GROUNDMARKING FOR AERODIST - 1968

 

 

1       Introduction

 

After a four year apprenticeship as a draftsman in surveying, a three year course at the Technical College of Basel obtaining a Bachelor of Science Degree in Surveying and then two years of practical survey work in an alpine area of the French speaking part of Switzerland, I decided at the end of 1967 to find work in Australia.

 

I was very interested in surveying methods and the technologies used in a country so much more vast in area and topographically so different from Switzerland. At the same time I intended to acquire more knowledge of the English language and Australia was interested in attracting skilled workers.

 

I am still very grateful that the then Assistant Director, J.D. (Joe) Lines of National Mapping Melbourne, offered me a job as a TA2 in Groundmarking, after an assessment of my training and diplomas by the head of the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), Mr. J. Love.

 

About four weeks after arriving by boat at the Port of Melbourne, our Groundmarking party left town on 26th of March for the field season of 1968, only to return eight and a half months later on the 9th of December 1968.

 

 

2       Groundmarking in the context of the Aerodist Survey of 1964-1974

 

2.1    Aerodist Survey

 

In 1965 the first order Australian Geodetic Survey, consisting of precision traversing and a first order triangulation network in topographical suitable areas was completed. Based on this work the Australian Geodetic Datum (AGD) and associated Australian Map Grid (AMG) were established in 1966.

 

This survey network, however, did not provide sufficient ground control for the planned 1:100 000 scale mapping program. Consequently, other than Canada, Australia became the only nation to use Aerodist (Aero-Distance measuring) as a major surveying tool for its mapping control densification survey.

 

        A quote from "Australia on Paper" by John D. Lines, page 230, states:

 

        "Airborne Distance Measuring

 

In much the same way as the Tellurometer was a heaven-sent blessing to the geodetic survey, so was Aerodist, the airborne version of the Tellurometer system to relate to the subsequent topographic survey. Aerodist was developed to measure the distance between two surface points more than 100 miles (160 km) apart, and so capable of measuring the 100 miles required for the diagonals of the 1 degree squares in the northern areas. These diagonals were necessary to complete the geometry of the network of braced quadrilateral figures for computation of coordinates of the new stations to be established within the geodetic loops, if Aerodist was to be used."

 

The Aerodist method enabled the determination of the distance between two points (Aerodist stations) by continuously and simultaneously measuring with Tellurometer-like instruments the distances to an aircraft, flying across and approximately in the middle of the connecting line. The respective electronic signals were recorded as analogue traces, in the aircraft. The distance between the two stations was then obtained by determining the minimum sum of the two distances, reduced to sea level and with other corrections.

 

 

          Figure 2.1 : The National Geodetic Survey in 1972 and the progress of the Aerodist operations (from J.D. Lines "Australia on paper" page 236)

 

2.2    Aerodist Station Marking

 

Figure 2.1 shows the braced quadrilateral structure of the Aerodist network extending over large areas of Queensland, the Northern Territory, Western Australia and New South Wales. Before any Aerodist measurements could be carried out, the corners of the quadrilaterals had to be physically marked in the terrain. The establishment of these permanent Aerodist stations was the object of our groundmarking party as well as clearing the future lines to the neighbouring stations from obstacles.

 

Other assignments were, if feasible, measuring Tellurometer connections from points on the 1st Order geodetic survey to the newly established groundmarks, as well as their height determination by trigonometrical height measurement or by 3rd Order levelling from existing benchmarks within a feasible radius. This was done in order to strengthen the Aerodist network configuration. The associated ground surveys added to the attraction of the task. These Aerodist stations were then used as ground control for the photogrammetric compilation of topographic maps, hence "groundmarks".

 

     

         

          Figure 2.2 : Principle of a Tellurometer connection to an Aerodist station

 

 

3.      Topographic Instruction 1/7/1 (Natmap 1965), the guideline to Station Marking.

 

Groundmarking surveys were normally undertaken by National Mapping field parties, with the exception of 38 stations established in western QLD in 1967/1968 and 21 stations in the eastern NT by private survey firms on contract. (Carl McMaster)

       

        With so many individual parties involved, the Division of National Mapping issued

 

                    "Instruction 1: AERODIST RECONNAISSANCE, STATION MARKING AND ASSOCIATED GROUND SURVEYS."

 

        to ensure an equal standard and quality of Aerodist Stations.

 

        To best describe the task, the most important instructions are listed below:

 

       

          PART 1  - SELECTION OF AERODIST STATION SITE:

 

1.         An Aerodist station site should be selected as near as practicable within 3 miles of the

geographic coordinates of the proposed grid intersection for 0°30' quadrilaterals and within

                  5 miles of the geographic coordinates of the proposed grid intersection for one degree quadrilaterals.

 

2.         It is preferable that a station should be selected along a road, near a fence, and well clear of

formed surfaces. This site should be away from obvious future road deviations. at the same time

                  it should be remembered to choose a site where less clearing of timber is required.

 

          7.     At all times station location is to be considered in the light of maximum permanency, appearance

                  and facility of future location.

 

          8.     Where all other requirements in the location of an Aerodist station site have been met, the site should within RC;

                  lateral overlap photography, and preferably appear on 3 photographs in each of the adjacent flight strips.

 

 

          PART 2 - GENERAL:

 

          1.     The monumentation of the Aerodist station is to conform, with due regard to ground surface

                  conditions, to the specifications as illustrated in appendices "A" and "B".

 

                                      

 

                              Fig 3.1  "Appendix A"  Section of Station Mark  

 

 

 

                                        Fig 3.2  "Appendix B"  Layout of Station Mark 

 

       

          2.     Every effort should be made to use good quality screened angulated gravel and sand. In

                  certain areas it may be found necessary to carry a supply of these materials in a vehicle from

                  a source of good  supply. For example: from road dumps or shire council depots, by arrangement.   

