AI violation from How to measure breaking waves from shore?

[Airbrush]

On 1/15/2025 at 9:15 PM, Markus Hanke said:

Maybe place a tethered buoy into the zone where the waves break? You could then just use an ordinary theodolite to determine how high the buoy is lifted by each breaking wave above standard sea level. Or even simpler, just place a precision GPS device on the buoy to read its height.

Thanks!  You got me thinking.  I asked ChatGPT how can a "total station" theodolite be used to measure the height of breaking waves from shore:

"Using a total station theodolite to measure the height of breaking waves is a clever application of surveying technology. Since a total station can measure both angles and distances with high precision, it can be adapted for this purpose with the right setup. Here's how it could be done:

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Step-by-Step Method to Measure Wave Heights:

1. Set Up the Total Station:

   • Position the total station on stable, elevated ground (like a pier, seawall, or coastal platform) where it has a clear line of sight to the area where waves are breaking.
   • Ensure the total station is leveled and properly calibrated.

2. Establish a Reference Point:

   • Identify a fixed point at sea level (like a tide gauge or a buoy with a known elevation) as your baseline reference.
   • Alternatively, use mean sea level as the reference point if the equipment allows for it.

3. Tracking the Breaking Wave:

   • As a wave approaches and breaks, use the total station's telescope to sight the crest of the wave.
   • Record the vertical angle (elevation) to the crest at the exact moment of breaking.
   • Simultaneously, the total station can measure the horizontal distance to the wave.

4. Calculating Wave Height:

   • Using the vertical angle and horizontal distance, apply basic trigonometry to calculate the height of the wave crest above sea level.

   Formula:

   Height=Distance × tan⁡(θ)\text{Height} = \text{Distance} \times \tan(\theta)Height=Distance×tan(θ)

   Where:

   • Distance = Horizontal distance from the total station to the wave.
   • θ (theta) = Vertical angle from the instrument to the wave crest.

5. Adjust for Total Station Height:

   • Subtract the height of the total station above sea level to get the actual wave height.

   Final Wave Height:

   Wave Height=(Distance×tan⁡(θ))−Instrument Height\text{Wave Height} = (\text{Distance} \times \tan(\theta)) - \text{Instrument Height}Wave Height=(Distance×tan(θ))−Instrument Height

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Practical Considerations:

• Accuracy: For the most accurate results, the total station should have a clear, unobstructed view, and atmospheric conditions (like refraction) should be considered.

• Automation: Some modern total stations can be set up with tracking capabilities to automatically follow moving objects like waves, but this depends on the equipment.

• Data Logging: Use a total station with data logging features to capture continuous wave measurements over time for analyzing wave patterns.

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Alternative Techniques:

While using a total station is precise, wave heights are also commonly measured with:

• Wave buoys equipped with GPS and accelerometers.
• Radar systems and LiDAR for remote sensing.
• High-speed cameras combined with photogrammetry.

However, a total station offers a solid, land-based method if you're looking for high-precision measurements in coastal studies or engineering projects.

Edited Tuesday at 06:04 PM by Airbrush

[studiot]

16 hours ago, Airbrush said:

Thanks!  You got me thinking.  I asked ChatGPT how can a "total station" theodolite be used to measure the height of breaking waves from shore:

"Using a total station theodolite to measure the height of breaking waves is a clever application of surveying technology. Since a total station can measure both angles and distances with high precision, it can be adapted for this purpose with the right setup. Here's how it could be done:

And did you ask Chat GPT why this method would yield fallacious answers ?

 

AI 0    .........    Surveyors 1

Edited Wednesday at 04:12 PM by studiot
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[swansont]

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