CSRT Training Notes May 15, 2009

Total station
Intro & familiarization with the total Station
Understand what Detectives are measuring and the mapping technicues
Discuss how Lab personnel can take additional measurements

Instrument measures and records slope distance along with horizontal , vertical and zenith
angles
Measurements performed using a data collector (controller)
Data collector uses TDS Normad handheld computer with Windows Mobile 6 (operating system)
Software: Pocket Zone to record points, codes and elevations

Total station consists of Electronic Theodolite, Electronic Distance meter (EDM), Data collector.
A theodolite (IPA: /θiːˈɒdəlаɪt/) is an instrument for measuring both horizontal and vertical angles, as used
in triangulation networks. It is a key tool in surveying and engineering work, particularly on inaccessible
ground, but theodolites have been adapted for other specialized purposes in fields like meteorology and
rocket launch technology. A modern theodolite consists of a movable telescope mounted within two
perpendicular axes—the horizontal or trunnion axis, and the vertical axis. When the telescope is pointed at
a desired object, the angle of each of these axes can be measured with great precision, typically on the
scale of arcseconds.

Concept of operation

Diagram of an Optical Theodolite

The axes and circles of a theodolite

Both axes of a theodolite are equipped with graduated circles that can be read out through magnifying
lenses. The vertical circle (which 'transits' about the horizontal axis) should read 90° or 100 grad when the

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CSRT Training Notes May 15, 2009

sight axis is horizontal, or 270° (300 grad) when the instrument is in its second position, that is, "turned
over" or "plunged". Half of the difference between the two positions is called the "index error".

The horizontal and vertical axes of a theodolite must be perpendicular. The condition where they deviate
from perpendicularity and the amount by which they do is referred to as "horizontal axis error". The optical
axis of the telescope, called the "sight axis" and defined by the optical center of the objective and the
center of the crosshairs in its focal plane, must similarly be perpendicular to the horizontal axis. Any
deviation from perpendicularity is the "collimation error".

Horizontal axis error, collimation error, and index error are regularly determined by calibration and are
removed by mechanical adjustment at the factory in case they grow overly large. Their existence is taken
into account in the choice of measurement procedure in order to eliminate their effect on the measurement
results.

A theodolite is mounted on its tripod head by means of a forced centering plate or tribrach containing four
thumbscrews, or in some modern theodolites, three, for rapid levelling. Before use, a theodolite must be
placed precisely and vertically over the point to be measured—centering—and its vertical axis aligned with
local gravity — leveling. The former is done using a plumb bob, spirit level, or optical or laser plummet.

EDM-uses a laser and using time of flight to determine distance. Echo pulse, so many back to
confirm distance.
Measures in Polar coordinates then convert to grid coordinates
"PK" from the initials of the Parker-Kalon Company, the original manufacturer. PK nail (plural PK nails)
(surveying) A thick-shanked nail with an indentation in the middle of its head, driven into the ground to mark
a position precisely.

Parker-Kalon® manufactures a variety of specialty screws for industrial,

construction and automotive use. They offer a wide range of product for
numerous applications.

Since our development of the world's first self-tapping screw in 1913, we have
strived to perfect and implement our engineered fasteners into the world of
assembly. To do so requires a vigorous program of research and development, an
engineering group devoted to excellence, manufacturing procedures that are modern and efficient, and an
impartial quality control program aiming for the highest standards.

Prism poles, with 10 minute circular level to make sure the prism perpendicular to the point on
the ground. The prism is used when the person at the Total Station has difficulty seeing what
the target is to be measured. Other circumstances could be reflection off the surface, such as
shiny/glossy surfaces like a pool of water, wet asphalt, etc. Note: Turn the prism away after the
laser shot has been taken so the next person down the line with a prism can be shot. Good for
distant targets to measure. Can also collapse the pole to get.

The Total Station Can shot prism-less measurements as well to take

measurements.
Uses a 30x telescope
Sokkia Set530r3 ~$6000 for instrument head, up to $200,000
Data collector is separate
+- 5 second instrument.
More error from human use of the prism, be aware of temperature and
snow. Heat waves, and refraction differences.
Forensic Mapping
Sokkia Total Station 30R3

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CSRT Training Notes May 15, 2009

The Series 30R3 Reflectorless Total Stations provide the longest phase EDM range on the market—up to
350m (1148 ft.) of reflectorless range. With its patented RED-tech EDM technology, the Series30R3 uses
a truly narrow-beam EDM, regardless of target type, and automatically attenuates the signal when
standard glass prisms or reflective sheet targets are selected.
High-precision reflectorless distance measuring with a narrow-beam visible laser
Ability to measure through obstacles such as chain-link fences and trees
Compatibility with prisms for long-range measurements
Superior performance in tough environments

