Base stations are used in surveying and other activities where GPS devices are used for positioning. They allow for error correction and increased accuracy, but placement requires consideration of signal strength and potential interference. Government agencies and private companies install base stations, and maintaining them is important for accuracy.
A base station is a point of reference for surveying activities that allows technicians to check in with a global positioning satellite (GPS) transceiver at a known geographic location. Besides being used in surveying, base stations are also useful for other activities where people can use GPS devices for positioning. Base stations allow for error correction and increased accuracy, both of which are critical for some businesses. Devices may communicate with a base station automatically, or the user may need to subscribe to a service to access the signal.
Government agencies install base stations in key locations and can also be installed by private companies. The base station communicates with the satellites and notes any errors. When rovers communicate with the base station, they receive error data and use it to correct their own readings for accuracy. Maintaining your base station ensures that it remains as accurate and usable as possible.
The placement of base stations requires care and thought. Signal strength is a key consideration, especially in an area where coverage may be limited and the station must reach a large portion of the landscape. The clarity of the signal is also important. If the signal stops, it could create problems and could be potentially dangerous; hikers, for example, need continuous signal coverage to ensure they stay on track and know their location.
Two separate issues need to be considered with base station placement. The first is visibility. The station should be on elevated ground, with an unobstructed view around the surrounding region. If it’s in a recessed area or in a location with many hills, outcropping rocks, and other obstructions, the signal won’t be as strong and the coverage area may be limited. Surveyors may consult maps and other data to determine a good site, and may also factor in weather conditions in their decision, as these can impact location selection.
The second problem is the potential for interference from other sources. A base station near power lines, radio relays and other sources of electrical interference will not perform as well. Remote locations tend to work best because they don’t contain much interference, although the crew may also need to think about access issues. If a base station is too remote, it may be difficult to reach, especially in bad weather conditions, and this could be an obstacle to maintenance and routine maintenance.
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