Survey Division Research Articles

Sea Bed Mining

The seabed is surely one of the last mining frontiers on earth remaining for mankind, to extract economic mineral deposits. It is hence imperative that India with its Obvious Geological Potential (OGP) area on the land surface amounting to 0.57 million km, for which baseline geoscience data has been generated and mineral exploration activities are ongoing, needs to be supplemented with mineral wealth on our sea beds, within our Territorial Waters (TW) and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Studies by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and other agencies for mineralized horizons in the terrestrial OGP areas have been a continuous process. The baseline geoscience and mineral exploration data are published regularly by GSI and Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) and made available to respective stakeholders. India has a 2.02 million km area under its TW and EEZ. Our East and West Coasts of the Peninsular India are endowed with phosphate, manganese nodules, lime mud and monazite sands with rare earth elements (REE) and thorium that have been surveyed by the Marine and Coastal Survey Division (MCSD) of the GSI with their research vessels to establish the potentiality. According to the data available, 1,53,996 million tons of lime mud within the EEZ off Gujarat and Maharashtra coasts, 745 million tons of construction grade sand, off Kerala coast, 79 million tons of heavy mineral placers in the inner-shelf and mid-shelf, off Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra, phosphorite in the Eastern and Western continental margins, polymetallic ferromanganese nodules and crusts in Andaman Sea and Lakshadweep Sea have been reported. The CSIR- National Institute of Oceanography has been embarking on research for seabed mineral deposits. The Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2023, passed by Lok Sabha on 01.08.2023, has amendments to the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002, OAMDR Act (Ministry of Mines, Govt. of India, 2002). It envisages major initiatives to allow auction of mineral blocks 45° X 45° (latitude and longitude) in respect of any mineral or prescribed group of associated minerals, under one or more operating rights (taken together). The Act has a provision for setting up of a non-lapsable Offshore Areas Mineral Trust to maintain a fund under the Public Account of India. This fund will be financed by a yet to be determined, additional levy on the production of offshore minerals that will be used for exploration, research, disaster relief and for mitigation of adverse impacts of seabed mining. We have the National Exploration Trust and the District Mineral Foundation Trust funds, to which royalties are paid by stakeholders for onshore mining.

The people’s fishery in perspective: Current analysis of the small pelagic fishery value chain of Ghana

Small pelagic fish (SPF) are among the most traded fishery products in small-scale fishing in coastal areas in low-income countries. Small-scale fisheries play a key role in the supply of fish products and form an integral component of the world’s fish production. However, due to post-harvest losses, distribution, and marketing issues, most SPFs struggle to increase the market value of their fishery products. We examined the current flow of small pelagic fish products, benefit distribution, trade relationships and quality issues in the small-scale fisheries in Ghana. The purpose of the assessment was to provide relevant information for future management strategies aimed at promoting sustainable fisheries while also ensuring fisherfolk received a higher proportion of the market value of their harvest. A mixed-method approach, involving questionnaire administration, direct observation and secondary data from the Fisheries Scientific Survey Division of the Fisheries Commission of Ghana was used to elicit information and data from actors along the SPF value chain. The pattern of the value chain was mapped and differences in profit analysed. From this analysis, fisherfolk made lower profit than fish processors and traders. We found that all actors received lower profit during the peak season relative to the lean season. Provision of post-harvest facilities, credit facilities and improved value-chain governance could increase efficiency and increase the income of fisherfolk.

Morbidity profile of the out patients in Swasthya Rakshan Programme of Siddha Central Research Institute, Chennai

