GPS Usage
Can be used to determine a few "control points" or "benchmarks" for other equipment to use.
Use the rover to determine the location of individual fossils!
Advantages:
- accurate—measurements are typically within 1cm in all three dimensions
- precise—measurements are reproducible
- fast—feasible to record multiple points on each fossil
- coordinates are recorded electronically and can be downloaded to a computer without manual entry
- large area—well-situated base station may provide coverage over many square kilometers
- flexible—can move from one quarry site to another without lengthy setup time at each change
- can perform other surveying tasks such as a general site survey, stratigraphy, etc
Disadvantages:
- both base and rover need a relatively unobstructed view of the sky
- infrequently poor satellite geometry—occurs with a sidereal period
- expense—a system at educational pricing is above $20,000
- computerized electronic and communication equipment require an appropriate skill level and attention
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