Top 10 Total Station Brand & Manufacturers

What is a Total Station?

A total station is a surveying instrument that combines the functions of an electronic theodolite and an electronic distance meter (EDM). It is used to measure angles and distances in a highly accurate and efficient manner. The data collected can be used to calculate the three - dimensional coordinates of points in a survey area, making it an essential tool for a wide range of surveying applications such as land surveying, construction layout, and topographic mapping.

History of the Total Station

• The development of the total station can be traced back to the evolution of surveying instruments. The traditional theodolite, which was used for angle measurement, and the EDM, for distance measurement, were separate tools. In the 1960s and 1970s, technological advancements led to the integration of these two functions into a single instrument, giving birth to the first total stations.
• Early total stations were relatively bulky and had limited capabilities compared to modern ones. They had mechanical components and less - advanced electronics. As electronics and computing technology improved, total stations became more compact, accurate, and feature - rich. The introduction of microprocessors allowed for more complex calculations and data storage within the instrument itself.
• Today, total stations are highly sophisticated. They come with advanced features such as digital imaging, wireless communication, and the ability to interface with other surveying and mapping software. These advancements have revolutionized the field of surveying and made the process more efficient and accurate.

Purpose of the Total Station

• Land Surveying: Total stations are used to map out the boundaries of land parcels. They can measure the angles and distances between points to accurately determine the shape and size of a piece of land. This information is crucial for property transactions, land - use planning, and resolving boundary disputes.
• Construction Layout: In construction projects, total stations are used to layout the positions of structures, foundations, and other elements. By accurately determining the coordinates of key points, contractors can ensure that the construction is in the correct location and alignment. For example, in building a high - rise, the total station helps in setting out the positions of columns and walls.
• Topographic Mapping: For creating topographic maps, total stations are used to measure the elevation and position of points on the earth's surface. The data collected can be used to generate contour maps that show the shape of the land, including hills, valleys, and slopes. This is important for civil engineering projects such as road and bridge design.
• Monitoring and Deformation Measurement: Total stations can be used to monitor the movement of structures over time. In areas prone to subsidence or in the case of large - scale infrastructure like dams and bridges, the instrument can measure small changes in position to detect any signs of deformation or instability.

Principle of the Total Station

The total station uses a combination of optical and electronic principles. For angle measurement, it functions like a theodolite. It has a telescope that can be rotated horizontally and vertically. The angles of rotation are measured using precision encoders. These encoders convert the mechanical movement of the telescope into electrical signals that represent the angular values. For distance measurement, the total station uses an EDM. The EDM emits a modulated light beam (usually infrared or laser) towards a target prism. The time it takes for the light to travel to the prism and back is measured. Using the speed of light and the measured time, the distance between the total station and the target is calculated. By combining the angle and distance measurements, the three - dimensional coordinates of the target point can be determined using trigonometric principles.

Features of the Total Station

• High - Precision Measurement: Total stations can measure angles with an accuracy of a few seconds of arc and distances with millimeter - level precision. This high precision allows for accurate determination of point coordinates and is essential for applications where tight tolerances are required, such as in the construction of precision - engineered structures.
• Digital Data Collection: They are capable of collecting and storing data digitally. The measured angles, distances, and other related information can be stored in the instrument's internal memory or on an external data storage device. This digital data can then be easily transferred to a computer for further processing and analysis.
• On - Board Software: Many total stations come with built - in software that can perform various calculations and functions. The software can calculate the coordinates of points, perform traverse closures, and even generate basic survey maps. This allows the surveyor to have immediate access to useful information in the field.[!--empirenews.page--]
• Remote Operation and Wireless Connectivity: Some advanced total stations can be operated remotely. The operator can control the instrument's functions such as aiming and measurement from a distance using a wireless device. Additionally, wireless connectivity enables the transfer of data to other devices or to a central server in real - time.
• Digital Imaging and Scanning: Modern total stations may have digital imaging capabilities. They can capture images of the survey area or the target points. Some can also perform 3D scanning, creating a point cloud of the surveyed objects. This additional visual information can enhance the surveying process and provide more context for the measured data.

