Chapter # 09

Total Station

9.1 Introduction

A total station is an electronic/optical instrument used in modern

surveying and building construction. The total station is an
electronic theodolite (transit) integrated with an electronic
distance meter (EDM) to read slope distances from the instrument
to a particular point and software running on an external
computer known as a data collector. With the aid of trigonometry,
the angles and distances may be used to calculate the actual
positions (x, y, and z or northing, easting and elevation) of
surveyed points in absolute terms.
– Beginning in about 1980, an EDM component, which also had
been improved to enable automatic readout, was combined
with an electronic theodolite to create a single instrument
called the total station.

– The functions of the distance and angle measuring components

were controlled by an interfaced computer.

– Modern total station instruments can now make slope distance

measurements, automatically display the results, and also store
the data in the computer memory.
– They can also measure angles both in horizontal planes and
vertical planes, and again the results can be automatically
displayed and stored.

– The on-board computer can use these measured data in real

time to resolve horizontal and vertical distances, to calculate
the positions and elevations of points, or to set points for
construction projects.

– Total station instruments are probably the most commonly used

and important instruments in modern surveying today, having
practically replaced all transits, theodolites, and stand alone

EDM instruments.
 – With a total station one may determine angles and distances
from the instrument to points to be surveyed. With the aid of
trigonometry and triangulation, the angles and distances may
be used to calculate the coordinates of actual positions (X, Y,
and Z or northing, easting and elevation) of surveyed points, or
the position of the instrument from known points, in absolute
terms.
– The data may be downloaded from the theodolite to an
external computer and application software will generate a
map of the surveyed area.
Robotic total stations allow the operator to control the instrument from a
distance via remote control. This eliminates the need for an assistant staff
member as the operator holds the reflector and controls the total station from
the observed point.
• Components of a Total Station
– EDM
– Electronic theodolite
– On-Board Micro-processor
– Data Collector (built in or separate unit)
– Data Storage (internal or memory card)
– Prisms
– Keyboard and display
– Battery
Parts of the SET Total Station
Parts of the SET Total Station Contd….
Micro-processor

– Averages multiple angle measurements

– Averages multiple distance measurements
– Computes horizontal and vertical distances
– Corrections for temp, pressure and humidity
– Computes inverses, polar, resections
– Computes X, Y and Z coordinates
 Brief Description of Important Operations

• Distance Measurement:

Electronic distance measuring (EDM) instrument is a major part

of total station. Its range varies from 2.8 km to 4.2 km. The
accuracy of measurement varies from 5 mm to 10 mm per km
measurement. They are used with automatic target recognisers.
The distance measured is always sloping distance from
instrument to the object.
Angle Measurements:

The electronic theodolite part of total station is used for

measuring vertical and horizontal angle. For measurement of
horizontal angles any convenient direction may be taken as
reference direction. For vertical angle measurement vertical
upward (zenith) direction is taken as reference direction. The
accuracy of angle measurement varies from 2 to 6 seconds.

When the slope distance L and slope angle φ is measured by

EDM, if the elevation of point A is the reference point, we can
find the elevation of point B by the following formula.
Elevation of Point B = Elevation of Point A + HI ± L sinφ - HR
• Data Processing :

This instrument is provided with an inbuilt

microprocessor. The microprocessor averages multiple
observations. With the help of slope distance and
vertical and horizontal angles measured, when height
of axis of instrument and targets are supplied, the
microprocessor computes the horizontal distance and
X, Y, Z coordinates. The processor is capable of applying
temperature and pressure corrections to the
measurements, if atmospheric temperature and
pressures are supplied.
 •Display:
Electronic display unit is capable of displaying various values
when respective keys are pressed. The system is capable of
displaying horizontal distance, vertical distance, horizontal and
vertical angles, difference in elevations of two observed points
and all the three coordinates of the observed points.

