MAIN ROADS

Western Australia

Survey and Mapping Job Instruction 23/04/04

Issue Date 10/97

CALIBRATION, TESTING AND ADJUSTMENT OF SURVEY INSTRUMENTS

This document is owned and controlled by the Chief Surveyor. The Quality Co-ordinator (Surveys) is the delegated custodian. All comments for revision should be submitted to the Quality Co-ordinator (Surveys ).

Authorisation As Chief Surveyor of Main Roads Western Australia, I authorise the issue and use of this job instruction..

....................................... CHIEF SURVEYOR Date: ___/___/___

All Controlled Copies shall be marked as such

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REVISION STATUS RECORD Page No 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Latest Revision No 1 Latest Revision Date 19/12/97 Revision Description/Reference Details of this revision

19/12/97

Procedure for indexing the barometer in the Curtin store added.

Authorised by:___________________ Chief Surveyor

Date

______/______/______

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CONTENTS

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7 5.8 6.

PURPOSE......................................................................................................4 SCOPE........................................................................................................... 4 REFERENCE DOCUMENTS.....................................................................4 DEFINITIONS.............................................................................................. 4 PROCEDURE........................................................................ 5 Electronic Distance Meters (EDM) and Total Stations.............................5 Optical Theodolites, Electronic Theodolites and Total Stations..............6 Testing and Adjustment of Survey Levels.....................9 Calibrated Survey Measuring Bands............................11 Third Order Levelling Staves.........................................11 Tribrachs and Optical Plummets...................................12 Minor Survey Equipment................................................12 Specifications for Survey Equipment...........................14 APPENDICES

Appendix A Field Instruction - Curtin Calibration Baseline 15 7. FORMS EDM Recording Sheet - Curtin Baseline Total Station Calibration Checklist Third Order Staves Calibration Checklist

23/04/04/01 23/04/04/02 23/04/04/03

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1.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this job instruction is to describe the process to be used for the calibration, testing and adjustment of survey instruments. 2. SCOPE

This job instruction shall be used by the Survey and Mapping Branch for the calibration of survey instruments and by all Survey Crew Leaders to test and adjust survey instruments and equipment. Further information can be obtained from the Quality Co-ordinator (Surveys). 3. REFERENCES

The following documents relate to this procedure: 4. Surveying Equipment Procedure 2300/02/07 Operations Centre Surveying Equipment Procedure 2300/03/08/OP Survey and Mapping Specification 2300/05/11 Surveying Equipment DOLA Procedure 2000/02/024 Calibration of EDM Equipment Handbooks for Various Instruments DEFINITIONS

The following terms used in this procedure have the specific meanings indicated: DOLA EDM GSC QC(S) SES(O) Authorising Officer Department of Land Administration Electronic Distance Meter Geodetic Services Co-ordinator Quality Co-ordinator (Surveys) Senior Engineering Surveyor (Operations) One of : GSC SES(O) QC(S)

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5. 5.1

PROCEDURE Electronic Distance Meters (EDM) and Total Stations Calibration of EDM's and the distance meters on Total Stations shall be arranged by the Survey and Mapping Branch. The instruments shall be calibrated using the survey baseline at Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley (for Site Location diagram see Appendix A). The following procedure shall be undertaken to determine a calibration constant for the EDM or Total Station.

5.1.1 Field Survey Upon request from the QC(S), the field survey component shall be arranged by Data Acquisition staff. The field crew is to use the EDM or Total Station Calibration Checklist (form 23/04/04/02), follow the field instructions (Appendix A) and record the observation data on form 23/04/04/01. 5.1.2 Processing The results of the test shall be processed, preferably by the surveyor who completed the field survey, using the DOLA supplied Calibration program. 5.1.3 Certification of Calibration The printed certificate produced by the calibration software, shall be signed by the officer entering the data, and authorised by the Authorising Officer. The original of the Certificate of Calibration shall be passed to the QC(S) with the field observation sheet for filing on the appropriate file (15-375-** series : one for each Total Station or EDM), and a copy of the Certificate placed in the Instrument case. 5.1.4 Calibration Status Tag The Authorising Officer shall ensure that the Calibration Status Tag on the instrument is updated, after authorisation of the Certificate of Calibration. 5.1.5 Up-date the Calibration Database The QC(S) shall arrange for the Calibration database to be up-dated to show the completion of the calibration test and the date of the next required test.

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5.2

Optical Theodolites, Electronic Theodolites and Total Stations The following procedure shall be undertaken for the testing of horizontal and vertical collimation in Optical Theodolites, Electronic Theodolites and Total Stations. These procedures shall be read in conjunction with the handbook for the instrument as the testing procedure and adjustment does vary between different makes and types of instruments such as optical or electronic.

