If you are a civil engineer, surveyor, or working in construction, you probably know what a total station is. For those who ask, "what is the total station?" here is the answer.
It is a lightweight portable machine used to survey and measure horizontal and vertical angles and distances. The optical instrument has a camera that offers surveying, imaging, and 3D scanning.
It provides reliable measurements for analysis and engineering. Its components include electronic transit theodolite, electronic distance meter (EDM), microprocessor, and electronic data collector and storage system.
Additional equipment that is used with a total station includes tripods, tribrachs, prisms, and reflector poles.
Some of its advantages include:
It works under the principle that the coordinates of a point can be computed by the coordinate of the instrument position and bearing a backward station. It works by sending microwaves and infrared signals to the prism to the position you want to coordinate.
Manual or mechanical total station surveying requires two people to operate. It does not have a remote control or automatic features. You have to engage the EDM, move and sight the prism and manually turn the total station when laying out each point.
Two people must work as a team, one at the Total Station and a rodman to hold the prism at points around the site. Its display only shows angles and distances or coordinates. This total station is for use for small sites with fewer points.
A robotic total station surveying is more technologically advanced. It automatically follows the prism as it takes measurements. It offers remote control abilities and increased safety because it can operate at a distance. It can be paired with a tablet as a controller.
Robotic Total Stations offer greater accuracy because it offers certainty that the detail pole is held plum to reduce errors.
It is most often used on construction sites. It also can control machines such as dozers and excavators from a digital terrain map model.
Both manual and robotic total stations have prism models that are more widely used than reflector-less models. Prisms are used to reflect infrared waves to determine angles and distance by measuring the location of the prism.
Prism total stations used with the right software can easily make, in a straightforward manner, complete traverse networks.
Reflector-less can be manual or robotic total station and work without a prism. It works in difficult terrain and in places hard to reach by foot. It has advanced features and functions.
A two-man reflector-less total station does not need a prism but still requires a two-man team for setting out and surveying. It is possible to use without a rodman for some jobs, such as calculating excavation volume.
Civil engineers, those in construction and surveyors use them to gather information, such as topography, record natural features, or plan for roads, buildings, and boundaries. It is also used for building information modeling, meteorology, mining, and archaeological digs. Its functions include:
If you still questioning why you need total stations, click here.
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Quinn Equipment has been in business since 1967, working to distribute construction-related products. We can help you find the right tools for your company, business, and specific business needs. We are here to offer support whenever you need it.
Quinn Equipment offers Leica total station, both manual and robotic, to help cut your cost, collect precision data, save time and improve efficiency. We continue to supply products that make digging and building safe and efficient.
We are also Leica GeoSystems Building and Construction dealers of Robotic Total Station Solutions. Trust one of the well-known Leica total stations for your business. Leica Geosystems promise the highest accuracy and reliability and superb angle and distance technology. They also offer a powerful suite of apps onboard. The software provides the maximum productivity of your field data from collection to presentation.
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For more information how to pick the best total station for your business needs, click here.
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The secret to doing a great job is having the right tools for the job. With a high-quality total station, you have the power in your hands. Contact us for affordable prices and quality equipment.
