MODERN SURVEY INSTRUMENTS AND THEIR USE IN MINE

SURVEYING

P.P. Bahuguna**, Dheeraj Kumar**, Sunil Kumar***

*Associate Professor, ** Sr. Lecturer, ** Senior Technical Assistant
Department of Mining Engineering, Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad - 826004

ABSTRACT

Although surveying techniques have always played a primary role in collecting data for mapping,
recently new Instruments and methods for data capture and processing have introduced the chance
to increase the mass and the variety of achievable information. Nowadays real-time monitoring
systems based on robotic total stations and GPS, digital photogrammetric techniques, high resolution
satellite imagery, satellite, airborne and terrestrial laser scanners devices are able to give a set of
powerful tools for the geometric surveying and modeling.

The paper focuses the new trends in surveying gadgets and their applications in mine surveying,
which has been pushed up in the latest years by the diffusion of the information technology.

1. INTRODUCTION

Mine surveyors are involved in every aspect of mining operations; this includes initial exploration,
initial construction of mine operations, on-going mining works, rehabilitation of site and abandonment
stage after mining is completed.

Technological developments in the field of computer science, information technology and satellite
technology have created new hopes for surveying and geoinformatics. Whilst it is true that mine
surveyors in Deep/Underground mines do also carry out surveys above ground, their main work is
carried out hundreds of meters underground. The coming of global positioning system (GPS), total
station and digital theodolites has made the acquisition of data much simpler and faster than hitherto
was the case. The use of latest mapping technology like Geographic Information System (GIS) and
Remote Sensing is growing in Indian Mines. The Remote Sensing technology has been extensively
used in mapping the regions affected by underground fires in Jharia and its surrounding areas. This
technology integrated with GIS, has become an effective tool for developing and implementing
rehabilitation plan for the region.

In particular this paper is focused on the new trends in surveying gadgets and their applications in
mine surveying, which has been pushed up in the latest years by the diffusion of the information
technology, capable of measuring points as far as a few hundred meters from the instrument
standpoint to the site to be studied with the desired precision.

2. MODERN SURVEYING INSTRUMENTS

One Second Theodolite

One second Theodolite is a precise horizontal angle measuring instrument with a least count of 1”
and is widely used for surface and underground traversing.

General features

These theodolites are of transit type with a micrometer fitted to it. The centering is done with the help
of an optical plummet. It is suitable for almost every type of survey work. It has a well-illuminated
optically reading system. A micrometer screen is attached with it. With the help of this micrometer
screw or fine adjustment screw the accuracy of the reading taken are increased. Here the instrument
possessing least count of 1”. It has the major advantage in the case of measuring the horizontal angle
or vertical angle. In gassy mines where the total station may not be permitted, precise angular
measurement can be made with these theodolites

Precautions

 Necessary adjustment are to be done

 Not to be used directly under the sun

GPS in Mining

The standard surveying method has been with a traditional total station, requiring a minimum of two
survey personnel for each crew. But it is slow compared to GPS surveying and requires users to set
multiple control points in sight of where the survey work is to be performed.

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a worldwide satellite-based system that can be used to
measure the three-dimensional position of a point anywhere on Earth. The system uses over twenty
orbiting satellites, so that anywhere in the world and at any time there will be enough satellites in the
sky above to reliably measure the position of a portable satellite receiver. One receiver can be used
to obtain low accuracy positions, while two or more receivers and advanced data reduction
techniques can be used for high accuracy work.

GPS can be very well used in mine surveying in opencast mines only . It is a tool which can
determine on its own without any relation to the topography or otherwise the position which it
occupies both in respect of meridian and datum. What all needed is open sky, minimum 4 satellites
and proper selection of the method of survey.

GPS gives the location of the Base or GPS Rover Antenna point in term of Geodetic Co-ordinates or
Cartesian Co-ordinates with the help of satellites signals orbiting the earth in different orbits.

