The Crab: A Unique Nearshore Surveying Vehicle

A recent innovation for improved nearshore surveying and coastal engineering data collection is the Coastal Research Amphibious Buggy (CRAB). This 35‐ft (10.6‐m) high motorized tripod, when combined with a state‐of‐theart electronic total station, allows rapid, accurate surveying of the surf zone and nearshore waters out to depths of 30 ft (9 m). When compared to conventional methods, survey costs are reduced by an order of magnitude, and accuracy is vastly improved. Numerous other research applications have been achieved. [1]

Geomatics Techniques for Structural Surveying

Structural engineers may utilize geomatics techniques for precise and accurate measurements of discrete points, detailed façade recording, and the production of engineering drawings and plans. Techniques commonly used include direct measurement using a tape or gauge or, more recently, observations made from a reflectorless total station. Photogrammetric methods are also suitable for structural surveying. Terrestrial laser scanners have recently taken large steps in development and have the potential to become a useful survey tool. An overview of current recording techniques along with an introduction to laser scanning is given, followed by details of a test involving terrestrial survey, photogrammetry, and laser scanning at a site in the United Kingdom. Analysis of the results showed that measurement to targeted points using the laser scanner was comparable to measurement using traditional stereo photogrammetric methods, although care needs to be taken to reduce the impact of mixed pixels and multipath occurring within the scanned scene. [2]

GLONASS Satellite Surveying

Double differencing of the carrier phases is a popular technique in global positioning system (GPS) surveying for eliminating receiver and satellite clock errors. However, because each global navigation satellite system (GLONASS) satellite transmits a different carrier frequency, it is not straightforward to constrain double difference integer ambiguities from GLONASS carrier phases. Various solutions are reviewed, following the formalism traditionally applied to GPS observations and focusing on the receiver clock errors. Mixed GPS/GLONASS data are used to demonstrate the impact of receiver clock errors on GLONASS double differences carrier phases. [3]

Valuation of Machinery and Equipment: Is it Inter-disciplinary, Multi-disciplinary or Collaborative?

Property valuation as a professional exercise occupies a unique position different from related concepts of ‘valuation’, ‘assessment’, ‘evaluation’ and ‘measurements’ that are pervasive in accounting, engineering, quantity surveying and medicine, among others. This paper therefore reflects on the lingering feud between estate surveyors and valuers (ESV) and engineers in Nigeria on issues that borders on competence for professional valuation of assets in the nature plant, equipment and machinery (PEM). Through a perspective discourse that analyses required inputs for property valuation and the strengths and weaknesses of each group, the paper found that ESV could neither maintain monopoly for the exercise nor are engineers capable of usurping the practice based on their subsisting academic and practice focus. It therefore concludes that ultimately, holistic property valuation need evolve as an interdisciplinary field independent of real estate discipline while in the interim, collaboration of multiple disciplines involving ESV, engineers and other allied professionals should be adopted for PEM valuation. The paper is aimed at disabusing the mind of both parties and concentrates on required objectivity that would improve professionalism in the valuation of all strands of property assets. [4]

Exploring Major Challenges and Benefits of M-learning Adoption

Recently, E-learning tools have proven to be potential platforms for management and progress in the education sector. The usage of mobile learning (M-learning) tools in the field of Learning Management Systems (LMS) is an interesting area of research that worth to be investigated. M-learning can offer higher learning and teaching autonomy for the education sectors and individual learners alike. M-learning can support ubiquitous learning hence portraying it as a potential candidate for future distance education. Various research works have been performed in M-learning related to its design needs and application development challenges. This paper highlights the trends of traditional learning systems and establishes a relation between modern mobile technologies and current learning paradigm. It discusses the major benefits that can reflect on the education sector, whereas the major challenges are also put into consideration while adopting M-learning services. The potential economic impact of M-learning adoption is also considered while taking into account the students, staffs and the concerned organizations. Three case studies were used to achieve and complement the research objectives in exploring major challenges and benefits of M-learning adoption. [5]

Reference

[1] Birkemeier, W.A. and Mason, C., 1984. The CRAB: A unique nearshore surveying vehicle. Journal of Surveying Engineering, 110(1), pp.1-7.

[2] Mills, J. and Barber, D., 2004. Geomatics techniques for structural surveying. Journal of Surveying Engineering, 130(2), pp.56-64.

[3] Leick, A., 1998. GLONASS satellite surveying. Journal of surveying engineering, 124(2), pp.91-99.

[4] Ashaolu, T. A. (2015) “Valuation of Machinery and Equipment: Is it Inter-disciplinary, Multi-disciplinary or Collaborative?”, Journal of Scientific Research and Reports, 9(7), pp. 1-9. doi: 10.9734/JSRR/2016/23397.

[5] Sarrab, M., Al-Shihi, H. and Hussain Rehman, O. M. (2013) “Exploring Major Challenges and Benefits of M-learning Adoption”, Current Journal of Applied Science and Technology, 3(4), pp. 826-839. doi: 10.9734/BJAST/2013/3766.