1. Modern Surveying

3. Total Station
• A total station can measure angles and distances electronically and
process trigonometrically to give us, at a minimum, position
coordinates in space.
• A total station is an electronic/optical instrument used in modern
surveying and building construction that uses electronic transit
theodolite in conjunction with electronic distance meter (EDM).It is
also integrated with microprocessor, electronic data collector and
storage system.

4. Total Station
• The instrument is used to measure sloping distance of object to the
instrument, horizontal angles and vertical angles. This Microprocessor
unit enables for computation of data collected to further calculate the
horizontal distance, coordinates of a point and reduced level of point.
• Data collected from total station can be downloaded into
computer/laptops for further processing of information.

5. Total Station
• Total stations are mainly used by land surveyors and civil engineers,
either to record features as in topographic surveying or to set out
features (such as roads, houses or boundaries). They are also used by
archaeologists to record excavations and by police, crime scene
investigators, private accident Reconstructionist and insurance
companies to take measurements of scenes.

6. Difference between Theodolite and Total
station
• Theodolite and Total Station are land surveying instruments used to
get information about the plot under consideration for construction
(buildings, bridges, roads, highways, dams, etc.)
• Theodolites can only measure angles, have a minimum range of
about less than a kilometre and are less precise when compared to
Total station, also less expensive than total station. Nowadays we
have electronic theodolites which are an upgrade over the normal
theodolite.

7. Difference between Theodolite and Total
station
• A theodolite is basically a telescope with both
a vertical and horizontal axis. The angle of
each axis can be measured with fairly accurate
precision as long as the operator knows how
to use the theodolite and knows basic
trigonometry. A theodolite needs two people
to measure and align the angles.

8. Difference between Theodolite and Total
station
• A Theodolite specialises in angle measurements ( horizontal and
vertical ) to the precision of degree ( new ones can precisely measure
angles in seconds, 1/3600th of a degree ). Usually, it consists of a
telescope mounted on two rotating disks or dials ( marked with
degrees from 0 to 360 ). The telescope can be rotated horizontally as
well as vertically for angle measurements.

9. Difference between Theodolite and Total
station
• Total station on the other hand, is a
multipurpose surveying instrument based
on electronic distance measurement (EDM).
They can measure distance, angles,
elevations with a high level of precision.
The data collected by a total station can be
transferred through a USB port into the
computer where it can be viewed and
analysed easily.

10. Difference between Theodolite and Total
station
• A total station incorporates a theodolites functions into it’s
programming, measuring angles and using an electronic distance
meter. Total stations are usually superior to theodolites given their
digital integration and more consistent precision.
• They also can be purchased with a robotic ability, that reduces the
number of operators needed, to one. Total stations (both robotic and
non-robotic) are more expensive than theodolites, usually much more
so, as well as requiring more training to use. These are the difference
between theodolite and total station.

11. Components of Total Station
The following are major Total Station Parts and Functions,
• Electronic transit theodolite
• Electronic distance meter (EDM)
• Microprocessor
• Electronic data collector & storage system

12. Components of Total Station
Keyboard
It is an essential accessory of the Total station, for providing the order
to the microprocessor inbuilt in the Total station which contains
different order keys. These keys incorporate switching keys, command
keys, lighting keys, power keys, and so on.

13. Components of Total Station
Data Collector
The data collector collects and stores the information or perceptions.
The entire activity of taking in-out and putting away information is
constrained by the information gatherer.

14. Components of Total Station
Reflectors
The reflector is quietly the most fundamental function of the Total
station. This is because of the Total station capacities or takes the
estimations using the reflected beams. The reflector involves an
exceptionally constructed reflecting crystal comprised of shapes or
squares or reflecting glasses.

15. Components of Total Station
Software
In the majority of the Total station, the working system utilized is
Windows CE.
• In addition to the significant parts, the Total station likewise needs
some extra function keys. Such include the control panel, keyboard,
data collectors, memories, etc.