• Electronic Book
Each point data can be stored in an electronic note book
(like compact disc). The capacity of electronic note book
varies from 2000 points to 4000 points data. Surveyor can
unload the data stored in note book to computer and
reuse the note book.
9.2 Features of total stations

Total stations are capable of measuring angles and distances

simultaneously and combine an electronic theodolite with a
distance measuring system and a microprocessor.

a) Angle measurement
b) Distance measurement
c) Keyboard and display
d) Software applications
e) Motorised total stations
f) Robotic total stations
g) Electronic data recording and processing
a) Angle Measurement

All the components of the total stations are described in the

previous. The axis configuration is identical and comprises the
vertical axis, the tilting axis and line of sight (or collimation). The
other components include the tribatch with leveling foot screws,
the keyboard with display and the telescope which is mounted on
the standards and which rotates around the tilting axis. Leveling is
carried out in the same way as for a theodolite by adjusting to
centralize a plate level or electronic bubble. The telescope can be
transited and used in the face left (or face I) and face right (or
face II) positions. Horizontal rotation of the total station about the
vertical axis is controlled by a horizontal clamp and tangent screw
and rotation of the telescope about the tilting axis.
b) Distance Measurement
All total stations will measure a slope distance which the onboard
computer uses, together with the zenith angle recorded by the
line of sight to calculate the horizontal distance. For distances
taken to a prism or reflecting foil, the most accurate is precise
measurement. For phase shift system, a typical specification for
this is a measurement time of about 1-2s, an accuracy of (2mm +
2ppm) and a range of 3-5km to a single prism. Although all
manufacturers quote ranges of several kilometers to a single
prism. For those construction projects where long distances are
required to be measured, GPS methods are used in preference to
total stations. There is no standard difference at which the change
from one to the other occurs, as this will depend on a number of
factors, including the accuracy required and the site topography.

[ppm (part per million) is equivalent to an additional error of 1mm

for every kilometre measured.]
 Slope and Horizontal Distances
• Both the phase shift and pulsed laser methods will measure a
slope distance L from the total station along the line of sight to a
reflector or target. For most surveys the horizontal distance D is
required as well as the vertical component V of the slope
distance.
 Slope and Horizontal Distances cond….

• Horizontal Distance D = L cosα = L sin z

• Vertical Distance = V = L sinα = L cos z
Where α is the vertical angle and z is the is the zenith
angle. As far as the user is concerned, these calculations
are seldom done because the total station will either
display D and V automatically or will display L first and
then D and V after pressing buttons.
 c) Keyboard and display

• A total station is activated through its control panel, which

consists of a keyboard and multiple line LCD. A number of
instruments have two control panels, one on each face, which
makes them easier to use.
• In addition to controlling the total station, the keyboard is often
used to code data generated by the instrument – this code will be
used to identify the object being measured.
• On some total stations it is possible to detach the keyboard and
interchange them with other total stations and with GPS
receivers. This is called integrated surveying.
c) Keyboard and display contd…
d) Software Applications

• The micro processor built into the total station is a small computer and
its main function is controlling the measurement of angles and
distances. The LCD screen guides the operator while taking these
measurements.
• The built in computer can be used for the operator to carry out
calibration checks on the instrument.
• The software applications available on many total stations include the
following:
• -Slope corrections and reduced levels
• -Horizontal circle orientation
• -Coordinate measurement
• -Traverse measurements
• -Resection (or free stationing)
• -Missing line measurement
• -Remote elevation measurement
• -Areas
• -Setting out
e) Motorised total stations

• The latest generation of total stations have many of the features

described in the previous section but are also fitted with servo-
motors which control their horizontal and vertical movement.
These are called motorised total stations – as shown below.

• When using these instruments the operator does not have to

look through the telescope to align the prism or a target because
of the servo-motors. This has a number of advantages over a
manually pointed system, since a motorised total station can aim
and point quicker, and achieve better precision.

• An automatic target recognition sensors are required for these

types of total stations.
f) Robotic total stations

• Although all motorised total stations can be used as

conventional instruments might be, their full potential is
realised when they are remote controlled and used as robotic
total stations.

