FACULTY OF GEOINFORMATION & REAL ESTATE

SGHU 2043
ENGINEERING SURVEY TECHNOLOGY
FIELD WORK REPORT:
FIELD CALIBRATION OF TOTAL STATION

PREPARED FOR:
PM DR SR. ZULKARNAINI MAT AMIN
Prepared By:
GROUP 02

GROUP MEMBER MATRIKS NO.

ELWON ARTHUR CHAW SX171568GHUF11

CHARLES JUSLIN SX171945GHUF11

JAMES OMAR SX171946GHUF11

JUBINAH BT. DAKUN SX171949GHUF11

CALEY JOUSIE AMIN SX171944GHUF11

1
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

In performing our report, we had to take the help and guideline of some respected
persons, who deserve our greatest gratitude. The completion of this report gives us much
Pleasure. We would like to show our gratitude Dr. Zulkarnaini Bin Mat Amin, Our
Engineering Survey technology‟s lecturer, for giving us a good guideline for report
throughout numerous cosultations. We would also like to expand our deepest gratitude to all
those who have directly and indirectly guided us and introduced us to the Methodology of
work. The report cannot be completed without efforts and co-operation from our group
members, James, Charles, Caley, Jubinah and Elwon. Many people, especially our classmates
and team members itself, have made valuable comment suggestions on this proposal which
gave us an inspiration to improve our report. We thank all the people for their help directly
and indirectly to complete our report.

2
LIST OF CONTENTS
NO. TITLE PAGE
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT II
LIST OF CONTENT III
1.0 INTRODUCTION 4
1.1 OBJECTIVES 5
1.2 THEORY OF CALIBRATION 6
1.2.1 Zero Error 6
1.2.2 Cyclic Error 6

2.0 METHODOLOGY 8

2.1 LIST OF INSTRUMENT/EQUIPMENT/HARDWARE 8-10

2.1.1 Field Calibration (Zero Correction) 11
2.1.2 Field Calibration (Cyclic Correction) 11
2.1.3 Automated Data Collection 11

2.2 SOFTWARE 12
2.2.1 CDS Procedure transferring, Processing And Export Data 12-23

2.3 PROCEDURE DATA COLLECTION 24

Determine of Zero Error 24
2.3.1 Determine of Cyclic Error 25
2.3.2 Automated Data Collected 26-28
2.3.3
3.0 RESULT AND ANALYSIS 29
3.1 Data Collected 29
3.1.1 Zero Correction 29
3.1.2 Cyclic Correction 29
3.1.3 Automated Data 30

3.2 Calculation Result 31

3.2.1 Cyclic Correction 31-32
3.2.2 Zero Correction 33-34

4.0 COMMENT 35
4.1 CONCLUSION 36
REFERENCES 37
APPENDIX

3
1.0 INTRODUCTION

Field work for Engineering Survey Technology SGHU2043 that required to carry out is to do
a calibration test on Electronic Distance Measurement (EDM). There are two calibration test
that we have to do which is at Cyclic error and Zero error. We Group do a field work on 14
October.
Calibration is important thing that we have to do before doing a field work because we have
to know that the error on the EDM instrument is. Because of error in the instrument can
causes error in measurement and calculation for misclosure. Before we do calibration test we
need to know what is type of calibration, how to calculate the calibration and so on.
A total station (EDM instrument) is a land survey instrument that need to be calibrate
regularly to ensure its performance and reliability. One of the calibration method of EDM is
to determine zero error. So, we carried out field calibration for determine zero error at flat
ground.
One of the calibration method of EDM is cyclic error. Cyclic error normally wil give a small
error to the instrument caused by non-linearity in amplitude modulation of the carrier wave
and phase measurement. Unwanted interference effects the transmitted signal onto the
received signal causes cyclic error. So, cyclic error has been done at around Institute Sinaran
building.

4
2.0 OBJECTIVES

i. To practice the EDM calibration field work method

ii. To determine EDM accuracy compared to equipment specification
iii. To conduct the EDM calibration by using two different methods
iv. To familiarize student with zero Error and Cyclic Error
v. To make sure students know the important of each calibration and method to
calculate each the calibration data.
vi. To familiarize student how to using total station equipment.

