DEPARTMENT OF COLLEGIATE AND TECHNICAL

EDUCATION

STUDY MATERIAL
ON
MODERN SURVEYING
(20CE32P)
UNIT -IV
TOTAL STATION

For III semester Diploma in Civil Engineering

Prepared by,
Mr. MAHANTESH L/CE

146-GOVERNMENT
GOVERNMENT POLYTECHNIC LINGASUGUR
LINGASUGUR-584122
2021-2022
 MODERN SURVEYING 20CE32P

UNIT –VI
TOTAL STATION
6.1 INTRODUCTION :
Use of electronics-based surveying instruments is now become very popular due to its
various advantages compared to conventional instruments. The recent applications of
electronics in surveying instruments have made surveyors to collect and process field data
much more easily and at higher precision than is possible using mechanical instruments.
Also recent advances in areas such as Remote sensing, Global positioning system and
Geographical information systems, we can collect huge amount of data and process it with in
less time & also it can be presented it in different format as required by the user.
In the past, Theodolite were the most commonly used surveying instruments for
making angle observations. Today, the total station instrument has replaced Theodolite. The
main instrument for surveyors on site today is the Total station'. Total station instruments can
accomplish all of the tasks that could be done with Theodolite and do them much more
efficiently.
In addition, they can also observe distances accurately and quickly. Furthermore, they
can make computations with the angle and distance observations, and display the results in
real time.

6.11 TERMS

Whole Circle Bearing :The direction of a line given by an angle, measured clockwise from a
north(usually) meridian.

ATR: Automatic Target Recognition.

Control: A system of points whose relative positions have been determined from survey
data.
Control Point: A point whose position (horizontal or vertical) has been determined from
survey data, and is used as a base for a dependent survey.
Control Station: A marked point of known position both horizontally and vertically. Control
station networks are established on most construction and mining sites and are used as fixed
references for positioning other surveyed features. Total stations require control stations in
order for an instrument position to be fixed.

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Control Survey: A survey used to establish reference points and lines for preliminary and
construction surveys.

Coordinates: A set of numbers that is used to determine a relative position, usually refer to
an Easting and Northing for horizontal position and Elevation or Reduced Level (RL) for
vertical position.

COGO (coordinate geometry): Software programs that facilitate coordinate geometry

computations used in surveying and civil engineering.

DTM, (Digital Terrain Model) : A representation in graphic form, on the compute, of the
terrain through the area being surveyed.

Easting: One of the two values indicating the position of a point on a grid system. The
easting Co-ordinate is abbreviated: E.

Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS): A term now used to refer to all global and
regional satellite positioning systems.

GPS (global positioning system): A ground positioning (Y, X, and Z) technique based on
the reception and analysis of NAVSTAR satellite signals.

Northing: One of the two values indicating the position of a point on a grid system. The
northing North ordinate is abbreviated: N.
Offset Line: A supplementary line close to, and usually parallel to a main survey line to
which it is referenced by measured offsets. When the line for which data is desired is in such
position that it is difficult to measure over it, the required data is obtained by running offset
line in a convenient location and measuring offset from it to salient points on the other line
6.12 CHARACTERISTICS OF TOTAL STATION INSTRUMENTS
Total station instruments, as shown in Figure combine three basic components:

 an electronic distance measuring (EDM) instrument,

 an electronic angle measuring component, and
 a computer or microprocessor-into one integral unit.

The Total Station is partly based on a principle used in traditional theodolites, where
angle are calculated from vertical and horizontal 360-degree scales. It combines these
with a device as an Electronic Distance Measurer or EDM. This sends out a tiny light
signal, which reflects back from the prism giving a from the prism giving a time interval
that is used to calculate distance.

1. These devices can automatically observe horizontal and vertical angles, as well as
slope distances from a single setup. The coded scales of the horizontal and vertical circle
are scanned electronically, and then the angles and distances are displayed total-station

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instruments measure angles by means of electro-optical scanning of extremely precise

bar-codes etched on rotation glass cylinders or discs within the instrument. the best
quality total stations are capable of measuring angles to 0.5 arc-second. Inexpensive
"construction grade" total stations can generally measure angle's to 5 or 10 arc-seconds

2. The electronic transit provides a digital read-out of those angles instead of a scale,
which is more accurate and less prone to errors arising from interpolating between marks
on the scale or from recording error. The read-out is also continuous, and hence, angles
can be checked at any time.