• By providing remote control of the total station from the

prism, these are surveying systems that permit single-user
operation for either mapping or setting out.
g) Electronic data recording and processing

• A number of different devices for recording data electronically

are used. These include data collectors (handheld computer),
field computers which are laptops and tablet computers
which are adapted to survey data collection.
Key Features of Total Stations
The theodolite is offering a complete product family. It is easy for a user to
switch between models without learning a new operation.
1. Absolute circle reading
2. Excellent hardware features, such as laser plummet, endless drives on both
sides for Hz and V, brilliant optics with 30x magnification.
3. Dual-Axis compensation for reliable Hz and V reading.
4. New and intuitive software.
5. Unique leveling guidance for fast and convenient setup.
6. High resolution LCD display.
7. Audible notice for 90° turns and layout.
8. Electronic laser distance measurement.
9. Free set-up possible straight from blueprint.
10. Graphic sketches.
11. Hassle-free EDM measurement with red laser on any target or on the flat-
prism.
12. Enter the data at the office and simply call it up at the site.
13. Upload and transfer data via on board data connection.
14. Data editing and exchange in Total Stations.
15. Connectivity to 3rd party devices.
9.4 Field Procedure for Total Station in Topographic Surveying
1. Prior to Physical Setup of the Total Station
2. Tripod Setup
3. Mounting the Total Station
4. Setting up (Leveling) the Total Station
a) Centering
b) Leveling
c) Focusing
5. Setting up Prism over the Station
6. Powering Up the Total Station
7. Powering Up the Palmtop Computer
8. Communication Techniques
9. Coding Specific Points
10. Data Downloading, Manipulation and Software
11. Preparation of Maps
 Leveling the Total Station

• Leveling the Total Station must be accomplished to sufficient

accuracy otherwise the instrument will not report results
• Leveling the instrument takes 30 to 45 minutes
- make sure you can see all targets from the instrument
station before going through the process
Step 1: Tripod Setup

• Tripod legs should be

equally spaced

• Tripod head should be

Approximately level

• Head should be directly

over survey point
Step 2: Mount Instrument on Tripod

• Place Instrument on Tripod

• Secure with centering screw

while bracing the instrument
with the other hand

• Insert battery in instrument

before leveling
Step 3: Focus on Survey Point

• Focus the optical plummet on the survey point

 Step 4: Leveling the Instrument

• Adjust the leveling foot screws

to center the survey point in
the optical plummet reticle

• Center the bubble in the

circular level by adjusting the
tripod legs
Step 4: Leveling …
• Loosen the horizontal clamp and turn instrument until plate
level is parallel to 2 of the leveling foot screws
• Center the bubble using the leveling screws- the bubble moves
toward the screw that is turned clockwise
• Rotate the instrument 90 degrees and level using the 3rd
leveling screw
Step 4: Leveling …

• Observe the survey point in the optical plummet and center

the point by loosening the centering screw and sliding the
entire instrument

• After re-tightening the centering screw check to make sure

the plate level bubble is level in several directions
 Step 5: Electronically Verify Leveling

• Turn on the instrument by pressing

and holding the “on” button (you
should hear an audible beep)
• The opening screen will be the
“MEAS” screen. Select the [Tilt]
function
• Adjust the foot level screws to
exactly center the electronic
“bubble”
• Rotate the instrument 90 degrees
and repeat
 Step 6: Adjust Image & Reticle Focus

• Release the horizontal & vertical clamps

and point telescope to a featureless light
background
• Adjust the reticule (i.e. cross-hair) focus
adjustment until reticle image is sharply
focused
• Point telescope to target and adjust the
focus ring until target is focused
• Move your head from side-to-side to test
for image shift (i.e. parallax). Repeat the
reticle focus step if parallax is significant
• NOTE: When the instrument operator
changes the reticle focus may need to be
adjusted
Measuring the Height of An Object
Level the instrument at a site where the target can be viewed through the
telescope and the mirror target can be setup directly below the target After
powering on the instrument select “REM” from “MEAS” > “Menu”.

Ht = h1 + h2
h2 =S (sinθz1) (cotθz2) – S (cosθz1)
NOTE: Instrument height does not affect this calculation
Advantages of Using Total Stations

1. Field work is carried out very fast.

2. Accuracy of measurement is high.
3. Manual errors involved in reading and recording are eliminated.
4. Calculation of coordinates is very fast and accurate. Even
corrections for temperature and pressure are automatically
made.
5. Computers can be employed for map making and plotting
contour and cross-sections. Contour intervals and scales can be
changed in no time.
THANK YOU

???

The End