AERODIST STATION MARKING OR GROUNDMARKING

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