GPS ALIGNMENT SURVEYS AND MERIDIAN CONVERGENCE

Since the advent of the Global Positioning System (GPS), geodetic azimuths can be accurately computed by simple implementation of well-known three-dimensional (3D) concepts. However, when GPS alignment surveys involving azimuths are designed in advance, and later observed and reduced (for example, during kinematic GPS work), corrections due to the convergence of the meridians should be kept in mind and not ignored. In this study a practical algorithm was used to compare accurately determined "meridian convergence" against the classical formalism available in standard textbooks. The typical approximate formulation available in the open literature was found adequate for GPS engineering surveys such as airport runway profiles, alignment of power lines or conveyor belts, and stake positioning in highway construction. A practical GPS survey was used to corroborate the results. Finally, a new 3D alternative to computing meridian convergence, which is equivalent to the rigorous formalism, is presented.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/07339453
• Corporate Authors:

  American Society of Civil Engineers

  1801 Alexander Bell Drive
  Reston, VA  United States  20191-4400
• Authors:
  • Soler, T
  • Fury, R J
• Publication Date: 2000-8

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; References;
• Pagination: p. 69-82
• Serial:
  • Journal of Surveying Engineering
  • Volume: 126
  • Issue Number: 3
  • Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers
  • ISSN: 0733-9453
  • Serial URL: http://ascelibrary.org/journal/jsued2

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Airport runways; Algorithms; Alignment; Approximation (Mathematics); Azimuth; Geodetic surveying; Global Positioning System; Highways; Kinematics; Topographic maps
• Uncontrolled Terms: Meridian convergence
• Subject Areas: Aviation; Design; Highways; Pavements; Planning and Forecasting; Terminals and Facilities; I21: Planning of Transport Infrastructure;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00795769
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 31 2000 12:00AM