Construction projects are crucial, but managing one can be a headache. It’s a good thing that digital technology has experienced constant improvements and developments that make the work easier to handle. The technology includes BIM (Building Information Modelling) and also total stations.
The latter is often incorporated in surveying work to record a project’s features. The traditional method would include manual work where surveyor had to rotate the instrument. Today, there are auto devices that can make use of electronic data for more precise measurement. In short, total stations have changed the way projects are carried out, including in construction.
Total Station and Its Function in Construction projects
A total station refers to optical and also electronic device in modern building construction and surveying. The device uses both EDM (Electronic Distance Meter) together with electronic transit theodolite that are integrated together with electronic data collector, storage system, and microprocessor.
The Total Station and Its Function is to measure the sloping distance of the device toward an object, along with its vertical and horizontal angles. The microprocessor is responsible for data computation, so the surveyors can calculate further the point coordinate, horizontal distance, and also point’s reduction level.
Naturally, the device also helps with data collection. Moreover, it’s a good thing that surveyor can download the collected data (from total station) into laptops or computers for further information processing.
Who can use this device? Basically, anyone who needs accurate measurement of the earth’s points. This device is commonly used by civil engineers and land surveyors to set areas’ features (like boundaries, houses, or roads) or to do topographic surveying in order to record the features. But it can also be used by archaeologist for excavation record. Do you know that crime scene investigators, insurance companies, private accident reconstructions, and police to take measurements and exact data of the scenes?
Different Total Stations Types
In general, total stations are divided into several different types.
- Manual device. You will have to read the value (of every vertical and horizontal angle) manually, although every slope distances’ value would be read electronically.
- Semi-auto device. You will have to read the available horizontal circle in manual way. However, the vertical circle reading would be displayed digitally, which is also happening to slope distances’ values.
- Auto (or commonly known as the robotic) device. This is the most common type of device that has been used today. It can be used to sense both angles of vertical and horizontal aspects automatically. But at the same time, it can also be used to measure slope distance and also find the observed points’ coordinates. You can even use it to calculate distances’ vertical and horizontal elements.
Every device needs setting up. You will have to do it for known direction (like the known bearing, the true north, or magnetic north) when you measure each point’s coordinates for the survey. This information would be recorded in the device’s memory or through external data recorder.
This ability means a lot for construction companies. They would be able to position accurately and then make layout points within the construction site. Moreover, you can also get quality assurance because the built data could be sent into BIM model back.
After you have learned about Total Station and Its Function in construction, you’d know that different total stations have different abilities and features. Some total stations can be connected to other devices or external gadgets, like GPS receivers for data integration. The results are expected to come as detailed and accurate surveys.
Robotic total stations can be easily moved around with a single press of a button. Operators only need to rotate it or move the telescope without even being near it. This is definitely the perfect device for projects requiring different positions so they can produce multiple measurements.
There are also 3D total stations that can be used to measure distances and angles within three dimension format, so users can have complete ideas and pictures of the surveyed areas.
Manual Total Stations: Its Specialty
Before the innovation of modern robotic total stations, manual total station have been used in various applications and fields. The device requires an operator, or a human surveyor, to point and shoot the instrument for each point that wants to be measured manually. Afterwards, the operator must record the distance and angle measurements. The recorded data is needed to calculate the point’s coordinates.
The biggest perk of this manual device is the simplicity. The operator doesn’t need any training. If there is, the training would be minimal. Using one would be easy. Let’s not forget that this device is quite affordable and inexpensive, which is ideal for those with tight budgets. But then again, when compared to the modern and robotic one, the manual one is slower. Not to mention that the possibility of human error is relatively bigger.
Robotic Total Stations: Its Specialty
On the contrary to manual device, the robotic one has a robotic arm which can do the pointing and shooting (at the measured points) automatically. The operator needs to remotely control the instrument by using a (handheld) controller or a computer. It’s considered safer because the operator can be within a safe distance – not to mention that taking accurate measurements can be done in much more convenient spot.
The biggest perk of the robotic device is the efficiency and speed. When it comes to speed, it’s definitely faster. The chances of human error would be slim. Not to mention that it’s more flexible. You can use the device in different environment, including the risky or challenging locations. As long as you know how to do it properly, you can program the device for following an already been made survey plan or taking measurements within certain intervals. Want to integrate it with other instruments (like laser scanners or GPS)? You can do it if you want to have more detailed and precise data.