5
1.2 THEORY OF CALIBRATION
An Electronic Measurement (EDM) instrument is calibrated on the baseline to determine
instrument constant and errors. A siries of measurement on a baseline can also be used to
check the performance and reliability of the instrument to acces its precision against the
manufacturer‟s claims and specified minimum standard. Besides, calibration can also be
carried out by calibration.
There are number of source of error inherent in EDM equipment. The most influential
systematic errors, which may accur EDM instrument are;

1.2.1 Zero Constant or Index Error

All distances measured by a particular EDM instrument and reflector combination are
subject to a contants error; caused by three factors:
 Electrical delays, geometrical detours and accentricities in the instruments
 Differences between the electronic center and the mechanical center of the instrument;
 Differences between the optical and mechanical centers of the reflector.
This error may vary with changes of reflector, or after jolts, or with different instrument
mounting and after service. It is an algebraic constant to be applied directly to every
measurement.
Determination of zero error:
a) Test that involving a combination of instrument and prism
b) Isolation of prism error
c) Combination Test ~ at least three pickets planted on flat land the spacing between
the pickets as far as possible beyond the 50m and multiple of 10m. Setting and
centring of tripod and triback should be using “forced centering system”
The aim of design line are:
i. Not same spacing between the pickets
ii. Distance exceeding 50m to tackle the problem of inhomogeneity of
transmission signal.
iii. To ensure the cyclic error is the same by having multiple range.
d) Instrument ~ Zero correction for instrument can be determined separately if the
mirror is used in place of prism. Confirmation about the zero error of the prism can
also be determined by calculating the correction based on the dimensions of the
prism.

6
1.2.2 Cyclic Error

The precision of an EDM instrument is dependent on the precision of the internal phase
measurement. Unwanted interference either through electronic/optical cross talk or multi-path
effects of the transmitted signal onto the received signal causes cyclic error. The major form
of the cyclic error is sinusoidal with a wavelength equal to the unit length of the instrument.
The unit length is the scale on which the EDM instrument measures the distance, and is
derived from the fine measuring frequency. Unit length is equal to one half of the order of 5 –
10 mm, but it will vary depending on the actual length measured.
Cyclic error is caused by the non-linearity in amplitude modulation of the carrier wave and
phase measurement. This cyclic error varies across the modulated wavelength. For an
instrument in good adjustment this error is normally small. However, its presence must be
determined as an indication of the instrument's adjustment. Cyclic error is usually sinusoidal
in nature with a wavelength equal to the unit length of the EDM. The unit length is the scale
on which the EDM measures the distance, and is derived from the fine measuring frequency.
Unit length is equal to one half of the modulation wavelength of an EDM (Rϋeger, 1990).
As cyclic error repeats itself for every unit length contained within a measured distance, its
sign and magnitude varies depending on the length measured. The magnitude of the error
could be in the order of 5-10 mm, however in modern EDM instruments it is usually less than
2 mm (negligible). Cyclic error can increase in magnitude as an EDM‟s components age.
Cyclic error can be derived by a series of check measurements made on EDM bases. A series
of measurements is made from the first pillar and then a second series is made from second
pillar, which is at a distance (D) from the first pillar: D = (x + 0.5) U (1) where: U = the
instrument's unit length (m), x = an integer representing a whole number of unit lengths, then
cyclic error cancels out due to the errors affecting the distances being equal in magnitude but
opposite in sign. The index error and scale error can then be determined independent of the
cyclic error.

7
2.0 METHODOLOGY

2.1 LIST OF INSTRUMENT/EQUIPMENT/HARDWARE

 Total Station (Topcon GTS-239W)

Total station with built in an EDM function used to measure the Horizontal distance.

 Tripod

A Tripod is used to support and stabilize the Total Station and Prism.

8
 Prism

Prisms or reflector used to receive light beam (light wave) from Total station and reflect
back to the Total Station.

 Measuring Tape

Measuring tape used to measure distance to mark station on ground and measuring
equipment height

 Ranging Pole and Pole Bubble

Ranging pole and pole bubble attached with prism to collect topographic point

9
 Handheld GPS (GARMIN GPSMAP 64S)

Handheld GPS used to determine assumed coordinates, elevation and barometer value.

