Assessing the accuracy and integrity of RTK GPS beneath high voltage power lines

Gibbings, Peter and Manuel, Brent and Penington, Rafe and McDougall, Kevin (2001) Assessing the accuracy and integrity of RTK GPS beneath high voltage power lines. In: 42nd Australian Surveyors Congress 2001: A Spatial Odyessy, 25-28 Sep 2001, Brisbane, Australia.

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Abstract

This paper reports the results of several tests conducted at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) to determine the frequency with which initialisation failures occur in the Trimble 4700 RTK receivers when operating beneath high voltage power lines.
Anecdotal evidence from some practitioners suggested that problems were experienced when measuring beneath high voltage power lines. Some surveyors had reported quite large anomalies. Still others had reported no problems beneath high voltage power lines. Consequently, these tests were designed to provide an empirical evaluation of both the probability of initialisation failure under these conditions, and the range of the subsequent errors in observed coordinates. Observations were also carried out in 'ideal' physical environments to provide an assessment of the general accuracy and reliability of RTK GPS and to use as a benchmark for analysing subsequent test results.
An attempt has been made to investigate reasons for discrepancies and, although some conclusions have been drawn, these are of a general nature only. Supplementary testing and analysis is being conducted at the USQ to further isolate some of the possible anomalies and to allow statements that are more definitive to be made.
Results from field observations indicate that under 'ideal' conditions, the Trimble 4700 RTK GPS Receiver is capable of consistently achieving accuracy within manufacturer's specifications. However the presence of electromagnetic interference and multipath have been shown to significantly impair the process of ambiguity resolution.

The conclusions will be of value to individuals who are planning to carry out RTK measurements beneath high voltage power lines, or other areas in which significant electromagnetic fields or multipath may be present.

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Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Commonwealth Reporting Category E) (Paper)
Refereed:	Yes
Item Status:	Live Archive
Additional Information:	No evidence of copyright restrictions on web site.
Depositing User:	Mr Kevin McDougall
Faculty / Department / School:	Historic - Faculty of Engineering and Surveying - Department of Surveying and Land Information
Date Deposited:	11 Oct 2007 01:10
Last Modified:	13 Sep 2013 02:09
Uncontrolled Keywords:	GPS; RTK; high voltage powerlines; Trimble 4700
Fields of Research :	09 Engineering > 0909 Geomatic Engineering > 090904 Navigation and Position Fixing 09 Engineering > 0906 Electrical and Electronic Engineering > 090607 Power and Energy Systems Engineering (excl. Renewable Power) 02 Physical Sciences > 0203 Classical Physics > 020302 Electrostatics and Electrodynamics
Socio-Economic Objective:	B Economic Development > 85 Energy > 8506 Energy Storage, Distribution and Supply > 850604 Energy Transmission and Distribution (excl. Hydrogen)
URI:	http://eprints.usq.edu.au/id/eprint/2606

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