Types of Total Station

• Robotic Total Station: A robotic total station can be remotely controlled and automated to a large extent. It can automatically track and measure targets, which is very useful in applications where continuous monitoring or large - scale surveys are required. The operator can control the instrument from a distance using a handheld controller or a computer.
• Manual Total Station: These are the more traditional type of total stations. The operator manually aims the telescope at the target points and initiates the measurements. They are suitable for smaller - scale surveys and in situations where a high level of operator control and precision is desired.
• Reflectorless Total Station: This type of total station can measure distances to targets without the need for a reflective prism. It uses the reflection of the emitted light beam from the surface of the target object itself. This is convenient for measuring distances to inaccessible or difficult - to - reach points, such as building facades or rock outcrops.

Precautions for using the Total Station

• Setup and Leveling: Proper setup and leveling of the total station are crucial for accurate measurements. The instrument must be placed on a stable tripod and leveled carefully using the built - in leveling screws. Even a small misalignment can lead to significant errors in the measured angles and coordinates.
• Atmospheric Conditions: The accuracy of distance measurements can be affected by atmospheric conditions such as temperature, humidity, and air pressure. Some total stations have built - in sensors to compensate for these effects, but it's still important to be aware of the conditions and make any necessary adjustments or corrections.
• Targeting and Prism Use: When using a prism, it must be properly aligned and clean to ensure accurate distance measurements. In the case of reflectorless measurements, the quality of the target surface and its reflectivity can affect the results. The operator should also ensure that the target is clearly visible and distinguishable from other objects in the field of view.
• Calibration and Maintenance: Regular calibration of the total station is essential to maintain its accuracy. The instrument should be calibrated according to the manufacturer's instructions and at recommended intervals. Additionally, proper maintenance such as keeping the optics clean and protecting the instrument from physical damage and harsh environmental conditions is necessary.

Things to consider when purchasing the Total Station

• Application Requirements: Determine the specific requirements of your surveying tasks, such as the scale of the surveys, the level of accuracy needed, the type of terrain, and the intended use of the data. Based on these requirements, select a total station with the appropriate measurement accuracy, range, and features such as robotic operation or reflectorless measurement capabilities.
• Type of Total Station: Consider the different types of total stations available, such as robotic, manual, or reflectorless. Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each type for your application. For example, if you are doing a large - scale construction project that requires continuous monitoring, a robotic total station may be more suitable. But for a small - scale land survey, a manual total station might be sufficient and more cost - effective.
• Performance Characteristics: Look at the performance parameters of the total station, such as the accuracy of angle and distance measurements, the maximum measurement range, the speed of measurement, and the data storage capacity. These characteristics should match the demands of your application to ensure efficient and reliable surveying.
• Cost and Budget: Establish a budget for the total station purchase. The cost can vary significantly depending on the type, performance, and brand of the instrument. Consider not only the initial purchase price but also the long - term costs such as calibration, maintenance, and potential software upgrades. Sometimes, a more expensive total station with better performance and reliability may be a more cost - effective choice in the long run.[!--empirenews.page--]
• Manufacturer Support and Training: Select a reputable manufacturer that provides good technical support and training. Operating and using a total station correctly requires technical knowledge, and the manufacturer should offer resources such as user manuals, online tutorials, and customer support to help you get the most out of the instrument.

Terms of the Total Station

• Theodolite: The part of the total station used for angle measurement. It consists of a telescope that can be rotated horizontally and vertically to measure azimuth and elevation angles.
• Electronic Distance Meter (EDM): The component that measures the distance between the total station and the target. It uses the time - of - flight principle of a light beam to calculate the distance.
• Prism: A reflective device used in conjunction with the total station's EDM to enhance the accuracy of distance measurements. The light beam from the EDM is reflected back by the prism to the instrument.
• Coordinate Calculation: The process of determining the three - dimensional coordinates of a point using the measured angles and distances from the total station. This is based on trigonometric principles and is a fundamental operation in surveying.
• Traverse: A series of connected survey lines whose lengths and angles are measured. Total stations are used to perform traverse surveys to establish the positions of points in a network.