A total station is a piece of surveying equipment used to measure horizontal and vertical angles and the slope from an object to the instrument. It combines electromagnetic distance measuring (EDM) and an electronic theodolite. It also has a CPU with a memory unit for recording data, reading data, and doing basic measurement calculations.
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>Cantilever Bridge | Cantilever Bridge Advantages and Disadvantages | Cantilever Bridge InformationComponents of a Total Station
TotalStation is a lightweight instrument weighing between 50 and 55 N. It comprises an EDM for measuring distance, a Theodolite for calculating angles, and a straightforward microprocessor. The following are the elements utilized in total station surveying:- The total station is supported by a tripod.
- a digital journal used to capture, compute, and even manipulate field data
- A triple prism can measure lengths of up to 2 km and up to 6-7 km using prisms and prism poles.
- Battery
Approximately 40 different models are currently on the market. The surveying industry's most popular tool right now is the total station. The least expensive instrument costs between 2000 and 2500 dollars. One of the most well-known total-station producers is Leica.
Basic Steps involved in Totalstation surveying
Step-1: Setting up the tripod and the instrumentStep-2: Using a "bull's eye bubble" to roughly level the instrument is followed by electronic leveling verification.
Step-3: reticle focus and image adjustment.
Step-4: keeping track of every measurement
Step-5: Data Processing
Functions of Total-Station
Angle Measurement:
The device's electronic theodolite measures angles in horizontal and vertical directions with 2–6 seconds accuracy. Any direction can be used as a reference for horizontal angle measurement. The upward direction is used as a reference when measuring angles vertically.Distance Measurement in TotalStation:
The Electronic Distance Measuring (EDM) instrument of the total station is used to measure the distance with an accuracy of 5–10 mm per km. EDM has a range that ranges from 2.8 to 4.2 km.
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Data Processing:
The device, known as a microprocessor, computes horizontal distances along with X, Y, and Z coordinates. As a result, the microprocessor makes the necessary corrections to the measurements when atmospheric temperature and pressure are considered.
A wide range of software on the market can be used to post-process the device outputs. Manufacturers typically offer software that enables exporting survey results into different formats. As a result, the output can be imported into CAD programs or programs like MX Roads.
Advantages of Total Station
The primary benefit of using a Total station is reducing field labor time. All regional languages are supported and understood by it. Using a laser plummet, the instrument can be set up on a tripod quickly and easily. Compared to other traditional surveying instruments, the measurement accuracy is significantly higher.
By using Total Station, old maps can be computerized. The computed data can be transferred to the computer and simultaneously saved. Since everything is computerized, there can be no writing or recording errors. Making maps and plotting contour lines are other tasks that can be accomplished with the aid of data gathered from the T total station. It is also possible to make temperature and pressure corrections.
Disadvantages
Before using the total station, the surveyor should ensure that it is in good working order. The instrument's cost is higher than that of the other surveying tools. The surveyor has a little trouble checking for mistakes or other things while the operation is going on. It is a sophisticated instrument, so trained surveyors must handle it.Read More
Applications of Total station
- The general purpose of angle and distance measurements.
- Plotting of contours
- Illustration of detailed maps
- Carrying out controlled surveys
- Archaeologists use a total station to record excavations
- Police use it in crime scene investigations to take measurements of the scene
- Used to fix the missing pillars
- Remote Distance Measurement (RDM)
- Missing Line Measurement (MLM)
- Remote Elevation Measurement (REM)