         

          3.     After making use of the metal framework device, the concrete structure is to be neatly trowelled

                  off to provide a smooth surface to conform with the shape as shown in appendices "A" and "B".

                  At this stage, while the concrete is still soft, dies of the appropriate letters and numbers for the

                  station are to be placed in accordance with appendix "C". These dies are to be removed after the

                  surface has been trowelled again. To ensure a hard surface dry cement should be finely

                  sprinkled on the finished surface.

 

 

 

                             

 

 

                                         Fig 3.3 "Appendix C" Layout of reference lettering 

 

          5.     Reference marks should be 3 steel star pickets (fence droppers) each of approximately

                  1.5 metres in length driven in flush with the ground. The tops of these pickets should be centre

                  punched or otherwise suitably marked for exact reference measurements. Normally, the pickets      

                  should be placed approximately on a circle of radius 6 metres the centre of which is the Aerodist

                  station and approximately equidistant from each other. Reference marks should, where possible,

                  be placed in positions where they are least likely to be disturbed, for example, under fences. Any

                  permanent structures (bore casings, concrete bridges, large concrete culverts, etc.,) should be

                  accurately connected to the Aerodist station. Also connections of reasonable distances, should be

                  made to corner fence posts and distinct angles in fence lines. For a sketch of reference marks as

                  might occur, see appendix "D".

                     

                              Fig 3.4 "Appendix D" Reference mark diagrams                      

 

 

          6.     There are not to be any intervening hills, trees, buildings or other objects which have an

                  elevation angle of greater than 1°30' within 5° each side of a ray from the Aerodist station being

                  established to all adjacent stations. These latter stations could be another Aerodist station, an

                  existing trigonometric station, State control station, etc..

 

          7.     All bearings are to be referred to the local astronomic meridian by astronomic observations at the

                  time of establishment of the station. In the case of traverses of more than one leg, a final azimuth

                  observation is to be made as a check on the bearings of the traverse.

 

          8.     All taped distances are to be measured and recorded in METRES and 1/100ths of metres. Any

                  distances measured which are not parts of figures capable of mathematical checks, should be

                  remeasured in reverse directions to the original measurements. Tellurometer measurements

                  are to comply with normal operating procedures.

 

          9.     The reference object for the astronomic observation should, where possible, be at least

                  500 meters from the Aerodist station. This object should be capable of being easily found and

                  observed in future operations. It should be of as permanent quality as possible. A mark on the

                  painted blaze of a solid, conspicuous tree would be satisfactory.

 

          10.   The photo reference point for the Aerodist station is to be connected by azimuth and distance to

                  the station by direct measurements. Where possible, this distance should be less than 30 metres.

                  Other identifiable reference points on the photo should be located, connected and recorded in the

                  field notes.

 

          11.   All field notes are to be recorded in the field and are to be written in a neat manner, using water-

                  proof ink, in the field book.

 

          12.   Where 3rd order, Railway, Main-Road Authority or higher orders of levelling control exist within

                  approximately five miles of the Aerodist station, staff levelling techniques should be employed to

                  3rd order standards. The reduced level and datum (when available) of the Bench Mark used, as

                  well as its full description and number, should be recorded.

 

          13.   It must always to be borne in mind that staff levelling techniques are to be used in preference to

                  barometric levelling. However, where level control as outlined in paragraph 12, only exists at

                  distances greater than approximately five miles from the Aerodist station, barometric techniques,

                  using mechanism barometers only, are to be employed. Where weather conditions are adverse,

                  particularly when obvious local weather front conditions exist, barometric traverses are to be

                  postponed until the weather becomes more stable. In any case, all weather conditions are to be

                  fully recorded.

 

          14.   The barometers (mechanism type) used should be calibrated before and after the

                  commencement of the field season, with frequent checks during the season against mercury

                  barometers at post-offices or airports. Psychrometer readings should be taken each time a

                  barometric reading is recorded, both at the base and remote barometer stations. Normal

                  barometric precautions should be taken, on order to secure accurate results. A second

                  barometric traverse is to be run in each case, on a different day to the original barometric traverse.

 

         

 

          Figure 3.5 : "Mechanism” type barometer and a Psychrometer as used in the field season of 1968

 

          16.   Terrestrial photography is to include:

                  a)   Make, Type and Number of Camera;

                  b)  Film Number;   

                  c)   Film Exposure Number;

                  d)   Location of Camera;

                  e)   Direction and Object being photographed;

                  f)   Details of Camera Settings.

 

                  A full 360° view is to be exposed from the Aerodist station, the camera being held by the

                  photographer on top of the truck-cabin platform where possible. The photography may take

                  several frames, but care should be exercised not to omit any direction from the station.

                  a photo, or more if necessary, should be taken of the station itself, to clearly show the station

                  number. Any photography should be made to help identify the station or illustrate any useful

                  information.

 

        PART 3 - ACCESS:

 

        1.     Access descriptions and diagrams for stations are to include any alternative routes which are

                  practicable. Six copies of the access in foolscap size, have to eventually be made available to

                  following parties. Speedometer readings are to be recorded of all salient and recognizable

                  features, which would materially assist in the location of a station. Directions of roads, tracks, etc.,

                  leading off another road should be defined by approximate bearings, for example: "Proceed at

                  mileage 0.7 North-Easterly along said track" and not "turn left at mileage 0.7 at said track. This is

                  quite important in the case where several ridges intersect, for example: "follow a ridge bearing

                  approximate 20° to the top" and not "follow a ridge to the top".

 

          2.     Creek crossings, fences, cattle-grids, sign-posts, gates, tanks, dams, windmills, homesteads,

                  air-strips, forks in road, intersections, bridges; in short, all helpful information should be accurately

                  and carefully recorded. Any omitted feature can lead to confusion for others following the access

                  diagram. The successive times of arrival at more important features should be recorded, because

                  this enables those coming later to be able to plan their operations with more precision. The

                  conditions of the roads, tracks, creeks, etc., with respect to weather conditions should be noted

                  where possible.

