Saddle Sore!
Following purchase earlier this year of another Leica’s top of the range System 500 RTK GPS, our ever adventurous Land Surveyors have been seeking ways in which to maximise its potential. One of the more enjoyable methods has involved the use of a Quad Bike. This method has so far been employed on two jobs, both times increasing our productivity significantly.
The first job where this method of surveying was employed was on Bull Island, in Dublin Bay, Ireland. This area is one of the most environmentally protected areas in Ireland due to its flora and fauna and as a result the Client required a base model of the area in order to monitor any impact that may result from the construction of a submarine pipeline across the bay. The topographic survey consisted of over 1500 hectares of inter-tidal area and sand dunes. And took just ten days to complete using the quad bike. With smooth flat sands, fine weather and a 650cc quad bike our surveyor was praying for the survey area to be extended!
Our next outing was on the Mull of Kintyre, Scotland. The setting was 100 hectares of remote moorland for a proposed wind farm. This time the going was tough and the weather typically wet and windy but surprisingly the quad bike and equipment took it all in its wheel tracks, unlike our saddle sore surveyor who every night spent several hours sat on a comfy chair by a warm fire! Again the increase in productivity allowed us to complete this survey in just three days as opposed to ten or so days using conventional surveying methods.
The gains in productivity this piece of equipment allows on large jobs can be substantial. The only restrictions to its use being tree cover and tall buildings. Provided there is a reasonably clear ‘view’ of the sky, the RTK GPS is equally at home surveying site investigation positions on long linear sites like the A77 as it is on the beach in Ireland, although our surveyors may not agree! |
