Total station

Automatic total station is a measurement method that is used in many different projects to provide detailed information about 3D changes of an object. The method is currently used in natural hazards, monitoring of potentially unstable land areas, building and construction projects and for structures.   

An automatic total station is an instrument that measures angles and distances to measuring prisms. We can use these observations to calculate the exact position of the prisms. The instrument will automatically find the centre of the prisms at each measurement so that we can follow the movement of the prism in the event of settlements, for example.

"The system is optical, which means we need a clear line of sight to the points we want to measure. Using a total station provides movement in 3D with millimetre accuracy and you can cover large areas.

Characteristics

• Measures over long distances, 360 degrees   
• Must have visibility to stable points to check position on total station 
• Measuring against prisms  
• Millimetre accuracy 
• Can be affected by climate (heavy snow, rain and fog) 
• Need a clear view between prism and total station 
• Can measure against a large number of prisms 
• Provides 3D measurements (x,y,z)