 Thermometer (Phone‟s Apps)

Thermometer used to shown approximate temperature and weather condition

 Barometer (Phone‟s Apps)

Barometer is used to measure the pressure during observation procedure

10
2.1.1 Field Calibration (Zero Correction)

 Total Station (GTS-239W)

 Tripod x 3
 Prism x 2
 Measuring Tape
 Thermometer
 Barometer
 Hammer, Nail, Peg

2.1.2 Field Calibration (Cyclic Correction)

 Total Station (GTS-239W)

 Tripod x 3
 Prism x 2
 Thermometer
 Barometer

2.1.3 Topographic Survey (Data Collect)

 Total Station (GTS-239W)

 Tripod x 2
 Prism x 2
 Ranging Pole and Pole Bubble x 1
 Measuring Tape
 Handheld GPS

11
2.2 SOFTWARE
2.2.1 CDS Software
 Transferring data to CDS

12
13
 Transferring Raw data to Stadia Data

14
15
16
 Processing Data

17
 Insert the symbol manually

18
 Create contours

19
20
 Exports CDS files to autocad software

21
22
23
2.3 PROCEDURE DATA COLLECTION
2.3.1 Determine Of Zero Error
1. Find a working area that is flat, measure a straight line about 50m by using measuring
tape.
2. Mark 3 point (A, B and C) along the measured line in which interval between A-B is
about 20m while B-C is about 30m.
3. Total station and prisms are set up almost to the same height.
4. Total station is set up at A, prisms are set up at B and C.
5. The environmental correction (ppm value) of Total Station is set to zero. Distance A-C
and A-B is measured. Each distance are required to measure for 5 times. At the same
time, temperature and pressure are measured by using thermometer and barometer of
phone.
6. All readings of data above and time during distance measurement was record into
booking sheet.
7. Repeat step 4 to 6 by set up total station at B while prisms at A and C. The distance
measured will be B-C and B-A.
8. Then, repeat step 4 to 6 by set up total station at C while prisms at A and B. The
distance measured will be C-A and C-B. FIGURE 1. Set-up for EDM and Prism 20m
30m A B C

FIGURE 1. Set-up for EDM and Prism

24
2.3.2 Determine of Cyclic Error
1. Set up the total station (EDM) about 100m away from the prism on wall in a straight line.
The height of total station and prism is required to be almost the same. For atmospheric
correction control (ppm) of total station, enter to 0, then the temperature and pressure will
become zero automatically.

FIGURE 2. Set-up for EDM and Prism

2. Along the 10m wall, there is a tape (line) for marking the point to put the prism at every
0.5m. Make sure the tribrach level and its position is on the centre of the tape. The bubble of
prism has to be centred

FIGURE 3. Marking interval for tribrach

3. After finish the set-up for EDM and prism, shoot the prism at every 0.5m interval which is
from 0.0m, 0.5m, 1.0m, 1.5m, 2.0m……until 10.0m and the distance from the EDM to the
prism has to be recorded. We have to shoot 5 times for each 0.5m interval to get the average
of the distance. 4. During each 0.5m interval of distance measurement, temperature and
pressure are also required to be measured by using thermometer and barometer application of
phone. 5. Distance, time, temperature and pressure are recorded into booking sheets.

25
2.3.3 Topographical Survey (Automated Data Collected)
Control and topographic surveys are performed to determine the planimetric location and/or
elevation of surface or subsurface features, facilities, or utilities. These surveys are normally
used to prepare highly detailed site plan maps (and digital databases) of a project site,
facilities, or utility infrastructure; for future design, on going construction, or as-built
condition. These surveys are performed over relatively small project sites using tripod-
mounted, manually operated, terrestrial survey equipment, such as transits, tapes, levels, plane
tables, electronic total stations, and GPS receivers.
We used the total station to carried out the topographical surveys. The procedures list down:

1. Press on the power button and press the menu button.

2. Then select DATA COLLECT by pressing the button F1, then enter the name of the job for
the project and press F4 to finish.

3 5

26
3. Press the [F1](OCC.PT# INPUT) key from the data collect menu 1/2 , F1 is used to enter the
information of your occupied station, press F1 and insert the code of the occupied station , name
off the occupied station and the height of the instrument .Then press F3 to save the information. If
you already prepared a coordinate for the occupied station , press F2 and search for the coordinate
for the station ,but for this practical we only used assumed coordinate.

6 7 8

4. Press the [F2](BACKSIGHT) key from the data collect menu 1/2.F2 is used to enter the
information of your back station , press F1 and insert the code of the back station , name off the
back station and the height of the instrument. To insert the coordinate for the back station do the
same step as (C) and press F4.

