Considerations for implementing a microcomputer database for Virginia control survey data

Currently, geodetic control data are generally available only at the federal level. The National Geodetic Survey (NGS) publishes only the results of those surveys that their agency performs, as well as other surveys that meet certain criteria.Currently, geodetic control data are generally available only au: the federal level. The National Geodetic Survey (NGS) publishes only the results of those surveys that their agency performs, as well as other surveys that meet certain criteria.

The advantages of a state office which would disseminate NGS control data as well as all other survey data within the state are discussed. Since NGS now distributes its data on floppy diskettes, the design of a microcomputer database to access this information is investigated.

This thesis focuses on such a database system operated mainly by the end-user of control data. An integrated software system, in which. related computational programs are linked to the database, is also considered. The dBase III package, as one software alternative, is examined. Applicability to geographic information systems is also explored.

Data formats, file sizes, and administrative concerns are dealt with, and future research and development in these and related areas are proposed.