Introduction: Siddha medicine is an ancient system and it is based on holistic health principles with main aim on preventive health care. Goal of public health is to improve health outcomes by preventing disease, promoting behaviors that reduce the risk of communicable and non-communicable diseases, and ensure the public access to quality health services. Swasthya Rakshan Programme (SRP) is a nationwide program to propagate Ayush systems. The purpose of the program is to promote health and health education in villages. The objective of this study is to develop a morbidity profile of the patients attending the SRP for further research in the particular area. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study has been done in the outreach outpatient department (OPD) and the data were collected from the old records maintained in the Statistical and Survey Division, Department of Clinical Research, Siddha Central Research Institute from April 2017 to March 2020. This record contains the demographic data, socioeconomic status, literacy, and diseases follow-up with diseases codes in the Ayapakkam, Mangadu, and Vanagaram villages in Tamil Nadu, India. Results: Totally 5409 cases who were attending the SRP OPDs from April 2017 to March 2020 have been included in the study. These patients have been repeatedly visiting the Siddha OPD for various illnesses. The women were seeking the Siddha treatment more than the male with Female-1114 cases, Male-553 cases, Female children-42 cases, Male children-29 cases. The diseases have been classified as per the National Siddha Morbidity codes in National Ayush Morbidity standardized terminologies Electronic Portal (NAMASTE Portal). The topmost category of diseases is musculo skeletal diseases and osteo arthritis (41%). diabetes mellitus (10%), cough (8%), and eczema (8%) are the diseases which have a greater number of cases. Conclusion: The success of a public health program depends on the public need. The more revisits of the patients show good response of the Siddha medicine. Hence this morbidity profile shows that there is a great need among the public toward the traditional medicines particularly Siddha medicine and it has been achieved to some extent through SRP program.

A fishery in distress: An analysis of the small pelagic fishery of Ghana

The small pelagic fishery contributes substantially to Ghana’s fish production and plays important roles in food and nutritional security. However, the resource is under serious threat due to destructive fishing practices, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU), overcapacity of fishing fleets, population growth and climate change. This paper aims to analyze the small pelagic fishery in terms of; mapping of the chain, landings, imports and export, role in food security and management measures to sustain the fishery. Annual landings and imports of five important small pelagic species were obtained from the database of the Fisheries Scientific Survey Division of the Fisheries Commission of Ghana and analyzed for the period 1998–2018. In terms of production, 55% of small pelagic stocks are landed fresh by the artisanal canoes, while 26% come from the inshore fleet, 4% from the industrial fleet and 15% from imports. These are traded in their fresh (65%), frozen (17%) or processed (18%) forms to several actors along the supply chain on national and international markets. The round sardine and anchovy dominated landings while the Atlantic chub mackerel was characterized by a gradual decrease over the period. Per capita small pelagic fish consumption fluctuated over the period analyzed. Imports of small pelagic fish were relatively higher than exports. The decline of these stocks of commercial importance could lead to a domino effect that could diminish the overall contributions to the economy through reduced commercial exports, while at the same time increasing the need for imports, thus threatening the livelihoods and increasing the poverty level of millions of people engaged in the sector and the food security of the nation. Fisheries management authorities should, therefore, as a matter of urgency strengthen fisheries management measures by making clear and bold decisions to reverse the stock decline and to mitigate impacts on society.

Geological Survey of Western Australia: AusAEM20 - WA project

The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety’s (DMIRS) Geological Survey Division and Geoscience Australia (GA) have recently entered into a new National Collaboration Framework Agreemen...

OCCUPATIONAL STRUCTURE OF POPULATION IN RUDRAPRAYAG DISTRICT (UTTARAKHAND)

15Oct 2019 OCCUPATIONAL STRUCTURE OF POPULATION IN RUDRAPRAYAG DISTRICT (UTTARAKHAND). Ashutosh Jangwan and Pallavi Upreti Department of Geography, Government Degree College Chandrabadni (Naikhari) Tehri Garhwal Sr. Consultant (Academic), Educational Survey Division, NCERT, New Delhi

Modernization of Topographic Mapping by Japan Meiji Government – Introduction of French Army Mapping Technology and afterwards

