Determination of the National Highpoint of Botswana using GNSS

TL;DR

This study accurately determined the highest peak in Botswana by using GNSS technology, resolving previous uncertainties between Otse Hill and Monalanong Hill.

Contribution

The paper presents the first precise GNSS-based elevation measurements to identify Botswana's highest peak, improving upon prior less accurate surveys.

Findings

Monalanong Hill is 1.87m taller than Otse Hill.

Monalanong Hill's elevation is 1492.12m above sea level.

Otse Hill's elevation is 1490.25m above sea level.

Abstract

Botswana has not previously been surveyed with sufficient accuracy to determine the highest peak in the country. Otse Hill and Monalanong Hill have been identified as the highest peaks, but there was uncertainty on which is highest. For this study, ground surveys were conducted on each of these peaks using an Abney level to identify the peak location and a GNSS unit to measure the elevation of each hill with sub-meter vertical accuracy. Monalanong Hill was measured to be 1.87m +/-0.02m taller than Otse hill, with an elevation of 1492.12m +/-0.01m (orthometric height, EGM2008 geoid, 95% confidence interval) above mean sea level (MSL). Otse Hill was measured to be 1490.25m +/-0.01m. Thus, Monalanong Hill is the highest hill in Botswana.