Glenborrodale

This is a Trimble R8 GPS and Glonass antenna and receiver unit. When it is pole mounted, and thus mobile, like this it is called a rover. It measures vectors in 3D coordinate geometry in relation to a base; an identical bit of kit mounted statically on a tripod and configured differently. The theory is that the base and rover see different views of the same SVs (Space vehicles) because they are on different places on the surface of the earth. (Hence differential GPS) A push of a button on the controller ( the wee computer half way down the pole) reconciles this difference in an instant and computes a coordinate for where the pole is being held. The rover and base are in constant communication with one another via radio modem.

The range from the base is about 5 miles if it can be set high up on a hill. You can work without radio connection (RTK correction) at a push too and then there is no range limit from base but there are a few catches to this method. I have regularly measured 50 mile vectors from distant receivers operated by the OS. The OS GPS Network has replaced the trig points.

I use this kit every day more or less and I never cease to marvel at the ridiculous ease with which we can survey vast chunks of mountain side in great detail.

The down side is that it does not work in the shadow of buildings or tree canopy and here we must resort to electronic total station, slow, but still impressive technology in its own right.

Everyone fast asleep now?

This is a view from slopes at Glenborrodale west over Loch Sunart towards Mull. This is very near where a new Adelphi Distillery is getting built.