Total Station Survey - Everything You Need to Know

If you're involved in the construction industry, you know how important it is to have accurate measurements of your site. That's where total station surveys come in. Total station surveys are a type of surveying technique that uses advanced technology to measure distance, angles, and elevation.

A total station is a modern surveying instrument that most surveyors use these days. It is a valuable piece of equipment that not only allows you to produce accurate measures but also do it faster and more conveniently. 

A total station for surveying is the one piece of equipment you are going to want to invest in, particularly if you are a serious land surveyor. For that reason, we will explain all the details that come along with using one.

What is a Total Station Survey?

A total station survey is a type of surveying technique that uses a combination of electronic distance measurement (EDM) and electronic angle measurement (EAM) to accurately measure distance, angles, and elevation. Total stations are advanced pieces of surveying equipment that combine a theodolite, EDM, and data collector all in one unit.

Total stations use a laser beam to measure distances to a target. By bouncing a laser beam off a prism or reflector, the total station can determine the distance from the unit to the target. It can also measure the angle between the unit and the target using an electronic angle measurement system.

What is a Total Station?

A total station represents a contemporary surveying device that merges an electronic theodolite with an electronic distance meter. The theodolite employs a movable telescope to measure angles horizontally and vertically. Traditionally, theodolites were manual instruments, available in transit and non-transit types. 

Total stations combine electronic transit theodolites with distance meters to determine slope distance from the instrument to specific points. Thus, they function as two crucial surveying instruments in one. When coupled with additional technologies like mapping software, total stations offer a comprehensive surveying solution, covering measurement to mapping.

How to use a Total Station?

Using a total station in surveying is a valuable piece of equipment that almost all surveyors should use. A total station comprises a telescope, computer, and reflector. The telescope aligns with a target, while the Electronic Distance Measurement (EDM) calculates the distance by sending a laser beam and measuring its reflection time. It includes an electronic theodolite for horizontal and vertical angle measurements. 

The total station survey procedure then involves computer processing data from both instruments, facilitating user access. Some models store data internally for easy transfer to external devices. Certain total stations connect with GPS receivers for enhanced survey accuracy, ideal for extensive projects.

 Variants like robotic total stations simplify operation with automated telescope movement and remote control. Meanwhile, 3D total stations offer comprehensive three-dimensional measurements, providing detailed survey insights, making the use of total station in surveying irreplaceable in some sort of situations. 

Manual Total Stations

Traditional total stations, known as manual total stations, have been utilized for years. These require a human operator to manually aim and capture measurements at each point. Subsequently, the surveyor records angle and distance data to compute point coordinates.

Manual total stations offer simplicity as a key advantage. They are user-friendly and necessitate minimal training. Additionally, they are cost-effective, making them suitable for budget-conscious surveyors and smaller projects. However, they do have drawbacks. Compared to robotic total stations, they operate at a slower pace and are susceptible to human errors.

Robotic Total Stations

Robotic total stations operate differently, employing a robotic arm to automatically aim and capture measurements at designated points. Surveyors manage the instrument remotely via a computer or handheld controller, allowing them to stay at a safe distance and take measurements conveniently.

Robotic total stations offer notable advantages, primarily in speed and efficiency. They acquire measurements quicker than manual counterparts and are less susceptible to human error, making them ideal for large-scale projects or when rapid data collection is necessary.

Additionally, robotic total stations demonstrate flexibility. They function in various environments, including challenging or hazardous ones, and can be programmed to follow specific survey plans or take measurements at set intervals. Integration with other equipment like GPS or laser scanners enhances data accuracy and detail.

However, robotic total stations come with drawbacks. They incur higher costs than manual alternatives and demand more total station survey training and expertise to operate effectively. Moreover, their complexity necessitates more maintenance compared to manual total stations.

Popular Total Stations

Why Use a Total Station Survey?

Total station surveys are a popular choice for many construction projects because they offer a high degree of accuracy and precision. Total stations can be used to measure and record a wide range of site data, including topography, elevation, and distance.

By using a total station survey, you can ensure that your construction project is based on accurate data and complies with all local regulations. Total stations also help save time and money by reducing the need for manual measurements and calculations.

Advantages of Using a Total Station

If you are not convinced by now how powerful a total station survey instrument is, here are more of its advancements that need to be mentioned.

• Efficiency: Total stations streamline operations by measuring horizontal and vertical angles, along with distances, in a single instrument, eliminating the necessity for multiple tools and saving time on-site.
• Accuracy: Total stations boast high precision levels, ensuring the reliability of collected data for detailed mapping and modeling purposes.
• Versatility: These instruments find application across various tasks such as layout, stakeout, and as-built surveys.
• Cost-effectiveness: Over the long term, total stations prove economical by eliminating the requirement for multiple instruments and reducing manual labor needs.
• Reduced human error: Equipped with automatic target recognition and remote control capabilities, total stations mitigate the risk of human error during measurements.

Total Station Survey Equipment

When it comes to total station survey equipment, there are a variety of options available to suit different project requirements. Some popular total station models include:

• Leica Total Stations
• Trimble Total Stations
• Topcon Total Stations

Conclusion

In conclusion, total station surveys are an essential tool for the construction industry, providing accurate and precise measurements of sites. By using a total station survey, you can ensure that your project is based on reliable data and complies with all local regulations.

Total Station Survey FAQ

For a few more titbits about total station surveys, check out the lines below.

What is a total station in survey?

A total station is a contemporary surveying instrument that combines an electronic theodolite and an electronic distance meter. The theodolite functions by using a movable telescope, which helps to measure the angles of both vertical and horizontal planes.

What is the difference between GPS and total station survey?

A total station survey has the advantage of providing high precision and coming with immense versatility. It is ideal for projects where accuracy is of immense importance. However, its limitations come with visibility and having a short range when measuring. On the other hand, a GNSS survey offers a much wider range for measuring and is especially useful in areas where low visibility is a factor.

How do you handle a total station survey?

Start by gathering up all of the necessary equipment, including stakes and tools. Then, establish a new point of reference with a temporary benchmark. After that, you can set up your tripod. Attach the tribrach and coarse-level tripod over the given benchmark. Make sure to make adjustments to the tribrach accordingly. Next comes setting up the total station on the tripod and connecting the power supply and the communication cable to it. Fire up the instruments and use the controller to fine-level everything. After that, you will be ready to conduct a survey with a total station.

How to do a topographic survey with a total station?

A topographic survey with a total station starts with the surveyor establishing control points on the ground, these are fixed and known reference points. You then position the total station at the starting point which then allows you to measure the distance and the angle of each of the control points.