 

3.         Where any access notes are available from another source or previous National Mapping surveys,

these notes are to be brought up to date.  

 

       

 

          Figure 3.6 : Access description

 

       

 

          Figure 3.7 : Access diagram

 

 

          Figure 3.8 : Access for NMB/32  from Sign Post  "Windula Tank" (plotted in Google earth)

 

 

          PART 4 - FIELD BOOKS:

 

        1.     A guide to completion of information in the specially prepared field book AERODIST STATION ESTABLISHMENT - is set out in Appendix "E" of these specifications.

 

                  It describes all the recordings to be made, following the respective pages of the field book which are listed briefly below:

 

                  Page 1          Deals with the horizontal and vertical angles measured on the station.

                  Page 2            Records the appropriate letter and numbers of the station according Appendix "C".

                  Page 3            Dimensions of the Station according Appendix "B".

                  Page 4            Reference object (R.O.), description, magnetic bearing.

                  Pages 5,6       Is a tabular page for recording the astronomical observation.

                  Page 7            Shows the reference mark diagram, see Appendix "D".

                  Page 8            Records the traversing to the photo reference point.

                  Pages 9,10      Description of the photo reference point.

                  Page 11          Directions (true bearings) to photographed objects.

                  Page 12          Diagram for the reference bench mark.

                  Pages 13,14   Recordings of first and second barometric height measurement.

                  Pages 16,17   Is the log of the access speedo traverse.

                  The reminder pages are to be used as required.

 

 

The above instructions were, in my experience, carefully observed and strictly carried out in the field by all the parties. The standardised field book, specially prepared and bound and in a solid cover, was a guarantee that nothing was forgotten and forced the person in charge to record meticulously the measurements and documentation.

 

This avoided later revisits to the station for checking and amendment purposes, which, considering the vast areas involved, would have been costly and time consuming.

 

 

4.       Notes on practical Groundmarking.

 

4.1    Aerodist groundmarks in different locations.

 

Figure 4.11 : Groundmark with stone circle on a gibber plain with two visible reference marks.

 

Figure 4.12 : Groundmark with circular trench on sandy ground where no stones were available - Carl McMaster at work.

Figure 4.13 : Groundmark situated near a prominent fence for easier access and location. (Photo courtesy P. Wise)

Figure 4.14 : Groundmark in the desert - aerial photograph from a helicopter.

 

 

 

4.2    Establishment of Groundmarks during helicopter contracts.

 

During the time of the helicopter contract (25/04. – 05/08/1968) the establishment of the groundmarks was, if all went well, carried out by two independent groups. They were usually led by a Surveyor, by a Technical Officer, (TO1 or TO2), or later in the season by a Technical  Assistant (TA2) and were accompanied by one Field Assistant, (FA).

   

The operations started out from the base camps. In the helicopter there was, beside the pilot, room for the group leader as a navigator and the field assistant. The rest of the space was used to store the material listed below.

       

The party leader organised and supervised the work, kept in contact with the Melbourne headquarters through the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) radio network, the groundmarking parties and was responsible for the administrative issues.

 

        If possible, the first group was flown out sufficiently early in the morning by helicopter and left at the required position. Depending on the distance back to camp, the helicopter would be back at camp around 3 hours later to pick up the second party and position them. The two groups then established their groundmarks, spent the night on the spot and were both flown back to camp the next day.

 

With this organisation, great care had to be taken not to forget anything vital when loading the helicopter. The list below indicates that quite a lot of diverse material and equipment was required for the task.

       

 

Item

Purpose

Building material

4 star pickets

1 Monument block,  3 Reference Marks

 

4 witness posts

prepainted in red and white

 

50 kg Portland cement

preparing concrete

 

2 Jerry cans of water

preparing concrete

 

paints,  white and black

Monument block, Ref.Marks, RO, PRP.

 

copper pipe

centre mark of Monument block

 

 

 

Tools

spades, shovels

dig trenches and holes

 

pick, crow bar

digging tools

 

sledgehammer, hammer

 

 

rammer

ram in star pickets

 

axes, chain saw with petrol

blaze trees, cut trees,

 

waterproof mat

underlay for mixing concrete

 

steel saw

shortening star pickets

 

metal formwork device

for forming the monument

 

dies

letters, numbers, N arrow

 

trowel

smoothening surface of monument

 

paintbrushes large and fine

painting monument and lettering

 

mason's level

adjust metal framework mould

 

centre punch

punch centre of Reference Marks

 

 

 

Surveying material

map 1:250 000 scale

Navigation

 

aerial photograph

Navigation

 

Clinometer

measuring vertical elevations

 

Wild T2 theodolite & tripod

angular observation

 

sun ocular

eye protection for Sunshots

 

theodolite circle illumination

night observation

 

wrist watch

timing azimuth observation

 

Compass

orientate monument

 

Barometer

height determination

 

Psychrometer

measuring relative humidity

 

Thermometer

recording temperature

 

measuring tape  50m

distance measurement to Photoreference Point

 

measuring tape  20 m

distance measurements to RM's

 

2 plumb bobs

measurement of horizontal distances

 

torch with slit

signalling RO at night time

 

field book

control & record of work

 

ballpoint pen or

pen with waterproof ink

 

Star Almanac

determination of declination

 

7 digit logarithm table

computation of azimuth

 

computation forms

computation of azimuth

 

hand held mirror

for signalling to the approaching helicopter

 

hand held camera

spot photography

 

film roles (black + white)

spot photography

 

Traegar Transceiver (radio)

communication with basecamp

 

frequency crystals & aerial wire

for transceiver

 

car battery (to power radio)

(if radio taken)

 

 

 

Personal Eqpt.

field stretcher and swag

 

 

2 folding chairs

 

 

folding table

 

 

warm clothing

 

 

sun protection

hat, sun cream

 

basic cooking utensils

incl. tin opener, matches, cutlery etc.