3. The telescope is an important part of a total station instrument. It is mounted between

the instrument's standards , and after the instrument has been levelled, it can be revolved
(or "plunged") so that its axis of sight defines a vertical plane. (The axis about which the
telescope revolves is called the horizontal axis. The telescope can also be rotated in any
azimuth about a vertical line called the vertical axis.)

Being able to both revolve and rotate the telescope in this manner makes it possible for an
operator to aim the telescope in any azimuth, and along any slope, to sight points. This is
essential in making angle observations.

4. Total station instruments are manufactured with two graduated circles, mounted in
mutually perpendicular planes. Prior to observing angles, the instrument is levelled so that
its horizontal circle is oriented in a horizontal plane, which automatically puts the vertical
circle in a vertical plane. Horizontal and zenith (or altitude) angles can then be observed
directly in their respective planes of reference.

5. The EDM instruments that are integrated into total station instruments and are mounted
with the telescope between the standards of the instrument. The EDM instrument
transmits an infrared beam, which is reflected back to the unit with the help of a prism
(for total internal reflection), and the EDM uses phase difference technique for
measurements. The horizontal distance, the height difference and the coordinates are
calculated automatically and all measurements and additional information can be
recorded.

6. The angle resolution of available total stations varies from as low as a half second for
precise instruments suitable for control surveys. Formats used for displaying angles also
vary with different instruments. For example, the displays of some actually show the
degree, minute, and second symbols, but others use only a decimal point to separate the
number of degrees from the minutes and seconds. Most instruments allow a choice of
units, such as the display of angular measurements in degrees, minutes, and seconds, or in
grads (gons). Distances may be shown in either feet or meters.

7. Also, certain instruments enable the choice of displaying cither zenith or altitude

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angles. These Choices are entered through the keyboard, and the microprocessor performs
the necessary Conversions accordingly. The keyboard, used for instrument control and
data entry, is located Just above the levelling head. 8,

8. Once the instrument has been set up and a Sighting has been made through the
telescope, the Ume required to make and display an angle and distance reading is
approximately 2 to 4 sec When a total station instrument is being operated in the normal
mode, and less than 0.5 sec en operated in the tracking mode.

9. The Total Station has an inbuilt microprocessor that automatically collects these angle
and distance measurements, calculates the Trigonometrical equations and converts them
into grid co. ordinates and display the results on a liquid crystal display (LCD).

The raw data (angles and distances) and the coordinates of points sighted are recorded
along with some additional information (usually codes to aid in relating the coordinates to
the points surveyed). Instead of the surveyor noting these down in a notebook, they are
normally send directly to a data-logger mounted on the tripod, which can then be
downloaded into a computer to produce a plot.

10. They can also store the data, cither on board or in external data collectors connected
to their communication ports. The use of a data recorder further reduces the recording
errors and eliminates the need for a person to record the data in the field.

6.13 Key Features of Total Stations

The theodolite is offering a complete product family. It is easy for a user to switch
between models without learning a new operation.
Few key features of total station highlighted below:
1. Absolute circle reading.
2. Excellent hardware features, such as laser plummet, endless drives on both sides for
Horizontal and Vertical, brilliant optics with 30x magnification. 3. Dual-Axis
compensation for reliable Horizontal and Vertical reading.
4. New and intuitive software.
5. Unique levelling guidance for fast and convenient setup.
6. High resolution LCD display.
7. Audible notice for 90° turns and layout.
8. Electronic laser distance measurement.
9. Free set-up possible straight from blueprint.
10. Graphic sketches.
11. Hassle-free EDM measurement with red laser on any target or on the flat-prism.
12. Enter the data at the office and simply call it up at the site.
13. Upload and transfer data via on board data connection.
14. Data editing and exchange in Total Stations.
15. Connectivity to 3rd party devices.

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6.14 PARTS OFA TOTAL STATION INSTRUMENT

The upper part to the total station instrument, called the alidade, includes the telescope, dated
circles, and all other elements necessary for measuring angles and distances.

