3.3.3. Functions of Total Station

To measure horizontal and vertical angles, the Total Station is used with an accuracy of better than one seconds. For horizontal measurement of angles, any direction can be taken as reference. In case of vertical measurement of angles, horizontal direction is taken as reference.

This chunk explains how Total Stations measure angles. The Total Station can measure both horizontal and vertical angles with high precision, often to better than one second of arc (which is a very small fraction of a degree). For horizontal angles, you can take any direction as a starting point. When measuring vertical angles, the horizontal direction serves as the reference. This flexibility allows surveyors to set their measurements according to their needs, whether they require horizontal or vertical data.

Think of measuring angles like using a compass when hiking. Just as you can choose any direction as your starting point when finding your way, a surveyor can choose any direction for horizontal angles. For vertical angles, it's like you have a flat surface (the horizontal ground) to refer to when you point your compass up or down to get your direction.

The EDM is a major part of Total Station. To measure the distance, EDM instrument of Total Station is used with an accuracy of 5-10 mm per km or better. The accuracy varies with each Total Station equipment. They are also available to be used in Robotic mode, with automatic target recognizer. The distance measured is always sloping distance from instrument to the object.

In this chunk, the distance measurement capabilities of the Total Station are discussed. The Distance Measurement (EDM) component is crucial as it measures the distance between the Total Station and the target object with a high level of accuracy—typically within 5-10 mm for every kilometer. Different models offer different accuracies. Some Total Stations operate in a Robotic mode that can automatically recognize targets, allowing for more efficient measurement, especially in dynamic survey scenarios. It's important to remember that the distance measured is the sloping distance, meaning the length along the line of sight to the target rather than a purely horizontal distance.

Imagine standing on one hill and aiming to measure the distance to a tree on another hill. The measurement you get from your device is like the hypotenuse of a triangle—the distance along the slope—not just the flat ground between you and the tree. This is similar to how the Total Station measures distance, always providing the sloping distance rather than the straight-line distance across level ground.

Total Station is activated through its control panel, which consists of a keyboard and multiple line LCD. A number of instruments have two control panels; one on each face, which makes them easier to use from either side or while changing the face of the instrument. In addition to controlling the Total Station, the keyboard is often used to code the data generated by the instrument; this code will be used to identify the object being measured. In some Total Stations, it is possible to detach the keyboard and interchange them with other Total Stations or GNSS receivers.

This section describes the control and user interface of the Total Station. The control panel, consisting of a keyboard and an LCD display, is where the surveyor inputs commands and views results. Having control panels on both sides of the instrument enhances usability, especially when the surveyor needs to work quickly or from different angles. Furthermore, the keyboard can be used to label or code the measurements taken, which is useful for tracking data back to specific points or objects during analysis. Some models even allow for keyboard interchangeability with other devices like GNSS receivers, which facilitates a more integrated approach to surveying.

Think of the Total Station's control panel like a remote for your TV. Just as you can change channels, adjust volume, and record shows from the remote; surveyors can input commands, view measurements, and label their data through the Total Station's control panel. This user-friendly interface is designed for quick access and efficiency, especially when you need to switch between different data inputs or measurements.

The instrument is provided with an inbuilt microprocessor. The microprocessor averages out the multiple observations. Computation of horizontal distances along with X, Y, Z coordinates is done by the microprocessor of instrument. Hence, if atmospheric temperature and pressure are to be applied, the microprocessor applies suitable corrections to the measurements.

Here, we learn about the internal processing capabilities of the Total Station. The microprocessor embedded in the Total Station is responsible for performing calculations and averaging out multiple observations to increase accuracy. It computes the 3D coordinates (X, Y, and Z) of measured points, which are essential for creating maps and models. Additionally, if there are variations in atmospheric conditions like temperature or pressure, the microprocessor can make adjustments to the measurements to ensure accuracy.

Consider a smart thermostat that regulates home temperature based on the weather outside and your preferences. Just like that device adjusts the temperature inside your home, the Total Station’s microprocessor adjusts measurements based on external conditions like temperature and pressure to ensure that the data collected is as accurate as possible.

Various software are available in the market which can be used to post-process the data from the Total Station. Usually, manufacturers provide their own customised software which allows to export the survey results into other formats. Thus, output can be imported to CAD application or software, like MX Roads, GIS software.

This chunk addresses the software aspect associated with Total Stations. After data is collected, it's crucial to process and analyze this information. Various software applications are designed for this purpose, and manufacturers often provide specific software that enables users to export data into widely-used formats. This connectivity allows for seamless integration with applications used for Computer-Aided Design (CAD) or Geographic Information Systems (GIS), making it easier for surveyors to create detailed maps and plans based on the data collected in the field.

Think of this like cooking a meal. The ingredients you collect (data) need to be cooked (processed) in a specific recipe (software) to make a delicious dish (final map or report). Just like there might be different recipes for different meals, the Total Station has various software options to choose from, depending on what the surveyor needs to create with their data.

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