 

billy can

brewing tea

 

torches and spare batteries

 

 

personal articles

 

 

 

 

 

Foodstuffs

 

Including emergency rations

(gourmet version)

water, tea, condensed milk

 

 

powdered milk, "Milo"

 

 

"Vegemite"

 

 

Weet-Bix ("Soggies")

"Weetabix" in Britain

 

bread, rye bread

 

 

baked beans

 

 

tinned fruit-, meat-, cheese

 

 

dried fruit

 

 

corned beef

 

 

and other goodies

left to the reader's imagination

 

        Table 4.21 : Equipment for a groundmarking group on helicopter contract

 

4.3    Before taking off in the helicopter the following steps were taken:

 

- Adjustment and readings of the barometers of the base camp and the mobile barometer to take out to the new groundmark.

       

        - Agreement on time for radio contacts with the base during the operation, or about the time and frequency of barometer readings.

       

        - Comparison and adjustments of personal wristwatches.

       

        - Last check of the load, including by the pilot.

       

4.4    Navigating to the proposed position of new groundmark:

 

The group leader was responsible for navigating the helicopter to the site of the new groundmark. He was in contact with the pilot over the internal communication system. The party leader had pre-plotted the flight path onto a 1:250 000 scale map and issued an aerial photograph with a red cross marking the proposed position. The pilot was given a magnetic bearing of the course.

 

Navigating out meant comparing the flight path on the map with the respective features in the terrain and communicating slight corrections to the pilot if necessary. In featureless terrain or in an area like the Simpson Desert with a great number of sand ridges, following the indicated flight pass required a lot of concentration.         

 

(I remember directing the helicopter in 1969 into an area where bushfires had destroyed some of the vegetation. Only after the complete establishment of the groundmark, when flying out the next day I realised, when taking the spot-photos, that the chosen site was out of the required grid intersection. Consequently we flew out again and found that the site was about 10km (approx. 6.5 Miles) from the required position! We built a new station and destroyed the misplaced one. What a contrast to Switzerland with its featured and well defined terrain!)

 

When arriving in the proposed area and the features on the terrain could be positively identified on the aerial photograph, the pilot was asked to find a suitable landing place. This was his responsibility.

       

        After landing, we left the machine and examined the site according to the requirements for Aerodist stations. One had to make sure that there were no major obstacles in accordance with the instructions. (Part 2 paragraph 6) If in doubt, the elevations in the approximate direction of the future Aerodist lines were checked by clinometer. If the requirements were met, the terrain was examined to see if was suitable for building a groundmark. Was it possible to dig a trench in the sandy ground, were there enough stones around for building a stone circle, was the spot flat enough or could a star picket be driven into the ground?

       

When the decision had been made where exactly to build the groundmark, the helicopter pilot may have been asked to shift his machine closer to the site for unloading. All the material and equipment were then properly laid out.

 

4.5    Building the Groundmark:

 

After the helicopter left, a great silence descended and one was aware of the fact that there might well be nobody around for the next 100 km.

 

        The normal course of action to establish the groundmark was: (compare instructions, appendices A,B,C and D)

 

        -  Clear the site of the vegetation such as spinifex and other low growing plants.

        -  Dig a hole for the monument.

        - Ram in the star picket flush with the ground, and in the centre of the hole.

        -  Determine the position of the 3 Reference Marks by using a compass and a tape to achieve a more or less regular geometry (instructions Part 2, paragraph 5).

        -  Determine the position of the 4 witness posts.

        -  Dig holes for embedding the Reference Marks and the witness posts.

        -  Ram in the 3 star pickets of the Reference Marks.

        -  Prepare the concrete on the waterproof sheet:

            -  obtain clean sand and gravel from the surrounding area (gravel was rare in the deserts)

            -  add cement,

            - mix thoroughly and add water until the desired consistency was reached.

        -  Fill in all the prepared holes by continually compacting the concrete with a sledge-hammer, trowel off the surfaces.

        -  Set the 4 witness posts neatly vertical with the mason's level.

        -  Build the groundmark by using the metal formwork provided (see description of the Instructions Part 2, paragraphs 3 and 4).

        -  During the time required to the concrete to dry, the circular trench or the stone circle was built.

        -  The whitewashing of the groundmark and the enhancing of the lettering with black paint with a fine brush took place when the concrete was completely dried out.

 

        With practice we developed some pride in creating fine monuments…!

 

During all this time we were in contact with the base camp, coordinating the barometric readings and reporting the progress. (Editor’s note – not all those contacted can recall having a Traegar (TM2) transceiver on helicopter operations).  

 

Figure 4.51 : Groundmark (NMG 286) with 4 red and white striped “witness” posts

 

Figure 4.52 : Embedded “witness” (guard) post at about midday.  

 

The accompanying surveys and measurements, described or mentioned in the following chapters 4.31 to 4.35 could be started at a suitable time during the process, usually after the completion of the block.

 

4.6    Accompanying measurements and surveys.                                                      

 

4.61  Reference Marks. (RM)

 

Appendix "D" of the instructions shows the initial measurements of the three reference marks in relation to the centre of Station Mark. Each reference mark is tied by a horizontal distance and a true bearing to the centre. The distance between the reference marks was also measured. Before leaving the station, the measurements were computed by the “sine rule” in order to avoid gross errors.

 

4.62  Photo reference point. (RO)

 

        The photo reference point was (Instructions Part 2/1) connected to the station by true azimuth and distance. The distance was measured twice again, in order to avoid gross error.

