Module 3

Electronic Theodolite
 An electronic theodolite is a surveying instrument used to measure
angles, horizontal distances, and heights in construction, geography, and
engineering.
 Digital theodolites are more convenient and accurate as they provide
digital readouts instead of reading directly from the traditional graduated
circle.
Parts of Electronic Theodolite:
 Main Components:
o 1. Telescope
o 2. Angular Measurement System (AMS)
o 3. Distance Measurement System (DMS)
o 4. Electronic Compass
o 5. Levelling System
o 6. Display Unit
o 7. Control Panel

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 A digital theodolite consists of a telescope mounted on a base
 A sight on the top of the telescope is used to align the target.
 The target is made clear by using the focusing knob on the instrument.
The eyepiece of the telescope is used to find the target.
 An objective lens is present on the opposite side of the telescope used to
sight and magnify the target as required.
 The parts of a digital theodolite are mostly similar to a non-digital
theodolite, except for the presence of a liquid crystal display (LCD),
which shows the reading of the target in focus.
 The display system also has operating keys for changing the device
settings.
 Similar to the parts of non-digital theodolite, the levelling is performed
using optical plummets or plumb bobs and the spirit or bubble level.

 Telescope Components:
 1. Objective Lens
 2. Eyepiece Lens
 3. Reticle (crosshairs)
 4. Focusing Mechanism
 5. Zoom Mechanism

 Angular Measurement System (AMS):

 1. Encoder (angular position sensor)
 2. Angular Sensor (gyroscope or accelerometer)
 3. Compensation System (tilting and levelling)

 Distance Measurement System (DMS):

 1. Laser Diode
 2. Photodetector
 3. Distance Sensor (infrared or laser)
 4. Prism (reflective surface)

 Electronic Compass:
 1. Magnetometer
 2. Accelerometer
 3. Gyroscope
 4. Compass Algorithm

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  Levelling System:
 1. Bubble Level
 2. Electronic Level (tilt sensor)
 3. Automatic Levelling System

 Display Unit:
 1. LCD Display
 2. Keypad
 3. Graphical User Interface (GUI)
 4. Data Storage and Transfer

 Control Panel:
 1. Power Button
 2. Measurement Buttons (angle, distance, height)
 3. Mode Selection (e.g., survey, layout)
 4. Settings Menu

Setting Up of an Electronic Theodolite: -

1. . Mark the setup point
o Use a stake or surveyor's nail to mark the location where you'll set up the
theodolite.
2. Position the tripod
o Place the tripod over the marked point, with the center of the mounting
plate directly above it.
o Spread the tripod legs out wide so the head is approximately level.
3. Secure the theodolite
o Remove the theodolite from its case and place it on top of the tripod.
o Tighten the tripod's screw to secure it.
4. Adjust the height
o The theodolite should be at eye level so you can see through the telescope
without straining.
5. Level the theodolite

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o Use the internal bull's-eye level and fine-tuning knobs to adjust the legs
until the theodolite is level horizontally.
6. Adjust the vertical plane
o Use the vertical plummet on the bottom of the theodolite to adjust the
vertical plane.
7. Aim and record
o Aim the crosshair in the viewing scope at the point you want to measure,
and use the knobs to keep it aimed.
o Record the horizontal and vertical angles in the viewing scope.

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1. Mark the station on the ground using a stake or surveyor’s needle, above
which the theodolite is planned to be placed.
2. Place the tripod over the station. The height of the tripod is adjusted so
that the instrument stays at eye level. The centered hole of the mounting
plate must be over the station point.
3. Mount the theodolite over the tripod and screw it in place using the
mounting knob.
4. The height difference between the ground and the instrument is
measured. This height is used as a reference for other stations.
5. The theodolite is levelled by adjusting the tripod legs and the levelling
knobs.
6. A plumb bob or vertical plummet can be tied at the bottom of the
theodolite to adjust the level. The plummet must stay over the station nail.
7. After levelling, through the telescope, aim the crosshairs at the point to be
measured. The knobs on the side of the theodolite are used to lock it to
keep the target on point.
8. The horizontal and vertical angles are read from the LCD screen for the
target.

