Effect of geoceiver observations upon the classical triangulation network

This paper investigates the use of Geoceiver observations as a means of improving triangulation network adjustment results. A test network of real data is used in this study, which is comprised of 32 separate projects and contains 838 first-order and 489 second-order stations in the States of Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama. Statistics are provided on a sequence of adjustments of this network in which the number of azimuth, base line, and Geoceiver observations were systematically varied. From an analysis of this sequence of adjustments, three important conclusions are made. First, the most effective separation for Geoceiver observations is about 250 km and greater. Second, there is a limit to the improvement in the a posteriori standard error that Geoceiver observations can effect in a triangulation network. Third, Geoceiver observations are an effective means of controlling distortions in the local network. The theory of how Geoceiver observations combine with the classical observations is explained.