Journal of Surveying Engineering

Conventional equations for determining the variance‐covariance matrix of vertical angles, geodetic azimuths and distances are based on the standard law of propagation of covariance using the Jacobian matrix of the corresponding functional relationships. A conceptually simpler geometric approach exclusively dependent on the notion of rotation matrices is presented here. The method completely avoids the cumbersome requirement of taking partial derivatives of non‐linear expressions. As an added advantage the method contributes to clarify several points related to dimensional transformations between linear and angular units.

Compass (Bowditch's) rule and Crandall's method (the “least squares” solution, in many coordinate geometry programs) are commonly used to adjust traverses for construction and land survey applications. The assumptions made to derive either of those methods do not match today's instrumentation, particularly modern distance‐measuring equipment. Presented is an algorithm, based on the idea by George W. Tuttle, a contemporary of Crandall, which adjusts a closed traverse with results very much like those from a minimum variance solution, also presented, but without the complexity of computation. Both methods, which apportion corrections based upon the accuracies of observations, are compared to both compass and and Crandall's solutions, using data the accuracies of which are comparable to those of modern instrumentation.

The Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District started the Milwaukee Water Pollution Abatement Program in the summer of 1977. The program is in its tenth year with completion scheduled for 1992. Technical memorandums were developed for the Milwaukee program as guidelines for the various disciplines providing services. Two such technical memorandums for surveying and mapping work were developed and adopted by the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District in 1978. Technical Memorandum 5/1–2, Survey and Mapping Guidelines, is an administrative guide for managing surveying and mapping activities. Technical Memorandum 5/2–12, Technical Instructions for Surveying and Mapping, is a guide for those performing surveying and mapping work. Key elements of the guidelines used in performing the surveys for the program are presented.

Three models are presented that use the presence and spatial characteristics of land‐cover types to calculate quality of wildlife habitat. The modeling approaches include the use of a Geographic Information System (GIS) and a multiple variable data base for modeling habitat characteristics, and an Integrated Point Area model (IPA) and a Point Specific Estimator model (PSE) for estimation of quality from single variable data bases. Applications of these models illustrate the capability and sensitivity of spatial models and parameters derived from map and remote sensor data. Results included a verification of the IPA model, a sensitivity analysis of parameters in the PSE model, and a test of the GIS model. Model evaluations revealed the value of these approaches for supplying habitat quality ratings. The models together constitute an evaluation of each element of a comprehensive experiment, even though elements are missing from individual experiments.

With recent advances in surveying field and computational techniques, the technical standards for boundary surveys of the individual states are rapidly becoming out of date and are inapplicable even now in controlling the quality of many boundary surveys. This article suggests that a comprehensively prepared model law for boundary survey technical standards may substantially aid individual states in upgrading their laws. Such a model would also promote uniformity in boundary surveying standards among the states. A framework for developing a model law is suggested. Numerous technical, legal, and social issues are raised.