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Working of Electronic Theodolite: -
 A digital theodolite works by using a combination of optical plummets, a
spirit level, and graduated circles to measure horizontal and vertical
angles:
 Optical plummets: Ensure the theodolite is positioned exactly above
the survey point
 Spirit level: Ensures the device is level
 Graduated circles: Allow the user to measure the angles
 Modern digital theodolites have additional features, including:
 Rotary encoder: - Produces signals that indicate the telescope's
altitude and azimuth, which are then sent to a microprocessor
 CCD sensors: - Allow for auto-targeting and the automated
measurement of residual target offset
 Electro-optical distance measuring devices: - Allow for the
measurement of complete three-dimensional vectors in one step
 Integrated software: - Performs angular and distance calculations,
and allows the user to download the results to an external processor
 Digital theodolites are a key tool in engineering and surveying work.

Temporary Adjustments of Digital Theodolite: -

 The temporary adjustments of a digital theodolite are a series of
operations that prepare the theodolite for taking observations:
 Setting up: - Attach the theodolite to a tripod or stand and roughly
level and center it over the station mark
 Centering: - Use a centering plate, also known as a tribrach, to bring
the theodolite's vertical axis directly over the station mark
 Levelling: - Use the built-in bubble level to make the instrument's
base level so that the vertical axis is vertical
 Focusing: - Remove parallax error by focusing the eyepiece and
objective
 The eyepiece only needs to be adjusted once per station, but the objective
needs to be refocused for each sighting because of the changing distance
to the target.

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 Total Station

 Total station or TST (Total Station Theodolite) is an electronic/optical

instrument used in modern surveying and building construction.
 The total station is an electronic theodolite (transit) integrated with an
electronic distance meter (EDM) to read slope distances from the
instrument to a particular point.

Sokia 105 Leica TS 06 Leica TS 09

Uses of Total Station: -

 Land surveying: - Total stations are used to record features, such as
roads, houses, and boundaries, and to calculate coordinates.
 Engineering and construction: - Total stations are used to design and
construct infrastructure, and to ensure projects are carried out precisely.
 Archeology: - Total stations are used to record information about
historical locations.
 Cartography: - Total stations are used to create detailed maps and provide
information about terrain topography.
 Finding buried utilities: - Total stations are used to locate buried utilities
during construction or development.

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  Data processing: - Total stations can process data to generate maps and
make it easier for users to understand.

 Measurement of Horizontal distance.

 Measurement of distance between any two points.
 Measurement of Elevation of objects
 Measurement of the three coordinates of the observed points.

Components of Total Station: -

 Telescope: - Used to sight the points on field

 Electronic distance measuring (EDM) device: Uses lasers or infrared

beams to measure distances
 Levelling head with three foot screws: - Used to level the instrument
 Electronic display: - The electronic display of a total station is a liquid
crystal display (LCD) that provides a visual overview of the total station's
readings and activities.
o It displays key information such as: Horizontal distance,
Vertical distance, Horizontal and vertical angles, Elevations,
Coordinates etc.

 Keyboard: - Used for different operations in total station

 Removable storage: - Total stations have built-in memory cards to store
and process data.
o The memory cards can have a capacity of 5,000 to 10,000
coded points.
o The data stored on the memory card can be transferred to
any computing device.
 Drive screws and Tangent screws: - Used for fine adjustment

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 Micro Processor: - A total station's microprocessor unit (MPU) processes
data collected by the instrument to calculate various measurements
o Known as brain of total station
 Electronic notebook: - Used to record, calculate, and manipulate field
data

 Prism and pole: - A triple prism can measure lengths up to 2 km, and up
to 6–7 km with a pole

