High Precision Highway Profiles Using Helicopter Borne On-The-Fly GPS

Paul Hansen and Chris Joy

Abstract:	Kinematic GPS is capable of providing centimetre level positioning for a wide range of applications. This has come about through recent developments in both GPS receiver technology and ‘on-the-fly’ (OTF) ambiguity resolution techniques. One application to benefit from this high level of precision is helicopter photogrammetry. The technique uses near vertical photography taken from a helicopter to produce high precision profiles for highway deformation and repair projects. The camera is mounted vertically on the side of the helicopter and integrated with an OTF GPS system to provide exposure coordinates. The aim is the minimisation of ground control, leading to a faster and more cost effective operation. This paper describes the techniques and software used in the OTF ambiguity resolution process at Nottingham. It then details the present stage of the integration of the GPS and photogrammetric systems. A field trial was performed, and results obtained using a Bell 206B Jet Ranger helicopter equipped with this system. These are compared with the results produced using full conventional ground control. The performance of the combined system is assessed and future developments to the system are described.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 8th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GPS 1995) September 12 - 15, 1995 Palm Springs, CA
Pages:	291 - 298
Cite this article:	Hansen, Paul, Joy, Chris, "High Precision Highway Profiles Using Helicopter Borne On-The-Fly GPS," Proceedings of the 8th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GPS 1995), Palm Springs, CA, September 1995, pp. 291-298.
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