Satellite-based control that ties every survey on a site to a single, accurate coordinate framework — the backbone the rest of the survey hangs from.
GNSS — the family of satellite positioning systems that includes GPS — lets surveyors establish precise positions over large areas quickly. On a mine or construction site it provides the primary control network: the set of accurately known points that all detailed survey, setting-out and machine guidance reference back to.
Survey House establishes control survey systems from the national trigonometric beacons — orienting on the national trig, running a GPS survey and transforming onto newly constructed control beacons on site. From those beacons, every surface and underground activity is surveyed in. The work spans whole countries — the group has GPS-coordinated plateaus and access routes for BHP Billiton in Gabon.
Survey House uses static GNSS observation for high-accuracy control and baselines, and real-time kinematic (RTK) methods for rapid setting-out and topographic pick-up. Properly georeferenced control means open-pit surveys, surface infrastructure and underground transfers all sit in the same coordinate system. Because an error in control propagates into everything measured from it, the network is built and verified with care before detailed survey begins.
Observation method is chosen against the accuracy required: static observation over longer periods for control, real-time kinematic for detail and setting out. Using RTK where static observation is required is a common and consequential shortcut.
Networks are adjusted and closure reported. An unadjusted network with no closure statement provides no basis for judging whether the control can be relied on.
GNSS requires sky visibility. It does not work underground, performs poorly against high walls or beneath dense canopy, and degrades near structures that cause multipath.
GPS is the United States' satellite system; GNSS is the broader term covering GPS plus other constellations such as GLONASS, Galileo and BeiDou. Modern receivers use several constellations together for faster, more reliable positioning.
Static GNSS observation achieves millimetre-to-centimetre control accuracy; RTK methods deliver centimetre-level positions in real time for setting-out and topographic work.
It provides the single, accurate coordinate framework that every other survey references, so data captured at different times and by different methods all aligns correctly. Survey House builds these from the national trig beacons and verifies them before detailed work begins.
RTK gives position in real time and suits detail survey and setting out. Static observation records over a longer period and is adjusted afterwards, achieving higher accuracy — which is why control is established statically.
7-year project — site infrastructure, vertical & decline shaft, start to handover.
Surface infrastructure, decline & 2× vertical shaft surveys.
Vertical shaft equipping & 3D scan of 730 m reamed shaft.
Survey control re-established from national trigonometrical beacons as part of a complete mine audit.
New surface control network established and transferred down the shaft.
Control network re-established.
Survey control re-establishment for project restart.
GNSS can help connect site measurements to an agreed reference system and establish control for subsequent work. Confirm the coordinate system, height reference and any local site transformation before collecting or combining datasets.
Where the project already has control, provide its record and condition. Existing marks should be assessed for suitability rather than assumed to be undisturbed because they are still visible.
Structures, vegetation and other obstructions can restrict reception or affect observations. The site brief should identify confined areas and critical features so the survey method can accommodate them.
A receiver status or equipment specification is not a substitute for a project verification plan. Ground-based observations may be needed to complete coverage or check positions in challenging parts of the site.
Agree how marks will be identified, described and protected during construction or operations. Include the reference-system details in the handover so later contractors can use the coordinates correctly. A list of numbers without the datum, units and station descriptions is an incomplete project reference.
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