Determine the survey area and identify the locations for establishing
reference stations (base stations) and survey control points (rover stations).
• Obtain necessary permissions and permits for surveying activities, especially
if the survey area includes private property or restricted access areas.
Equipment Setup
• Set up the DGPS base station at a known location with a clear view of the
sky. Ensure that the base station is securely mounted and leveled.
• Connect the base station receiver to a stable power source and antenna.
Initialize the receiver and configure it to collect raw GPS data.
• Set up the rover station(s) by installing the receiver, antenna, and any
necessary accessories. Ensure that the rover station equipment is properly
calibrated and functional.
Base Station Operation
• Turn on the base station receiver and allow it to acquire satellite signals. Once
the receiver has locked onto sufficient satellites, initiate data collection.

• Continuously monitor the base station's position and data quality to ensure
reliable operation. Maintain a log of observation data for post-processing and
analysis.
Rover Station Setup and Data Collection
• Transport the rover station(s) to the survey area and set them up at the
designated control points. Ensure that the rover station antennas have a clear
line of sight to the satellites.
• Initiate data collection on the rover station receiver(s) and record GPS
measurements at each control point.
• Collect additional survey data as needed, such as topographic features, property
boundaries, infrastructure elements, or construction layout points.
Data Processing and Analysis
• Transfer the raw GPS data collected from the base station and rover
station(s) to a computer for post-processing.
• Use specialized software to process the raw data, apply differential
corrections, and compute precise coordinates for survey points.
• Analyze the processed data to generate maps, drawings, reports
Surveying With Drone

Module 5
• Surveying with drones, also known as Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) or
Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) surveying.
Applications
1. Topographic Mapping and Land Surveying
• Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and LiDAR sensors can
capture detailed aerial imagery and terrain data for creating accurate
topographic maps and conducting land surveys.
• These maps are essential for urban planning, infrastructure development,
construction projects, and environmental assessments.
2. Construction Site Monitoring
• Drones can provide real-time aerial views of construction sites, allowing
project managers to monitor progress, track equipment and material
inventory, and identify potential safety hazards.
3. Infrastructure Inspection and Maintenance
• Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and thermal sensors can inspect
infrastructure assets such as bridges, roads, railways, pipelines, and power
lines.
4. Environmental Monitoring and Management.
• Drones can be used for environmental monitoring, including wildlife tracking,
habitat mapping, vegetation analysis, and water quality assessment.
5. Precision Agriculture.
• Drones equipped with multispectral or hyperspectral cameras can collect high-
resolution imagery of farmland, allowing farmers to monitor crop health, detect
pests and diseases, and optimize irrigation and fertilization practices.
6. Emergency Response and Disaster Management.
• Drones can be deployed for rapid aerial reconnaissance and situational
awareness during emergencies, natural disasters, and search and rescue
operations.
Advantages
1. Cost-Effectiveness
• Surveying with drones is often more cost-effective than traditional surveying
methods, as it requires fewer personnel and resources and can be completed
in less time.
2. Efficiency and Speed.
• Drones can cover large areas quickly and efficiently, reducing surveying
time and increasing productivity.
3. Safety.
• Surveying with drones eliminates the need for personnel to access hazardous
or hard-to-reach areas, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.
4. Flexibility and Accessibility.
• Drones can be deployed in diverse environments and conditions, providing
flexibility in survey planning and execution
5. High-Resolution Data.
• Drones equipped with advanced sensors can capture high-resolution aerial
imagery, LiDAR data, and thermal imagery, providing detailed and accurate
data for analysis and decision-making.
6. Environmental Impact
• Surveying with drones has a lower environmental impact compared to
traditional surveying methods, as it reduces the need for ground disturbance
and minimizes carbon emissions from field vehicles.
PROCESS OF DRONE SURVEYING

1. Flight Planning
2. DGPS Markers
3. Capturing Images
4. Post-processing of Images using
Photogrammetry Software.
5. Output Maps
Flight Planning
1. Define Survey Area: Determine the boundaries and extent of the survey
area.
2. Select Drone and Sensors: Choose an appropriate drone equipped with the
necessary sensors, such as RGB camera, multispectral camera, or LiDAR.
3. Identify Ground Control Points (GCPs): Select GCPs within the survey
area for georeferencing the images. These points should be visible in the
aerial imagery and have known coordinates measured with DGPS.
4. Flight Plan Generation: Use drone flight planning software to create a
flight plan. Specify parameters such as altitude, overlap, sidelap, and flight
path to ensure full coverage and high-quality imagery.
5. Safety Checks: Ensure compliance with local regulations and safety
guidelines. Check weather conditions and airspace restrictions before
conducting the flight.
DGPS Markers
1. Establish Ground Control Points (GCPs): Physically mark GCPs on the
ground using easily identifiable targets, such as survey markers or ground
panels.
2. Measure GCP Coordinates: Use Differential GPS (DGPS) equipment to
accurately measure the coordinates of each GCP.
3. Record GCP Data: Log the coordinates of each GCP along with their
corresponding identifiers for later reference during image georeferencing.
 Capturing Images
1. Pre-flight Checks: Verify that the drone and camera equipment are in working
condition. Check battery levels and storage capacity.
2. Execute Flight Plan: Launch the drone and execute the pre-defined flight plan. Monitor
the flight progress and ensure that the drone captures images according to the specified
parameters.
3. Image Capture: The drone's onboard camera(s) capture overlapping images of the
survey area as it follows the planned flight path. Ensure sufficient overlap between
images for photogrammetric processing.
4. GCP Image Capture: Capture additional images of the GCPs from various angles to
facilitate accurate georeferencing during post-processing.
 Post-processing of Images using Photogrammetry Software.
1. Image Transfer: Download the captured images from the drone's memory
card to a computer for processing.
2. Image Georeferencing: Use photogrammetry software to georeference the
images by matching them to the coordinates of the GCPs. This process
involves identifying corresponding points in the images and GCPs and
calculating the transformation parameters.
3. Orthorectification: Correct geometric distortions in the images caused by
terrain variations and camera perspective. Generate orthorectified images
with uniform scale and minimal distortion.
4. Point Cloud Generation: Use photogrammetry software to process the
images and generate a dense point cloud representing the 3D surface of the
surveyed area.
 Post-processing of Images using Photogrammetry Software.
5. Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and Orthomosaic Creation: Generate a
Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and orthomosaic from the point cloud.

The DEM represents the terrain elevation, while the orthomosaic is a

georeferenced, orthorectified image mosaic of the survey area.

6. Quality Control and Accuracy Assessment: Conduct quality checks to

ensure the accuracy and consistency of the processed data. Compare the
results with ground truth measurements and perform adjustments as needed.
 Output Maps
1. Map Generation: Use GIS (Geographic Information System) software to
generate output maps and products based on the processed data. This may
include topographic maps, contour maps, land cover maps, and vegetation
indices.
2. Data Analysis: Analyze the output maps to extract relevant information and
insights for the intended application, such as land use planning,
environmental monitoring, or infrastructure design.
3. Report Generation: Prepare a comprehensive report documenting the
survey methodology, data collection procedures, processing techniques, and
results. Include visualizations, analyses, and interpretations to communicate
the findings effectively to stakeholders and decision-makers.
Application and uses of Remote sensing and GIS in Engineering
surveying.

Assignment
Thank you.