Design of survey systems using nonlinear programming methods

Abstract

This paper discusses theory and results of an attempt to use non-linear programming methods to arrive at an optimal, in the sense of least cost, solution to the design of a survey system to meet specified accuracy. In other words, the method determines the combination of various types of observations which will yield the required accuracy of control points for a minimum cost. The theoretical background of the procedure is discussed, and methods of extension to photo-grammetry and other sciences are presented. Much of the paper is concerned with discussing results of numerical solutions for the optimal design of several small, but typical, mapping problems.

It is believed that this research is original with the author, as extensive literature searches and correspondence has produced no knowledge of prior research into this application of nonlinear programming. The method at its current state of development appears to be capable of yielding significant improvements to the present concepts of survey network design.