STAR*NET V6 - Circe

Chapter 1 Overview
4. Survey planning using preanalysis. STAR*NET can be used to plan survey layouts,
so that accuracy specifications are satisfied using an efficient survey design. The
user simply inputs the approximate locations of points to be surveyed, along with a
list of intended field observations connecting the points. STAR*NET will compute
the predicted error ellipses and relative accuracies between stations, allowing the
surveyor to decide whether additional (or fewer) observations are required.
About the Documentation
Documentation for both STAR*NET and STAR*NET-PRO editions are included in this
manual. The main body of the manual describes the general use of the program common
to both editions. An attached supplemental manual describes use of the special features
in the “Professional” edition including the importing and inclusion of GPS vectors in
adjustments, and the use of Geoid and Vertical Deflection models.
No matter how easy STAR*NET may be to use, it is still performing a very complex task
which requires some understanding on the part of the user. Therefore, the beginning user
is asked to review the main manual carefully, especially Chapter 4, “Options,” Chapter 5,
“Preparing Data,” and Chapter 8, “Analysis of Adjustment Output.” Appendix-A, “A
Tour of the STAR*NET Package,” provides a tutorial introduction to STAR*NET, with
several sample project data files to experiment with.
If you received the “Professional” edition, it is also essential to review the main manual
carefully and run examples in the tutorial. In addition, of course, the attached
supplemental manual describing GPS vectors and modeling must be reviewed, and it is
highly recommended that you also run the additional tutorial examples in Appendix-A in
the supplement which demonstrates importing and adjusting vectors, and combining
conventional observations with vectors in a network.
This documentation is not a substitute for a textbook on survey adjustments. Several
recommendations for further reading are given in Appendix-B, “References” in this
manual. With a little study, even the beginning user can benefit from the features of this
program. The experienced user can immediately take advantage of the flexibility and
power of STAR*NET, and can tailor system options to suit his own needs.
Remember, too, that technical assistance is available to registered users of STAR*NET.
We are always glad to receive suggestions for program enhancements and will do our
best to satisfy the requirements of all our users.
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