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Laboratory Exercise 1:

Field Planning and Reconnaissance

GE 155.1 Horizontal Control Network


Laboratory

Submitted by:

Conopio, Marco
Cortero, Karl Samuel
Gemora, Jomike Mikael
Mabunga, Roxanne (Leader)
Mestidio, John Clifford

Submitted to:

Sir Luis Mabaquiao


I. Introduction

Surveying is defined as the art, science and technology of determining the relative
positions of points above, on, or beneath the Earths surface or of the establishment of those
points. [1] Also known as geomatics, it is regarded as a discipline that encompasses methods of
measuring and information about earth and processing these information resulting in a wide
range of products for clients. The use and application of surveying goes way back the beginning
of civilizations. Its earliest and most common use is for marking boundaries of properties.
Today, surveying provide significant use in mapping, construction and even military activities
among others.

There are two basic classification of surveying: (1) geodetic surveying, and (2) plane
surveying. Geodetic surveys takes into account the shape and size of the earth. [2]
Computations under this classification are performed on an ellipsoid, (a curved surface that
approximates the shape of the earth.) [1] It is employed for surveys with large areas and long
baselines. It is suitable for precise positioning and for performing control surveys. A plane
survey on the other hand considers the earths surface as a plane, and computations are
considered for a flat horizontal surface. The direction of the plumbline is considered parallel
throughout the survey region. [1] This survey may be used for small areas because the
accuracy and precision decreases as the survey area increases.

A specialized type of survey is called a control survey. Control surveys consists of


determining the horizontal and vertical positions of arbitrary points.[3] These points are collected
to establish a network that will serve as a reference framework for other surveys. [1] Control
surveys also classify into two types: (1) geodetic control survey and (2) engineering or project
control survey. Geodetic surveys are for large scale surveys and include GNSS and geodetic
levelling while engineering control surveys provide horizontal and vertical control for
construction and design of public and private works. [3] The tables below lists how each survey
type is further classified and their corresponding accuracy requirements.

Table 1. Classification for Horizontal Control Networks


Geodetic Engineering/Project

1st Order (1:100,000)

2nd Order (1:50,000)

3rd Order (1:20,000) Primary (1:20,000)

4th Order (1:10,000) Secondary (1:10,000)

Lower Order Tertiary (1:5,000)


Table 2. Classification for Vertical Control Networks
Classification Accuracy

1st Order 3mm sqrt(K), 4mm sqrt(K)

2nd Order 6mm sqrt(K), 8mm sqrt(K), 8.4mm sqrt(K)

3rd Order 12mm sqrt(K)

Control surveys, both vertical and horizontal are established by a network of control arcs
referenced at a single datum. This allows the points to be related in position and elevations. [2]
Control networks are ideally tied to the geodetic control network of the country. Certain
components make up for horizontal and vertical controls. For horizontal control networks control
points with planimetric positions obtained by traverse, triangulation, or GPS surveys are
needed. Similarly, vertical controls networks need benchmarks with the horizontal coordinates,
and contains elevations established by differential leveling. When establishing these control
points, its permanence must be considered. Control points must be semi-permanents and must
be well established for their future use in subsequent projects. Its location and appearance must
also be governed by its purpose and useful lifespan. They must be placed in intervisible
locations, and where there are no obstruction for GPS surveys. They must be placed in areas
that are less likely to be seen by passersby and a detailed description or photographs of their
locations should be kept for future reference, a point recovery form is used for this purpose. [3]

With all these in mind, before a survey is conducted a field plan is made and
reconnaissance survey is performed. A field plan can be in the form of physical or digital
illustrations that map out the area of interest for the survey. It must contain details on the
possible locations of the control points to be established for the survey. After a field plan is
made, a reconnaissance survey is performed. A reconnaissance survey is an extensive study of
an area that will be used for a project. It serves as a step that eliminates impractical routes for
the survey and to identify the most feasible routes or sites. [4] It is suggested that reconned
points are triangles with angles greater than 45 degrees. [5]

This exercise aims to be able to establish a triangulation network, a traverse, and a


GNSS network by performing a field plan and a reconnaissance survey. At the end of the
exercise the students must have established four (4) points for the triangulation network, and six
(6) points for the GNSS and traverse network. Two of the points from the triangulation network
will be used in the GNSS network as well as MMA39. These points should be referenced for
recovery.
II. Review of Related Literature

Luzon Datum of 1911

The Luzon Datum of 1911 is the primary geodetic reference or origin of all geological
surveys in the Philippines making all maps and surveys made in the country use the Luzon
Datum as reference point. It was established through several triangulation networks of different
origins consolidated into one nationwide network.[6]

