Investigation on utilising real time kinematic (RTK) global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) for electronic distance measurement (EDM) baseline calibration and traceability of measurement.

Abstract

[Abstract]: As technological advances in equipment as applied to field surveying measurement and data storage/recording continues to accelerate towards previously unforeseeable limits, there still remains the onus to verify Electronic Distance Measurement (EDM) equipment to a national standard and the respective regulations that require a Surveyor to establish and maintain legal traceability of measurement. Given the current trend of utilising Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) for surveying applications, Electronic Distance Measurement, which was once the benchmark of measurement devices is being gradually replaced by GNSS systems. Notwithstanding, the lack of suitable calibration baselines standardised in accordance with the National Measurement Regulations for the purpose of EDM verification, appears to be disappearing at an alarming rate. Many previous certified EDM baselines are in a state of disrepair or they simply are no longer being certified on an ongoing basis. This paper intends to deal with this problem of diminishing EDM calibration baselines and look to an alternative method whereby utilising RTK GNSS technology to provide a solution to the traceability and verification of measurement of EDM devices back to a recognised standard.