Astronomic Azimuth
October 19
Afternoon Session:
Administrative Comments (Corbin Training Staff)
Course Introduction
Definition of azimuth and comparison of methods for azimuth determination
Preliminary computations & star lists
Automated data capture and time synchronization***
Equipment & Field Procedures
Evening Session:
The Night Sky: Constellation and Star Identification
Application of Field Procedures and Observations
October 20
Afternoon Session:
Star catalogs, celestial coordinates, measurement of time
Earth Orientation with relation to Geodetic Datum
Comparison of Astronomic and Geodetic Reference frames
Precise geodetic considerations; Laplace Corrections, "Skew Normal"
Evening Session:
Field Observations
Focus on azimuth determination at mid latitudes using "Polaris"
October 21
Afternoon Session:
Precision and Error Analysis
Discussion of azimuth determination at different latitudes
- Southern Hemisphere
- High/Low Latitudes
- Latitudes near the Equator
Comparison of methods/procedures
- Hour Angle
- Black's Method
- East-West Stars
Evening Session:
Field Observations
Focus on alternate observation routines
October 22
Afternoon Session:
Final review of topics covered
Analysis of field work & computations
Brief Introduction to advanced topics
- Simultaneous Determination of Astronomic Latitude, Longitude, and Azimuth
- Reliability of current data and systems
Evening Session:
Field Observations
October 23
Morning Session:
Course Wrap-Up & Evaluation
Administrative (Corbin Training Staff)
Presentation of Training Certificates
Class Structure:
Afternoon Sessions: 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Dinner Break: 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Evening Sessions: 7:00 pm (or sundown) - Completion of Work
Basic equipment will be available on site provided by the Corbin Training Center. Participants may (and are encouraged) to bring their own computer and surveying equipment.
Instructor:
David Lehman has served as a Geodesist and Geodetic Surveyor with the National Geodetic Survey, the Naval Surface Weapons Laboratory (Division of Astronautics & Geodesy), the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (and its predecessors, DMA and NIMA), the Bureau of Land Management, and the US Army. Since retirement from Federal Service, he serves as an Adjunct Professor with the Northern Virginia Community College.
*** Participants are encouraged to bring a laptop, USB to serial adpater and driver and serial interface cable. Software interface will be compatible with the following: Leitz/Sokkia, Pentax, Nikon, Topcon, Wild/Leica (some models), Zeiss/Trimble. Data capture and time synchronization software and instruction will be provided courtesy of Malcolm Archer-Shee.
The Analemma Society of Northern Virginia will assist with constellation and star identification exercises and general questions about astronomy.
Some Equipment Manufactures may be on hand to demonstrate available equipment.
NOTE: NGS does not endorse or recommend any specific manufacturer or company.