GPS like any other precise survey instrument can be mounted on a tripod and centered on the exact
point whose location is required. GPS receiver data can be transferred to a computer, which has post
processing software programs. The programs calculate the positions and heights of points in the
desired grid system through suitable transformation software.

The advantages of using the satellite based GPS techniques for surveying are:

 GPS measurements do not require inter-visibility between points whereas the conventional
surveying tools require line of sight for measurements.
 GPS technique provides a three dimensional position for the point. That is in one go, we get
the horizontal and vertical position of the point, unlike in conventional surveying where we
need two operations viz., horizontal traverse for planimetric control and a level loop for height
control.
 A very high accuracy measurement can be made in a relatively short time for baseline
lengths of a few hundred meters to few hundred kilometers and can provide the same
accuracy anywhere on earth, in almost any weather condition and at any time of the day.

GPS offers many advantages compared with conventional survey methods. Because there is no need
for a rod person, each surveyor can work alone when necessary. GPS also requires much less setup
time than did traditional surveying equipment, so the crew can use its time more efficiently. It can also
keep a much more flexible schedule and move from one area to the next or one pit to another as
needed.
Fig.1 GPS model 1200 (Leica) and SR 20 (Leica)

The possible fields of GPS application in mine surveying may be

1. Establishing National Grid bases at new areas:

2. Establishing boundaries in case of mining lease areas
3. Documentation of land holdings
4. Establishing control stations around OCPs
5. Training the present generation to face future challenges
6. Other applications
a. Surveying the positions of benches
b. Surveying the positions of the working faces, (to monitor the production)
c. Monitoring the Positions of Machines in the Mine,
d. Measurement of O.B. Dumps.
e. Measurement of Stock piles,
f. Detail Surveying on the Surface,
g. Monitoring the pit slopes for Stability,
h. Delineating the position of water in the sump.
i. Updating the mine’s Information System (IS)
j. Surveying the positions of boreholes, drilling sites etc.
k. Strengthening the Survey Control Network.
Limitations

a. Initial high investment.

b. Clear view of sky needed, not applicable in underground mines, obstructed sites.
c. Disturbances from radio transmissions & Antenna.

Total Stations

Total Station is the combination of an electronic distance measurement, electronic theodolite and a
programmed calculator and may be said to be an electronic tacheometer theodolite.

Functions

The inclined distance and horizontal & vertical angles to target are measured automatically at a push
of button.

Distance

Electromagnetic modulated beam or wave is generated in the main instrument held at one end of the
line to be measured. This modulated beam is directed toward a reflector held at the other end of the
line from where it is reflected back toward the main instrument, in a parallel path, where the distance
traveled by the electronic signal is determined by measuring the “phase-difference” between the
transmitted and reflected signals.
Fig. 2 Total Stations model: S6 (Trimble) [4] and model: 211d (Topcon)

Angle measurement

The angle measurement system of the total station in similar to that of an electronic theodolite, the
dynamic angle-measuring system used in the total station makes use of a large number of graduation
for each reading of the angle on Horizontal or Vertical circle of the instrument. This helps to eliminate
as for as possible the effects of graduation errors.

The other parameters like horizontal distance, co-ordinates, levels etc. are also calculated
automatically and displayed digitally. The display may be alphanumeric and graphic as well. A
number of trigonometrical functions and setting out parameters can also be performed. Initial setting
parameters like bearing of a line, co-ordinates and height of the station occupied, the height of
instrument and that of the reflector height needs to be input in the instrument memory before starting
the actual measurement. It can also be used in trekking mode for continuous measurement on a
moving reflector for setting out points of interest.

Observations

A number of functions, settings and adjustments are available in the control panel mounted on the
system to set up the Total Station for specific tasks. Co-ordinates, height, and horizontal direction
(angle) of instrument stations can be stored in the theodolite and are then available as station co-
ordinates for the next traverse stations.