 

4.63  Ex-meridian Observation for Azimuth.

 

All bearings to the reference marks and above all, to the photo reference points had to be "true bearings" referring to the local astronomic meridian. I assume, using magnetic bearings would have had too many uncertainties when operating over large areas with variable magnetic declinations and using compasses near metallic objects such as trucks and other equipment.

 

In contrast to Switzerland, where church towers, other prominent features and survey marks were always at hand to determine azimuths, in the outback of Australia at that time, the only way to do this was by using celestial objects.

 

Normally the azimuth observations were carried out using the sun, about three to four hours before or after culmination, and were called "Sunshots" by Natmappers.

       

In 1969 John Manning introduced azimuth observations to daylight stars to speed up operations as then there was less need to wait for the sun to be in the right location in the sky.

 

        For Tellurometer connections over long distances, azimuth observations with the "South Pole Star", σ Octantis, were applied. These observations required radio time signals to synchronise stopwatches for accurate determination of the observation time, and night lighting equipment for the theodolite. For finding σ Octantis it was necessary to primarily determine a provisional bearing and zenith distance to the star. This was all most interesting and enjoyable work.

 

In 1968 there were no electronic calculators for field use available. As the true bearings from "Sunshots" had to be worked out on the spot, it was important to use mathematical formulas which were adaptable to logarithmic calculation. To simplify the procedure further, the method did not require a precise latitude for the observer's position or a very accurate determination of the time of observation; it was sufficient to read the time from a wristwatch which was periodically checked against a radio time signal. In 1969, in the Great Sandy Desert, we even introduced our individual "Camp Time", to make best use of the daylight hours.

 

The form "Ex-Meridian Observation for Azimuth" proved practical and efficient under field conditions (refer Table A1) as it standardised the computation as far as possible. The logarithmic version reduced the mathematics to the basic arithmetic operations of addition and subtraction.

 

Working out the true bearings was a good pastime when spending an evening out in the middle of "nowhere".

 

More detail can be found in Annexure A.

 

 

          Figure 4.63 :  "Sunshot", A. Jenny 1968

         

4.64    Height measurements of Groundmarks.

 

Heights were to be determined by 3rd order staff levelling (Instructions Part 2/12 and 13) or by barometric heighting. (Instructions Part 2/14).

 

4.65   Photographic documentation.

 

Terrestrial photography (Instructions Part 2/16). In remote areas, where helicopters were used, the finished groundmark, including the photo reference point, were photographed with a hand held camera from different altitudes when taking off. See Figure 4.14.

 

4.7     General remarks.

 

Establishing groundmarks was, apart from the physical toil, not much of a problem for us then young men and quite interesting work. It required navigational skill and an eye for the terrain when travelling in remote areas and in the air when using helicopters. From the surveying aspect it covered many fields, from astronomical observations, theodolite work in general, distance measurements with tapes and the use of electronic instruments such as the Tellurometer, height determination by staff levelling and barometric methods. All the measurements had to be carefully recorded in field books, and drawing diagrams required some skill.

 

As there were no computer programmes available for fieldwork, the results had to be worked out "by hand". One was then much more aware of the theoretical background of the surveying methods, the accuracy of the instruments and the effect on the results. Compared with today's sophisticated electronic processes on all levels, our work was clearly the "Old Survey World".

         

I, for my part, enjoyed it very much.

 

 

5.       The 1968 Groundmarking Field Season.

 

The following is based mainly on my diary, which recorded the personal daily activities in greater or lesser detail. It does not record the activities of the other operating groups or members of the Groundmarking party. Thanks to the research of Paul Wise it was possible to define all the Aerodist stations which were newly established in 1968. B.N. Osborne, with whom I worked most of the season, was able to give valuable information too. It must be considered, that these events took place 45 years ago, which may account for inaccuracies or an incomplete account.

 

5.1     Groundmarking party members of 1968 (some only part of the season)

         

         

Name

Designation

John D. Madden (JDM)

Senior Surveyor

Graham McNamara (GJ)

Surveyor Class 1

Rom Vassil (RAV)

Surveyor Class 1

Carl McMaster (Carlos)

Technical Officer Grade 2

Paul McCormack (Paulo)

Technical Officer Grade 1

Terry Douglas (TLD)

Technical Officer Grade 1

August Jenny

Technical Assistant Grade 2

Reg Helmore

Technical Assistant Grade 2

Blythe Osborne (Speedy)

Field Assistant

Alan Mould

Field Assistant

Lawrie O’Connor

Field Assistant

Oystein Berg

Field Assistant

Derek Hatley

Field Assistant

Ian Rushton

Field Assistant

 

5.2     Means of Transport.

 

Moving in vast and remote areas on often very basic tracks, crossing creeks with unstable sandy banks required sturdy four wheel drive vehicles. The drivers had to be skilled, with a knowledge of motor mechanics. Our Groundmarking party was equipped with 4 British Forward Control Land Rovers, 1 long wheel base Land Rover ("Scout car") in 1969 and 1 Bedford truck.

 

To establish groundmarks in the remote desert areas without any roads or tracks, helicopters were used to reach the required sites.

 

Figure 5.21 : Forward Control Land Rovers (FCLR)

 

Figure 5.22 : Bedford Supply Truck

Figure 5.23 : Creek crossing .

Figure 5.24 : Bogged on the Tanami track.

(L-R) Lawrie O’Connor, Paul McCormack, Oystein Berg & Alan Mould.

 

Figure 5.25 : Helicopter transport.

(L-R) John Madden, Ian Rushton, Paulo, & pilot Harvey Else.

Figure 5.26 : Helicopter engineer attaching a fuel-drum for “slinging” to a depot in the Simpson Desert - Paul McCormack directing.

 

5.3     Camping Out.

 

When J.D. Lines employed me, he said: "You know August, here in Australia we don't operate with caravans, cooks and other luxuries!" How right of course he was! Except in base camps, camping out was rather basic. Each man cooked mostly for himself on the common open fire. Before setting out from Melbourne we individually bought foodstuffs in a wholesale store. This was kept in a wooden tea chest and in a green coloured ex-army ammunition steel box.

