Contour Survey Simulation

The Java Applet on this page simulates a Feature Survey, or Contour Survey. It allows the user to perform a survey, using presurveyed benchmarks, locating objects within the survey area. The coordinates of all these surveyed points are used to construct a contour plan of the area, thus providing height and locational information. The simulation simplifies and automates the more complicated functions such as creating Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) (or, Triangular Irregular Networks (TINs)) and contours. This allows the user of the Applet to focus more on survey design and observing the effects of survey design on the final product, which in this case, is the contour plan.

I Need Help!

Brief instructions for using the simulation are included below. Browse through them, or, print them out for reference:

• Simulation Handling Notes (PDF Format)
• Simulation Handling Notes (HTML Format)

The PDF document allows for better quality printing, but to be able to download it you need the Acrobat Reader.

Why Can't I get Error Ellipses?

The Applet at times needs to communicate with a Server Application for some of its functionality (including getting error ellipses and submitting your data), which of course won't be available if the Server isn't running for some reason. You can check the status of the Server with either of the controls below. If for some unlikely reason the Server is down, it can be restarted also.

Note: In most circumstances you won't need to know about the Server at all.