GIScience Theory Based Assessment of Spatial Disparity of Geodetic Control Points Location

Elzbieta Bielecka,Sylwia Borkowska,Krzysztof Pokonieczny

doi:10.3390/ijgi9030148

Abstract

Geodetic networks provide a spatial reference framework for the positioning of any geographical feature in a common and consistent way. An even spatial distribution of geodetic control points assures good quality for subordinate surveys in mapping, cadaster, engineering activities, and many other land administration-oriented applications. We investigate the spatial pattern of geodetic control points based on GIScience theory, especially Tobler’s Laws in Geography. The study makes contributions in both the research and application fields. By utilizing Average Nearest Neighbor, multi-distance spatial cluster analysis, and cluster and outlier analysis, it introduces the comprehensive methodology for ex post analysis of geodetic control points’ spatial patterns as well as the quantification of geodetic networks’ uniformity to regularly dense and regularly thinned. Moreover, it serves as a methodological resource and reference for the Head Office of Geodesy and Cartography, not only the maintenance, but also the further densification or modernization the geodetic network in Poland. Furthermore, the results give surveyors the ability to quickly assess the availability of geodetic points, as well as identify environmental obstacles that may hamper measurements. The results show that the base geodetic control points are evenly dispersed (one point over 50 sq. km), however they tend to cluster slightly in urbanized areas and forests (1.3 and 1.4 points per sq. km, respectively).

Highlights

Geodetic control networks are widely used for investigating and monitoring any geographical features and phenomena
The analysis revealed that these requirements are fulfilled, 5.7% of the base geodetic control points, which are located in the near vicinity of geographical features that could provide significant disruption of electromagnetic signal, have to be monitored on a regular, short-term basis in order to ensure a high accuracy of their position
Our research examines the spatial distribution of geodetic control points monumented within the frame of the base geodetic network in Poland

Summary

Introduction

Geodetic control networks are widely used for investigating and monitoring any geographical features and phenomena They are of great priority to many human actions, like geodetic and geophysical measurements, surveying, civil and environmental engineering, GIS development, and gathering spatial data. Control surveys serve as the basis for initiating or reviewing subordinate surveys for property boundary delineation [6], route and construction planning [7,8], engineering object displacements [9], cadastral and topographic mapping [10], as well as many environmental applications and cultural heritage preservation and monitoring [11,12] They are indispensable as a reference framework for land administration systems, especially for georeferencing spatial objects [13,14,15]. Many scholars point out that the production and quality control of any geographical data and products requires references to the base geodetic network that realizes the CRS (Coordinate Reference System) and provides the consistent frame for GNSS users [5,16,17]

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Conclusion