INFRARED LASER TRACKING & GUIDANCE SYSTEM FOR GEOPHYSICAL AND RADIATION SURVEYS

Through the past several decades methods used to document geophysical data locations have continued to evolve, where today, single and dual frequency Global Positioning Systems (GPS) are commonly applied. This paper will present a new alternative method which combines several desirable features for conducting some of the more commonly applied geophysical techniques, related to the environmental field, into one data collection system. At the core of this new system is an automated laser tracking device which integrates data collection and guidance to a pre-determined grid pattern presented on a graphic Heads-Up-Display (HUD) worn by the data collecting operator. Geophysical data and positioning data are automatically<br>merged and stored in a file format readily compatible with most contouring programs. Accuracy of the system is consistent with those of commercially available engineering total stations in all three positional axis. This system offers an accurate and effective means to conduct systematic geophysical surveys indoors, under most vegetative canopies, in urban canyons as well as expansive outdoor areas or where close-spaced grid traverses are required. Conversely, data can also be collected in a random traverse mode where the system will track operator movements. To date, the system has been programmed to work with commonly used magnetic, electromagnetic, and radiometric survey tools.