CVL – 111

ELEMENTS OF SURVEYING
TOTAL STATION

NAME ­ JAYANT GUPTA

ENTRY NO - 2022CE11557
GROUP ­ 4

THEORY
A total station is a highly advanced surveying instrument used in the field of
geomatics and land surveying. It combines the functions of a theodolite, an
electronic distance measurement (EDM) device, and a microprocessor to provide
accurate and efficient measurements of angles, distances, and elevations. Total
stations are commonly used in a variety of applications, including land surveying,
construction, engineering, archaeology, and forestry.

Components of a Total Station:

The keyboard is an essential part of the total station in the microprocessor section which
contains switching keys, command keys, lighting keys, power keys, and so on. In the
database, data collects and stores information. Reflectors are using beams to take the
estimations. It is a constructed reflecting crystal that has the shape of squares. The
Windows system is installed in the total station. Electronic displays are responsible for
showing the different values. Around 4000 points can be stored in an electronic book. This
electronic book data can be transferred to a personal computer. The control panel just
adjusts all types of buttons. It can be modified by our own preferences. It is moisture-proof
with different color switches. Rechargeable nickel–cadmium batteries have been used that
can power up 2 to 10 hours. Some total station has two control panels and a power saver.
a. Telescope: The total station features an integrated telescope for sighting
objects. This telescope can be electronic or optical, and it may have various levels of
magnification and features such as autofocus.
b. EDM (Electronic Distance Measurement) Device: The EDM measures
distances electronically using various methods, such as time-of-flight or phase-shift. .
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.
c. Theodolite: A theodolite is responsible for measuring horizontal and vertical
angles with high accuracy. The total station's theodolite component is equipped with
precise angle measuring instruments.
d. Data Display and Input: Total stations have built-in displays and keypads to
input and view data, including measurements and control functions.
e. Microprocessor and Software: A total station includes a microprocessor that
handles data processing and calculations. Custom software can be loaded onto the
instrument to perform specific surveying tasks.
f. Battery or Power Source: Total stations are powered by rechargeable batteries
or external power sources.

Functionality:
a. Angle Measurement: Total stations can accurately measure both horizontal and
vertical angles. They are commonly used to measure azimuth angles, zenith angles,
and horizontal angles between survey points.
b. Distance Measurement: EDM technology allows total stations to measure
distances with high precision. They can measure distances directly or by indirect
methods like triangulation.
c. Coordinate Calculation: The instrument can calculate the coordinates (easting,
northing, and elevation) of surveyed points based on angle and distance
measurements. This is particularly useful for mapping and geospatial applications.
d. Data Collection: Total stations can store measurement data and transfer it to a
computer for further processing and mapping.
e. Remote Control: Some total stations can be operated remotely using a
controller, which is useful for one-person surveying tasks.
f. Integration with GPS: Total stations can be combined with GPS (Global
Positioning System) technology for improved accuracy and speed in surveying and
mapping.

Using total station

1. Set Up: Choose a stable location for the total station, ensuring it's level. Set up the
instrument and secure it in place.
2. Calibrate: Calibrate the total station by setting a known reference point. This step
is essential for accurate measurements.
3. Measure: Use the total station to measure angles, distances, and elevations as
required for your specific task.
4. Data Collection: Many modern total stations have data collection capabilities,
allowing you to record measurement data digitally. This data can be transferred to a
computer for analysis.
5. Adjust for Atmospheric Conditions: Atmospheric conditions like temperature,
pressure, and humidity can affect measurements. Total stations often have features
to adjust for these conditions.
6. Data Processing: Process the data collected to create maps, plans, or reports as
needed.
7. Maintenance: Regularly maintain and calibrate the total station to ensure
accuracy.

APPLICATIONS
Total stations are used in various fields, including:
a. Land Surveying: Total stations are essential tools for boundary surveys,
topographic mapping, and land development projects.
b. Construction: They are used for layout, site preparation, and quality control in
construction projects.
c. Engineering: Total stations are used in civil engineering for bridge, road, and
infrastructure design and monitoring.
d. Archaeology: Total stations help archaeologists map and document excavation
sites with high precision.
e. Forestry: Total stations assist in forest management and timber inventory.
f. Mining: They are used in mine surveying for excavation planning and safety
monitoring.
g. Environmental Studies: Total stations are used in environmental research,
including monitoring changes in the landscape.

Advantages of Using Total Stations

1. You can quickly set up the instrument on the tripod with the help of laser
plummet. It can be used as a multidisciplinary instrument.
2. Working capability is high as well as time is to be saved.
 3. There are no recording or writing errors.
4. It gives more accurate measurements than any other device.
5. Natural language can be supported.
6. We get graphical views of lands and plot as well as computerized old maps.
7. Computation onboard area is used to calculate the area.
8. Integrated Database is used which can be transferred to a Personal computer.
9. Multiple surveys can be made by one set-up location.

Disadvantages of total station

1. Buying cost is higher
2. While the operating errors may be unseen
3. Highly skilled operators required
4. Low battery life
5. Levelling instruments can cause problems with elevation

Conclusion
The total station is a revolutionary improvement in surveying sectors. It makes the
surveyor more relaxed than any other device. It can facilitate the total work process of
any device. Digitally having data gives the accurate result of an area that saves time
and error is reduced. We can rely on the value shown because of database integration.
Manually checking is lessened. One can do the whole survey work with the help of
one total station which brings down the instrument hassle.