ASTM D5906-02(2013)

Standard Guide for Measuring Horizontal Positioning During Measurements of Surface Water Depths

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This guide is intended to provide instructions for the selection of horizontal positioning equipment under a wide range of conditions encountered in measurement of water depth in surface water bodies. These conditions, that include physical conditions at the measuring site, the quality of data required, the availability of appropriate measuring equipment, and the distances over which the measurements are to be made (including cost considerations), that govern the selection process. A step-by-step procedure for obtaining horizontal position is not discussed. This guide is to be used in conjunction with standard guide on measurement of surface water depth (such as standard Practice D5173.)
SCOPE
1.1 This guide covers the selection of procedures commonly used to establish a measurement of horizontal position during investigations of surface water bodies that are as follows:    
Sections  
Procedure A—Manual Measurement  
7 to 12  
Procedure B—Optical Measurement  
13 to 17  
Procedure C—Electronic Measurement  
18 to 27
1.1.1 The narrative specifies horizontal positioning terminology and describes manual, optical, and electronic measuring equipment and techniques.  
1.2 The references cited contain information that may help in the design of a high quality measurement program.  
1.3 The information provided on horizontal positioning is descriptive in nature and not intended to endorse any particular item of manufactured equipment or procedure.  
1.4 This guide pertains to determining horizontal position of a depth measurement in quiescent or low velocity flow.  
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The SI units in parentheses are for information only.  
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 31-Dec-2012
• ICS: 13.060.10 - Water of natural resources
• ICS: 17.020 - Metrology and measurement in general
• Technical Committee: D19 - Water
• Drafting Committee: D19.07 - Sediments, Geomorphology, and Open-Channel Flow

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: D5906 − 02 (Reapproved 2013)
Standard Guide for
Measuring Horizontal Positioning During Measurements of
Surface Water Depths
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5906; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 Thisguidecoverstheselectionofprocedurescommonly
D1129 Terminology Relating to Water
used to establish a measurement of horizontal position during
D3858 Test Method for Open-Channel Flow Measurement
investigations of surface water bodies that are as follows:
of Water by Velocity-Area Method
Sections
D4410 Terminology for Fluvial Sediment
Procedure A—Manual Measurement 7 to 12
Procedure B—Optical Measurement 13 to 17
D4581 Guide for Measurement of Morphologic Character-
Procedure C—Electronic Measurement 18 to 27 3
istics of Surface Water Bodies (Withdrawn 2013)
1.1.1 The narrative specifies horizontal positioning termi- D5073 Practice for Depth Measurement of Surface Water
D5173 Guide for On-Line Monitoring of Total Organic
nologyanddescribesmanual,optical,andelectronicmeasuring
Carbon in Water by Oxidation and Detection of Resulting
equipment and techniques.
Carbon Dioxide
1.2 The references cited contain information that may help
in the design of a high quality measurement program.
3. Terminology
1.3 The information provided on horizontal positioning is 3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this guide,
refer to Terminology D1129.
descriptive in nature and not intended to endorse any particular
item of manufactured equipment or procedure.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 accuracy—refers to how close a measurement is to the
1.4 Thisguidepertainstodetermininghorizontalpositionof
true or actual value. (See Terminology D1129.)
a depth measurement in quiescent or low velocity flow.
3.2.2 baseline—the primary reference line for use in mea-
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
suring azimuth angles and positioning distances.
as the standard. The SI units in parentheses are for information
3.2.3 continuous wave system—an electronic positioning
only.
system in which the signal transmitted between the transmitter
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
and responder stations travels as a wave having constant
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
frequency and amplitude.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.2.4 electronic distance measurement (EDM)—
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
measurement of distance using pulsing or phase comparison
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
systems.
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
3.2.5 electronic positioning system (EPS)—a system that
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
receives two or more EDM to obtain a position.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3.2.6 global positioning system (GPS)—aglobalpositioning
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
system (GPS) is a satellite-based EDM system used in deter-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
miningCartesiancoordinates(x,y,z)ofapositionbymeansof
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
radio signals from NAVSTAR satellites.
1 2
This guide is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D19 on Water and is For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D19.07 on Sediments, Geomorphology, contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
and Open-Channel Flow. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2013. Published January 2013. Originally the ASTM website.
approved in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 2007 as D5906 – 02 (2007). The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
DOI: 10.1520/D5906-02R13. www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5906 − 02 (2013)
3.2.7 horizontal control—a series of connected lines whose range of conditions encountered in measurement of water
azimuths and lengths have been determined by triangulation, depth in surface water bodies. These conditions, that include
trilateration, and traversing. physical conditions at the measuring site, the quality of data
required, the availability of appropriate measuring equipment,
3.2.8 line of position (LOP)—locus of points established
and the distances over which the measurements are to be made
along a rangeline.