Dating back from the years of occupance of the United States of America in the country,
the establishment of the Datum started as a mission to survey the countrys islands to be
conducted by the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey (USCGS), and to gather data that
are essential in performing various surveying activities in the country. The USCGS fieldwork to
accomplish this started in January 1901, same time with the ongoing insurrection, in which each
surveys are conducted under the joint agreement between the group and the current military
government.[6]

For about 10 years, USCGS conducted the necessary triangulation networks which gave
birth to the Luzon Datum in 1911, with the triangulation station Balanacan as the datum origin.
Station Balanacan is located at the South of Andres Point, northwest part of Marinduque, at a
hill locally known as Mataas na Bundok.Its coordinates are latitude 133341.000 North and
longitude 1215203.000 East.[6] The station is defined using the stations astronomic latitude,
longitude, and azimuth to station Baltazar and Clarke 1866 as reference ellipsoid. Station
Baltasar is also at Marinduque with reference direction of azimuth 0 = 0009 12 37.000 from
Balanacan.[7]

Every geodetic station in accordance with the Luzon Datum is connected to series of
continuous triangulation from the datum origin in station Balanacan. A chain of second order
triangulation stations referred from the Luzon Datum is developed until 1946, known as the
Philippine Geodetic Network. Also known as PGN, the stations are concentrated at coastal
areas and used for topographic and hydrographic surveys. The PGN is later upgraded and let to
what known now as the Philippine Reference System of 1992.[6]

Philippine Reference System of 1992

The Philippine Reference System of 1992 or PRS 92 serves as the coordinate reference
system used in all of the mapping and surveying activities in the country. Through the help of
Australia, a project which involves the upgrading of the old Philippine Geodetic Network or PGN
is conducted from 1988 to 1991.[6] PRS 92 is a national network of Geodetic Control Points, in
which every position are established through the aid of the Global Positioning System
technology. Every control points are marked on land made of concrete wherein the latitude and
longitude coordinates of each are written for land surveys use.[8]
PRS92 is a homogenous geodetic control network, which should be used by all agencies
of the government partaking in surveying and mapping activities such as DENR, Departments of
Public Works and Highways, Agrarian Reforms, Agriculture, National Irrigation Authority, the
academe and others as well as government and private surveyors.[9] Its implementation started
from Ramos Administrations EO 45, ordering all new surveys and maps shall be referred to the
new network and all old surveys shall be integrated into it. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyos
EO 321 set the deadline of the integration of old surveys in the PRS92 system in 2010.[8]

PRS92 is based on the World Geodetic System of 1984 (WGS84) which makes use of
the GPS. PRS92 facilitates the efficient integration and conversion of old surveys and maps
into the network for the sustainable management and development of the countrys natural
resources and to establish more accurate spatial positioning for infrastructure and in the
establishment of political boundaries of provinces and towns.

All GPS data is referenced to the WGS84, in which PRS92 coordinates can be related
according to some transformation formula. GPS coordinates taken on local surveys needs the
official parameters given by National Mapping And Resource Information Authority. The
following parameters are applied to WGS84 geocentric cartesian coordinates to give cartesian
coordinates of the PRS92 datum which will then be transformed to geographical PRS92
coordinates.[8]
[8]

III. Methodology

Using Google Earth Pro, six (6) points were established. Four (4) of these points were
selected to be used for triangulation. These points were in positions that are intervisible and at
least 150m apart from each other. After establishing the triangulation network points, their
intervisibility was tested in the field. Adjustments were made to secure intervisibility of each
points. Their coordinates were obtained using the Map Coordinates App. This is a free phone
app that allows GPS location through a phones GPS locator and its connection to the internet.
Each coordinates were recorded. After making sure that the points are intervisible, each point
was referenced make sure that they can be recovered for the next laboratory exercises.
Another Google Earth check was performed using the coordinates obtained from the
application. Distances between the points were checked to fall between 150 meters to 200
meters.

After the establishment of the triangulation network, three (3) more points were staked
for the traverse and the GNSS network. Each of these points were positioned at least 300
meters apart. Similarly coordinates were obtained using the Map Coordinates app; and the
points were referenced for recovery. Finally, these coordinates were plotted in Google Earth to
check that each point falls within the minimum distance requirement.

