Investigation of Atmospheric Effects on the Results of Light Range Finder Measurements in Rolling Terrain

摘要

The effects of atmospheric conditions on the accuracy of electro-optical range finder measurements in rolling terrain were evaluated in August 1966. These test measurements took place at the standard polygon of the Geodetic Faculty of the Lvov Polytechnical Institute. The high-precision distance measurements were conducted between Station I, which consisted of a tripod-mounted SVV-1 model electro-optical range finder, or an OT-02 theodolite and a signal lamp, and Station II with a dual reflector, an OT-02 theodolite, and a signal lamp. An analysis of the results indicates that the relative distance measurement error over rolling terrain with a beam height of 20-60 m and known meteorological conditions at both stations is about 1:1,000,000 and may reach 1:500,000. This error may be estimated by the method of mean integral values of air temperature along the light-beam path from zenith distance measurements made simultaneously with the range finder measurements. It is shown that atmospheric errors are at a minimum when the measurements are made at night with overcast skies and some wind. The use of range finders designed for day and night time operation tends to reduce atmospheric errors. (Author)