(including cost considerations), that govern the selection pro-
3.2.9 precision—refers to how close a set of measurements
cess.Astep-by-stepprocedureforobtaininghorizontalposition
can be repeated. (See Terminology D1129.)
is not discussed. This guide is to be used in conjunction with
3.2.10 pulsed wave system—an electronic positioning sys-
standardguideonmeasurementofsurfacewaterdepth(suchas
tem in which the signal from the transmitting station to the
standard Practice D5173.)
reflecting station travels in an electromagnetic wave pulse.
6. Horizontal Positioning Criteria
3.2.11 range—distance to a point measured by physical,
optical, or electronic means. 6.1 The level of accuracy required in horizontal positioning
can be defined in three general classes:
3.2.12 range line—an imaginary, straight line extending
6.1.1 Class One pertains to precise positioning demanding a
across a body of water between fixed shore markings.
high degree of repeatability.
3.2.13 range line markers—site poles or other identifiable
6.1.2 Class Two is for medium accuracy requirements
objects used for positioning alignment on a range line.
typical of project condition studies or offshore/river hydraulic
3.2.14 shore markings—any object, natural or artificial, that
investigations, or both.
can be used as a reference for maintaining boat alignment or
6.1.3 Class Three is for general reconnaissance investiga-
establishing the boats position as it moves along it course.
tions requiring only approximate measurements of positions.
Examples include range line markers, sight poles, trees, power
6.1.4 Table1providesanestimateofthesuitabilitybyClass
poles, land surface features, structures, and etc.
for the different horizontal positioning discussed within this
3.2.15 site poles—metal or wood poles used as a sighting guide (2).
rod.
PROCEDURE A—MANUAL MEASUREMENT
3.2.16 stadia—telescopic instrument equipment with hori-
zontal hairs and used for measuring the vertical intercept on a
7. Scope
graduated vertical rod held vertically and at some distance to
7.1 This procedure explains the measurement of horizontal
and in front of the instrument.
position using manual techniques and equipment. These in-
3.2.17 total station—an electronic surveying instrument
clude use of tagline positioning techniques and application of
which digitally measures and displays horizontal distances and
shore marks.
vertical angles to a distant object.
7.2 Description of techniques and equipment are general in
nature and may need to be modified for use in specific field
4. Summary of Guide
conditions.
4.1 This guide includes three general procedures for deter-
mining the location or horizontal position in surveying of 8. Significance and Use
surfacewaterbodies.Thefirstdeterminespositionbyamanual
8.1 Prior to the development of optical and electronic
procedure. The equipment to perform this procedure may be
positioningequipment,manualequipmentandtechniqueswere
most readily available and most practical under certain condi-
the only means of measuring horizontal position. These tech-
tions.
niques and equipment are still widely used where precise
4.2 The second determines position by a optical procedure.
controlled measurements may be required (for example, taut
cable method), or where limitations in equipment availability,
4.3 The third determines position by a electronic procedure.
site conditions and cost considerations prohibit use of more
4.4 Horizontal control stations shall be in accordance with
modern equipment.
Third Order, Class I, Federal Geodetic Control Committee
Classification (FGCC) Standards, with traverses for such
TABLE 1 Allowable Horizontal Positioning System Error (7)
controls beginning and ending at existing first- or second-order
Estimated Positional Accuracy
stations (1).
Suitable for Survey Class
±1 ft (±1 m)
System
RMS (RMS)
5. Significance and Use
Visual range 10 to 66 (3 to 20) No No Yes
5.1 This guide is intended to provide instructions for the
intersection
Sextant angle 7to30 (2to10) No Yes Yes
selection of horizontal positioning equipment under a wide
resection
Transit/theodolite 3to16 (1to5) Yes Yes Yes
angle intersection
Available from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Range-azimuth 1.6to10 (0.5to3) Yes Yes Yes
14th St. and Constitution Ave., NW, Room 6217, Washington, DC 20230, http://
intersection
www.noaa.gov.
Tagline high 3to13 (1to4) Yes Yes Yes
The boldface numbers given in parentheses refer to a list of references at the frequency EPS
end of this standard.