Fig: Parts of typical total station

6.15 ADVANTAGES OF TOTAL STATION

The following are the advantages of total station:

1. It provides quick setting of the instrument on the tripod using laser plummet.
2. It gives digital measurements of sloping, horizontal and vertical distances accurately and
precisely.
3. It gives digital measurements of vertical and horizontal angles accurately and precisely.
4. It consists of electronic field book to record the data and additional information.
5. It can be used for speedy completion of any type of project work.
6. It provides accurate setting out work by coordinate method.
7. It provides the provision of uploading and downloading the data to computer.
8. It is used to prepare the map and drawings using software.
9. It consists of on-board area computation programme to compute the area of the field with
greater accuracy.
10. It displays graphical view of plots and land for quick visualization. .
11.It provides enormous plotting and area computation at any user required scale.
12. It allows integration of database (exporting map to GIS packages).
13. Using Robotic Total station single surveyor can perform surveying work.

6.16 DISADVANTAGES OF TOTAL STATION

1. Their use does not provide hard copies of field notes. Hence, it may be difficult for the
Surveyor to look over and check the work while surveying.

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2. For an overall check of the survey, it will be necessary to return to the office and prepare
the drawings using appropriate software.
3. They should not be used for observations or the Sun, unless special filters, are used. If not.
The EDM part of the instrument will be damaged.
4. the instrument is costly and for conducting surveys using total station, skilled personnel are
required.
6.17 APPLICATIONS
Total station can be perform all the surveying tasks which is carried out by theodolite .The
following are the some of the applications listed:
1. Measurement of horizontal and sloping distances between stations.
2. Base line measurements in triangulation work.
3. Missing line measurement (obstructed or omitted measurement).
4. Elevation measurement (remote elevation measurement also).
5. Measurement of horizontal, vertical and oblique angles between lines/objects.
6. Establishing absolute positions of stations and ground control stations.
7. Contouring, mapping, volume or area measurement through suitable software or
connection to computer.
8. Fixing 3-D co-ordinates of stations, with respect to a reference station.
9. Setting out works for important Civil engineering projects like dams, bridges, canals,
tunnels, etc.

6.18 OBSERVING HORIZONTAL ANGLES WITH TOTAL STATION

INSTRUMENTS

After a total station instrument is set up and levelled, its horizontal circle is in a horizontal
plane and thus in proper orientation for observing horizontal angles.

I. To observe a horizontal angle, for example, angle AOB of Figure , the instrument is first
setup and centered over station 0, and levelled.

2. Then a back sight is taken on station A. This is accomplished by releasing the horizontal
and vertical locks, turning the telescope in the approximate direction of A, and clamping both
locks. A precise pointing is then made to place the vertical cross hair on the target using the
horizontal and vertical tangent screws, and an initial value of 0°00'00" is entered in the
display.

3. The horizontal motion is then unlocked, and the telescope turned clockwise toward point B
to make the foresight. The vertical circle lock is also usually released to tilt the telescope for
sighting point B. Again the motions are clamped with the line of sight approximately on
station B, and precise pointing is made as before using the horizontal tangent screw.

4. When the foresight is completed, the value of the horizontal angle will automatically
appear in the display.

5. To eliminate instrumental errors and increase precision, angle observations should be

repeated an equal number of times in each of the direct and reverse modes, and the average
taken.

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Fig: Measurement of horizontal angle

Built-in computers of total station instruments will perform the averaging automatically and
display the final results. For instruments that have only a single keyboard and display, the
instrument is in its direct mode when the eyepiece and keyboard are on the same side of the
instrument However, instruments do vary by manufacturer, and the operator should refer to
the instrument’s manual to determine the proper orientation of their instrument when in the
direct mode. To get from the direct mode into the reverse mode, the telescope is "plunged"
(rotated 180° about the horizontal axis).

Procedures for repeating horizontal angle observations can differ with instruments of
different manufacture, and operators must therefore become familiar with the features of their
specific instrument by referring to its manual.

The following is an example procedure that applies to some instruments.

1. To observe a horizontal angle, for example, angle AOB of Figure 6.13, the instrument is
first setup and centered over station O, and levelled.

