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Total Stations

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Total Stations

(0 Styles Available)
  • Ships Factory Direct
  • Full Manufacturer Warranty
  • 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
  • Price Match Guarantee

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the uses of a total station in surveying?

In surveying, a total station measures angles, distances, and coordinates. It then processes and displays the collected data, which can be transferred to computers.

Why is it called a total station?

This electronic optical instrument is called a total station because it has the ability to calculate all the necessary coordinates and measurements after it processes the points entered. It can also provide the total data needed for mapping applications.

How does a total station work?

Using an internal electronic transit and electronic distance measuring (EDM) device, a total station works by electronically scanning angles and distances. It usually makes use of a retroreflector for distance measurement.

What is the difference between a theodolite and a total station?

A total station requires a one-man operation and is ideal for measuring longer distances. On the other hand, a digital theodolite requires another person to measure and align angles, and it is normally used for small-scale surveying.

How do I operate a total station?

First, mount the total station on a tripod and level it using its leveling screws and bubble vial. Then, point its telescope toward the target and focus its crosshair. Finally, you can enter and set the coordinates.

Total Stations

Total stations have four primary functions: angle measurement, distance measurement, coordinate measurement, and data processing. They are typically used in land surveying and construction layout, but their versatility has also made them one of the most efficient and reliable tools used in civil engineering, mapping, excavations, GIS applications, and plenty of other jobs in various industries.

A standard surveying total station is made with a combination of an electronic transit and an electronic distance measuring (EDM) device. These components are what enable a total station to measure both vertical and horizontal angles as well as the distance between the instrument and its target. Not only that, but total stations can also compute for the coordinates of a point as long as there is a direct line of sight between the unknown point and a known coordinate. 

As with any piece of high-quality surveying equipment, accuracy is a crucial consideration when buying a total station. To get accurate measurements, use total stations of the highest quality, which are available here on Engineer Warehouse. The total stations for sale here are known for their high accuracy as well as their ease of use. They have up to 30x magnification to easily view survey points from afar, while their plummets offer up to 3x magnification so that users can easily set the device in precise positions. 

Aside from these features, accuracy in terms of seconds or arcseconds is another important factor to consider. Professionals generally choose total stations with low values in this particular feature, since it means that the instrument takes less time to measure a certain angle or distance and that it is also more accurate. For construction professionals, total stations of   5-second accuracy or higher are usually enough. However, for surveyors whose job sites are typically more robust, 2-second total stations are more preferred. 

When used in the field, total stations are usually paired up with other types of surveying tools. One example is a tripod. Total stations have to be set up on an elevating tripod and leveled before they are used. Some total stations also require the use of a prism and a prism pole, which help extend their working range. However, most modern total stations today are reflectorless. These types of total stations can work with and without a prism. For example, some reflectorless total stations here on Engineer Warehouse have a working range of up to 200 meters without a prism and up to 2,000 meters with a prism.

Modern total stations are highly accurate and reliable even over long distances. Also, because they are usually used at outdoor job sites exposed to various harsh elements, it’s also important that they are highly durable and resistant against elements like dust and water. This is why all total stations on Engineer Warehouse come with trustworthy IP ratings. Not only are they technology advanced in terms of accuracy, but they are also built tough for various work conditions.

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