Prism of total station

 Battery: - Powers the total station

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Parts of Total station

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Setting up of Total station: -
 Extend the legs of the tripod as far as is required and tighten the screws
firmly.
 Set up the tripod so that the tripod plate is as horizontal as possible and
the legs of the tripod are firm in the ground.
 Place the instrument on the tripod and secure it with the central fixing
screw.
 After setting up the instrument, level it up approximately with the bull’s-
eye bubble.
 Turn two of the foot screws together in opposite directions.
 The index finger of your right hand indicates the direction in which the
bubble should move.
 To check, rotate the instrument 180°.
 Afterwards, the bubble should remain within the setting circle.
 If it does not, then readjustment is required.
 For a level, the compensator automatically takes care of the final
levelling-up.
 The compensator consists basically of a thread-suspended mirror that
directs the horizontal light beam to the centre of the crosshair even if
there is residual tilt in the telescope.
 Place the tripod approximately over the ground point.
 Inspect the tripod from various sides and correct its position so that the
tripod plate is roughly horizontal and above the ground point
 Push the tripod legs firmly into the ground and use the central fixing
screw to secure the instrument on the tripod.
 Switch on the laser plummet (or, for older instruments, look through the
optical plummet) and turn the foot screws so that the laser dot or the
optical plummet is centred on the ground point.
 Centre the bull’s-eye bubble by adjusting the lengths of the tripod legs
 After accurately levelling up the instrument, release the central fixing
screw so that you can displace it on the tripod plate until the laser dot is
centred precisely over the ground point.
 Tighten the central fixing screw again.
 Turn on the instrument and take readings.

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 Compensator

Setting up of Total station

Working Principle of Total station

 Method of measuring distance between the point is done by electronically
by Electronic Distance Measuring device (EDM).
 EDM transmits Electro Magnetic waves like Infrared, Micro wave etc.
 Micro wave requires transmitter/ receiver at both ends
 Infra-red uses a transmitter at one end and a reflecting prism at another
end
 EDM is very useful in measuring distances that are difficult to access and
are long distances.

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 It measures the time required by a wave to send to a target and reflect
back

 Mainly 2 methods are used

1. Pulsed laser system
2. Phase shift method (Most commonly used)
 Pulsed Laser system: -
o Make uses pulses derived from an infra-red / visible laser diode
o Distance is obtained by measuring transit time and velocity of
pulsed electro magnetic signal in travelling between total station
and target and back
o Velocity V of pulses gets determined
o Transit time t is measured using electronic signal processing
technique.
o Distance D = (V*t)/2
 Phase shift method: -
o Uses continuous Electro Magnetic waves
o Measures length by indirectly determining the number of full
and partial cycles of transmitted Electro Magnetic (E M) waves
between two ends of a line.
o Modulated E M wave is transmitted to the target
o The target acting as a reflector, reflects the light beam back to
the receiver.
o The incoming light is converted to an electric signal.

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 o A phase comparison is made between the projected and
reflected signals.
o Then the amount by which the transmitted and received signals
are out of phase gets measured electronically and get registered
in a meter by getting converted to an equivalent distance.
o If the received signal is out of phase by a measure of Δθ, then
the equivalent distance, d is

o The distance is calculated as: -

Temporary adjustments of Total station: -

1. Centering: - Centering can be done by using plumb bob or plummet
2. Levelling: - Levelling done in 3 steps: -
o By adjusting tripod legs
o By using foot screws
o Levelling by auto level
3. Elimination of parallax errors: - Focusing eyepiece and objective
4. Orientation: - It is the process of directing the instrument to the magnetic
north.
o It is required only in case of traversing

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Measurement using Total station:
 Total station is mounted on the tripod, levelled and centered
 The prism is mounted on a pole of known height so that its reflection
point is aligned centre of the pole.
 The tip of the pole is placed on the point to be surveyed
 The instrument must be aimed to the prism.
 It calculates the position of prism, not the point to be surveyed
 Since the prism is directly above the tip, the height of the pole may be
subtracted to determine the location of point
 When the power is supplied to the total station, it would be pointing to
zero degree.
 Rotate telescope and sight to the first point, press the (0,0) button at this
point
 Rotate the instrument and sight to the next point and lock the trigger the
key to measure needed data

Traversing with Total Station: -

 Identify the points (stations) to be surveyed.
 Establish a starting point (known point) with known coordinates.
 Set up the total station over the first point (known point).
 Level the instrument and ensure it is properly calibrated.
 Aim the total station at the next point in the traverse.
 Record the horizontal angle to the next point.
 If necessary, measure the angle to any intermediate points.
 Use the total station to measure the distance to the next point.
 Ensure proper line of sight and that the instrument is stable during
measurements.
 Record the angle and distance measurements in a field book or data
collector.
 Repeat the angle and distance measurements for each point in the
traverse.
 Move to the next point in the loop and repeat the angle and distance
measurements.
 Continue this process.

