Patent ID: 6191732
Filing Date: 2001-02-20
Classification: E02F,G01S

Abstract:
A method for determining in real time the three-dimensional position of a point on an earth surface, comprising the steps of:(a) providing a vehicle adapted for ground engaging movement along the earth surface, said vehicle having:a GPS receiver system with a GPS signal-receiving antenna portion disposed thereon at a spaced location relative to a ground engaging point of the vehicle;one or more tilt sensors adapted to measure tilt of the vehicle relative to a horizontal plane along at least one axis; anda computer;(b) receiving a GPS signal at said GPS signal-receiving antenna portion;(c) utilizing the GPS signal to calculate the three-dimensional location of the signal-receiving antenna portion;(d) determining the direction of movement of the vehicle;(e) utilizing said one or more tilt sensors to provide an angle of tilt of the vehicle along at least one axis;(f) utilizing the three-dimensional location, the spaced location, the angle of tilt, and the direction of movement of the vehicle to calculate in real time the three-dimensional position of a point on the earth surface disposed at a predetermined location relative to the ground engaging point of the vehicle, as the vehicle traverses the surface.