18 / 30
T
here is no doubt we are in the
midst of a technology boom.
Within the last decade, we’ve
witnessed considerable technological
advancement. Most devices, whether
used in our personal or business life,
are now made to be extremely user
friendly, meaning that you don’t need
to be a specialist to put them to good
use. Smartphones, tablets, laptops,
and even drones are part of golf course
architect’s toolbox—and we can now
add GPS survey units to that list!
Mapping and land surveying
dates back to the inception of our
profession. Traditionally, such
work has been carried out by allied
professionals—land surveyors and
engineers typically provide base
mapping and as-built information
upon which our designs are based,
while construction personnel often
provide as-built or in-progress
construction data to help facilitate
planning and field adjustments.
The production of accurate as-built
survey data has traditionally required
‘high-end’ survey equipment which
usually carries a steep investment—
prohibitive for many—and a strong
technical skillset. However, the
evolution of Global Positioning
System (GPS) technology has
resulted in survey-grade units that
are affordable and easy to operate.
Devices can now provide 1-3cm
accuracy with a strong cell-network
connection, and most can be linked
to a tablet for easy operation. All
survey data that is collected can
be exported seamlessly into CAD
programs, which opens up a host of
additional services that architects can
provide to clients, as follows:
Base mapping
Accurate survey-grade units allow
golf course architects to create base
map information for clients when
it is otherwise unavailable or out
of date. When coupled with ortho-
rectified imagery, these base maps
can be ideal for initial planning and
cost estimating. Additionally, the
ability to capture detail of unique site
features enables their enhancement
and/or preservation.
Topographic surveying
With so many courses in the U.S.
having been built in the boom of the
1980s and 1990s, resurfacing greens
has become more common as these
courses start to show age and wear.
In resurfacing greens, a common
practice is to soften contours to
levels more appropriate for modern
mowing heights and green speeds.
Survey-grade GPS units allow for the
creation of very accurate topography.
When coupled with slope analysis
maps, architects can work together
with clubs to determine the best
method and solution for altering
green contours, while still preserving
the fine details and nuances.
Staking out and beta testing
Architects can now stake out
proposed design elements without
any uncertainty, and beta test them
with their clients. Elements such as
new tees, bunkers, hazards, fairway
expansions and green alterations can
be laid out well prior to producing
construction documents. The process
is not only beneficial to architects,
but allows members and clients to
become more connected with the
proposed changes and gives the
architect valuable feedback prior to
fully committing to implementing the
elements into the final design.
GPS technology
|
Patrick Burton, ASGCA Associate
GPS for
golf design
INSIGHT
18
|
By Design
Golf course architects employ a range of
sophisticated technologies to assist their work.
Patrick Burton, ASGCA Associate, highlights
how GPS is being used in golf design