How do you survey complex terrain?

3 Prepare the survey plan and schedule

The third step in surveying complex terrain is to prepare the survey plan and schedule, which outlines the survey procedures, tasks, roles, and timelines. The plan should include the survey method and equipment, such as its specifications, settings, calibration, and maintenance; the survey control network with the location, type, and accuracy of the control points; the data collection with its sampling strategy, data format, and quality checks; the data processing with software, algorithms, and output formats; the data validation with error analysis, accuracy assessment, and quality assurance; as well as the data delivery with data transfer, storage, and presentation. Additionally, potential risks and challenges of surveying complex terrain should be taken into account – such as weather, terrain, vegetation, wildlife, safety, security and logistics – and contingency plans and mitigation measures should be devised accordingly.

4 Execute the survey data collection

The fourth step in surveying complex terrain is to execute the survey data collection according to the survey plan and schedule. This involves setting up the survey equipment, establishing the survey control network, collecting the survey data, and performing quality checks on the field. You should follow the best practices and standards of the survey technique and equipment you are using, and ensure that the survey data is accurate, complete, and consistent. You should also document the survey data collection process, such as the date, time, location, settings, and observations of each survey task.

5 Process and validate the survey data

The fifth step in surveying complex terrain is to process and validate the survey data using appropriate software and algorithms. This involves converting the raw survey data into usable formats, such as coordinates, elevations, distances, angles, or images. You should also apply corrections, adjustments, transformations, or enhancements to the survey data to improve its quality and accuracy. For example, you may need to remove outliers, noise, or errors from the survey data, or interpolate, smooth, or filter the survey data to fill gaps or reduce variations. You should also validate the survey data by comparing it with other sources of information, such as maps, previous surveys, or ground truth data. You should also perform error analysis and accuracy assessment to quantify the uncertainty and reliability of the survey data.

6 Deliver the survey data and products

The sixth and final step in surveying complex terrain is to deliver the survey data and products to the relevant stakeholders according to the project objectives and scope. This involves transferring, storing, and presenting the survey data and products in suitable formats, such as tables, graphs, maps, models, or reports. You should also provide metadata and documentation that describe the survey data and products, such as the source, method, equipment, settings, accuracy, limitations, and recommendations. You should also solicit feedback and evaluation from the stakeholders to ensure that the survey data and products meet their expectations and requirements.