Total Stations...
A total station is an electronic/optical instrument used in surveying, archaeology, police and crime scene investigations, private accident reconstructions and by insurance companies. The total station is an electronic theodolite with an integrated electronic distance meter (EDM) to read distances from the instrument to a particular point. Many models include internal data storage to record distance, horizontal angle, and vertical angle from many points which can then be downloaded to computers for manipulation.
Angles and distances are measured from the total station to points under survey, and the coordinates (X, Y, and Z or northing, easting and elevation) of surveyed points relative to the total station position are calculated using trigonometry and triangulation.
Angles and distances are measured from the total station to points under survey, and the coordinates (X, Y, and Z or northing, easting and elevation) of surveyed points relative to the total station position are calculated using trigonometry and triangulation.
Measurement of distance is accomplished with a modulated microwave or infrared carrier signal, made by a small solid-state emitter within the instrument's optical path, and refected by a prism reflector or the object under survey. The modulation pattern in the returning signal is read and interpreted by the computer in the total station. The distance is determined by emitting and receiving multiple frequencies, and determining the integer number of wavelengths to the target for each frequency. Most total stations use purpose-built glass Porro prism reflectors for the EDM signal. A typical total station can measure distances with an accuracy of about 1.5 millimetres (0.0049 ft) + 2 parts per million over a distance of up to 1,500 metres (4,900 ft).
Most modern total station instruments measure angles by means of electro-optical scanning of extremely precise digital bar-codes etched on rotating glass cylinders or discs within the instrument. The best quality total stations are capable of measuring angles to 0.5 arc-second. Inexpensive "construction grade" total stations can generally measure angles to 5 or 10 arc-seconds.
Reflectorless total stations can measure distances to any object that is reasonably light in color, to a few hundred meters.
Robotic total stations allow the operator to control the instrument from a distance via remote control. This eliminates the need for an assistant staff member as the operator holds the reflector and controls the total station from the observed point.
Many people buy ex hire or reconditioned total stations due to the initial cost, normally reconditioned items would be half of the retail price.
Total Stations should be calibrated regularly by professionals
Most modern total station instruments measure angles by means of electro-optical scanning of extremely precise digital bar-codes etched on rotating glass cylinders or discs within the instrument. The best quality total stations are capable of measuring angles to 0.5 arc-second. Inexpensive "construction grade" total stations can generally measure angles to 5 or 10 arc-seconds.
Reflectorless total stations can measure distances to any object that is reasonably light in color, to a few hundred meters.
Robotic total stations allow the operator to control the instrument from a distance via remote control. This eliminates the need for an assistant staff member as the operator holds the reflector and controls the total station from the observed point.
Many people buy ex hire or reconditioned total stations due to the initial cost, normally reconditioned items would be half of the retail price.
Total Stations should be calibrated regularly by professionals
Optical, Opti-Cal, Survey Equipment, Surveying Equipment, Total Station, Theodolite,
Dumpy Level, Auto Level, Optical Level, Opti-Cal Level, Laser Level, Hire, Tripod, Staff
Dumpy Level, Auto Level, Optical Level, Opti-Cal Level, Laser Level, Hire, Tripod, Staff