3D Laser Scanning

3D Laser imaging system provides a user with a dense set of three-dimensional vectors to unknown
points relative to the scanner location. Given the volume of points and high sampling frequency,
laser-imaging systems offer surveyors and photogrammetrists an unprecedented density of
geospatial information coverage. For this reason, there is enormous potential for use of this technique
in applications where such dense data sets could provide great insight into the valid representation of
the region.

Mining Industry Applications

Two factors that are common in all mining and minerals operations make laser mapping a rapid and
cost effective technology for this industry. Firstly, mining involves moving volumes of material from
one place to another - and the only way to know what is really going on is to measure the in-situ
excavated volume of that material. Using conventional surveying technology, mine surveyors spend a
great deal of time surveying spot heights in order to calculate volumes. Secondly, most mines have
areas that are difficult to access and are therefore difficult to survey. Laser mapping allows to
undertake high accuracy surveys from a safe distance. It gives more detail, which opens up
possibilities for using the data in more detailed design work or in geotechnical assessments. A weak
link in many projects is the accuracy of the terrain model used.
Typical applications in mining for laser mapping

These include to,

 accurately map, model and interpret geological structures in a pit
 digitize boundaries, structures and features of interest directly in a 3D spatially correct
environment
 export 3D CAD drawings combined with other geological information in external databases
 conduct daily or end of month survey - detailed and accurate model of a pit, stockpile or
development face
 create points, polygons or lines can be created directly onto the 3D model to accurately
calculate dips and strikes
 contract volume measurement, truck and shovel load measurement and analysis
 survey for pit production measurement, underground development and void survey
 haul road analysis, volume measurement
 monitor and analyze and slope stability
 conduct rapid pre- and post-blast surveys
 conduct airborne surveys for reserves assessments (where topography is critical in shallow
flat lying deposits)
 conduct stope surveying

System Requirements

3 D laser scanner (range 2000m, accuracy 25mm)

AutoCAD/ GIS software

Fig 3. a LPM-2K Long Range Scanner in use for remote surveying

b. LPM-2K Long Range Scanner in use at an open cast coal mine
c. Leica HDS3000 scanner

Both terrestrial and airborne laser scanners give as an output XYZ coordinates and picture of laser
intensity determined by scanning about 6-8 million points easy and accurate become surfaces by
using appropriate software. Prepared spatial models could be converted to any commercial CAD and
GIS system for post processing.

A terrestrial laser scanner determines the distance between a large number of object points and the
scanner by emitting laser pulses in different directions and detecting the echoes from the objects. So-
called pulsed scanners measure the travel time of the pulse towards an object and back. This
technique therefore uses the intensity of the light signal to detect when an emitted signal returns to
the scanner.

Leica claims an accuracy of 6mm at 50m for the Leica HDS 3000. Opteh ILRIS 3D laser scanner
provides dynamic measuring range capabilities (3 m- 1500m) with 6mm distance accuracy.

In order to receive accurate information about the point position in plan and height three different
measuring systems are used. Combination of GPS- and INS- system provides in every moment the
precise position (WGS coordinates) and orientation (3 angles) of measuring system. The laser
scanner only measures distances according to its position.
The planimetric accuracy of the laser points is approximately 0.5 m where the point density is up to
four points per square meter. The accuracy in height is 0.01 up to 0.15 m.

In mines where the direction of mining is consistent and there are suitable vantage points, it is
possible to make considerable productivity gains through the use of remote surveying. A long range
laser scanner is mounted in a secure position (maybe inside a building looking through a window) at a
vantage point over looking the mining area.

A standard serial data link (19200 baud) is set up between the instrument and a CAD workstation in
the office. It is possible to use radio modems for this purpose. On the CAD system a polygon can be
defined outlining the area to be surveyed, along with other scanning parameters. The results of the
scan can be seen directly in the CAD system.

Both pre- and post-blast measurements, as well as stock pile volumes, can be collected much more
effectively using laser scanning technology.

