Push the button - or... |
Tuesday, 30 June 2009 | |
The entire geodetic measurement technique has changed significantly during the last 30 years. In former days the observations were tedious and cumbersome; the quality of the measurements depended directly on the capabilities of the observer. Today our surveying instruments are automatic measuring devices; their results no longer depend on the sharp eyes of users. “Measurements are so easy – just push the button.” This is one important advertising slogan used by all the manufacturers. And it describes the reality: we do not know what is going on inside our instruments, the flow of our data is automatic, as is the entire process of data treatment and calculation. So is there any “art of measurement” left or still needed? This question was taken by Prof. Dr. Ing Rudolf Staiger, the president of FIG Commission 5, in his paper presented at the FIG Working Week in 2009. Push the Button - or - Does the "Art of Measurement" Still Exists? Prof. Dr. Ing. Rudolf Staiger The presentation can be downloaded in English in pdf format: |