Yeah. I figured as much, but needed to ask.
Although we record water level depth to 0.01', the difference in groundwater elevation between MWs is generally much more than 0.1'. I have seen nearly flat conditions though that require the 0.01 accuracy, and it's always good practice to obtain the best data possible.
Thanks to everyone for all the assistance.
I don't know what D&R means, or zenith angle...and all due respect, don't really want to know.
In that case you should not be surveying. D&R means Direct Face and Reversed Face. By doing that one can consistently achieve 0.01' elevations with even a $5000 instrument, which I have done for more than 20 years. Zenith angle is a typical instrument setup. The Zenith (directly up) is zero and the horizon reads as 90°. The other setup is Vertical angle where the horizon is Zero and you must record + or - angles, giving greater opportunity for errors.
Is there a relatively inexpensive instrument that will determine elevations to within 0.01' using GPS or other technology besides standard survey equipment. Not even sure if a $20K GPS system will do that.
Precision requires operator knowledge and proper techniques. Money can buy you some education if you are willing, but does not buy precision.
Paul in PA
