Application of new technologies and operational methodologies in mining sector targets to obtain a beneficial outcome in the long term. Instrumentation and monitoring systems for shafts, underground tunneling, storing faculties, etc. are often automated. Implemented systems provide data of mines state, integrated enhanced protection, and early warning solutions. Navigation and positioning in mines are deemed to be unstable in parts of mining tunnels when the external reference points are very far apart, thus significantly increasing the error of the internal network. This paper demonstrates a simulation of an innovative analytical and numerical solution for better positioning in the mines, yielding to increased accuracy of the control points, while reducing the time needed for performing measurements. Based on real tunnel dimensions, different control network configurations are tested. Statistical analysis of simulated environments and virtual measurements, created by combining various instrumentation, confirms cm-level positioning accuracy. The innovative approach to a mine control network design is based on involving fixed-length bars in the network design, gaining in shorter measurements sessions, but keeping homogeneous accuracy throughout the network. The concept is tested on 27 simulated network configurations, combining network points distribution and measurement accuracy of distances and angles. Obtained results and statistical analysis prove that consistent cm-level accuracy can be expected within the network. Extending the concept to space mining, which is becoming an attractive destination for chasing the rare-earth elements (REEs), this methodology will be a spin-off for space exploration mainly applicable in the Lunar lava tube positioning, which are the most secure place to settle the new human life.

Precise drilling and excavation in future Lunar mining sites as well as in building habitats areas will be supported by robotized instrumentation. To ensure accurate positioning of facilities or structures, customized surveying instruments will be used to perform measurements needed for calculating locations of surveyed objects. Precise positioning in unexplored areas is difficult, even on the Earth, with all available support. This issue becomes even more complex on the Moon’s surface, considering environmental conditions and the absence of Earth logistics. This paper solves a problem of centimeter-precision positioning on the Moon’s surface. The solution is called Lunar Regional Navigation Transceiver System (LRNTS). It is based on a network of transceiver facilities, holding onboard both navigation transmitters and receivers. Transmitting modules of LRNTS act in the same way as the Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) space segment, sending navigation messages to the receivers. Receiving modules are needed for self-calibration of LRNTS to calculate their coordinates. In this paper, 12 different LRNTS-simulated configuration setups within Shackleton Crater are tested against positioning accuracy and visibility along the crater. The results show that LRNTS of nine transceivers can achieve sub-centimeter horizontal and better than 2 cm vertical accuracy, with consistent visibility of six and more transceivers throughout the Shackleton Crater.

The existing topographic and cadastral maps of the former Yugoslav republics are in Gauss-Kr?ger projection on Bessel ellipsoid. For the collected GPS data to comply with the existing cartographic material, it is necessary to provide the transformation parameters from WGS84 to Bessel ellipsoid and according to the principles of cartographic mapping, to make mappings in the plane of the State Coordinate System (SCS). The aim of this research is to present the surveying activities necessary for the establishment and maintenance of digital cartographic basis, which is shown in the test area of ?VRSAC MOUNTAINS?, a Serbian region with outstanding characteristics. In order to establish a connection between the collected data, it is necessary to primarily calculate the parameters of transformation from WGS84 into the SCS. After the vectorisation of projected boundaries from bases made in the SCS, the transformation of vectorised boundary lines from SCS into the WGS84 is carried out, followed by staking the boundaries. To understand the fundamental differences in the methodology of using GPS receivers, it is important to emphasise that the concept of GPS determination of the coordinates is generally divided into absolute and relative positioning. If the correct procedure of GPS positioning, applied to certain environmental conditions, is not followed, the error up to 200 m could be expected. Conclusions are drawn about the selection of staking methods, related to the applied instruments and specific field conditions. The stakeout procedures are given in accordance with the principles of geodetic positioning.