Evaluating the Performance of Using PPK-GPS Technique in Producing Topographic Contour Map

ABSTRACT

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is considered as one of the most powerful tools that are used in geodetic works. It is increasingly considered as an alternative tool for conventional surveying techniques. The goal of this research paper is to produce a methodology for generating topographic contour maps using the post-processed kinematic differential GPS technique (PPK-GPS). The performance of this technique is assessed by comparing it with the traditional spirit-leveling technique taking into consideration the accuracy, time, and cost. The study area is located along the Mediterranean coast in the Rosetta area of the middle Delta in Egypt with a total area of about 39 km². The field work includes 14 control points and about 50,000 PPK observations. In addition, 20 check cross sections that extend along the coastal line from Rosetta to El Burullus cities were observed using both spirit-leveling and GPS-PPK techniques. The results of the comparison indicate that the PPK-GPS technique can be used instead of spirit leveling in producing a topographic contour map with an accuracy of about 20 cm in orthometric height. We find that the PPK-GPS technique reduces the estimated time of leveling works in our study area by about 70%.

KEYWORDS:

• Geoid undulation
• leveling
• PPK-GPS
• topographic contour map