2. Then a back sight is taken on station A and initial value of horizontal circle set to 0°00'00".

3. The horizontal motion is then unlocked, and the telescope turned clockwise toward point B
to make the foresight. When the foresight is completed, the value of the horizontal angle will
automatically appear in the display.

4. After making the first observation of angle AOB, the angular value in the display is held
by pressing a button on the keyboard of the instrument. (Assume the first observation was in
the direct mode.)

5. To repeat the angle with the instrument in the same mode, a back sight is again taken on
station A using the horizontal lock and tangent screw. After the back sight is completed, with
the first observed angular value still on the display, the display is released for the next angle
observation by again pressing the appropriate button on the keyboard.

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Fig.6.18

6. Using the same procedures described earlier, a foresight is again taken on station B, after
which the display will read the sum of the two repeated angles.

7. This procedure is repeated until the desired number of angles is observed in the direct
mode, where upon the display will show the sum of these repetitions.

8. Then the telescope is plunged to place it in the reverse mode, and the angle repeated an
equal number of times using the same procedure. In the end, the sum of all angles turned,
direct and reverse, will be displayed. The final angle is the mean.

6.19 OBSERVING HORIZONTAL ANGLES BY THE DIRECTION METHOD

Total station instruments can be used to determine horizontal angles by the direction method.

i) This procedure consists in observing directions, which are simply horizontal circle readings
Taken to successive stations sighted around the horizon.
ii) Then by taking the difference in directions between any two stations, the angle between
them is determined.

Fig. 6.19
The procedure is particularly efficient when multiple angles are being measured at a station.
Note that in this procedure, the multiple readings increase the precisions of the angles, and by
taking equal numbers of direct and reverse readings, instrumental errors are eliminated and
also this method of observing directions can significantly reduce the time at a station,
especially when several angles with multiple repetitions are needed, for example in
triangulation.

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Directions Observed from Station P

Repetition Station Reading Reading Mean Angle

No sighted Direct Reverse

0'" 0'" 0'" 0'"

1 Q 0 00 00 0 00 00 0 00 00
R 42 20 30 42 20 28 42 20 30 42 20 32
S 80 12 54 80 13 40 80 13 47 37 53 17

6.20 CLOSING THE HORIZON

Closing the horizon consists in using the direction method as described in the preceding
section, but including all angles around a point.

Fig. 6.20

The following procedure adopted:

i)The angles are first turned around the horizon by making a pointing and direction reading at
each station with the instrument in the direct mode.

ii)A final foresight pointing is made on the initial back sight station, and this provides a check
because it should give the initial back sight reading.

iii)After completing the readings in the direct mode, the telescope is plunged to its reverse
position and all directions around the horizon observed again.

iv) Finally their sum is calculated, and checked against (360°). Any difference reveals a
mistake or mistakes in computing the individual angles. Again, repeat values for each
individual angle are obtained, and as another check on the work.

v) After observing all angles around the horizon, their sum could also be computed and
compared against 360°.

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Closing the Horizon at Station A

Position No. Station Reading Reading Mean Angle

sighted Direct Reverse
0’ " 0’ " 0’ " 0’ "
1 B 0 00 00 0 00 00 0 00 00
C 38 14 14 38 14 20 38 14 17 38 14 17
D 120 10 30 120 10 38 120 10 34 81 56 17
B 0 00 02 0 00 02 0 00 02 360 00 02

6.21 ORIENTATION

With total station instruments, three methods are commonly used for horizontal orientation:
1. azimuth,

2. coordinates, and

3. resection.

the first two apply where an existing control point is occupied, and the latter is used when the
instrument is set up at a non control point.

in azimuth orientation, the coordinates of the occupied control station and the known azimuth
to a back sight station are entered into the instrument. If the occupied station's coordinates
have been downloaded into the instrument prior to going into the field, it is only necessary to
input its points number. the back sight station is then sighted, and when completed, the
azimuth of the line is transferred to the total station by a keyboard stroke, where upon it
appears in the display.
The coordinate method of orientation uses the same approach, except that the
coordinates of both the occupied and the back sight station are entered. Again these data
could have been downloaded previously so that it would only be necessary to key in the
numbers identifying the two stations.
The instrument computes the back sight line's azimuth from the coordinates, displays it and
prompts the operator to sight the back sight station. Upon completion of the back sight, the
azimuth is transferred to the instrument with a keystroke and it appears on the display.

