What is a Total Station?
A Total Station is a surveying instrument used to measure any angle, horizontal, vertical or slope, from any given point. A Total Station is also used to measure the distance of a target object from any given point.
Total Station Summary
In the field of construction and survey, there is a need for perfection and precision. This begins while surveying a plot for construction. There can be no room for errors. Errors can cause damage and delay. Errors lead to customer dissatisfaction and most importantly errors cost a lot! There are certain measures to be taken to ensure errors don’t happen. Using reliable instruments for calculations and validating the results is necessary. These instruments provide accurate and precise results that help engineers to execute their construction plans without any second thoughts. So, it is wise to invest in these versatile instruments rather than pay a lot for correcting the errors which could be very expensive if at all possible.
This article explains about Total Stations, their features, their working and their benefits.
Total Station Components
A Total Station is a versatile device. It combines a high-resolution surveying camera, digital imaging and a 3-dimensional scanner into a single piece of instrument.
Total Station Working
The Total Station has a diode that emits infrared signals that travel to the target object and are reflected to the instrument by the object itself or a prism reflector. The signals that return to the instrument are analyzed and the distance or the angles are calculated accordingly with the help of a computerized system. Generally, a total station can measure a distance up to 1.5 km.
Total Station Calculation
The calculation of the distance of a target object from a given point is done by the formula,
Distance = Time taken * Velocity
Where,
Distance is the distance of the target object from the point.
Time taken is the time taken by the infrared wave to cover the distance.
Velocity is the velocity of the wave.
The calculation of angles is done in a total station trigonometrically and by using triangulation methods.
Total Station Features
- The most unique feature of a Total station is that it can be used as a total station, a theodolite and a distance meter.
- It performs the job of all three instruments.
- It is considered an all-in-one handy device that can be used to get several jobs done.
- It is a wise investment as buying three different tools for various jobs may prove expensive when you can get everything in one tool.
- It can be used as an electronic distance meter for measuring target objects’ whose range is longer.
- The scanner used in a Total Station is highly efficient and accurate.
- It also has adequate software support for the operation.
- It has a high-resolution camera and digital imaging.
Total Station & Its Types
The types of total stations are categorized based on their applications, working and cost. Earlier, models with prisms were used. These are still used, but the modern versions are the ones that are commonly preferred by engineers. Some of the modern types of Total Stations are,
• Manual Total Stations
As the name suggests, these Total Stations are operated manually. They are often used by engineers who have a limited budget and if the project is a considerably smaller one. They provide consistent results but the accuracy of the Manual total stations may not be as good as the automated one. There is no automation in a Manual Total Station and due to this fact, it requires two people to work on the operation.
• Modern Total Stations
Newer versions of Total Stations are completely computerized and can be operated by a single person. It does not have a reflector or a prism. This feature enables the Total Station to work in rough environmental conditions and harsh climatic conditions. They are less sensitive to both the above conditions. They require less maintenance.
• Automatic or Robotic Total Stations
These are completely automated and use hi-tech software for operation. They have many versions. They come with or without prisms. They can be operated remotely. They provide highly accurate results. The results are very consistent and re-reading may not be necessary.
Total Station & Its Advantages
A Total Station has many advantages and literally no big disadvantages that need to be evaluated. The following are some of the advantages of Total Stations.
• Lightweight
The Total Stations are lightweight and convenient to use. Unlike other heavy surveying equipment, they are easy to handle.
• Portable
The Total Station is portable and can be carried around to sites easily. It is very handy.
• Easy to Use
The operating procedure of a Total Station is very simple. The instrument needs no prior knowledge or acumen for operation.
• Accurate
Total Stations Provide highly accurate and dependable results.
• Consistent
The results of a Total Station are fairly consistent and need no recalibrating or cross-verification.
• Quick
Total Stations provide results in a very short time and prove useful to those who work on projects that are time-bound.
• Software Assisted
Modern Total Stations are fully automated and computerized. They are supported by good software applications.
Total Station & Its Applications
Total Stations are widely used in many fields. In fact, they are used in almost every field that requires accurate measurements of objects from a given point. Some of the applications of the Total Station are,
1. Land surveying
2. Road surveys and highway construction
3. Layout and boundary surveys
4. Construction of buildings
5. Construction of tanks
6. Interior designing
7. Electrical surveys
8. Waterline surveys
9. Architecture
10. Geological surveys
11. Oceanological surveys
12. Mining surveys
13. Aeronautics
14. Sports
15. Air crash and road accident investigations
Choosing the Right Brand for Your Total Station
Before choosing your Total Station, you must do adept research. Buying a Total Station involves checking the models, its features, the price, the warranty provided by the manufacturer, etc. All these points of a Total Station are to be considered carefully before investing money. The right Total Station will prove very useful to an engineer.
If you have any questions about Total Stations by Leica, Sokkia and CHC, then fill out the contact form give below. We will get back to you within 24 hours.