5.2.1 Set-up When an instrument is to be tested and if necessary adjusted it should be set up on firm ground and the tripod should form a stable support. 5.2.2 Horizontal Plate Bubble Adjustment Set the instrument up, by means of the bubble, so that the vertical axis is approximately vertical. Set the bubble across two foot screws and bring the bubble to the centre of its run. Rotate the plate exactly 180 degrees (use the horizontal circle for accuracy). If the bubble is in adjustment it will remain central. If not it may be adjusted by taking half the error out with the foot screws and half with the bubble adjusting screws.

Repeat the procedure to check the adjustment is applied correctly. 5.2.3 Adjustment of the Cross-Hairs As the horizontal and vertical adjustments are linked, they should be carried out jointly and both conditions satisfied before proceeding to adjustment 5.2.4. 5.2.3.1 Adjustment for Horizontal Collimation Select an area of cleared level ground and set up the instrument between point A, a definite point greater than 500 metres away and a tripod approximately 100m from the instrument. Make the vertical axis vertical.

Distinct RO A A

Greater than 500 metres

Abt 100m Inst. B

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At point A choose a reference object which is a definite point greater than 500 metres away an approximately the same level as that of the instrument. At point B set up a horizontal scale or staff so that the top is about the same level as the instrument. With the telescope on face left., sight on point at A. Transit the telescope and note reading on B. Rotate the telescope horizontally and point back at A (it will now be pointing face right). Transit the telescope again and note the second reading at B. If the readings are identical the instrument is in adjustment. If not the instrument should be adjusted so the line of sight is moved of the distance towards the first reading.

Repeat the procedure to check the adjustment is applied correctly. 5.2.3.2 Adjustment for Vertical Collimation Set the instrument up so that the vertical axis is vertical. Point the telescope so that the top, or bottom, of the vertical hair is aligned on some clearly defined target and clamp the telescope. An example of a well defined point is a plumb-bob hanging from a fixed point. Lower, or raise, the sight by means of the vertical circle tangent screw and watch the apparent travel of the target along the vertical hair. If the target remains aligned with the vertical hair throughout the whole movement, then the vertical hair is perpendicular to the horizontal axis. If it does not then the instrument must be adjusted until the desired relationship exists. To do this, may upset the horizontal collimation adjustment.

Repeat the procedure 5.2.3.1 and 5.2.3.2 to check the adjustments have been applied correctly. 5.2.4 Horizontal Axis Adjustment Set up the instrument with the Vertical Axis exactly vertical. Direct the telescope to a clearly defined high point A, example on the top of a high wall. The angle of elevation should be at least 30. Lower the telescope to a horizontal position and make a mark B on the wall. Reverse face and repeat the last two steps.
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If the two marks at B coincide the instrument is in adjustment. If the two marks do not coincide, direct the line of sight to the mean position at B using the horizontal tangent screw. Elevate the telescope to sight A. Because the line of sight has been moved it will not pass through A. The adjustment consists of moving the line of sight until it does pass through A. This is achieved by adjusting screws on the transit axis as per the handbook for the instrument.

Repeat the procedure to check the adjustment is applied correctly. 5.2.5 Vertical Circle Index Adjustment Set the instrument up and level it. Point the line of sight at a wall or a staff. Make the vertical circle read 90 or 270 degrees, using the vertical circle tangent screw and, if necessary, the micrometer setting knob. Make a mark where the line of sight strikes the wall (or read the staff). Change face and repeat the last two steps.

If the marks (or the readings) coincide the instrument is in correct adjustment, otherwise : Set the line of sight on the mean reading (using the vertical circle tangent screw). The line of sight will now be horizontal, but changing the line of sight will have altered the zero setting. Set the vertical circle to read zero by adjusting either the clip screw, if present, or the vertical circle adjusting device on an Automatic instrument.

Repeat the procedure to check the adjustment is applied correctly. 5.2.6 Adjustment Screws Ensure when adjusting an instrument that the last movement of the adjustment screw is clockwise (tightening) to prevent the instrument falling out of adjustment. 5.2.7 Recording of Tests All tests for the adjustment of optical theodolites, electronic theodolites and total stations shall be recorded in a Survey Equipment Field Test Record Book, MRWA 236.

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5.3

Testing and Adjustment of Survey Levels Survey levels can be tested and adjusted using the procedure known as the ' Two Peg Test'.

