Standard Operating Procedure CT03 Survey Timing and GPS Mission Planning

This standard operating procedure (SOP) details the process for selecting the temporal window for conducting the survey. A standardized GPS survey window allows for comparability of the seasonal data set by collecting similarly-derived elevations each year. The comparability of coastal topography data collected with GPS/GNSS equipment depends greatly on the timing of the record. The variables that determine the timing within the window are either predictable or observable and can be established in the preceding months, weeks, or days to maximize the repeatability and the efficiency of the survey. This SOP describes the procedure for the long-range identification of favorable tide conditions as well as the satellite availability and geometric configuration or Positional Dilution of Precision (PDOP). It addresses the variety of local resource-related variables that may constrain conducting the survey, such as endangered species zones or accessing restricted areas.