Evaluation of GPS-RTK and Total Station for Topographic Survey and Strategic Decision in Private Companies

Abstract

An accurate and efficient survey system is needed for survey based private companies to survive in the business and engineering world. Accuracies of GPS-RTK (Global Positioning System-Real Time Kinematic) system and TS (Total Station) were investigated in a topographic survey. The hypothesis proposed was that GPS-RTK system could be an alternative survey for moderate accuracy projects. 5.90 ha salt ponds area became a sample for the research. Full detailed measurement was conducted by both instruments to build a contour map. Time expenditure was recorded to identify each method of effectiveness. Maximum offset of elevation was 0.054 m (polygon) and 0.098 m (detail). The survey results demonstrated that even though GPS-RTK system was not only practical and efficient (time saving reached 30% verses TS and 33% more efficient in human resources) but also yielded acceptable accurate topographic maps for moderate accuracy engineering purposes, GPS-RTK system cannot be conducted for every terrain feature.