MIRA Controller – Positioning

Why is positioning important?

The importance of positioning solutions for GPR array systems lies in the need for precise and accurate data collection. Precise positioning allows for the correct interpretation and analysis of the GPR data. It ensures that the data collected is representative of the actual subsurface conditions and structures. Without accurate positioning, the data collected may be misinterpreted or inaccurately represented, leading to incorrect conclusions.

Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and Total Station are positioning solutions that are often used with GPR array systems.

RTK GNSS

GNSS is a general term for global navigation satellite systems like GPS (United States), GLONASS (Russia), Galileo (European Union), and BeiDou (China).

RTK GNSS enhances the accuracy of GNSS positioning by using a network of fixed reference stations with known positions. These stations continuously monitor satellite signals and compute corrections for the errors. A mobile RTK receiver uses these corrections in real-time to improve its positional accuracy. RTK measurement technology is based on carrier phase observations and has a carrier phase differential measurement technology with fast and high-precision positioning functions. It can obtain the three-dimensional positioning results of the station in the specified coordinate system in real time, and has centimetre-level positioning accuracy.

Total Station 

A Total Station is an optical instrument that requires the human eye to actively focus on a target, then measure and calculate distances, angles, and coordinates. Total stations are short-range surveys. The maximum distance of total station without prism is about 1000 meters, and the distance can reach 7-10km with special prisms. However, due to the limitations of intervisibility and the range of the human eye, it is meaningless to be too far away.

 

In conclusion, precise positioning solutions like RTK GNSS and Total Station are crucial for GPR array systems to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data collected. They allow for precise mapping and detection of subsurface structures, which is essential in applications like, for example, utility, archaeology and construction.