Fig 4. Pre and post blast measurement

Auto Levels

Salient Features of Auto Levels

 Instrument consists chief of the telescope with an optical measuring system.
 Mechanical Compensator is essentially a pendulum, supported by tour fixed suspension
tapes and carrying a prism.
 Provided the circular bubble, sensitivity 8′ per 2 mm has been in its setting circle by
turning the three foot screws.
 Line of sight will be automatically horizontal as the compensator (pendulum) will be well
within its working range of + 15′.
 Press button to check the functioning of the compensator.
 The eyepiece with di-optic scale is turned to focus the reticule cross hairs. The standard
eyepiece gives 32x telescope magnification.
 The reticule has wedged-shaped hairs for precise leveling with the parallel plate
micrometer and inver staffs, and a single horizontal hair for normal leveling staffs; it also
has 1:100 stadia hairs.
 The focusing knob is turned to obtain a sharp image of the staff. It has a course and fine
motion. Fine pointing is by means of the endless horizontal drive screw. The drive has
knobs at each side for use with either hand.
Applications
The sphere of application of Auto Levels extends as follows:-
 Leveling for bench mark for surface and underground.
 Leveling for subsidence survey in mining area.
 Leveling for large machinery constriction in Civil Engineering job.
Advantages
Following are the advantages of precise leveling instruments.
 They are compact and lighter then old instruments.
 Modern auto set levels are more accurate and at the some time quicker also.
 The larger magnification of telescope and the measurements by parallel plate
micrometers have enabled the levels to read smaller fractions and therefore has
enhanced the accuracy.
 The instruments with the compensators are quicker and at the same time there in ease in
reading because of erect image.
 All glass-to-air surface of the optical system are antireflection coated and therefore there
is minimum loss of light and the images are bright.

Fig. 5 Auto Level (model: Leica runner 20/24)

Parallel Plate Micrometer

 For precise leveling the parallel plate micrometer is filled in front of the telescope
objective and locked in position with the knob.
 By turning the micrometer knob the parallel sided glass plate is tilting in its housing,
thereby causing the line of sight to be raised or lowered (i.e. to be displaced in the
vertical plane) parallel to itself.
 In the standard metric model, the range of displacement is 10 mm or 5 mm
corresponding to the interval or metric wild inver staffs.
 In the micrometer scale, seen in the reading eyepiece, the amount of displacement is
read directly in figures to 0.1 mm or 0.05 mm and estimated to 0.01mm or 0.005 mm.
 When the parallel plate is vertical, the line of sight is not displaced.

Digital Level

Digital levels are generally precise leveling instruments equipped with electronically high-speed
camera having coding and decoding facilities in terms of distance and height. The instrument has
memorized the coded staff, which may be decoded by visualizing the staff in sufficient width and
corresponding measurement by the instrument. Readings are displayed on monitor, stored in
instruments as well as PCMCIA Card and may be downloaded to PC with the help of downloading
softwares provided with the system.

Digital levels provide a tool, which can be quickly learnt and effectively used to complete the leveling
work. With the ability to record measurements in as fast as 3 seconds, productivity can be
substantially improved.

Using the digital levels one can save up to 50 percent of time and costs, through reduced reading
errors, writing errors, calculation of the limits, values - all measurements and calculations are very
fast.
Fig. 6 Modern Digital Levels Leica Sprinter and Leica DNA 10

Gyrotheodlite

Determination of bearing and transforming it to the underground is a difficult and specialized job in
Mine Surveying. The surveyor has to carryout astronomical observations to determine the true
bearing on the surface, which is only possible in clear and starry nights. Use of magnetic bearings
measured with compass are liable to gross errors and are open to objections because of low
accuracy of measurement, variation in magnetic declination and erratic behavior of compass near
known or unknown magnetic fields. Transferring of bearing in the underground by conventional
methods is a skilled as well as a laborious job and high accuracy is also not achievable. The invention
of gyro-attachment has helped in overcoming the above difficulties.

