New laser applications in geodetic and engineering surveys

Area of Science:

• Geodesy
• Surveying Engineering
• Optical Metrology

Background:

• High-precision positioning is critical for large-scale engineering and geodetic control networks, demanding relative accuracy of 10⁻⁶ or better.
• Existing instruments may face limitations in achieving the required accuracy, especially in challenging atmospheric conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop novel instruments for precision alignment surveys and engineering/geodetic leveling.
• To enhance the accuracy and reliability of surveying measurements for critical infrastructure projects.

Main Methods:

• Development and construction of integrating centering detectors for laser beam alignment.
• Design and fabrication of two types of laser plummets for vertical direction establishment.
• Adaptation of a He-Ne laser to a conventional self-aligning level.
• Construction of a new type of laser level.

Main Results:

• Laser beam alignment achieved with 0.2 arc-second accuracy in turbulent atmospheres over kilometers.
• Laser plummets provide vertical direction accuracy of 0.5 arc-seconds or better.
• He-Ne laser adaptation resulted in a standard error of 0.7 mm/km for elevation difference determination.
• New laser level offers advanced capabilities for precision leveling.

Conclusions:

• The developed instruments meet the high accuracy requirements for large engineering constructions and geodetic control nets.
• These innovations offer improved solutions for precision alignment and leveling in surveying.
• The new instruments enhance the feasibility of achieving superior accuracy in demanding geodetic and engineering applications.