8 10 11

5. After pressing the F4 button , press the F3 button , and press F3 again , press F1 to insert the
back bearing for your back station then press F4 to conform the bearing. After inserting the
backsight bearing, point the total station at the backside prism and press F3 , then press F2. The
total station will measured the backsight station , after complete the total station is ready to start
the job.

12 13
14

27
 15

6. Press the [F3](FS/SS) key from the data collect menu 1/2. Then press F1 and put in the code
for your observation , the name of the data you will be collecting such as road ,tree ,GL and
insert the target height.Then press F3 and then press F2 , after completed move on to the next
data.

16 17 18

19

28
3.0 RESULT AND ANALYSIS
3.1 Data Collected
3.1.1 Zero Correction
Time 10.53am 10.56am 10.59am 11.01am
30 30 30 30
Preasure (mb) 1013 1013 1013 1013
Mark A-B A-C B-C B-A
1 29.986 69.997 40.009 29.984
2 29.986 69.997 40.009 29.985
3 29.986 69.997 40.009 29.984
4 29.985 69.997 40.009 29.984
5 29.984 69.996 40.009 29.984
Mean Observed
29.985 69.997 40.009 29.984
Value(m)

3.1.2 Cyclic Correction

Time 9.30 9.31 9.33 9.34 9.36
29 29 29 29 29
Preasure (mb) 1013 1013 1013 1013 1013
Mark 1 2 3 4 5
1 80.142 80.644 81.138 81.638 82.139
2 80.142 80.644 81.138 81.639 82.140
3 80.142 80.645 81.138 81.638 82.140
4 80.142 80.644 81.139 81.638 82.140
5 80.142 80.644 81.139 81.638 82.140
Mean Observed
80.142 80.644 81.138 81.638 82.140
Value(m)

Time 9.38 9.41 9.42 9.43 9.45

29 30 30 30 30
Preasure (mb) 1013 1013 1013 1013 1013
Mark 6 7 8 9 10
1 82.640 83.137 83.639 84.141 84.637
2 82.639 83.137 83.639 84.142 84.638
3 82.639 83.137 83.639 84.141 84.638
4 82.640 83.137 83.639 84.141 84.638
5 82.639 83.137 83.639 84.141 84.638
Mean Observed
82.639 83.137 83.639 84.141 84.638
Value (m)

29
3.1.3 Automated Data

30
 3.2 Calculation Result
3.2.1 Cyclic Correction

Mark Mean Error (m) Error

True
Observed Differences Linear
Value
(n) Values (m) xi xi-xbar metre Chart
(m)
(m) (mm)
1 80.142 0.000 0.00 0.0000000 0.0026667 0.0 2.7
2 80.644 0.502 0.50 0.0020000 0.0046667 0.5 4.7
3 81.138 0.996 1.00 -0.0040000 -0.0013333 1.0 -1.3
4 81.638 1.496 1.50 -0.0040000 -0.0013333 1.5 -1.3
5 82.14 1.998 2.00 -0.0020000 0.0006667 2.0 0.7
6 82.639 2.497 2.50 -0.0030000 -0.0003333 2.5 -0.3
7 83.137 2.995 3.00 -0.0050000 -0.0023333 3.0 -2.3
8 83.639 3.497 3.50 -0.0030000 -0.0003333 3.5 -0.3
9 84.141 3.999 4.00 -0.0010000 0.0016667 4.0 1.7
10 84.638 4.496 4.50 -0.0040000 -0.0013333 4.5 -1.3
-0.0240000

xi = -0.024
=
n-1 = 10-1 = 9

xbar = xi /n-1 =-0.00267

Calculation for the linear chart

(xi-xbar) x 1000 ; xi-xbar in meter
; Linear Chart Correction in mm

31
Estimated Cyclic Error determined by plotted estimated chart

CYCLIC ERROR
LINEAR AND ESTIMATED CHART
6.0
5.0
4.0
3.0
2.0
mm

1.0
0.0
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5
-1.0
-2.0
-3.0
Meter

Linear Chart (mm) Estimated Chart

Cyclic Error can be determined through estimated chart, which the valueis that intersect with
Y-Axis.
From the plotted estimated chart above
Cyclic error can be determined = +1.3mm = +0.0013m
 Estimated Cyclic correction

-(cyclic error) = -(+1.3mm)= -1.3mm = -0.0013m

32
3.2.2 Zero Correction

Time : 10.53

Temperature; t= 30℃

Pressure; p = 1013mb

Given specification used for calculation by refer to Total Station GTS-239w:

