Global Positioning System Technology: A Field Demonstration on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest in Arizona for Non-Cadastral Uses

摘要

A field test of representative Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment was conducted on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest in Region 3 near Springerville, Arizona. The Project was designed to expose forest personnel to an advanced point location technology. The equipment was tested in real field conditions against a series of known terrestrial surveyed points. Operating in a differential mode, point locations were determined in 3 to 5 minutes and were accurate within 1.96 meters or less. Motorola claims that point locations may be determined within 5 meters in differential mode and within 25 meters in autonomous mode, spherical error of probability (SEP). The tests indicate that the claim is reasonable. The document presents an overview of GPS technology and the results of these field trials. It is intended to give readers an understanding and appreciation of GPS technology in forest management.