Surveying the Underworld

Since antiquity, the construction of underground structures (tunnels, shafts and caverns) has been an enormous engineering achievement ­and is a fascinating branch of surveying. How is it possible that two tunnels, cut through several kilometres from opposite sides can meet up with milli­metre precision (which can even be forecast)? And how is it that surface subsidence resulting from tunnel building can be clearly observed from outer space? This, and indeed much more, is exactly what modern surveying technology and systems can deliver today. Surveying of the subterranean world is high-tech business in all its aspects. But how long can the profession of the surveying engineer continue to exist?

The lecture started with an overview of current engineering geodetic prob­lems and of measurement solutions in the field of tunnel construction. The most important trends, ideas and visions from the field of R&D were then presented based on GEODATA’s own projects and activities. Topics such as tunnel networks, measuring and monitoring systems, robotics, guidance systems, virtual/mixed/augmented reality, information and com­munication systems as well as artificial intelligence played a key role.