Abstract: The apparatus and the system for precise vertical navigation of a grading machine in profile of a curved job site terrain is disclosed. The system includes an integrated satellite navigational receiver and a laser detector system. A plurality of laser systems generates a plurality of laser beams covering the curved job site terrain. The laser detector system mounted in the grading machine latches on a single laser beam at each location of the grading machine to obtain the precise vertical coordinate of the grading machine.

Abstract: A method of recording position data for measuring the position of a ground point during a survey procedure in which satellite signals are used to determine the position of an antenna on a range pole. The pole is moved through non-vertical orientations by an operator so that the antenna position is determined at various points which generally do not lie directly over the ground point. The antenna positions lie on a geometric figure, generally the surface of a sphere which is centered on the ground point and has a radius equal to the length of the pole. Characterizing the sphere by a statistical analysis of the antenna positions either in real time or during post processing, leads to an accurate measurement of the ground point position. The method is preferably enabled by an otherwise standard handheld controller device which operates as part of a roving antenna/receiver station. The satellite signals are preferably derived from the Global Positioning System although other systems may also be used.