Abstract. In Japan, the political system was changed greatly and new Meiji government under Meiji Emperor was born in 1868. Meiji government made great efforts to modernize Japan to hold its independence, hiring many professionals from the western advanced countries, sending many students to the western advanced countries, establishing obligatory education system, and so on.It invited French military mission to modernize its army. The mission arrived in Japan in 1872 and stayed until 1880 changing its members. It included engineer officers as follows: Engineer captain Albert Jourdan (1872–1878), Engineer captain Ernest Vieillard (1873–1876), Engineer lieutenant captain Lucian Kreitmann (1876-1888) and two other engineer officers succeed until 1880. They worked fundamentally as the teachers of engineering including survey and mapping. Jourdan had additional works as Coast Defense plan and military construction such as Military School. Jourdan participated in the Japan Coast Defense Planning Mission headed by French mission chief and ordered by the Army Minister,Yamagata. Coast Defense Plan maps were drawn for Kagosima Bay, Hakodate Bay, Tsuruga Bay, etc. Japanese officers of the General Staff Bureau engaged in making base maps for planning and supported the Mission in the field. The mapping technology would be transferred to the Japanese officers on the job.The French Mission members began various military educations in 1872. TIZU SAISIKI (Map Color Rule) was published in 1873, which was translated book by Tomohiro Kosuge (later, the founder and the first director of Japan Land Survey) and others from a French map book brought by Jourdan. Jourdan and Vieillard taught military engineering, based on the textbooks 1855 for French engineer regimental schools, which were translated by T. Kosuge and others and published as KOUHEI SOUTEN (Manual for Military Engineers) including Survey Division in 1873–1875.In 1875, Grand Military Field Exercise was held in Narashinohara near Tokyo, when the field was surveyed at 1/10,000 scale with six plane table teams including T. Kosuge directed by E. Vieillard and a map was compiled and published next year.In 1876, the first three textbooks on mapping of the Military School were printed ; SOKUTI KOUHON (Land Survey Textbook), TIRIZUGAKU KOUHON (Topography Textbook) and SOKUTI KANHOU (Rapid Survey Method in the Military School. The former two were Kreitmann’s lecture records and the last one was translated book of a textbook of French Artillery and Engineering Application School Military Field Exercise was held in Narashinohara, when the field was surveyed with plane table method at 1/20,000 scale by the Military School pupils directed by L. Kreitmann. The compiled map was printed next year in the Military School.In 1877, Seinan Civil War occurred in Kyushu Islan. Rapid survey maps were drawn by the members of the Survey Division of the Army Ministry. After the war, military field exercise was held in Shimoshidzu, when the field was surveyed with plane table method at 1/20,000 scale by the Military School pupils directed by L. Kreitmann. The compiled map was printed next year in the Military School.In 1879, T. Kosuge was nominated to the head of the Survey Division, General Staff Office. He presented his second opinion, “Rapid Survey Plan of the Whole County “ without triangulation which remained as the object of study to the head of the General Staff Office and this plan was accepted.In 1880 following the “Rapid Survey Plan”, the rapid survey began with plane table method at 1/20,000 scale in Kanto metropolitan area on a large scale.In 1881, according the comparison of the results of the normal triangulation and the graphical triangulation on the plane table, it was concluded that the former should be adopted for the whole country control point survey and that the survey system and organization should be changed.In 1889, Army Land Survey was founded by T. Kosuge following the model of Prussian Land Survey, Germany and the first director was T. Kosuge. However, KOUHEI SOUTEN (Manual for Military Engineers) Second Edition, Survey Division was published, translated from the textbook 1883 for the French Engineer Regimental School.

GNSS Practice in Survey Department

Control Networks for Nepal was originally defined through the use of conventional measurements. Conventional mapping methods have led to a static and inactive networks of control point. This network of control served us very well until the devastating earthquake hit Nepal and disturbed it. Determination of precise ground locations is essential for various tasks such as engineering works, earth observation, location-based technologies, emergency service providers, etc. Global Navigation Satellite System plays a very important role in providing quick and reliable positioning/navigation data. The term ‘global navigation satellite system’ (GNSS) refers to a constellation of satellites providing signals from space transmitting positioning and timing data. These systems use the principle of trilateration to calculate the location of a user, through the information obtained from a number of satellites. Each satellite transmits coded signals at precise intervals. In principle, three satellites must be available to determine a three-dimensional (x,y,z) position , additional fourth signal is necessary for precise location of a single point. This helps in eliminating the time differences between satellite’s atomic clocks and the receiver's clocks. USA in around 1970’s started the use of Global Positioning System(GPS). Geodetic Survey Division under Survey Department commenced the use of GPS technology in 1991 A.D as a method for survey technology. Survey Department initiated the use of GPS for carrying out survey of the previously established high order control points. Transformation Parameters (TP) between the National Co-ordinate System and WGS-84 System was derived using the initial Control points co-ordinate and co-ordinate of the same Control points obtained from GNSS survey. GNSS has been used for establishing, updating and rehabilitation of Control Network, measure shift in location produced by earthquake and for various survey task carried out by Survey Department.