5.3.1. Set-up One Set the instrument up midway between 2 pegs A and B, 60 metres apart on fairly level ground. Level the instrument and read the staves at pegs A and B (a1 and b1). This will give the true difference in height, H, between pegs A and B. In Figure 1 below, the line of collimation is inclined downwards by an angle causing the staff reading at A to be in error by an amount e. Note that because peg B is exactly the same distance from the instrument as peg A the same error e occurs. This same error e is applied to each staff reading and thus the true difference in height can be found. Note: This difference may have been determined from previous tests on two fixed points. In the case where the true height difference is known this step may be omitted. Fixed points shall be tested and results recorded at least once every six months
Line of Sight Truly Level e a1 A 30 FIGURE 1 30 B b 1

5.3.2. Set-up Two Set up approximately 2 metres behind the staff at A, in position 2. Centre the circular bubble and record the staff readings a2. Apply the difference in height, H, to reading a2 to predetermine the reading b2. Read the stave at position B, as shown in figure 2 below, compare the two values.
a2 b2

A 2

60
FIGURE 2

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5.3.3 Adjustment If the actual reading differs from the pre-determined value b2 by more than 2mm, then the level should be adjusted using the adjustment screws on the eyepiece of the instrument and in accordance with the handbook for the instrument. Ensure the last movement of the adjustment screw is clockwise (tightening) to prevent the instrument from falling out of adjustment. Always repeat the procedure to ensure the instrument is now in adjustment. 5.3.4 Example of a Two Peg Test

FIRST POSITION (level midway)

Horizontal 1.369 Line of

Line Sight 2.074

A C B Negligible (error) SECOND POSITION (level near A) Horizontal Line 2.142 Line of Sight

2.847 2.833

After readings are taken at the 2nd position, the difference = 0.691 (2.833 2.142), instead of 0.705 (2.074 - 1.369) as at the 1st position. Thus the level has an error of 0.705 - .691 = 0.014. The correct reading at B should be 2.847 (2.142 + .705); the level is adjusted to this reading using the adjustment screws on the eyepiece of the instrument and in accordance with the handbook for the instrument. For this example, the following would be entered in a Level Calibration Field Record Book, MRWA 238. (the tabulation includes a recheck) OBSERVER.................................... BACK FORE RISE FALL DIST DATE........................ REMARKS Misc 14mm Adjusted Check OK

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5.4

Calibrated Survey Measuring Band The QC(S) shall arrange for all calibrated measuring bands in continuous use to be calibrated annually, and for calibrated measuring bands used only for standardisation of measuring equipment to be calibrated every five years. The calibration shall be performed under DOLA supervision, using an approved procedure and certified as to its accuracy. The original of the calibration certificate shall be held by the GSC, and a copy issued with the calibrated measuring band. The QC(S) shall ensure that after calibration all calibrated measuring bands have an up-dated Calibration Status Tag.

5.5

Third Order Levelling Staves

5.5.1 Calibration The QC(S) shall arrange for the annual calibration of all third order levelling staves. The calibration is to be performed under DOLA supervision, using an approved procedure and certified as to its accuracy. The original of the calibration certificate shall be placed on Main Roads File 15390 Third Order Stave Calibration Reports, and a copy issued with all calibrated measuring bands. The QC(S) shall ensure that after calibration, all calibrated staves to have an updated Calibration Status Tag. 5.5.2 Calibration Factors Staff calibration factors can be obtained from the latest calibration certificate attached to the third order staves, or from the original on Main Roads File 15-390 Third Order Stave Calibration Reports.

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5.6

Tribrachs and Optical Plummets

5.6.1 Field Testing Method Set tribrach or optical plumb on instrument legs and level using bubbles. Using plumb-bob supplied with suitable attachment to instrument legs, mark truly vertical point. Remove plumb-bob and check optical plumb for coincidence with point marked in 2. Adjust using adjustment screws. Ensure the last movement of the adjustment screw is clockwise (tightening) to prevent the tribrach from falling out of adjustment.

Repeat the procedure to check the adjustment is applied correctly. For tribrachs or optical plummets that can be rotated an alternative method can be used by rotating the mechanism through 60 degrees and plotting the circle of error. The error can be then removed by the adjustment screws. 5.6.2 Recording All tribrachs are to be uniquely identified or tagged and all field tests recorded in the Survey Equipment Field Test Record Book, MRWA 236, for the related Total Station. For checked and adjusted columns below, tick when completed or mark N/A if no need for adjustment. 5.6.3 Testing by Head Office Branch All Tribrachs are to be forwarded with Total Stations or EDM's for testing to be arranged by the QC(S). The associated MRWA 236 book should also be forwarded for the recording of the tests. Tests shall be undertaken using the test bracket mounted 2m above the floor, on the west wall of the main (north) basement car park at Main Roads Don Aitken Centre (DAC). A key for the Survey and Mapping key alike padlock will be required to remove the access ladder from its storage location in the adjacent passage.