D5906 − 02 (2013)
9. Tagline Positioning Techniques normal procedure is to place a transit or theodolite on line for
this purpose. The transmit person, equipped with a two-way
9.1 Tagline positioning techniques makes use of a measur-
radio, relays alignment directions to the boat operator (also
ing line having markings at fixed intervals along its length to
equippedwithatwo-wayradio),asthelineistransportedtothe
indicate distance. These can be either a taut cable in which the
opposite bank. A power or hand winch or hand cranked reel,
line is anchored firmly at opposite banks and stretched taut, or
skid mounted on locally fabricated support assemblies, can be
a boat mounted cable in which one end of the line is firmly
attached to a tree or other firm support on shore and used to
anchoredatthebankandtheotherisattachedtoaboatwiththe
take slack out of the line and to minimize sag associated errors
linefedoutastheboatproceedsalongitscourse.Bothmethods
in distance. For safety, the reel should come equipped with a
are frequently used low cost positioning techniques. The taut
spring-loadedpinlockbrakeassembly.Buoysmaybeplacedat
cable is most commonly used for obtaining streamflow mea-
optimum locations along the line to help reduce sag as well as
surements and sediment sampling data at non-bridge locations
provide an indicator of boat alinement.
on rivers and streams, but is equally applicable for controlled
9.1.1.3 Taglines for the taut cable method are commonly
boat positioning when obtaining river or lake bed profiles for
stainless steel or galvanized 7 by 7 cable, although a fiber line
otherpurposes.Inthisregardithasprovenespeciallyusefulfor
is increasingly being used. The stainless steel lines generally
positioning on small lakes or reservoirs, usually where dis-
come pre-beaded at 2 ft intervals for the first 50 ft, at 5 ft for
tances involved are less than 1000 ft (305 m), and where sheer
the next 100 ft (30 m), and at 10-ft intervals for to the end of
walls exist at both ends of the range, or where the presence of
the line. Sizes vary in diameter with the length of the cable
densevegetationalongtheshorelineprecludesuseofopticalor
used. For a length less than 400 ft (122 m), a ⁄32 in. (0.79 mm)
electronic positioning methods. The boat mounted tagline, in
diameterlineisrecommended;forlengthsupto800ft(244m),
contrast, is much easier to set up and use since only one end of
a ⁄16 in. (1.59 mm) diameter is recommended; for greater
the line is anchored at the shore, but this method can be
lengths, the diameter should be at least ⁄8 in. (3.18 mm). The
considerably less accurate due to the increased possibility of
fiber line is normally ⁄16 in. (4.76 mm) diameter, is normally
misalignment errors.
yellow with black markings and generally comes available in
9.1.1 Taut Cable Method (Manual Procedure):
any length up to 1000 ft (305 m). It is usually pre-marked with
9.1.1.1 For the taut cable method (see Fig. 1), firmly anchor
one mark every 10 ft (3 m) and two marks every 100 ft (30 m).
theendsofthecableonbothbanks(see9.1.1.2forinstallation)
To prevent damage when attaching the tagline to a tree,
and the line then pulled as taut as possible without pulling the
connect the free end of the tagline (the end not connected to a
anchors out of the bank. This method of positioning is
reel),toa30ftlengthof ⁄32-in.(2.37mm)diametercable.One
recognized as accurate for use on streams where the flow
end of this cable should have a harness snap and the other
velocity does not exceed more than a few feet per second so
should have a pelican hook. The free end of the tagline should
that the drag induced by the flow, on any boat or other
be equipped with a sleeve and thimble, of size matching the
attachment, does not substantially deflect the line. The taut
tagline diameter (4).
cable method is time consuming when compared to other more
modern optical and electronic positioning equipment and 9.1.1.4 Attachments for holding the boat in position at a
techniques; take this into consideration when deciding on fixed location along the tag line will vary depending on the
which equipment and techniques best apply (3). specific needs of the data collection effort. Normally the
9.1.1.2 Installation of the taut cable should be done either in attachment is some form of clamp arrangement. If velocity
one of two ways: either securely anchor the cable to one bank measurements or sediment sampling is being done along with
and the line fed from a boat mounted reel as the boat proceeds the water depth measurements, the standard procedure is to
across the body of water; or securely anchor the reel to one equip the boat with a crosspiece (I-beam), normally a little
bank near the water’s edge with the loose end towed across. longer than the width of the boat, and set perpendicular to the
Shore markings can be used for visual alignment, but the boat’s centerline. The crosspiece is either clamped or bolted in
FIG. 1 Taut Cable Method
D5906 − 02 (2013)
place and has guide sheaves at each end and a clamp
arrangement somewhere along the length of the crosspiece.
With the tagline fed through the sheaves, the boat can be held
in place or moved
...