 

We slept in a “swag” on a field stretcher, mostly out under the majestic sky of Central Australia. I always orientated my stretcher towards the South Pole, thus using the Southern Cross, a circumpolar constellation, as a clock telling me the approximate time of night.

 

Base camps during the helicopter contract were more comfortable. There was a large mess tent with a gas stove and later even a refrigerator; tents for the party leader and the pilot, a generator for illumination, a fireplace with a circle of canvas chairs around it, a shower bag and a rubbish dump further away. This all reminded me of former army services in Switzerland.

 

Figure 5.31 : Base camp, wood for the fire.

(L-R) August Jenny, Paul McCormack, Ian Rushton & Alan Mould.

 

Figure 5.32 : Learning how make bread on a Saturday.

(L-R) Ian Rushton & A. Jenny.

Figure 5.33 : My "bedroom" at Willowra.          

Figure 5.34 : A cup of tea and baked beans for breakfast, whilst camping out at a groundmark.

 

 

5.4     Route covered by A. Jenny and B.N. Osborne during the 1968 Groundmarking field season

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weekday

Date

Location/Camp  in the evening

Task carried out

other comments

Leader

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tues

26.03.

Melbourne-Nagambi

 

 

C. McMaster

Wed

27.03.

Jerilderie

10 km 3rd order levelling

 

 

 

Thu

28.03

Narrandera NSW

 

 

 

 

Fri

29.03.

Nyngan

 

 

 

 

Sat/Sun

30.04./31.04.

Bourke

 

 

 

 

Mon

01.04.

Camp

Establishment NMC 90

 

 

 

Tues

02.04.

Wanaaring

 

 

 

 

Wed

03.04.

Camp

Establishment NMC 89

 

 

 

Thu

04.04.

Wanaaring

14 km 3rd order levelling NMC 89  

 

 

 

Fr

05.04.

Camp

Establishment NMC 88

 

 

 

Sat

06.04.

Tiboobura

 

 

 

 

Sun

07.04.

Tiboobura

 

 

 

 

Mon

08.04.

Camp

Establishment NMB 305

 

 

 

Tues

09.04.

Nockatunga

 

 

 

 

Wed

10.04.

Camp

NMB 32, Signalisation with Heliograph

 

 

 

Thu

11.04.

Quilpie

Clear lines at NMB 180

 

 

 

Fri-Tues

12.04.-16.04.

Charleville

 

 

 

 

Wed

17.04.

Longreach

 

 

 

 

Thu

18.04.

Cloncurry

 

 

 

 

Fri

19.04.

Camooweal

 

 

 

 

Sat

20.04.

Tennant Creek

 

 

 

 

Sun-Wed

21.04.-24.04.

Tennant Creek

 

 

 

 

Thu

25.04.

Camp

Establishment NMG 281

Start of Helicopter contract

John D. Madden

Fri

26.04.

Banka Banka Stn.

Barometric Height Meas.

 

 

 

Sat

27.04.

Base camp  Tanami

 

 

 

 

Sun

28.04.

Base camp Tanami

 

 

 

 

Mon

29.04.

Base camp at NMG 142

Barometric Height Meas.

 

 

 

Tues

30.04.

Camp

Establishment NMG 292

 

 

 

Wed

01.05.

Base camp at NMG 142

Spot photography NMG 292 and NMG 142

 

 

 

Thu

02.05.

Roadside camp 1

 

 

 

 

Fri

03.05.

Base camp  Lajamanu

 

 

 

 

Sat-Sun

04.05.-05.05.

Base camp  Lajamanu

 

 

 

 

Mon

06.05.

Roadside camp 2

 

 

 

 

Tues

07.05.

Roadside camp 3

 

Vehicles bogged down

 

 

Wed

08.05.

Base camp  Tanami Bore

 

 

 

 

Thu

09.05.

Base camp  Tanami Bore

 

Rain

 

 

Fri

10.05.

Roadside camp 4

 

Vehicles bogged down

 

 

Sat

11.05.

Roadside camp 5

 

Vehicles bogged down

 

 

Sun

12.05.

Roadside camp 5

 

Vehicles bogged down

 

 

Mon

13.05.

Base camp Refrigerator Bore

 

 

 

 

Tues

14.05.

Base camp Refrigerator Bore

Establishment NMG 297

 

 

 

Wed

15.05.

Base camp Refrigerator Bore

 

 

 

 

Thu

16.05.

Camp

Establishment NMF 599

 

 

 

Fri

17.05.

Base camp Refrigerator Bore

 

 

 

 

Sat

18.05.

Base camp Refrigerator Bore

 

 

 

 

Sun

19.05.

Base camp Refrigerator Bore

 

 

 

 

Mon

20.05.

Roadside camp 7

 

 

 

 

Tues

21.05.

Roadside camp 7

 

Vehicles bogged down

 

 

Wed

22.05.

Roadside camp 7

 

Vehicles bogged down

 

 

Thu

23.05.

Base camp Mt. Doreen

Establishment NMG 296

 

 

 

Fri

24.05.

Base camp Mt. Doreen

 

 

 

 

Sat

25.05.

Base camp Mt. Doreen

 

 

 

 

Sun

26.05.

Base camp Mt. Doreen

 

Rain

 

 

Mon

27.05.

Roadside camp 8

 

 

J. Madden

 

 

Tues-Sun

28.05.-02.06.

Alice Springs

Administration

 Vehicle Repairs

 

 

Mon

03.06.

Roadside camp 9 Ti Tree

 

 

 

 

Tues

04.06.

Base camp Anningie HS

 

 

 

 

Wed

05.06.

