NWDTW 2024

Historically, an engineer’s transit was considered the most effective way to determine the geometry of a channel, bridge, or culvert because data collection was simple, rapid, and accurate (Benson and Dalrymple, 1967). After flooding, transits were also used to collect positional data of important features such as high-water marks that correspond to peak flood stage and cross sections of a stream channel along a reach. A “transit-stadia” survey method was used to simultaneously collect horizontal and vertical positioning data. With the advent of modern land-surveying equipment, total station instruments have become the standard for rapid and accurate three-dimensional positioning using terrestrial-based surveying methods.
Common field techniques to obtain quality results include averaging zenith angles and slope distances observed in direct and reverse instrument orientation (F1 and F2, respectively), multiple sets of reciprocal observations, quality meteorological observations to correct for the effects of atmospheric refraction, and electronic distance measurements that generally do not exceed 500 feet. In general, third-order specifications are required for differences between F1 and F2 zenith angles and slope distances; differences between redundant instrument-height measurements; section misclosure determined from reciprocal observations; and closure error for closed traverse. For F1 observations such as backsight check and check shots, the construction-grade specification is required for elevation differences between known and observed values.
Two types of closed traverse surveys have been identified as reliable methods to establish and perpetuate vertical control: the single-run loop traverse and double-run spur traverse. Leveling measurements for a double-run spur traverse are made in the forward direction from the origin to the destination and are then retraced along the same leveling route in the backward direction, from the destination to the origin. Every control point in a double-run spur traverse is occupied twice. Leveling measurements for a single-run loop traverse are made in the forward direction from the origin point to the destination, and then from the destination to the origin point, along a different leveling route. The only point that is redundantly occupied for the single-run loop traverse is the origin. An open traverse method is also considered an acceptable approach to establish and perpetuate vertical control if the foresight prism height is changed between measurement sets to ensure at least two independent observations.
Specifications that were developed by the National Geodetic Survey for geodetic leveling have been adapted by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) for the purpose of developing standards for trigonometric leveling, which are identified as USGS Trigonometric Level I (TL I), USGS Trigonometric Level II (TL II), USGS Trigonometric Level III (TL III), and USGS Trigonometric Level IV (TL IV). TL I, TL II, and TL III surveys have a combination of first, second, and third geodetic leveling specifications that have been modified for plane leveling. The TL III category also has specifications that are adapted from construction-grade standards, which are not recognized by the National Geodetic Survey for geodetic leveling. A TL IV survey represents a leveling approach that does not generally meet criteria of a TL I, TL II, or TL III survey.

This presentation will demonstrate how to set up an RTK base to broadcast GNSS corrections out over a static IP address. This method is useful when a realtime network is not available and field conditions are not conducive to traditional radio-link RTK base corrections. This presentation will also include a brief use case of how this method was used in tandem with satellite internet for use at a remote gaging station with no cellular coverage.

This discussion will offer short presentations related to best practices for datum establishment and error analysis - along with metadata, storage, and datum revisions. Discussion drivers will be interspersed among this session to promote interaction among those participating.

This discussion will focus on best practices for Real-Time GNSS surveys, using Real-Time Networks and local radio-linked base stations for kinematic observations. Part of this discussion will highlight the process of evaluating uncertainty.

Tips and tricks to HWM data collection in various environments. The presentation will go into detail on HWM preservation, collection and documentation.

This will walk the audience through how FRGS is being used in datum conversion at gaging stations. The presenter will use FRGS in real-time to demonstrate how FRGS interacts with the NGS database to begin planning for the campaign. Documentation of GNSS data collection in the field will be simulated. The presentation will conclude with a demonstration of how to use FRGS to assess the uncertainty of the GNSS survey and apply vertical adjustments. (If time allows, I will show an example of the tracking sheet that we use in SAWSC to pass datum metadata from the surveyor to a reviewer, and finally to our LDM)

The CAWSC has been using total stations for the past several years to run levels at a number of challenging sites. This presentation will discuss some of the pros and cons of using a total station as well as recommendations for optimizing vertical accuracy.

This session will present different ways to combat common issues/errors when running station levels. Topics covered will include but not limited to: equipment, planning, archiving, and documentation. Attendees will have an opportunity to present their office's tips and tricks for running station levels during Open Mic portion.