Fig. 7. Gyrotheodlite

Gyrotheodlite is a surveying instrument used to orientate an underground survey base line relative to
true North. The Instrument is used to find the bearing of any line on the surface or in the
underground.

Principle of Gyro

The gyro attachment consists of a gyro motor suspended vertically, like a plumb bob on a thin metal
tape. Its spin axis is therefore held horizontal through gravity. The gyro motor powered by the
accompanying battery unit spins at 22000 revolutions per minute about this horizontal axis and tries
to maintain, in space, its initial random spinning plane created by its moment of inertia. The gyro,
together with the theodolite and tripod is earthbound and is pulled out of its original spinning plane by
the earth’s rotation. The gravity influenced gyro reacts to this interference and its spin axis oscillates
about the plumb line until the spin axis is oriented in the meridian plane and the rotation of gyro
corresponds to the rotation of the earth from west to east. As a result there is no interference, but the
gyro does not stabilize immediately in north-south direction and oscillates about the meridian plane
because of its mass inertia.

Shaft Correlation using Nadir Plummet and Laser

These are the easy-to-use instrument for defining plumb line very accurately used for maintaining
verticality of a deep shaft during sinking, transfer of co-ordinates to U/G working in correlation and
other upwards and downwards plumbing operations. Latest development in the instrument is
automatic zenith and nadir laser plummet.

In conventional method the wire is suspended from top of the shaft to transfer the co-ordinates from
surface to ground. With increase in depth this may lead to incorrect correlation. Thus lasers are used
which are very precise even at large depths. Laser beam is sent to the shaft bottom for 4 different
positions of plummet at 900 apart.

Due to very small error in verticality, we may sometimes get 4 different points close to each other.
Lines are drawn joining all the diagonal points and the center is found. For greater accuracy, the laser
is projected from 8 points by turning plummet through 450.

Fig. 8. Zeiss Nadir Plummet

Geographic Information System (GIS)

Information collected in the field by surveyors, or from aerial photographs, satellite images, or using
GPS, is almost always represented on some type of map. In the past the printed map was the final
product used to analyze the information and to make decisions. Nowadays maps are stored as layers
of spatial information in a geographic information system (GIS) allowing manipulation, analysis and
display of spatial data. GIS links location to information (such as people to addresses, buildings to
parcels, or streets within a network) and layers that information to give us a better understanding of
how it all interrelates. We can choose what layers to combine based on our purpose.

A GIS is most often associated with maps. A map, however, is only one of three ways a GIS can be
used to work with geographic information.

These three ways are:

The Database View

A GIS is a unique kind of database of the world - a geographic database (geodatabase). It is an

"Information System for Geography". Fundamentally, a GIS is based on a structured database that
describes the world in geographic terms.
The Map View:

A GIS is a set of intelligent maps and other views that show features and feature relationships on the
Earth's surface. Maps of the underlying geographic information can be constructed and used as
"windows into the database" to support queries, analysis, and editing of the information. This is called
geovisualization.

The Model View:

A GIS is a set of information transformation tools that derive new geographic datasets from existing
datasets. These geo-processing functions take information from existing datasets, apply analytic
functions, and write results into new derived datasets.

Together, these three views are critical parts of a Geographical Information System and are used at
varying levels in all GIS applications.

To illustrate the application of a GIS, think about the information that an environmental scientist would
need to study landslide hazards in a area. A GIS of the area would contain layers that represent the
topography, soil type and land cover and these could be used to derive slope information, direction of
water flow, soil stability, and the potential for landslides. The final result of the analysis can then be
displayed in a map or interactive 3D terrain model. This type of information could never before be
derived from maps that were printed onto paper.

Fig 9. a. A land slips under investigation using GPS and GIS.

b. GPS data covering the land slip loaded into the GIS and a map of the slope over the
land slip, darker colors indicate steeper slopes.