Camp

Tell.con. NMG 282 :

 H- / V angles

 

 

 

Thu

06.06.

Base camp  Anningie HS

 

 

 

 

Fri

07.06.

Base camp  Willowra

 

 

 

 

Sat

08.06.

Base camp  Willowra

 

 

 

 

Sun

09.06.

Base camp  Willowra

 

 

 

 

Mon

10.06.

Camp

Establishment NMG 289

 

 

 

Tues

11.06.

Base camp  Willowra

 

 

 

 

Wed

12.06.

Camp

Establishment NMG 287

 

 

 

Thu

13.06.

Base camp  Willowra

 

 

 

 

Fri-Wed

14.06-26.06.

Base camp  Willowra

 

Helicopter Breakdown

 

 

Thu

27.06.

Base camp  Willowra

Establishment NMG 284

 

 

 

Fr

28.06.

Base camp  Willowra

 

 

 

 

Sat-Sun

29.06.-30.06.

Base camp  Willowra

 

 

 

 

Mon

01.07.

Base camp  Anningie HS

 

 

 

 

Tues

02.07.

Base camp  Anningie HS

Tell.con. NMG 282: distance measurement

 

 

 

Wed

03.07.

Roadside camp 10 Mudtank

 

 

 

 

Thu

04.07.

Roadside camp 11 Harts Range

 

 

 

 

Fri

05.07.

Roadside camp 12 Hay River

 

 

 

 

Sat

06.07.

Base camp  Hay River

 

 

 

 

Sun-Mon

07.07.-08.07.

Basecamp  Hay River

Preparations /Fuel depots

 

 

 

Wed-Fri

09.07.-19.07.

Basecamp  Hay River

 

Helicopter Breakdown

 

 

Sat

20.07.

Base camp  Hay River

Establishment NMG 264

 

 

 

Sun

21.07.

Base camp  Hay River

 

 

 

 

Mon

22.07.

Base camp  Hay River

Establishment NMB 299

 

 

 

Tues

23.07.

Base camp  Hay River

 

 

 

 

Wed

24.07.

Base camp  Hay River

 

 

 

 

Thu

25.07.

Roadside camp 13 Hay River

 

 

 

 

Fri

26.07.

Roadside camp 14 Numery Bore

 

 

 

 

Sat

27.07.

Base camp Ringwood

 

 

 

 

Sun-Mon

28.-29.07.

Base camp Ringwood

 

 

 

 

Tues

30.07.

Base camp Ringwood

Establishment NMG 274

 

 

 

Wed

31.07.

Camp

Establishment NMG 269

 

 

 

Thu

01.08.

Base camp Ringwood

 

 

 

 

Fri-Sun

02.08.-04.08.

Base camp Ringwood

 

 

 

 

Mon

05.08.

Alice Springs

 

End of Helicopter contract

 

 

Tues-Wed

06.08.-04.09.

Alice Springs for 1 Month!

Waiting for spare parts

 Vehicle Repairs

Graham McNamara

 

Thu

05.09.

Tennant Creek

 

 

 

 

Fri

06.09.

Camp

Tellurometer connection to NMG 248

 

 

 

Sat

07.09.

Tennant Creek

 

 

 

 

Sun

08.09.

Tennant Creek

 

Meet Aerodist Party

 

 

Mon

09.09.

Tennant Creek

Signalisation NMG 2

 

 

 

Tues

10.09.

Camooweal

 

 

 

 

Wed

11.09.

Mt. Isa

 

 

 

 

Thu

12.09.

Boulia

Supply run

 

 

 

Fri

13.09.

Boulia

Supply run

 

 

 

Sat

14.09.

Mt. Isa

 

 

 

 

Sun

15.09.

Mt. Isa

 

 

 

 

Mon

16.09.

Boulia

 

 

 

 

Tues

17.09.

Birdsville

 

 

 

 

Wed

18.09.

Birdsville

 

Repairs on ZSM 667

 

 

Thu

19.09.

Birdsville

Check Trig T1/472 S, not found

 

 

 

Fri

20.09.

Camp

Tell.con., Signalisation of T4/6846

 

 

 

Sat

21.09.

Betoota

 

 

 

 

Sun

22.09.

Betoota

 

 

Graham

 

Mon

23.09.

Quilpie

 

 

McNamara

 

Tue

24.09.

Charleville

 

Radio repairs

 

 

Wed

25.09.

Charleville

Check NMB 170

 

A. Jenny /

 

Thu

26.09.

Charleville

Check NMB 174

 

B. Osborne

 

Fri

27.09.

Charleville

 

 

 

 

Sat-Sun

28.09.-29.09.

Charleville

 

 

 

 

Mon

30.09.

Charleville

Check NMB 130

 

 

 

Tues-Sat

01.10.-05.10.

Adavale

Check Trig. stations

 

 

 

Sun

06.10.

Adavale

 

 

 

 

Mon

07.10.

Windorah

Check Trig. stations

 

 

 

Tues

08.10.

Camp Palparara

Check Trig. stations

 

 

 

Wed

09.10.

Camp Davenport Downs

Check Trig. stations

 

 

 

Thu

10.10.

Camp Daimantina HS

Check Trig. stations

 

 

 

Fri

11.10.

Camp Old Cork HS

Check Trig. stations

 

 

 

Sat

12.10.

Winton

 

 

 

 

Sun

13.10.

Winton

 

 

 

 

Mon

14.10.

Kynuna

Check Trig. stations

 

 

 

Tues

15.10.

McKinlay

Check Trig. stations

 

 

 

Wed

16.10.

Julia Creek

Check Trig. stations

 

 

 

Thurs

17.10.

Hughenden

Check Trig. stations

 

 

 

Fri

18.10.

Torrens Creek

Check Trig. stations

 

 

 

Sat

19.10.

Camp

Check NMB 225

 

 

 

Sun

20.10.