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  In case of closed traverse once back at the starting point, measure the
final angle and distance to confirm the loop is closed.
 The closing error can be calculated by comparing the coordinates of the
starting and ending points.
 Using the recorded angles and distances, compute the coordinates of each
point in the traverse using trigonometric principles.
 Adjust the coordinates if necessary to minimize errors.
 Check the errors in traversing.
 If the error is within acceptable limits, the traverse is considered
successful.
 If there are significant errors, adjustments may be needed. This involves
redistributing the error among the points in the traverse.

Survey station description:-

 Look for the best station points where we can control the other points.
 The points must be available in case of re visiting the station if required.
 Place the points nearby to reduce the tedious work.
 Survey stations should be chosen so that they are intervisible and allow
for well-conditioned triangles.
 If possible, run survey lines through level terrain to simplify the process.

Data gathering components : -

 Data Collectors: - As the name indicates, the observed data are collected
and stored by data collectors.
 Data collectors are binary coded.
 Data collectors are further divided into Internal data collectors and
external data collectors.
 Internal data collectors: - Total station is occupied with in built memory
card to process and store data
o It has a capacity ranging from 5000 to 10000 points
o Data held by memory card can de uploaded to any computing
device

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  External data collector: - An external data collector is a handheld device
or tablet that collects and stores data from a total station.
o It acts as a control center for the total station, allowing surveyors to
input commands, view survey data in real time, and store data
electronically.

Data processing components: -

 The processing of data is done by utilising the inbuilt microprocessor
which is capable of taking multiple observations.
 When data is downloaded from a total station onto a computer,
application software can be used to compute results and generate
a map of the surveyed area.
 The newest generation of total stations can also show the map on the
touch-screen of the instrument immediately after measuring the points.

Sources of error in total station: -

 Calibration: The total station may need to be calibrated to account for
factors such as mechanical wear, temperature changes, and
electromagnetic interference.
 Atmospheric conditions: Changes in humidity, temperature, and
atmospheric pressure can cause refractive errors that lead to measurement
discrepancies.
 User error: Improper sighting technique, misalignment of the
instrument, and incorrect data input can all lead to errors.
 Collimation errors: Horizontal collimation error occurs when the optical
axis of the theodolite is not perpendicular to the telescope axis.
o Vertical collimation error occurs when the 0 to 180 line in the
vertical circle does not coincide with its vertical axis.
 Centering error: This error can occur if the instrument is not level when
centering.
 Prism type and prism constants: The type of prism being used and
prism constants can affect accuracy.
 Curvature and refraction: These can displace the line of sight
vertically, affecting vertical/zenith angle measurement.

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Controlling of errors:-
 Calibrate regularly: - Calibration adjusts the internal components of the
total station to eliminate measurement errors. Factors like temperature
changes, mechanical wear, and electromagnetic interference can affect
calibration.
 Level the instrument: - Use the built-in bubble level or a tripod with a
built-in levelling device to ensure the instrument is level before taking
measurements.
 Aim the instrument properly: - Use the built-in telescope or a laser
pointer to ensure the instrument is properly aligned with the target.
 Check the data entry: - Double-check all data entered into the
instrument before taking measurements.
 Set up on stable ground: - Make sure the tripod is set on solid ground,
as soft ground can cause the tripod to settle.
 Check the tripod clamps: - Make sure the clamps for extending the
tripod legs are tightened enough to hold the weight of the total station.
 Check for movement in the tripod: - Apply pressure to the head of the
tripod to see if there is any play.
 Take measurements on two faces: - For circle eccentricity in the
horizontal circle, measure on both faces and use the mean as the result.

