STAR*NET V6 - Circe

CHAPTER 1 OVERVIEW
The STAR*NET program is a general purpose, rigorous least squares analysis program
designed to adjust two and three dimensional survey networks. Its 2D inputs include
horizontal angles, horizontal distances, directions, azimuths or bearings, and station
coordinates. In a three dimensional adjustment, slope distances, zenith angles, elevation
differences and station elevations can also be input. The output consists of a file of
adjusted station coordinates and a statistical analysis of the adjustment. Graphical
facilities are provided to allow the user to plot the network, including error ellipses of the
adjusted points and relative error ellipses between stations.
One of the main features of STAR*NET is the capacity to weight all input data both
independently or by category. This means that accurately known measurements can be
given more weight in the adjustment than those measurements known to be less accurate.
Completely unknown quantities, such as the coordinates of a new station, may be given a
special code indicating that they are “FREE” in the adjustment. The user can “FIX” other
data with a code so that they receive no correction. The ability to control the weighting
of data provides the user with a powerful adjustment tool.
The user may select a number of options to determine the type of adjustment to be
performed. All option selections and program commands are made through a dialog
interface, making program operation simple, even for casual users. Every attempt has
been made to simplify the input of data, and the analysis of the results. The program
performs gross error checking, and warns the user if input data appear incorrect.
The STAR*NET program can be used to adjust any two and three dimensional sets of
measurements. Here are a few examples:
1. Traditional plane survey traverse data. STAR*NET will perform a rigorous
adjustment of the data, compute coordinates for all traverse stations, and compute
error ellipses for the computed points. STAR*NET will take into account the
accuracy of the various angular and distance measurements, and adjust the net
correctly. This approach is far superior to the old Compass Rule or other
approximate adjustment methods.
2. Three dimensional surveys performed with a total station for structural deformation
monitoring. STAR*NET performs a simultaneous adjustment of the 3D input
measurements. It handles slope distances and zenith angles rigorously, and computes
standard errors in X, Y, and Z for the computed stations. Then, correct estimations of
point displacements can be made.
3. Control surveys for close-range photogrammetry. STAR*NET will produce the
control file required for a bundle adjustment. Control point standard errors can then
be used as weighting factors in a rigorous block adjustment. Because all data are
independently weighted in the program, the survey adjustment can take into account
the effects of short sight distances and tribrach centering error, which can be
significant in this type of survey.
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