Automatic fluxgate theodolite in the Phase II of Chinese Meridian Project

Abstract

Absolute observation and relative record are two methods in geomagnetic station observation. The actual values of geomagnetic field elements can be obtained after the relative record data is corrected by baseline data. Fluxgate theodolite is one of the basic tools required to obtain baseline values and plays an important role in geomagnetic observations. At present, fluxgate theodolite used in stations requires manual operation, and human factors affect the observation data quality. Because absolute geomagnetic observation cannot be realized in remote areas or areas with harsh environments, some blank areas in the coverage of geomagnetic absolute observation exist. The second phase of the Chinese Meridian Project will carry out automatic geomagnetic absolute observation of magnetic declination and inclination for the first time in China's mainland, which will promote the innovation and development of geomagnetic absolute observation technology. The automatic fluxgate theodolite is a self-developed equipment from China for automatic observation of magnetic declination and inclination. It adopts non-magnetic materials and piezoelectric motors, effectively overcomes and eliminates the systematic errors by optimizing the design, improves the machining process, and compensates for the multi-parameter error algorithm, so as to ensure measurement accuracy. The equipment has been applied to long-term practical observation in stations such as Shexian Station in Hebei Province, Helong Station in Jilin Province, Qianling Station in Shanxi Province and Baijiatuan Station in Beijing. Compared with the observation results of artificial fluxgate theodolite in these stations, the results show that the main performance of the automatic fluxgate theodolite is the same as that of the artificial fluxgate theodolite. The equipment has also passed a precursor equipment standard test from the China Earthquake Administration, and its functions and performance meet the requirements of absolute geomagnetic observation for geomagnetic stations.

Keywords

• chinese meridian project
• geomagnetic monitoring
• automatic fluxgate theodolite
• measuring error