Field coding: -
 Field coding in total station surveys is the process of associating field
codes with features in a drawing.
 The field codes are linked to the description keys and figure prefix
database in the drawing.
 Field coding is a process in surveying where codes are assigned to
specific features or objects in the field, allowing for efficient data
collection and processing.
 In Total Station surveying, field coding involves assigning codes to:
o Points (e.g., corners, centers, intersections)
o Lines (e.g., boundaries, roads)
o Surfaces (e.g., buildings, terrain)
o Features (e.g., utilities, trees)

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  Field Coding Benefits
o Improved data accuracy
o Increased efficiency
o Enhanced data organization
o Simplified data processing
o Better decision-making
 Common Field Codes:
1. Point codes:
BN (benchmark)
CP (control point)
TP (tie point)
2. Line codes:
BL (building line)
RL (road line)
PL (property line)
3. Surface codes:
BS (building surface)
TS (terrain surface)

Field controlling: -
 Field controlling in Total Station surveying involves verifying and
adjusting the accuracy of measurements in real-time, ensuring reliable
data collection.
 Field Controlling Methods: -
1. Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) positioning: - a satellite navigation
technique that uses a base station and a mobile receiver to calculate
precise location data in real time

2. Differential GPS (DGPS): - DGPSs consist of networks of fixed

position, ground-based reference stations.
o Each reference station calculates the difference between its
highly accurate known position and its less accurate satellite-
derived position.

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 o The stations broadcast this data locally—typically using
ground-based transmitters of shorter range.
3. Total Station's internal algorithms: -
4. External sensors (e.g., tilt, temperature)
 Field Controlling Techniques: -
1. Point-to-Point measurement verification
2. Line and curve fitting
3. Surface modelling
4. Automatic target recognition

 Total Station Field Controlling Features: -

1. Automatic target recognition
2. Real-time measurement verification
3. Tilt and temperature compensation
4. Advanced algorithms for accuracy enhancement
5. Integration with external sensors

Modems for Data Transfer in Total Station:

 Types of Modems:
1. Cellular (GSM, CDMA, LTE)
2. Wi-Fi
3. Bluetooth
4. Radio Frequency (RF)
5. Ethernet
 Total Station Modem Compatibility:
1. Trimble: GSM, CDMA, LTE, Wi-Fi
2. Leica: GSM, CDMA, LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
3. Topcon: GSM, CDMA, LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
 Data Transfer Methods:
1. Real-time kinematic (RTK) positioning
2. Differential GPS (DGPS)
3. File transfer protocol (FTP)

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 4. Secure file transfer protocol (SFTP)
5. Email
 Modem Configuration:
1. APN (Access Point Name) settings
2. IP address configuration
3. Port forwarding
4. Firewall settings
5. Data transmission protocols
 Total Station Modem Setup:
1. Instrument setup
2. Modem installation
3. Configuration and testing
4. Data transmission verification
 Data Transfer Speed:
1. Cellular: up to 100 Mbps
2. Wi-Fi: up to 600 Mbps
3. Bluetooth: up to 2 Mbps
4. RF: up to 100 kbps
5. Ethernet: up to 1 Gbps

Readings of Total station with Prism mode and Non Prism mode:-
1. Prism mode: -
 In prism mode, a total station uses a prism to calculate the coordinates of
a location by measuring the prism's position, distance, and angle:
 The total station sends out infrared waves that are invisible.
 The prism, which is usually attached to a pole, reflects the waves.
 The total station measures the prism's position, distance, and angle.
 The total station calculates the prism's location or coordinates.
 Prism-based total stations are more accurate and can measure longer
distances than reflector-less total stations.
 Reflectorless total stations
 Total stations use a modulated infrared carrier signal to measure distance.
 The signal is reflected by the prism or the object being surveyed.

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 The total station's computer then reads and interprets the modulation
pattern in the returning signal.

2. Non-Prism mode:-
 A non-prism total station, also known as a reflectorless total
station, uses a red laser beam to measure distances and angles
without a prism
 The total station emits a laser beam and measures the distance and
angle of the reflected signal
 This method is ideal for measuring distances in hard-to-reach or
hazardous areas.
 It can save up to 35% of the time it would take to survey the same
building with a prismatic total station.
 Things to be considered in non- prism mode: -
o Make sure the laser beam isn't reflected by nearby objects.
o If objects pass in front of the laser beam, like cars, rain, or
snow, the total station will measure the distance to the
nearest object.
o If an object shifts away before the ranging head, wait a
moment and re-measure.
o Don't measure the same target with two instruments.
o To test the maximum ranging distance, use a standard A4
white Kodak paper as a non-prism reflector.

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