Naturally, nothing is perfect. Robotic total station still comes with some limitations. In terms of price, it’s definitely pricier. The operator needs to have his/her expertise and training so it’s not for everyone. Users will have to maintain it more, and they need to be extra careful because of the complex system. That’s why this device is more ideal for big projects that don’t mind spending quite a lot for buying this one.
Total Station Key Features
There are some winning features that make this device better than the others
- High accuracy. This device is able to measure angles accurately. You can get up to around 2mm and 2ppm of distance and 1 arc second.
- Auto target recognition. Many of this instrument are able to recognize and then lock targets automatically. It would be easy and simple to take precise measurements.
- Remote control. Some of the new and modern devices have remote control, which means that you can control them more conveniently. Users would be able to take the measurements from far away or from safe distance.
- Onboard data storage. This device comes with in-built data storage which allows users to keep their data within it. Users would be able to transfer it easily to a computer (or any other device) when you need further analysis.
- Onboard software. Many of these devices have their own software, allowing data analysis and processing in an advanced manner, including maps and 3D model creations.
The Common Applications
Total station applications can be done in these fields:
- The device would be used to gather data for roads designing and construction, along with bridges and also other infrastructure projects.
- The collected data would be used for building construction, which also covers roofs, walls, and foundations layout.
- The collected data can be beneficial for archaeological sites’ study which also includes artifacts measurement and ruins mapping.
- Land surveying. Users implement this device for land surveying, including making topographic surveys, property surveys, and boundary surveys.
- The collected data is useful for mine planning, which covers the activity of making locations of the mineral deposits and making underground tunnels layout.
Total Stations Advanced Technology
You have to admit that there have been obvious improvements in technology, and total stations are one of the devices that are getting improved from day to day. You can expect today’s instruments to be more accurate and advanced. What are the general advancement of technical aspects?
- Reflectorless device. Instead of a traditional prism, this kind of tool uses a laser beam to calculate and measure the distances. Thanks to this technology, measurements are possibly made without any reflector. This is quite handy, especially in situations where reflectors can be used or installed, like on a tree or a building.
- WiFi and Bluetooth connection. Some of the modern devices have been equipped with this feature. It enables data transfer (the real-time manner) to mobile device or computer. Surveyors would have no issue sharing data or working together with the others over a project.
- 3D scanning total station. This is basically the hybrid device because it combines the ability of a total station and 3D laser scanner. This hybrid tool is able to capture the 3D image of the surveyed area’s point cloud. This is a very useful technology to create detailed landscapes, buildings, and other structures in 3D models.
- Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) integration. Some modern devices can be integrated with GNSS technology for more accurate measurements. This is helpful for remote areas or challenging environments. In these conditions, traditional surveying methods are often not possible.
The Additional Accessories
Want to add some accessories for your total stations? It’s possible to have them to make the (surveying) process more effective and to boost the device’s functionality. Some of them are:
- You can attach reflective prisms to targets so you can improvement the measurements’ accuracy
- A sturdy tripod is quite crucial to make sure that the total station won’t be budget when taking the measurements. After all, it must be level and stable.
- Data collectors. The collector can be attached or connected to the device so operators can store the data or transfer it. It will make the processing and analysis go easier.
The Right Total Station: How to Choose One?
You can’t just pick a device and hopes that it works well for your projects. If you have read the previous sections, you’d know that each total station is different from one another. There are some elements to consider before you spend money to buy a device.
First of all, think about your project and its certain requirements. Then, think about the needed expertise and budget. For small-scale projects with limited budget, you can go with the manual. But the robotic one would be the ideal pick for big-scale projects where you need to gather data accurately and fast.
Next, consider the technology. Total Station and Its Function today have advanced features, including 3D scanning, WiFi and Bluetooth connection, reflectorless, and also GNSS integration. For some projects, these available features can affect the efficiency and also accuracy of the surveying work.
Those are two important elements that you can’t dismiss. They should come first when you decide on a total station. If you have more requirements or considerations, they can come later.
The most important thing about this decisioning process is to really get your facts straight. You want to talk to the experts. Consult with suppliers, manufacturers, and professionals (the more sources that you can get, the better it will be) before you make any decision. These experts should be able to provide suggestions or advice about the best device, based on your requirements and conditions. They may even be able to help you narrow down your options and pick the right one.
In the end, despite the wide application of the device, it’s engineers and surveyors that mostly use this device. After all, Total Station and Its Function can provide detailed and precise data that will be implemented in a different array of applications, including mining, land surveying, construction, and others. With all of the sophisticated and advancements, it’s not really surprising that total stations are becoming more high-end and better in their performance.