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5.7

Minor Survey Equipment

5.7.1 Recording All minor survey gear is to be uniquely identified or tagged and all field tests recorded in a Survey Equipment Field Test Record Book, MRWA 236, for minor survey equipment only. For the checked and adjusted columns, tick when completed or mark N/A if no need for adjustment. 5.7.2 Levelling Staves Levelling Staves are to be tested by a visual inspection of the staff face, condition of the foot and joints and measuring with a five metre steel tape, which has been tested against a calibrated survey measuring band. A comparison of staff graduations against equivalent marks on the steel tape shall be made over the entire length of the staff. Should any reading disagree by more than 2 millimetres for a 5 mm staff face or 4 mm for a 10 mm staff face, the staff shall be not be used and clearly marked as such. 5.7.3 Poles, Survey Bands, and Tapes All Poles, Survey Bands and Tapes shall be tested by a visual inspection for condition of the item and by measuring against a calibrated baseline or a calibrated survey measuring band. All Poles, Survey Bands and Steel Tapes shall not be used if any graduation is in error by 5 millimetres or more. All fibreglass or cloth Tapes shall not be used if any graduation is in error by 50 millimetres or more. 5.7.4 Thermometers and Barometers Thermometers and barometers shall be tested by comparison against readings taken at any Weather Station. If any thermometer is more than 2 degrees in error it shall be replaced. Barometers shall be adjusted using the adjustment screw to remove any error. 5.7.5 Measuring Wheel Measuring wheels shall be tested by a visual inspection for the condition of the item and by measurement against a calibrated baseline or calibrated survey band. Measuring wheels shall not be used if the measured distance is 0.1 metres over 50 metres. 5.7.6 Straight Edge and Wedge

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Straight edges and wedges are to be tested by visual inspection for condition of the item. Graduations on the wedges shall be measured against a steel tape. Should any reading disagree by more than 2mm, the wedge shall be replaced. 5.7.7 Electronic Spirit Level Electronic spirit levels shall be tested by visual inspection for the condition of the unit. Calibration of electronic spirit levels shall be completed in accordance with the manufacturers instructions and recommended intervals. 5.7.8 Pipe Laying Laser Tests as described in the operators manual. If the laser is found to be out of adjustment return it to the supplier for factory adjustment. 5.7.9 Electronic Tripmeters Establish a calibration bay of known distance (minimum 1km) on a straight and flat section of road. Align an easily identifiable point on the car (e.g. door locks or wheels) with the starting point and set the tripmeter calibration to 100. Return the tripmeter back to measuring mode and drive 1 kilometre. Note this measurement and repeat. The average of the 2 measurements is the calibration figure. Drivers should ensure slow and steady acceleration and braking during this process. Another journey over the calibration bay with the new calibration figure installed in the tripmeter should be made. An expected error of not greater than 5m over the 1km should be recorded (i.e. 0.5% error) or the process should be repeated. 5.7.10 Calibrated Baseline There is a calibrated baseline in the main (north) basement car park of the Main Roads Don Aitken Centre.

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APPENDIX A FIELD INSTRUCTIONS USING CURTIN CALIBRATION BASELINE 1. 2. Phone 9351 7373 to confirm availability of baseline. (Baseline cannot be pre booked). The barometer to be used during the observations is to be calibrated against either the one in the store [Room 204.111 of the Engineering & Surveying Building] or another calibrated barometer, both before and after the Observation session. The observation sheet is to be completed in a top down sequence, with ALL spaces filled. The Observation sequence MUST NOT be changed. Observation notes :

3.

If the barometer in the Curtin store is used to calibrate the barometer used in the field, the following steps shall be used to index the Curtin barometer : 1) Rotate the adjustment screw until the index point touches the mercury reservoir. 2) Read off the calibrated barometric pressure using the micrometer. The Instrument, thermometer and barometer are to be shaded with an umbrella. (May be available from Curtin store) The baseline must be clear of foliage : trim/prune as required before commencing observations. Instrument dials should be set to zero - this means temperature and pressure must be booked for each set of distances. For instruments which have internal electronic compensation, the temperature and pressure must be re-entered on instrument, if changed since last set of distances were taken. Care must be taken to ensure that the prisms are mounted in the zero constant position. Barometer readings should be converted and booked as millibars (mb) using the formula at the bottom of the booking sheet. The Slope distance must be observed in single shot measure mode, four times, with the instrument re-pointed between measurements. [Where one reading is considerably different from the remaining three, a fifth reading should be booked in the margin.] Theodolite and Tribrach Foot screws : These must be reset between moves to their mid point, with foot screw adjustments for further set-ups being carried out to maintain the constant height booked in the heading section.

4.

Observation sheets are to be returned to Data Acquisition Section upon completion.

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APPENDIX A

Haymann Road

12 11

10 9

CURTIN UNIVERSITY Campus

Kent Street
8 Pillars 7

5 3 2 SSM APP 22

CURTIN

Main Entrance

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FORMS
See file 23/04/04.xls for forms 23/04/04/01, 23/04/04/02 and 23/04/04/03 which are part of this procedure