Client
Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA)
Project Type
Airport Infrastructure Survey
Location
Toronto Pearson International Airport, Mississauga, Ontario
Date
2003
Project Overview
Krcmar Surveyors was retained by the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) to locate and profile the Runway 06L Approach Lighting System at Toronto Pearson International Airport. The project involved collecting precise horizontal and vertical survey data for approach light towers, inset lights, runway edge lights, concrete bases, and ground elevations extending from the runway threshold to Bar 24.
The completed survey provided critical information required to support airport infrastructure planning, maintenance, and future improvements. Given the operational nature of the airport environment, the project required a high degree of coordination, accuracy, and adaptability.
Project Snapshot
- Runway 06L Approach Lighting System
- 24 approach lighting bars
- Runway edge lights, approach towers, and concrete bases
- Adherence to airport operational and safety requirements
Deliverables & Plan Types
- Infrastructure & Topographic Surveys
- Certified Survey Plots & Field Notes
- Digital Photography
- Supporting Documentation
Field Hardware & Software Used
- GPS Equipment
- Reflectorless Total Station
- CAD Drafting Software
- GTAA Mapping & Survey Data Integration
Quality Control Procedures
- Verification of light spacing against 1.5m design criteria
- Comparison to existing GTAA survey datasets
- Horizontal and vertical control validation
- Review of source coordinate and monument data provided by GTAA
Unique Project Challenges
Surveying within an active international airport presented a number of logistical challenges. Access to the approach lighting system was dependent on scheduled runway closures, several of which were cancelled during the project. As a result, survey crews were required to continually adjust their work plan to accommodate changing airport operations while maintaining project timelines.
Additional complexity arose when portions of the data acquisition had to begin before the complete control network was established due to runway access restrictions. Working within a highly controlled airside environment also required coordination with GTAA personnel and adherence to strict operational requirements.
To ensure the reliability of the survey data, Krcmar implemented rigorous quality control procedures throughout the project. Light spacing was verified against the design requirement of 1.5 metres and compared against existing GTAA datasets. Despite the operational constraints, the project was completed while maintaining exceptional survey accuracy.
Accuracy & Quality Control
A combination of GPS technology and reflectorless total station technology was used to complete the survey. The control network closed within one centimetre of the position of the lights, while calculated accuracies for the reflectorless survey measurements were within 0.020 to 0.025 metres.
Outcome
Krcmar successfully completed the survey and profiling of the Runway 06L Approach Lighting System, delivering accurate positional and elevation data, survey plots, certified field notes, digital photography, and supporting documentation to the GTAA.
The project demonstrated Krcmar’s ability to perform highly accurate survey work within complex operational environments while adapting to changing site conditions, access restrictions, and demanding project requirements. Through careful planning, rigorous quality control, and technical expertise, Krcmar delivered the information required to support the ongoing operation and development of Canada’s busiest airport.