Rapid Geodetic Survey System (RGSS) Deflection of the Vertical and Gravity Anomaly Tests at White Sands Missile Range, 1980

摘要

In early October 1979, the Defense Mapping Agency (DMA) contacted the Engineer Topographic Laboratories (ETL) for assistance in developing advanced surveying capabilities. DMA has the responsibility to provide large quantities of geodetic and gravimetric control. The large number of deflection stations and the precision required at each station created particular concern since first-order astronomic observations, combined with precision geodetic surveys, had to be made at each site. Because of the skill levels and labor-intensive methods required for astronomic observations, alternative, less demanding techniques to determine deflection of the vertical were needed. Inertial survey systems, such as the RGSS, made by Litton, and the Inertial Positioning System-2 (IPS-2), made by Honeywell, provide an attractive possible solution to the deflection of the vertical problem. Previous tests conducted under special conditions with the RGSS indicated that inertial techniques can transfer deflections to the required order of accuracy and can provide them faster and more economically than conventional means. The objective was to perform a series of field tests with the RGSS to determine its current capabilities to measure changes in the deflection of the vertical and, if possible, to determine the hardware and software modifications required to improve accuracy. (Author)