Integrated Technologies - The Next Generation of Solutions for the Surveying Profession

For the practicing surveyor, the availability of the Global Positioning System (GPS) has offered distinct advantages over traditional methods of surveying in terms of efficiency, accuracy and consequently cost effectiveness. For many surveyors however, the limitation imposed on the system when operating in areas with partial or complete obscuration of the sky, is a significant disadvantage to its reliability and practical use. With the trend here in Australia towards developing regional GPS base station networks, the next generation of surveying technology will definitely be based around satellite positioning systems. With plans underway for the development of a European satellite system that is independent of GPS but compatible with it, it is expected that by the year 2008 all elements of system integrity and positioning reliability will be met. Through practical case studies including “vehicle tracking” and “aboriginal rock art mapping” undertaken in Australia this paper highlights the limitations of currently available GNSS technology, and presents further benefits that can be derived from an integration of both satellite and terrestrial sensors.