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GeoLab Testimonials |
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This section of our web
site will report on comments and testimonials for
GeoLab. Please feel free to submit your comments to us by
email. |
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Testimonial Index
GeoLab Testimonial 1
GeoLab
Testimonial 2 |
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GeoLab Testimonial |
GeoLab is my favorite piece of
surveying adjustment software. Basically, it allows me to do
everything I want, and gives comprehensive information on the
results for me to analyze. I can also output results in all my
preferred grid systems without the need to use separate
transformation software, as is the case with most - if not all
- other adjustment packages. However, my own convenience is
insignificant compared to the verbal feedback I receive
from the students I teach.
Since 1994, we have used GeoLab on the final-year geodetic
surveying field camp at Curtin University of Technology,
Perth, Western Australia. Most students, though they have
undertaken adjustment courses, have little or no experience of
GeoLab before they attend field camp. They are required to
use it in a production mode to simultaneously adjust different
survey data types (e.g., GPS, directions, distances, vertical
angles and spirit leveling). The fact that they are able to
learn and use GeoLab 'on the fly' to deliver results is
testament to its user-friendliness.
Without exception, the students leave field camp as faithful
'followers' of GeoLab. Some of the quotes that I recall are
'why don't we use this all the time in the degree program',
'it's a "beaut" piece of software' and 'can it do that as
well?', among many other positive comments. The only concern
that they express is the rigid data input format. As an
educator, this is useful because it reinforces the need for
surveyors to exercise care at all times. However, use of the
magic F7 key solves this with no further problems.
In my opinion, GeoLab is the only adjustment software that a
surveyor needs. Keep up the good work Microsearch!
Prof. Will Featherstone,
Curtin University of Technology, Perth, Western Australia. |
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Microsearch GeoLab - A
Testimonial |
As a geodetic surveyor involved
in major GPS programmes for the establishment, extension, and
upgrading of national geodetic networks within Australia and
the Asia-Pacific region, I have been a user and strong
advocate of the GeoLab software since 1986.
In my experience GeoLab is the most user friendly adjustment
software available. It provides the user with a very
comprehensive list of capabilities, and most importantly the
tools to easily analyze and assess the quality of all data in
an adjustment. In my opinion the only way to validate GPS data
is with an adjustment; you cannot rely on the processing
statistics alone, and closure tests are a waste of time. Only
by analysis of an adjustment, with sufficient redundant
observations, can you be sure of the quality of your data.
GeoLab is very versatile with the ability to adjust not only
GPS data but combinations of any type of survey data with no
limit on the number of stations and observations. GeoLab does
much more than network adjustments as it can perform many
important related functions such as coordinate
transformations, map projection computations, and geoid
computations.
Examples of the projects where I have used GeoLab include:
1986-87 - Major upgrade of the South Australian Geodetic
Network, one of the first GPS projects to establish a
Primary Geodetic Network over a very extensive area. GeoLab
was used for field validation of the GPS data. In these early
days of GPS and GeoLab, I discovered that GeoLab was the ideal
tool for maintaining quality control in the field and became a
strong advocate of the software.
1988-91 - Establishment of the Philippine Geodetic Network;
an historic project, using GPS, for the first time, to
establish the entire geodetic network of a country in one
project. From my earlier experiences, I decided that GeoLab
was needed for this massive and challenging undertaking. I
traveled throughout this diverse country with up to nine GPS
teams gathering very large quantities of data. Given the
logistical difficulties, it was essential that we had user
friendly adjustment software for quick validation of the data
quality while the GPS teams were in the general locality.
1994-95 - Establishment of the Guam Geodetic Network,
including primary, secondary and tertiary networks. The
project replaced the existing inadequate triangulation
network, much of which had been disturbed or destroyed with a
world standard, high precision network. GeoLab was once again
used for regular quality control of the GPS data. Although a
small island, some 2630 points were coordinated. Rather than
testing GeoLab, adjustments of up to 900 points tested our
computing capacity with processing times of up to 13 hours on
a 486 Notebook computer. GeoLab was used for the final
adjustment of data and determination of transformation
parameters. This project was awarded the 1997 Excellence in
Surveying Award by the Institution of Surveyors, Australia.
1996-97 - Upgrading of the Lao Geodetic Network. In
1996, GeoLab was used to assess the quality of the existing
GPS data and strength of the network. Additional observations
were made in 1997 to strengthen the network, at various and
often very remote locations around this isolated country.
GeoLab was again used for field validation, followed by the
final adjustment of all the data in the Lao Geodetic Network
and development of transformation parameters between the new
datum and previous datums.
2001-02 - Land Administration & Management Project. The
Philippine Geodetic Network is being densified to provide
second and third order control to support survey and mapping
activities that in turn support the issuance of land titles
and an upgrading of the land records systems. The project,
funded by the Philippine and Australian governments and the
World Bank, is the first stage of a possible 15-20 year
project. Currently being piloted in two areas, one in Manila
and the other in Leyte, it is intended to replicate the
project throughout the entire country. Microsearch GeoLab 2001
is being used extensively for quality control and adjustment
of both GPS and supplementary traversing data. I have just
completed an intensive one month GeoLab training course for
surveyors responsible for the geodetic operations.
Purchase of the software via the internet is simple and very
quick as is the download of the software, no longer do you
have to wait for the mail or courier delivery. Although I was
skeptical of the replacement of the old dongle licensing
system, having made numerous license purchases and transfers
over the past year I am convinced that the new system is
superior. This way you can transfer your license to or from
anywhere in the world without leaving your office.
I have no hesitation in recommending Microsearch GeoLab for
all adjustment needs. I wouldn't contemplate being involved in
a GPS or geodetic project without access to GeoLab.
Microsearch provides excellent support for this outstanding
product. From experience, I have found that Dr. Steeves
provides me with a very rapid response to any technical
questions or other matters in relation to GeoLab. Given the
time difference between the Philippines and Canada, I always
have a response by the next morning.
Andrew Dyson, Geodetic Surveyor
Geodetic Positioning Services Asia Pacific
Email: dysongps@senet.com.au
Ph: 61 8 8331 9654
Fax: 61 8 8361 2492
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