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2007 Oct 25: NGS Acquires Airborne Gravimeter

 

Nigel Brady, Dru Smith and Dan Roman with the new TAGS unit

As part of its dedication to re-defining the vertical datum through a gravimetric geoid, NGS acquired a new Turnkey Airborne Gravity System (TAGS) from the Micro-G/LaCoste company. This new system combines the latest in airborne gravimeter technology with innovative user-friendly operational software and training in the use of both.

On October 25th, 2007 the new gravimeter was delivered to NGS. Nigel Brady of Micro-G/LaCoste came along to teach NGS personnel how to pack and unpack the meter from its delivery crates and give a quick demonstration of the basic operation of the meter (in static mode).

The image to the right shows the final operational look, but see below for the story of how it got that way...

Nigel Brady, Dru Smith and Dan Roman with the new TAGS unit
When the crates arrived our first thought was "...this will never fit in the NOAA citation..." Four crates of the TAGS unit
How many geodesists does it take to move an airborne gravimeter down a ramp? Moving the TAGS unit down the ramp
The main unit's frame (should fit in the citation now!) The main TAGS unit unpacked
Showing the built in computer atop the unit's frame. The main TAGS unit showing the built in computer
The gimbal in its own travel case... The gimbal for the TAGS unit
And the sensor itself, in its own travel case... The TAGS sensor
Mostly assembled, but for the full set of shocks and replacing the side panel. The TAGS unit mostly assembled
Here's a quick look at the self-leveling nature of the sensor when cradled in the gimbal...