λ = 820nm = 0.820 μm
fMOD = 14985437Hz
U = 10m
Velocity of Light in vacuum, Co = 299792458msˉˡ

 Calculate the group refractive index,

-1) x = 287.604 + 3( )+5 )

-1) x = 287.604 + 3( )+5 )

= 1.000295022

 Calculate the group refractive index of light,

- 1) = -1)
) )

When t = 30 c & p=1013mb

)
- 1) = -1)
) )

- 1) = (1.000295022 – 1)

= 1.000265762

33
 Calculate the reference of refractive index of instrument,

=
)

= 1.000281801

 Calculate the atmospheric correction (First velocity correction), K’

K’ = d’ ( - )

For distance A-B; K’ = 29.985(1.000281801-1.000265762) = 0.001655923

A-C; K’ = 69.997(1.000281801-1.000265762) = 0.001122682
B-C; K’ = 40.009(1.000281801-1.000265762) = 0.000641704
B-A; K’ = 29.984(1.000281801-1.000265762) = 0.000480913

 Calculate the correction distance, d

d = d’ + K’
For distance A-B; d = 29.985 + 0.001655923 = 29.987
A-C; d = 69.997 + 0.001122682 = 69.998
B-C; d = 40.009 + 0.000641704 = 40.01
B-A; d = 29.984 + 0.000480913 = 29.984

34
4.0 Comment (Solving facing problem)
We faced problem in setting 0ppm for atmospheric setting of instrument since we
were not familiar at first. So, we asked or seek for help from coursemate and lecturer so that
we able to proceed the works.
During field calibration, cloudy weather and good only at the end of the measurement
drizzle. Therefore, we had try to use umbrella to cover above total station in order to cover the
total station. Then, we also faced problem in compute for the result correction.
Therefore, we tried to search for solution by refer to lecture‟s note, asking lecturer and
coursemate based on the problem. By having the help and advice, finally we able to complete
for the computation of result.For the estimated chart, we plotted it by hand drawing first
before plotted by using Excel.

35
4.1 CONCLUSION
EDM instrument calibration is very important for surveyors, surveyors and other users
of land measuring instruments, especially topographic appliances is important that all users
know the importance of permanent monitorisation of EDM instrument, meaning changes
depending on the type parameter measurement performed and especially depending on
environmental conditions. This article aims to put it briefly users of these devices on some
issues that should take into account before making topographic measurements, and especially
make a contribution to the field calibration using a geodesic based on pilasters. This is useful
because we can calibrate the accuracy and distance measurement error with some popular
benchmarks.

Our team, group 2 on 14th October 2018 (Sunday) had been carried out Field
Calibration (Cyclic and Scale Correction) of survey instrument (Topcon GTS-239W). From
this calibration, we were able to determine the cyclic error and zero error of total station
(Topcon GTS-239W) that we used. Although, Baseline Calibration was unable to be carried
out for determining of scale error and also zero error because of lack of facilities, we manage
to do Topographical Survey around the area of „Institute Sinaran‟ where field calibration test
carried out.
By obtaining the instrumental error of our Total Station, only we can obtain the
correction for each error to be applied for distance measured. The cyclic correction is
+1.3mm, zero correction is -1.0mm by field calibration.
By referring Zero Error from field calibration, accuracy of Total Station computed is
1.0mm ± However, the accuracy of Topcon GTS-239W Total Station can be up to 3mm ±
3ppm for prism EDM range. The difference in between accuracy of EDM measurement given
and by computed data may due to unknown accuracy of thermometer and pressure
applications in phone, data used (reference refractive index) for computation of result,
extensive used of instrument (condition of instrument and way to handle instrument by users),
and incorrectly estimated of the cyclic error.
Team effort was given by us in carried out field calibration, topographical survey,
computation of result, and completing the field report. Finally this report is completed 7
weeks after we carried out the calibration.

36
REFERENCE
1. Geodetic Survey. (2007). EDM Calibration Handbook 9 th edition, Office of the
Surveyor General Victoria, Australia.
2. PM DR Zulkarnaini Mat Amin. Jabatan Geoinformasi, Fakulti Geoinformasi dan
Harta Tanah, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.

37
 APPENDIX

Cyclic Correction observation test

Jubinah with her Sirung.

38
Cyclic Correction Prism set up

Measuring the height of prism

39
40
Topographic survey

41