Application of GIS in Mining

 Land Ownership and Mineral Claims
 Exploration Management
 Siting of ore pass, draw points, ramps, shaft, winze, raises, haulways that are within a certain
distance of production centers (stopes) and meeting production criteria.
 Querying the production stopes affected by unstable ground conditions, hazardous gas,
refractory ore, etc.
 In mine development, GIS can assist the planners in establishing the optimal location for
exploration drifts, crosscuts, sublevels, man ways, ventilation shafts
 Transport routes: mine planners utilize GIS in combination with remote sensing to plan the
best alternative for transportation of goods and supplies to and from the nearest community
to the mine site. Integrating thematic layers such as topography, land ownership, land-use,
population, geotechnical, and climate can facilitate the objective selection of the economically
and environmentally preferable alternative.
 Natural hazards: GIS and remote sensing assist the planners in identifying natural hazards
such as potential landslides, floods, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions prior to the
construction of production and housing installations.
  Population distribution: planners of a new mine may need information on population density,
socio-economic distribution, labor resources, housing, and recreational infrastructure in the
preparation of the environmental impact assessment.
 Selection of sites for housing and dumps: use GIS capabilities for the selection of a housing
site that meets safety, scenic, and recreational requirement within reasonable proximity to the
mining operation. Topographic, vegetation, drainage, and soils coverages together with
concentration of toxic substances are incorporated in the analysis.

Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing

Remote sensing and photogrammetry are exciting active fields of research and provide a wide range
of interesting applications.

Developments in satellite and sensor technology have made it possible to detect objects as small as
one meter from satellites, and airborne sensors can even provide more detailed spatial information
about the Earth surface. Images acquired by satellite and airborne sensors are processed and
analyzed and used as data sources in a GIS for further analysis or visualization.

Remote sensing is the science of acquiring information about the Earth's surface without actually
being in contact with it. This is done by sensing and recording reflected or emitted energy and
processing, analyzing, and applying that information.

Fig. 10. a. A LANDSAT - pixel resolution of 30m

b. Sensors, GIS plots

Remote sensing imagery can provide a valuable source of information for mapping the Earth surface.
Satellite images have made it possible to map at global to regional scales, to map remote areas, and
to update existing information efficiently and cheaply. Advances in spatial resolution now allow us to
detect small objects from both airborne sensors and satellite sensors. Additionally, the increase in
spectral resolution of multi-spectral and hyper-spectral sensors has made it possible to derive
information on the physical composition of the surface, such as chemical components in vegetation,
soil, rock and water. This makes remote sensing data suitable for a range of applications, like land
cover mapping, geology, botany, forestry, biology, urban planning, and oceanography.

Photogrammetry is the science of obtaining reliable measurements and maps from photographs. So
photogrammetry is a special type of remote sensing. Sometimes the photographs are taken using
very expensive, accurate and large film cameras mounted in aircraft; sometimes they are taken using
inexpensive hand held cameras. Nowadays digital cameras are often used instead of film cameras.

Photogrammetrists use aerial cameras to photograph the Earth and produce topographic maps.
Terrestrial photogrammetry is also used to measure large structures such as dams, moving objects
such as manufactured parts on a production line, or objects that are in dangerous or inaccessible
environments such as the subsidence in mining areas.
Smart Stations

It is a total station with integrated GPS receivers. All commands, displays, functions, operations and
computations relating to GPS reside in the total station. With smartstation there is no need to setup
control points, long traverses or resections. Just Smart Station is set up at chosen point and GPS
determine the position. The survey work becomes easier, quicker and it needs only few setups.

Total stations need local control points over which they can be set up, from which they can traverse,
and to which they can measure to resect their positions. On the other hand, GPS receivers can
determine their positions within a few seconds to centimeter-level accuracy using data from GPS
reference stations that may be 50km or more away. GPS rover receivers are fast and efficient to use
but need an open view of the sky in order that they can receive the satellite signals. They are at their
most advantageous in wide, open areas. By contrast, total stations can measure and stakeout where
GPS cannot be used: underground, to points under trees and bushes, in city canyons, on
construction sites where there are large obstructions.