Використання пелюсткових діаграм для візуалізації результатів експертного оцінювання якості програмного забезпечення

Розроблено методику візуалізації інформації, яку отримують внаслідок оброблення експертних оцінок якості програмного забезпечення (ПЗ) за різними критеріями його оцінювання з використанням пелюсткових діаграм. Встановлено, що під візуалізацією результатів експертного оцінювання якості ПЗ розуміють подання інформації у графічному вигляді для максимальної зручності її розуміння та швидкого сприйняття, а також надання оглядової та зрозумілої форми будь-якому об'єкту, процесу чи явищу. Запропоновано критерії оцінювання якості ПЗ та їхні вагові коефіцієнти для кожного з експертів, які забезпечують достовірне подання наявного стану процесу розроблення ПЗ, правильне розуміння суті проблем, що можуть виникнути на будь-якому етапі реалізації програмного проекту, і точні характеристики їх складових. Розроблено алгоритм розрахунку площ секторних пелюстків у полярній системі координат, за допомогою яких можна обчислити і оцінити відносну якість ПЗ за відповідними критеріями. Визначено підсумкові комплексні показники якості ПЗ для кожного з експертів і узагальнений комплексний показник його якості. Розроблено алгоритм розрахунку площі пелюсткової діаграми у полярній системі координат, який дає змогу визначити ту частину якості ПЗ за всіма критеріями, яку маємо на даний момент за оцінками одного з експертів, а також ту частку якості ПЗ, яку ще потрібно досягти для стовідсоткової її повноти. Зроблено відповідні висновки та надано рекомендації щодо використання розробленої методики візуалізації інформації.

Impacts of fundamental changes to Soil Taxonomy

Soil Taxonomy is one of the dominant soil classification systems in the world, but has undergone revisions on a regular basis since 1983. It is larger and some parts have become difficult to apply without considerable experience. Some pedologists that are not daily users (e.g. soil mappers) have called for a simpler version. The second edition of the Illustrated Guide to Soil Taxonomy serves as a model for enhanced teaching purposes that can be used by others besides trained soil scientists. In 2014, a task force was created to develop a set of proposed improvements to Soil Taxonomy. Guiding principles were established to assist in the development of proposals to increase the use of Soil Taxonomy, minimise the impact on the existing soil survey and soil science division programs, and move toward harmonisation of definitions with other classification systems, such as the WRB and South African systems. Initially, 15 proposals have been listed. Examples of a simplified mollic epipedon and addition of several new soil orders are discussed. Accepted proposals will contribute toward the third edition of Soil Taxonomy. The impact will be easier collaboration between soil scientists in countries that use Soil Taxonomy and better communication with other professionals.

CITYGML MODELLING FOR SINGAPORE 3D NATIONAL MAPPING

Abstract. Since 2014, the Land Survey Division of Singapore Land Authority (SLA) has spearheaded a Whole-of-Government (WOG) 3D mapping project to create and maintain a 3D national map for Singapore. The implementation of the project is divided into two phases. The first phase of the project, which was based on airborne data collection, has produced 3D models for Relief, Building, Vegetation and Waterbody. This part of the work was completed in 2016. To complement the first phase, the second phase used mobile imaging and scanning technique. This phase is targeted to be completed by the mid of 2017 and is creating 3D models for Transportation, CityFurniture, Bridge and Tunnel. The project has extensively adopted the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC)'s CityGML standard. Out of 10 currently supported thematic modules in CityGML 2.0, the project has implemented 8. The paper describes the adoption of CityGML in the project, and discusses challenges, data validations and management of the models.

Kinematic precise point positioning using GPS and GLONASS measurements in marine environments

