HOLME? & Naw ee ros MEERS godt NO GAO Field Procedure Reproduced from the holdings of the National Archives Pacific Southwest Region A reconnaissance of all locations involved was made and markers set for the triangulation stations, Actual observing on this survey started in October, 1949. The observing party consisted of an observer, recorder and a varying number ~ of light tenders. The party was quartered on an L..T. which moved to conven= dent points in the lagoon as required. An L.C.M. and a DUKW were used for trans- portation to the stations, and when practical, planes were used between the islands . having landing strips. Four Bilby steel towers were available for the survey and were moved to ner - Stations aa the survey progressed. structed of wood, experienced, Where low towers could be used they were con=- The towers were adequately braced and little vibration was All observing was at night using lights for targets. A W4la T+2 theodolite was used for observing and found to be very satisfactory. Sonedif- as ficulty was experienced with the exterior lighting probably due to moisture. Station lights were constructed from U.S, Navy battle lamps by installing a reostat. This made it possible to dim the lights to correct intensity and they made a satisfactory target. Continuous inter-station communications were considered necessary due to the remote location of the stations, portable radios. This was realized by using U.S. Ary Type 619 Considerable time was saved by this means of communication as the light intensity could be adjusted instantly and changes in plans could be transmitted to all personnel involved. This was often necessary due to weather con= ditions. The observing was done at a period of the year when considerable rain and high wind velocity was experienced. Some time was lost due toe weather both in being unab le to get to the stations and poor visibility while occupying the stations. | } Water transportation was ad quate but necessarily slow and the personnel were usually away from the base of operations fourteen to sixteen hours. : /0