Total stations and GPS RTK equipment each have their advantages. Smart- Station combines the
best of both.

Fig. 11. Smartstation (Leica)

3. SOFTWARE SURPAC VISION FOR MINE SURVEYING

Surpac Vision

Surpac Vision had its beginnings as a package for Surveyors, and has subsequently secured its
position as a useful computer package for surveyors and other mining professionals. Surpac Vision
combines great flexibility as well as functionality to maintain client satisfaction in surveying tools. The
powerful 3D visualization, editing and file manipulation tools available in Surpac make it versatile

Survey Station Database

The Surpac Vision survey database is used to store and manage all survey station and stability
monitoring information. There are interfaces to all popular data recorders to enable rapid down
loading and up loading of data and therefore rapid processing of survey information.
Setout tools

Many tools exist in Surpac Vision to assist the Surveyor in producing setout information for surface
and underground mine design, roadways, boundary’s, mine grade control and any other feature that
may have been created or loaded into the system. Tools for changing co-ordinate systems,
calculating grades, intersecting surface models (DTM’s) and producing detailed plans allow the
Surveyor to carry out his duties in a professional and informative manor.

Fig. 12 Opencast mine plan using Surpac Vision software

Volume Calculations

Surpac Vision can calculate volumes using a variety of techniques, thus allowing results to be
audited. Surface or digital terrain models are one method used for volume calculation and have a
particularly rigorous model creation routine to ensure accuracy and consistency in volumes. The
reporting of bench by bench and cut and fill volumes is easily achieved. Volume reports can be
plotted as a table on plots of the surveyed area for hard copy graphical representation or printed
directly to a printer. Powerful 3D visualization tools allow coloring and lighting of surfaces and assist
with error checking and presentation of results.

Underground

The survey database supports traditional survey techniques for entering new stations from
underground survey traversing. Chain and offset surveys can be entered easily, as can radiation
surveys to create floor and back (roof) strings. The data is readily viewed and edited in the Graphics
module of Surpac Vision.

Wire framing of underground workings is a powerful but straightforward procedure using the
advanced solid modeling tools in Surpac Vision. The 3D models produced can be colored and
displayed with different lighting effects as a powerful aid for surveyors to gain understanding of the
underground mine layout. These 3D models can be used by other professionals such as Geologists
and Mining engineers for further design, evaluation and reporting. The seamless transferring of data
between disciplines is a feature of Surpac Vision ensures easier communication and sharing of data
between departments.

Survey Control Adjustment

Surpac Vision uses the Least Squares Adjustment method for network adjustments. When using the
Least Squares Adjustment method up to 100 stations may be adjusted with the results being written
to a file or directly to the database. A full report providing information on all adjustment parameters
and errors is produced for further checking.
Stability Monitoring

The Surpac Vision Survey database supports time dependent data such as that obtained in Stability
monitoring. Survey information such as prism movements may be down loaded and processed in
minutes to produce customized graphs depicting such elements as cumulative movement, velocity
and acceleration. This allows early warning of movement trends and maintains an audit trail of the
stability monitoring.

4. CASE STUDIES

Establishment of Control Stations for Connection of Colliery Plan of Chasnalla Colliery, IISCo
to National Grid System

Instruments used
The following instruments were used for the above work.-

a) For Surface and underground Traverse work

Total station with reflectors, - Make Topcon, model GTS 211 D measuring angle up to 1” and
the distance up to 1 mm least count.

b) For Correlation Survey

For angles, distances and depth measurement: Total Station - make Topcon, model GTS
211D.
c) For obtaining Directions
Gyro-theodolite –( i ) theodolite make Wild, model T2 and (ii) Gyro attachment, make Wild ,
model GAK1 (least count 1”.)

d) For Vertical Alignment

 Nadir Plummet - Make Leica, model NL
 Laser Eyepiece - Make Leica, model GLO2
 Optical Plummet - Make Wild

e) For Vertical Control (Leveling)

Auto set level, - Make Wild, model NA2 readings measured up to 1 mm.