IV. Instruments Used

Stakes
Hammer
Handheld GPS
Phone GPS
Spray Paint
V. Results and Discussion

The following points were established:


Table 3. Established points and their coordinates
Point Latitude Longitude Description

1 1439'16.74"N 121 3'44.88"E Near the


Contemplation
Sculpture along
University Avenue

2 1439'21.12"N 121 3'49.56"E In front of UP Film


Institute

3 1439'16.98"N 121 3'52.13"E Near Quezon Hall,


Post #6 of academic
oval

4 1439'12.19"N 121 3'49.56"E On the field in front of


Seaweed Chemistry
Building

5 1439'26.60"N 121 3'59.28"E Near the University


Theater parking lot

6 1439'27.49"N 121 4'12.75"E Small open grounds


in front of Ipil
Dormitory

7 1439'13.74"N 121 4'8.22"E Near Palma Hall


alongside the
academic oval
Pictures of points

Point 1 Point 2

Point 3 Point 4
Point 5
Point 6

Point 7
Triangulation Network

Traverse Route
GNSS Network

Table 4. Approximate Distances of Points


Point- Point Approximated Distance

MMA 39-2 415.11 m

1-2 198.89 m

2-3 150.74 m

3-4 165.55 m

4-1 197.89 m

3-4 277.23 m

3-5 336.71 m

5-6 403.34 m

6-7 446.20 m

7-4 558.39 m

2-7 602.12 m

2-6 721.96 m

4-MMA 39 449.55 m
The established points were all within the distance requirement set for the
triangulation network. The longest diagonal of this network was chosen to be included in
the traverse and GNSS network. However, the length of this diagonal did not meet the
required 300-meter distance; it was approximately 277 m. All other points for the
traverse and GNSS network were above 300 meters apart including MMA39. Each of
the points established for the GNSS network were also placed in locations where there
are minimum to zero obstructions.

Problems encountered in the field include the loss of pre-established points in the
grassy areas. The intervisibility of the triangulation points were also problematic due to
the presence of trees in the area. In establishing the GNSS network, choosing an area
with no obstruction was also problematic. Scheduling fieldworks, was also problematic
since the members of the team comes from different blocs. It was also hard to perform
the fieldwork due to heavy rains.

VI. Conclusion

In conclusion, the objective of this exercise to create a field plan through Google
Earth, and perform a reconnaissance survey for a triangulation, traverse, and GNSS
network surveys was successfully obtained. The points established for the triangulation
network fall within the 150meter minimum requirement and were intervisible. The points
established for the traverse network are within acceptable range of 250 to 300-meters.
These points that will also be used in the GNSS network were all established in
unobstructed areas. These points were also reference for recovery in the succeeding
laboratory exercises for this course.

VII. Reference
[1] Ghilani, C. and Wolf, P. (2008). Elementary Surveying: An Introduction to Geomatics.
12th ed. New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall, pp.1,7.
[2] Elements of Surveying. (1971). U.S. Government Printing Office.
[3] Balicanta, Louie. GE 117 Lecture 1B Control Survey and Topographic Mapping.
2016. Presentation
[4] Road Surveying, Section I. Reconnaissance Survey. (n.d.). [ebook] Available at:
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/policy/army/fm/5-233/ch2.pdf [Accessed 30
Aug. 2017].
[5] Department of Geodetic Engineering, Training Center for Applied Geodesy and
Photogrammetry. GE 12 Lecture 1B Control Surveying. 2015. Presentation
[6] Station Balanacan Primer [PDF]. (n.d.). NAMRIA.GOV.PH
http://www.namria.gov.ph/prs92/Downloads/PDF/Station%20Balanacan%20Primer.pdf
[7] Mugnier, C. J. (1999, August). PE&RS Grids and Datums August 1999 Issue -
Philippines [PDF]. American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing.
http://www.asprs.org/a/resources/grids/08-99-phillipines.pdf
[8] PRS92 - Philippine Reference System of 1992. (n.d.). Retrieved September 01, 2017,
from http://namria.gov.ph/prs92/home.asp
[9] PRS92 surveying standard compulsory in Philippines. (2016, June 01). Retrieved
September 01, 2017, from https://www.geospatialworld.net/news/prs92-surveying-
standard-compulsory-in-philippines/
VIII. Annex (Point Recovery form)
GE 155.1 Horizontal Control Network Laboratory
Department of Geodetic Engineering DESIGNATION POINT 2
University of the Philippines, Diliman

POINT IS MARKED: AUGUST 14, 2017 WGS84 LATITUDE: 143921.12

LOCATION: BRGY. UP DILIMAN, QUEZON CITY, LUZON WGS84 LONGITUDE: 121349.56

DESCRIPTION:

