NGSCS (see " Visualizing National Geodetic Control Stations in Google Earth," November 2008) was the first tool in the Earth Survey geodetic toolkit. Initially, I made static KML maps of NGS control in our ten-county service area with links to datasheets, and then realized that what I really wanted was real-time access to the latest NGS data, not just for datasheets, but also for the placemarks themselves. The first timesaving measure we took was simply to add Google Earth placemarks at control station locations, set the view size for print output, save an image, and print it. Our reasoning was that, equipped with the orthophotos, party chiefs could more quickly find unfamiliar job control, but the amount of time spent in the office to prepare the maps was significant. (MWI) was making AutoCAD base maps with orthophotos in the vicinity of NGS control stations. Over the past few years, I have become convinced that Google Earth represents an extraordinary opportunity to visualize and communicate survey data, though I too was skeptical of its value as a professional land surveying tool in the beginning. A 2.575Mb PDF of this article as it appeared in the magazine-complete with images-is available by clicking HERE
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