Specifications
Telescope Fully transmitting, Coaxial sighting and distance measuring optics.
Magnification 30x
Resolving power 2.5"
Field of view 1°30" (26m/1,000m)
Minimum focus 1.3m (4.3ft)
Angle measurement Photoelectrical absolute rotary encoder scanning. Both circles adopt diametrical detection.
Unit H&V Degree / Gon / Mil, selectable
Display resolutions H&V 1" / 5", 0.2mgon/1mgon, 0.005 mil, selectable
Accuracy (ISO12857-2 1997) H&V SET230R3 - 2" (0.6mgon) SET330R3 - 3" (1mgon) SET530R3 - 5" (1.5mgon)
Measurement mode H:Clockwise / Counterclockwise, 0 set, Hold, angle input, repetition, available V:Zenith 0°, Horizontal
0° ±, slope in %, selectable
Automatic dual-axis-compensator Range: ±3' (±55mgon), "out-of-range " warning display provided
Distance measurement Modulated laser, Laser diode, Coaxial EDM transmitting and receiving optics (IEC Class 3R, FDA
Class 3R laser)
Maximum measuring range A: Average conditions: slight haze, visibility about 20km (12miles), sunny periods, weak
scintillation. B: Good conditions: no haze, visibility about 40km (25miles), overcast, no scintillation.
Reflectorless *1A SET230R3/SET330R3/SET530R3 - 350m (1,140ft.)
With reflective sheet A 500m (1,640 ft.)
With one AP01 prism G SET230R/SET330R/SET530R - 5,000m (16,400 ft.)
Unit Meters / Feet / Inch, selectable
Display resolution 0.001m (0.01 ft. / 1/8 inch)
Accuracy
Reflectorless *1 .3 to 200m: ±(3 + 2ppm x D)mm Over 200 to 350m: ±(5 + 10ppm x D)mm
With reflective sheet ±(3+ 2ppm x D)mm
With AP prism ±(2 + 2ppm x D)mm
Measuring time Every 1.3s (initial meas. 2.6 s)
Measurement mode Fine meas. (single/repeat/average) / Rapid (single), Tracking
Laser Wavelength: 635 - 690 nm, Max. output:0.99mW
Data storage and transfer
Internal memory About 10,000 points
Memory card unit*2 Optional. The 8MB CF card stores approximately 72,000-point data
Scale factor setting 0.5 to 2.0
Interface Asynchronous serial, RS-232C compatible, baud rate : 1,200 to 38,400 bps
Printer output Centronics compatible (w/ optional DOC46 printer cable)
General
Laser-pointer function ON (automatic off 5 minutes after operation) / OFF, selectable
Display type Alphanumeric/graphic dot matrix LCD (192x80 dots)
Keyboard (15keys) On both faces
Wireless keyboard Optional
Sensitivity of levels
Plate level SET230R3 - 20" 2mm SET330R3/SET530R3 - 30" / 2mm
Circular level 10' / 2mm
Graphic LCD level 3' outer circle
Optical plummet Image: Erect, Magnification: 3x, Minimum focus: 0.3m (0.98 ft.)
Water and dust resistance Conformity to class IP66 (IEC60529)
Operating temperature -20°C to +50°C C (-4°F to +122° F)
Tilting / Trunnion axis height 236 mm (9.3 in.) from tribrach bottom, 193 mm (7.6 in.) from tribrach dish.
Size with handle and battery W 165xD 170x H 341 mm (W 6.5 x D 6.7 x H 13.5 in.)
Weight with handle and battery 5.4kg (12lb.)
Power supply - Operating voltage: 7.2 V DC
BDC46A detachable battery Li-lon rechargeable battery
Continuous use*3 About 5.5 hours (About 650 points)
Recharging time Less than 2 hours with CDC61/62/64
Battery level display 4 steps with warning message
Automatic power cut-off 30 / 15 / 10 / 5 minutes after operation / OFF, selectable
Resume function ON / OFF selectable (backed up for about 1 week)

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CSRT Training Notes May 15, 2009

TDS Nomad windows 6

PocketZone

DWG file format like JPG is used by other CAD programs

Detectives take measurements for a top view drawing. How much detail needs to be
communicated to the detective. Need to communicate what the point is. Coordination of
information is very important.
Detectives need to be able to put a legend together. Like redundant measurements of
important things.
CSRT notes and sketches help the detectives with there drawings and answer questions not
ask at the time they were at the scene.
Coordinate method used.
Detectives hand measure a room by starting from the entry way (door jamb- for wall thickness)
and for each change in the wall. Then use walls as X and Y axis. Or put in two P-K nails and
determine a line. Measure 90 degrees from the line to object. Sometimes you do a PK line
because the wall is not straight.

The people making measurements from the outside need to communicate with the people
taking measurements on the inside and have common points to be able to bring the data
together for the drawing. Example: window measurements.

CSRT and CID need to communicate what walls will be used to measure off from for the objects
in the room. Reminders: Measure wall thickness, door heights, ceiling height.

CrimeZone prefers distance measurements rather than angles and distance.

Common points detectives need to know:
Need to know where is the ground, roof and windows are.
For probes, use hand measurements (w/photograph) and two points along the probes.

Best to set up several feet away from scene: better point selection and taking data much more
quickly.
Total Station setup
• Set up tripod, make sure plate is level with 10 minute bubble and over the PK nail
(reference point) mount instrument and level using 3 second level, turn instrument 90
degrees and check level again.
• Pick a point to be North and set on instrument. This allows for re-zero set if the
instrument get moved or temperature changes, etc. The North point can be created by
driving a stake with PK nail, set a tripod over it with a prism mounted on it.
• Take a measurement with tape measurements of the height of the instrument head.

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