Torrens Creek

 

 

 

 

Mon

21.10.

Hughenden

 

 

Rom Vassil

Tues

22.10.

Hughenden

 

 

 

 

Wed

23.10.

Camp

Establishment NMB 311

 

 

 

Thu

24.10.

Hughenden

 

 

 

 

Fri

25.10.

Winton

 

 

 

 

Sat

26.10.

Winton

 

 

 

 

Sun-Tues

27.10.-29.10.

Winton

 

Repairs on ZSM 667

 

 

Wed

30.10.

Boulia

 

 

 

 

Thu

31.10.

Urandangie

 

 

 

 

Fri

01.11.

Camp

Establishment NMG 260

 

 

 

Sat

02.11.

Camp

 

 

 

 

Sun

03.11.

Camp

Establishment NMB 300

 

 

 

Mon

04.11.

Camp

 

 

 

 

Tues

05.11.

Mt. Isa

 

 

 

 

Wed-Fri

06.11.-08.11.

Mt. Isa

 

 

 

 

Sat

09.11.

Camooweal

 

 

 

 

Sun-Fri

10.11.-22.11.

Camooweal

Reconnoitring of a Tellurometer traverse

 

 

 

Sat

23.11.

Mt. Isa

 

End of field season 1968

P. McCormack

Sun

24.11.

Hughenden

 

Departure for Melbourne

 

 

Mon

25.11.

Ayr  QLD Coast

 

 

 

 

Tues-Sat

26.11.-30.11.

Mackay

 

 

 

 

Sun

01.12.

Yeppoon near Rockhampton

 

 

 

 

Mon

02.12.

Maryborough

 

 

 

 

Tues

03.12.

Warwick QLD

 

 

 

 

Wed

04.12.

Coonabarabran NSW

 

 

 

 

Thu

05.12.

Albury

 

 

 

 

Fri

06.12.

Melbourne

 

 

 

 

 

              Table 5.41 : Route covered by A. Jenny and B.N. Osborne in 1968.

              (This route is shown in the 1:5 Million scale map "AERODIST STATION MARKING - FIELD SEASON 1968" at the end of this document)

 

I have no data about the route covered by the other groups of the Groundmarking party. The groups were together during the helicopter contract under the leadership of John Madden whilst establishing different groundmarks from the base camps. In the overview map the work of the two groups is highlighted in red and blue colours. Later in the season, under Graham McNamara and Rom Vassil, the two groups operated quite independently. For practically almost one month, B.N. Osborne and I worked on our own. We had to visit existing 1st Order Trig Stations. The aim was to prepare these points for Aerodist operations in the not too distant future. It also meant checking their access diagrams, clearing the Aerodist lines from obstacles, recovering reference marks and repainting the stone circles or restoring the trenches if required. I assume that the other groups were involved in similar work or carrying out Tellurometer connections.

 

 

6.         Looking back after 45 years.

 

The establishment of Aerodist stations about 100 km apart resulted in travel over huge areas. From this point of view our work was very special. To illustrate this in a map, our route in Western Queensland and in the Northern Territory required a map at 1:5 Million scale.

 

Covering these distances on often rough tracks or unsealed roads took its toll on the vehicles. The work was interrupted for one month in Alice Springs when the front axel housings of the Forward Control Land Rovers had to be flown south for strengthening and then flown back again. The helicopter broke down too. So we had to wait at Willowra for two weeks and in the Simpson Desert at the Hay River camp for 10 days until the machines were repaired.

 

Other holdups were encountered on the Tanami track, when unusual rainfalls turned the soil to mud in which some of our vehicles became bogged. It was quite hard work to jack them up and build support pads with wooden logs. Fortunately, we did not encounter many such problems during the following field season of 1969 in Western Australia and in the south-west of the NT.

 

Our work was team work. Coming directly from Europe in 1968, I had to get used to the individualistic Aussies, to learn what the work was all about and the way to behave in the bush and in outback pubs...it was an entirely different world! A world of wide open spaces, with a huge sky and endless horizons. A country of impressively ancient geological formations and colours. The unforgettable nights under the awesome star-lit sky of the southern hemisphere will be forever imprinted on my mind.

 

I had and still have great respect for the people who live in the outback, who at that time led isolated and hard lives as cattle or sheep farmers or were engaged in other services in their greatly spread out communities. They are tough, uncomplaining and self-reliant people, living in a harsh environment, enduring dust, heat and droughts.

 

Working with Natmap offered, besides unique surveying tasks, a true and vivid experience of what it meant to live in the outback of Australia.

 

The achievement of the Division of National Mapping, of completing an accurate 1:100 000 scale mapping control densification survey between 1964 and 1974, covering most of the continent cannot be valued highly enough. It was an innovative, courageous decision to apply the Aerodist method on such a large scale. It involved a lot of people who worked on this scheme and were directed from the headquarters in Melbourne, thousands of kilometres away from the actual operations. At that time it was no doubt an economical method to achieve the required results, perfectly suited to the topographical conditions of the outback and the deserts of Australia.

           

                        

                      

                       Acknowledgments

 

I would like to thank Carl McMaster, who encouraged me to write this article when we met here in Switzerland and later in Queensland in 2012.

                      

I am especially indebted to Paul Wise who tirelessly and meticulously supplied maps and other useful data, as well as editing this submission. The time shift of 10 hours helped greatly to speed up the process in the age of electronic communication!

 

My faithful friend Blythe Osborne was able to bring back many memories of this field season. We have kept in contact throughout all the last 45 years.

 

                       Finally I would like to thank my English wife Marian for correcting my English spelling.

 

 

 

 

                       9204 Andwil,  Switzerland         

                       March 2013                                                          

 

 

                       August Jenny

 

 

                  ROUTE MAP

 

 


                      

 

 

 

 

To now read Annexure A - Ex-Meridian Observation for Azimuth please click here.