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Trilateration techniques use distance measurements to survey the spatial coordinates of unknown
positions. In practice, distances are measured with error, and statistical techniques can quantify the
uncertainty in the estimate of the unknown location. There are three methods for estimating the
three-dimensional position of a point via trilateration are presented: a linear least-squares
estimator, an iteratively reweighted least-squares estimator, and a non-linear least-squares
technique. In general, the non-linear least-squares technique performs best, but in some situations,
a linear estimator could, in theory, be constructed that would outperform it.

By excluding the need to measure angles, trilateration facilitates the implementation of fully
automated real-time positioning systems similar to the global positioning system (GPS). The
methods presented in this paper are tested in the context of a realistic positioning problem that was
posed by the Thunder Basin Coal Company in Wright, Wyoming.

Trilateration technique on x-y plane

The trilateration technique: Omnidirectional communication is advantageous in positioning since it

does not require precise alignment between a reference station and the MT to be located. A
reference station with the omnidirectional type of receiver can detect the MTs in the range at any
relative angle. Therefore, as an alternative to triangulation, trilateration (Thomas and Ros, 2005)
method was evolved which had the advantage of directional independence compared to
triangulation. Trilateration is a method of determining the relative positions of objects using the
geometry of triangles in a similar fashion as triangulation. But, unlike triangulation which uses angle
measurements together with at least one known distance to calculate the subject’s location,
trilateration uses the known locations of two or more reference points and the measured distance
between the subject and each reference point (Thapa and Case, 2003; Ciurana et al., 2007a).

In 2D trilateration, the position of an MT can be accurately and uniquely determined by measuring

distances from at least three reference points (Thomas and Ros, 2005; Thapa and Case, 2003).

However, other systems with only two reference points (Ciurana et al., 2007a) are also able to
determine two locations from which one is the actual location of an MT. The ambiguity of having
two probable locations for one MT is resolved by using advanced tracking strategies such as Markov
localization (Thrun, 2000) and Kalman filtering (Grewal and Andrews, 1993; Ciurana et al., 2007a, b)
where probabilistic methods have been employed.

Figure 2 shows the concept of trilateration on an x-y plane. Considering the two points of R1 and R2
as the two available reference points, the x coordinate of the mobile terminal MT can be obtained
from Eq. 4-6. However, the ambiguity in y coordinate can be resolved by referring to the third
reference point from which a unique y coordinate can be obtained Eq. 7.

Trilateration technique is advantageous in that it does not require any supply of knowledge e.g.,
direction, speed, acceleration, neither from the MT as needed in dead reckoning nor at the base
stations such as in triangulation. The system works independently from the mobile terminal to be
located as long as it is within the range of detection at any angle relative to the stations. This
particularly allows for omnidirectional kind of signal propagation and therefore a wide range of
applications in positioning and tracking.

Engineering surveys means all survey activities required to support the sound conception, planning,
design, construction, maintenance and operation of engineered projects, but exclude the surveying
of real property for the establishment of land boundaries, rights-of-way, easements and the
dependent or independent surveys or resurveys of the public land survey system

Trilateration, method of surveying in which the lengths of the sides of a triangle are measured,
usually by electronic means, and, from this information, angles are computed. By constructing a
series of triangles adjacent to one another, a surveyor can obtain other distances and angles that
would not otherwise be measurable. https://www.britannica.com/science/trilateration

  Engineering survey : To collect requisite data for planning, design and execution of engineering
projects. Three broad steps are

1)  Reconnaissance survey : To explore site conditions and availability of infrastructures.

2) Preliminary survey : To collect adequate data to prepare plan  /  map of area to be used for
planning and design.

3)  Location survey : To set out work on the ground for actual construction  / execution of the
project.

RECONNAISSANCE Reconnaissance for the engineering surveys should be part of the research for the
overall project. Research for engineering surveys and control surveys should be undertaken at the
same time.  Identify existing survey control in the area.  When necessary, plan a control survey
that will meet the requirements of the initial survey request as well as anticipated future project
surveying needs

Search the records and files of other government agencies, utility companies, and railroads for
information on facilities located in the project area. A simple, searchable, digital database can be
used for this purpose. Each record should contain the name of the agency or company, address,
phone numbers, and the name of contacts. Special care should be taken to keep contacts friendly.
Letters thanking cooperative staff go a long way to improving research efforts.
The equipment commonly used for this are theodolites, GNSS(GPS) and levelling instruments.  

Topographic or Detail Surveys

The purpose of topographic survey is to gather survey data about the natural and manmade features
of the land as well as its elevations.The work usually consists of the following establishing horizontal
and vertical control that will serve as reference points for the survey. The most accurate method of
establishing the vertical control is by levelling. Collecting enough horizontal and elevation of ground
points to provide enough data for plotting when the map is prepared. For example,  when surveying
for upgrading a taxi rank, the features to be located will be existing sidewalks, curbs, trees, island,
etc. And also for a road intersection features like kerbs, road marking (white/yellow lines), islands
will be located. Beside that, the position and shape of natural and manmade features that may be
required for the survey. And also calculating distances, angles and elevations.

Setting Out

This is done to construct a structure accurately according to a design. The most common procedure
is to establish a grid in relation to the design. Then, particular points are correctly staked out
physically on site either on exact position or at a particular offset as agreed amongst parties involved

As Built Surveys

This type of survey is carried out during or immediately after a construction project for record,
completion evaluation and payment purposes. An as built survey shows the location or position of
features that have been constructed and that are subject to completion evaluation. As built surveys
are usually compared to the design information. They show the difference between the constructed
or built information and the design.

Areas and Volumes

On an engineering site the measurement of areas is more often only a step in the determination of
volumes although occasions do arise when areas are only required for example;

Design and Costing : ‐ For capacity of the wall, volume of material within given limits, or volume
required to fill an empty space. All of these are determined by doing a survey and certain
calculations.