3rd April 2009, 10:03 AM
Quote:quote:Originally posted by Talisien
Still need to teach people how to triangulate and analogue techniques - always surprises me (why, I don't know) the number of people who look blankly at you when you ask them where the point of origin is for the site grid. And batteries do run-out and EDMs fails. Oh, happy days B)
I am in two minds regarding the need to teach triangulation/analogue techniques. If it is a case of training a surveyor- definitely. If it is a case of teaching an excavator how to use the total station - not so important. (I remember when I was learning archaeology being tutored on how to use a plane table. Interesting at the time, and I was assured loads of archaeologists used such equipment, but in nearly 30 years I have never come across one used in anger). I would recommend however that folk try and obtain some good referenc literature explaining survey, triangulation and the mathematics of geometry. I have an Indian army manual dated to the 1920s that I often refer to and has shown me some interesting techniques and/or mathematical formula for use in large landscape survey, free-point survey and for example obtaining polar co-ordinates of difficult to access areas.
Batteries running out, EDM failure....Not so much with modern equipment. My total station (Leica 1205 series) gives me plenty of warning of the batteries getting low and has a Bluetooth function that enables me to back up survey data fro the data logger to my mobile phone or my laptop at the touch of a key. My worst nightmares are mainly down to my own stress related failings (forgetting to reset the TST after moving locations happens at least twice a season(!!), but even that 'failure' is generally recoverable)
With peace and consolation hath dismist, And calm of mind all passion spent...