DGPS navigation trial for precision finding of sample plots

Abstract

This paper reports the results of a rea1 time DGPS navigation trial carried out for precision finding of a forest inventory sample plots. The DGPS instrument was linked via satellite with the OMNISTAR^TM network to obtain differential real time corrections, for navigating to 30 selected waypoints. The position of each reached waypoint was then referenced and post-processing corrected in order to evaluate the difference between the reached and the targeted positions. The results demonstrate a high reliability of the method in different forest types. Some aspects of navigation are also discussed regarding to severa1 technical practice aspects.