Global Navigational Satellite Systems (GNSS), which includes GPS technologies maintained by the United States, are used extensively throughout government and industry. These technologies continue to revolutionize positional data collection activities. Despite the increased accuracy, reduced cost, and improved data acquisition effi ciencies, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) has no established standards or methods to guide its general staff and contractors in the appropriate use of GNSS technology to ensure application-specifi c data accuracy requirements and that a Department minimum are met. Because the DOTD Surveying Section already collects highly accurate and precise data, these standards are not intended for them. Instead, these standards are intended for staff that collect GPS data from mapping-grade applications. There is a need to develop standards and techniques for staff who collect GPS Data, separate from the survey section, to ensure a minimum standard and level of accuracy, not only for a confi dence level in the data, but also to ensure compatible software and equipment support and training.

US Transportation Collection