Procedure followed

a) Reconnaissance

A thorough examination of the surface area was made by the colliery survey team before the I S M
Survey team started the control survey work.

b) Precise E D M Survey on the Surface

One main circuit of EDM precise traverse, encompassing whole the area was carried out using the
Total Station for angular as well as distance measurements.

Two main traverse lines were connected to the National Grid (Coal Grid) control points. The other
traverse lines on the surface were connected to these traverse lines, thus bringing coordinates of all
stations in National Grid System.

Twelve main circuits comprising of 177 stations were established on the surface. All traverse lines
were closed traverse. Further, offset stations numbering 69 were also observed from the main
stations. Therefore, a total of 246 stations were fixed on the surface. For each offset station also, two
sets of horizontal angles and horizontal distance were measured thus minimizing the possibility of any
error.
c) Surface Leveling

Surface leveling was carried out using auto set level for connecting the Colliery benchmarks to
Survey of India benchmark. The leveling lines were double run in the forward and then in back
directions to close on the same Bench mark.

d) Correlation Survey in Deep Mine Shafts

Correlation survey was carried out in Downcast and Upcast pits of the colliery, one each in horizon I
and II. Therefore, in all four correlations were carried out. The correlation survey was carried out
using modern method. The bearings (or direction) were transferred using a gyro-theodolite in
combination with 1” least count and the coordinates were transferred by shooting a laser beam from
pit top to bottom with the help of a Nadir plummet. The laser spot was obtained in the underground
and marked on a painted steel plate

The RL of the underground station at pit bottom were determined by measuring the depth of the shaft.
The Total Station was centered at the bottom point obtained by correlation survey and the reflector
was put over a hole in the cage through which the laser beam was shot to pit bottom. This way the
Total station was centered vertically below the reflector. Necessary correction was applied for the
thickness of the prism holder.

e) Underground Traversing

As both the shafts were interconnected, a small traverse line in each horizon was run from the
transferred positions of laser spot in one shaft to that another one in the other shaft. This gave a
check on the correlation survey carried out in each horizon. The procedure adopted for traversing in
the underground was similar to that adopted for surface traverse.

Accuracy achieved

a. Surface traversing

The accuracy achieved varied between 1 in 35,000 to 1 in 85,000 in surface traversing with the
instrument mentioned above.

b. Underground traversing

The accuracy achieved varied between 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 40,000 in underground traversing with the
instrument mentioned above

REFERENCES

1. Venkateshwar, A. Scope for application of GPS in Indian Coal Industry,

http://www.gisdevelopment.net/application/geology/mineral/geom0011.htm
2. http://www.leica-geosystems.com/corporate/en/ndef/lgs_4521.htm
3. http://www.trimble.com/trimbleS6.shtml
4. http://www.topcon.co.uk/index.asp?pageid=05fa10881fd449a29592ae739c678204
5. http://www.leica-geosystems.com/corporate/en/products/levels/lgs_4453.htm
6. http://www.leica-geosystems.com/corporate/en/products/levels/lgs_5284.htm
7. http://www.surpac.com/products/coal/index.shtml
8. http://www.surpac.com/products/coal/minex/images/a_brown%20mine%20640.gif
9. Bahuguna, P. P. , Consultancy Project Report on Establishment of Control Stations for
Connection of Colliery Plan of Chasnalla Colliery, IISCO to National Grid System, Consultancy
Project No. 1724/2004
10. www.3dlasermapping.com/mining.htm
11. www.surveyors.org.au
12. http://www.hammond.swayne.com