The Precise Point Positioning (PPP) technique has received increased attention in recent years. When employing PPP, users need only a single GNSS receiver data to obtain a cm to dm accuracy level on a global datum, both in static and kinematic modes. This technique has become more popular due to its easy use, simple field operations, no base station(s) requirement, and provides cost effective high accuracy positioning. In satellite-based positioning, the accuracy and reliability of the positioning results are strongly dependent on the number and geometry of visible satellites, and quality of the observations. This issue is more important when the measurements are conducted in environments where satellite signals are blocked or degraded in some places like narrow channels, ravines, congested harbors, coastal areas with intense urbanization, inland waterways, in waters having severe terrain obstructions or surrounded by high mountains. To overcome this limitation, a combination of GPS and GLONASS measurements are proposed, especially to achieve more reliable and accurate solutions by increasing the number of visible satellites. The additional satellite system’s observations like GLONASS, are expected to enhance the positioning accuracy and solution availability where especially not enough numbers of GPS satellites are visible. As of today, precise orbits and clock data are available not only for GPS but also for GLONASS. This provides an opportunity to apply the PPP technique to GPS and GLONASS observations. In this study, performance of the PPP method is assessed in a dynamic environment using GPS-only and GPS+GLONASS observations. Accordingly, a kinematic test is carried out at the Obruk Lake Dam in the Çorum province, of Turkey. The collected data is processed using a globally popular on-line processing service: the Canadian Spatial Reference System-Precise Point Positioning Service (CSRS-PPP) operated by the Geodetic Survey Division of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). The results show that the combined GPS+GLONASS data produced almost the same level of accuracy with the GPS-only data if there is a sufficient number of GPS satellites with good geometry. In the extreme cases, such as the elevation of satellites above 40 degrees, the GPS cannot provide a solution. However, when data and both satellites systems are combined, it is then possible to provide the solution. The results also reveal that a dm-level of accuracy can be achieved with the PPP technique in a dynamic environment. This accuracy level largely meets the requirements of many marine applications, including precise hydrographic surveying, marine geodesy, navigation and oceanography.

INJURY MECHANISMS OF THE KOREA LADIES PROFESSIONAL GOLFERS, 2015 SEASON PROSPECTIVE STUDY

BackgroundEpidemiological study analyzing golf specific injury mechanism has not been conducted in women's professional level golf.ObjectiveTo analyze the golf specific injury mechanisms of Korean ladies Professional Golfers in different tour...

Marine Geology and Coastal Surveys for Seabed Mapping and Mineral Resource Evaluation in India – An Overview

Off-shore geoscientific studies and systematic mapping of the seafloor, both in Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and Territorial Waters (TW) along east and west coasts in India, started with the acquisition of research vessels R. V. Samudra Manthan in 1983 and two coastal vessels in 1984. Since then Marine and Coastal Survey Division in Geological Survey of India has been acquiring geoscientific data on the sea bed sediments, seabed morphology , mineral resources, geochemistry and geophysical parameters. The three vessels have collected thousands of surface and subsurface samples from the Indian and international waters during their past over 30 years of service to the nation. As the seabed mapping/ reconnaissance had been completed for EEZ (23,05,143 km 2 ) during the first phase of marine geological mapping and exploration by GSI, the compilation and synthesis of this enormous wealth of geoscientific data is now attempted[63 maps from EEZ and 143 maps from TW]. The second phase of detailed marine geological exploration has been launched as ‘National High Resolution Seabed Mapping and Resource Evaluation within EEZ of India and Beyond’ during the flagging off of the newly acquired all-weather modern research vessel RV Samudra Ratnakar flagged off on 23 rd December, 2013 from the Port of Mangalore. Operational strategies such as marine surveys through progressively closer intervals, systematic ocean bottom probing and sampling, prognostication of natural resources based on conventional methods, conceptual modeling, etc.; are finalized for a focused approach for targeting and prioritizing offshore mineral resources within EEZ of India. Placer heavy mineral resources up to a depth of 1-1.5m thickness from the sea floor on the middle shelf have been identified in an area of 764 sq km with a proven reserve of 108 million tons. On the basis of the delineated OGP (~2,40,000 km 2 ) for the present, Focused Offshore Mineral Exploration (FOME) Cruises are planned to be taken up for Rare Earth Elements & Yttrium (REY), Seafloor Massive Sulphides (SMS), phosphorites, lime mud, gas hydrates, carbonate sand etc; onboard R.V. Samudra Ratnakar.