POINT IS A STAKE MARKER ON THE GROUND LOCATED ALONG THE CMC HILL

R1 IS THE TREE WITH A 4 MARKED WITH PINK PAINT. 6 METERS SOUTH FROM IT, POINT 2 IS LOCATED

R2 IS THE LAMP POST THAT IS LOCATED 7 METERS NORTH AND 3.9 METERS WEST FROM POINT 2

R3 IS ANOTHER LAMP POST LOCATED 8.9 METERS NORTH AND 3.4 METERS EAST FROM POINT 2

SKETCH PHOTO

NORTH

R1 R2 R3

POINT
GE 155.1 Horizontal Control Network Laboratory
Department of Geodetic Engineering DESIGNATION POINT 4
University of the Philippines, Diliman

POINT IS MARKED: SEPTEMBER 1, 2017 WGS84 LATITUDE: 143912.19

LOCATION: BRGY. UP DILIMAN, QUEZON CITY, LUZON WGS84 LONGITUDE: 121349.56

DESCRIPTION:

POINT 2 IS A STAKE MARKER ON THE FIELD IN FRONT OF THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL BUILDING AND SEAWEED CHEMISTRY BUILDING

R1 IS THE TREE WITH A 4 MARKED WITH RED PAINT. FROM R1, POINT 4 IS 1.5 METERS EAST AND 2.8 METERS NORTH

R2 IS A TREE. FROM R2, POINT 4 IS 3.5 METERS WEST AND 2.9 METERS NORTH

R3 IS A TREE. FROM R3, POINT 4 IS 2.3 METERS SOUTH AND 1.4 METERS WEST.
SKETCH PHOTO

NORTH

R1 R2 R3

POINT
GE 155.1 Horizontal Control Network Laboratory
Department of Geodetic Engineering DESIGNATION POINT 5
University of the Philippines, Diliman

POINT IS MARKED: SEPTEMBER 1, 2017 WGS84 LATITUDE: 143926.60

LOCATION: BRGY. UP DILIMAN, QUEZON CITY, LUZON WGS84 LONGITUDE: 121359.28

DESCRIPTION:

POINT 5 IS A NAIL MARKER ON THE FIELD ON THE PARKING LOT BEHING THE UNIVERSITY THEATER.

R1 IS A LAMP POST. FROM R1, POINT 5 IS 0.5 METERS EAST AND 5.1 METERS NORTH

R2 IS A LAMP POST. FROM R2, POINT 5 IS 1 METER SOUTH AND 8 METERS WEST

R3 IS A TREE. FROM R3, POINT 5 IS 17.40 METERS SOUTH.


SKETCH PHOTO

NORTH

R1 R2 R3

POINT
GE 155.1 Horizontal Control Network Laboratory
Department of Geodetic Engineering DESIGNATION POINT 6
University of the Philippines, Diliman

POINT IS MARKED: SEPTEMBER 1, 2017 WGS84 LATITUDE: 143927.49

LOCATION: BRGY. UP DILIMAN, QUEZON CITY, LUZON WGS84 LONGITUDE: 121412.75

DESCRIPTION:
POINT 6 IS A STAKE MARKER ON THE FIELD INFRONT OF IPIL DORMITORY

R1 IS A TREE. FROM R1, POINT 6 IS 5 METERS NORTH

R2 IS A TREE. FROM R2, POINT 6 IS 8.9 METERS SOUTH


SKETCH PHOTO
R3 IS A TREE. FROM R3, POINT 6 IS 20.20 METERS WEST AND 1.3 METERS NORTH

NORTH

R1 R2 R3

POINT
GE 155.1 Horizontal Control Network Laboratory
Department of Geodetic Engineering DESIGNATION POINT 7
University of the Philippines, Diliman

POINT IS MARKED: SEPTEMBER 1, 2017 WGS84 LATITUDE: 143913.74

LOCATION: BRGY. UP DILIMAN, QUEZON CITY, LUZON WGS84 LONGITUDE: 12148.22

DESCRIPTION:

POINT 7 IS A STEEL MARKER INFRONT OF AS, NEAR THE SPEED LIMIT SIGN.

R1 IS THE HUMP. FROM R1, POINT 7 IS 3.20 METERS SOUTH AND 1.20 METERS EAST

R2 IS THE SPEED LIMIT SIGN. FROM R2, POINT 7 IS 0.5 METERS WEST

R3 IS THE FIRE HYDRANT. FROM R3, POINT 7 IS 1.2 METERS NORTH AND 7.4 METERS EAST.
SKETCH PHOTO

NORTH

R1 R2 R3

POINT

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