The Groundwater Atlas of Nebraska by Jesse T. Korus et. al. (review)

Reviewed by: The Groundwater Atlas of Nebraska by Jesse T. Korus et. al. Michael B. Leite The Groundwater Atlas of Nebraska. By Jesse T. Korus, Leslie M. Howard, Aaron R. Young, Dana P. Divine, Mark E. Burbach, J. Michael Jess, and Douglas R. Hallum, with contributions from R. F. Diffendal Jr. and R. M. Joeckel. Edited by R. F. Diffendal Jr. Lincoln: Conservation and Survey Division, School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska, 2013. iii + 64 pp. Maps, figures, photos, glossary, sources. $15.00 paper. With its enormous groundwater use of 10 million acrefeet per year and a total of 7.8 million irrigated acres, Nebraska ranks first among the Great Plains states. The state’s extraordinary groundwater resource, largely due to the fact that it contains the greatest saturated thickness of the High Plains aquifer, makes it an ideal case study for groundwater in the Great Plains as a whole. Publication of this updated and upgraded edition of The Groundwater Atlas of Nebraska comes at a time when both appreciation of the potential and concern about the sustainability of groundwater resources are approaching universal. This book might have been titled The Citizen’s Guide to the Groundwater of Nebraska. The authors do a great job of presenting the usual information: maps showing the history of groundwater development, surface and subsurface geology, configuration of the various aquifers, depth to water, and saturated thickness. But the authors’ attention to features beyond the maps will increase the accessibility of the data presented here. A chapter on groundwater basics introduces watercycle concepts essential to understanding how water occurs and moves in the atmosphere and in surface and subsurface geologic materials. A generalized but not terribly oversimplified stratigraphic framework is presented along with maps, cross sections, and a fairly detailed discussion of individual aquifers. A nongeologist reading these chapters with some care should come away with a good understanding of how water typically enters the ground and flows through it. Any preconceptions involving things like underground pools might be replaced with an appreciation of just how complex groundwater geological situations can be. Readers will also learn why it is no simple matter to assess groundwater quantities and to predict its behavior over time. As important and seemingly ubiquitous as groundwater is, it is also hidden from direct view. Thus the history of groundwater interaction with humans is fraught with misunderstanding and conservation failures. One could argue that knowledge among nonprofessionals about how groundwater gets into the ground and how we get it out is critical to the preservation of this resource. This book should aid greatly in increasing that general understanding. While the Atlas is not a textbook, it should be an accessible educational supplement. The explanatory text that accompanies the maps can help link groundwater concepts with the realities of resource use and conservation. The authors have access to the best and most up-to-date data about groundwater in Nebraska and seem to care that this information reach the widest audience possible. Thus, while the focus is on Nebraska, water users throughout the Great Plains and beyond will find [End Page 182] this book interesting and full of factual information relevant to the occurrence and conservation of groundwater in their own backyard. Michael B. Leite Geoscience Chadron State College Copyright © 2015 Center for Great Plains Studies, University of Nebraska–Lincoln

A comparative study for accuracy assessment of PPP technique using GPS and GLONASS in urban areas

In recent years, the usage of the Precise Point Positioning (PPP) has increased due to its ease of use, providing high accuracy as well as reducing the field operational costs by using only a single GNSS receiver. Moreover, it does not require any additional reference station data or CORS-like network data. It is a positioning technique that has been extensively investigated and used in a variety of applications, mainly for conventional surveying applications and time-transfer, ionospheric and tropospheric characterization. In GNSS positioning, limited satellite visibility in obstructed areas and poor satellite geometry adversely affect the accuracy of results. With the revitalization of the GLONASS system reaching to full global coverage, PPP studies have focused on combined GPS and GLONASS solutions. The goal of this study is to investigate the usability of PPP technique in urban areas with GPS-only and GPS+GLONASS data by the use of online-PPP services for sub-decimeter surveying applications. For this purpose, test measurements were conducted in Çorum province of Turkey. Collected data were evaluated with two commonly used PPP services, namely CSRS-PPP operated by the Geodetic Survey Division of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) and magicGNSS/PPP developed by Spanish GMV Aerospace and Defense Co. Results obtained from this study revealed that for some cases, the use of GLONASS with GPS raises the number of satellites used in the solution twice as much as compared to GPS-only. However, unless satellites geometry gets better, the use of GLONASS has no significant role in strengthening the accuracy of results. The results indicate that an increase in the number of satellites is vital especially in urban areas where minimum number of satellites for a solution may not be obtained. Also, it was observed that when the sufficient numbers of GPS satellites with good geometry are available combining GPS together with GLONASS may not bring any significant contribution to the solution.

New Tools for Pedologists: Digital Soil Morphometrics

New Tools for Pedologists: Digital Soil Morphometrics

Verification of the Usefulness of the Trimble Rtx Extended Satellite Technology with the Xfill Function in the Local Network Implementing Rtk Measurements

ABSTRACT The paper presents the method of satellite measurements, which gives users the ability of GNSS continuous precise positioning in real time, even in the case of short interruptions in receiving the correction of the local ground system of measurements support. The proposed method is a combination of two satellite positioning technologies RTN GNSS and RTX Extended. In technology RTX Extended the xFill function was used for precise positioning in real time and in the local reference system. This function provides the ability to perform measurement without the need for constant communication with the ground support satellite system. Test measurements were performed on a test basis located in Krakow, and RTN GNSS positioning was done based on the national network of reference stations of the ASGEUPOS. The solution allows for short (up to 5 minutes) interruptions in radio or internet communication. When the primary stream of RTN correction is not available, then the global corrections Trimble xFill broadcasted by satellite are used. The new technology uses in the real-time data from the global network of tracking stations and contributes significantly to improving the quality and efficiency of surveying works. At present according to the authors, technology Trimble CenterPoint RTX can guarantee repeatability of measurements not worse than 3.8 cm (Trimble Survey Division, 2012). In the paper the comparative analysis of measurement results between the two technologies was performed: RTN carried out in the classic way, which was based on the corrections of the terrestrial local network of the Polish system of active geodetic network (ASG-EUPOS) and RTK xFill technology. The results were related to the data of test network, established as error free. The research gave satisfactory results and confirmed the great potential of the use of the new technology in the geodetic work realization. By combining these two technologies of GNSS surveying the user can greatly improve the overall performance of real-time positioning.

Geotechnical Surveys Indicate Potential Offshore Port Facilities off Subarnarekha Outflow Sector, Orissa, India

Deficiency in major port facilities off Orissa prompted the State Government to promote development of a port facility in the Subarnarekha river outflow sector utilizing the inland water network of Orissa coast canal and Contai canal. Marine and Coastal Surveys Division of Geological Survey of India carried out geotechnical feasibility surveys to explore possibilities of setting up a port facility in this sector. Bathymetry reveals smooth, parallel isobaths signifying gentle slopes with varying gradients. The East-West profile delineates a natural channel that could be dredged into a navigational channel. Sediments are dominantly sandy silt marginally varying either into silty sand or clayey silt. Geotechnical characteristics suggest a stable substratum ideal for developing the offshore port facility. Side-scan sonar surveys reveal a seafloor bereft of any hazardous rocks or reefs. The surveys espouse immense potential for developing this sector into an offshore port facility.

Magnetic responses from an iron-rich gossan in a volcanic terrain and a limestone-hosted strata-bound manganese deposit, Central Province, Papua New Guinea

Author: Mosusu, N1*., Saroa, D1., Abiari, I1., Verave, R1., Irarue, P1., and Kolotein, P2. To interpret magnetic responses ('magnetic signature') of different mineral settings in Papua New Guinea (PNG), field campaigns were conducted by the Geological Survey Division in mineral fields in the Rigo District, Central Province of Papua New Guinea. Geological mapping accompanied by a ground magnetic survey was conducted over iron-rich gossans within a volcanic sequence at Kore. A similar program was undertaken in a sedimentary-hosted manganese field near Kemaea village. The gossans are within the Middle Miocene Kore Volcanics which are bounded to the south by the Middle Miocene Gidobada Limestone. In contrast, the manganese nodules at Kemaea, are within the Late-Middle Eocene Port Moresby beds and are bounded to the north-east by the Early Eocene-Middle Oligocene Sadowa Gabro. The results of the magnetic survey show significantly different responses that are apparently related to the style of mineralisation. The total magnetic response of a gossan within the volcanic rock unit is characterised by high frequency signals that require extensive filtering to outline the trend of distinct magnetic source. In contrast, the limestone-hosted strata-bound manganese deposit has a well-defined north-westerly structural trend that is easily distinguished within the response of the total magnetic field. Applying a reduced to magnetic equator algorithm and generating an upward continuation of the magnetic field enhances these structural trends. The analytical signal of the magnetic field also enhances the interpretation of the signal from the two different sources. The results of the survey demonstrate that background knowledge of mineral systems, including major mineral composition and style of deposit is essential to interpret imagery from ground magnetic surveys of mineral deposits and that different styles of mineralisation generate unique magnetic responses.