In the resection procedure, a station whose position is unknown is occupied and the
instrument's position determined by sighting two or more control stations. This is very
convenient on projects where a certain point of high elevation in an open area gives good
visibility to all (or most) points to be staked. as noted, two or more control points must be
sighted. Observations or angles, or of angles and distances, are made to the control stations.

6.21 OBSERVING BEARING

The horizontal circle of a total station can be set to read a known bearing by entering the
coordinates of the station occupied followed by the coordinates of the reference station. The
reference station is then sighted. Suppose the bearing of line AB is known (Bearings are
measured with respect to north), the bearing of any other line that starts at A, such as AC in
the figure, can be found directly using total station instrument.

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i) Instrument set up and centered over station A, and levelled.

ii) A back sight is first taken on point B.

iii) The bearing of line AB is then set on the horizontal circle using the keyboard. The
instrument is now "oriented," since the line of sight is in a known direction with the
corresponding bearing on the horizontal circle.

iv) If the circle were turned until it read 0°, the telescope would be pointing toward north
(along the meridian).

v) The next steps are to loosen the horizontal lock, turn the telescope clockwise to C and read
resultant direction, which is the bearing of AC, and in this case is 80°20' 00'.

Fig.6.21 Orientation by azimuths

6.22 BSERVING VERTICAL ANGLES

A vertical angle is the difference in direction between two intersecting lines measured in a vertical
plane. Vertical angle can be observed as either altitude or zenith angle.
An altitude angle is the angle above or below a horizontal plane through the point of
observation. Angle above the horizontal plane are called plus angle, or angles of elevation. Those
below it are minus angle, or angles of depression.
Zenith angle are measured with zero on the vertical oriented toward the zenith of the
measurement and thus go from 00 to 3600 in a clock wise circle about the horizontal axis of the
instrument. Most total station instruments are designed so that zenith angles are displayed rather than
altitude angles.

In equation form, the relationship between altitude angle and zenith angle is
Direct mode 𝛼 =900 –z

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Revised mode 𝛼 =Z-2700

Where z and 𝛼 are the zenith and altitude angles, respectively. With a total station, therefore,
a reading of 00 corresponds to the telescope pointing vertically upward. In the direct mode,
with the telescope horizontal, the zenith reading is 900,and if the telescope is elevated 300
above horizontal, the reading is 600 in the reverse mode, the horizontal reading is 2700 and
with the telescope raised 300 above the horizon it is 3000.

6.23 CO-ORDINATE MEASUREMENTS WITH TOTAL STATIONS

The horizontal circle of a total station can be set to read whole circle bearings directly using
the following procedure.
1. The coordinates of the instrument station are entered into the total station, followed by the
coordinates of a reference station, as shown in Figure.
2. The reference station is sighted and an orientation program in the instrument is activated
to carry out a rectangular to polar conversion and calculate the whole-circle bearing A.
instrument station to the reference station and to set the horizontal circle to display this
bearing.
This is known as horizontal circle orientation, and whatever direction the total station is
pointed in after this, it will display the whole-circle bearing along that direction.

Fig 6.23: horizontal circle orientation Es, N s, and ER, NR are entered into total station which
calculate A and orientation to this.

6.24 CURVE SETTING USING TOTAL STATION

a) RANKINE’S DEFLECTION ANGLE METHOD

The procedure described as follows:

1. Set up the total station over the T1, find Point of intersection(B) in the suggested direction by
∆
measuring distance equal to tangent length ( R tan )with the help of reflector mounted on top of pole,
do not forget to enter basic information of instrument height and height of reflector.
2. Now establish point T2, by setting up Total Station at point PI and deflection angle and forward
∆
tangent distance (R tan ). Make sure you enter new height of instrument in the Total Station for new
setup.
3. Now go back to point T1, set up Total Station on T1, and enter new height of instrument again. Let
the horizontal circle read zero when sighting the B before start shooting points and start shooting for
intermediate points by measuring distances and deflection angles. Mark every point with coloured
flags.

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The procedure for shooting intermediate points as follows:

i) Rotate the alidade in a clockwise direction until the horizontal circle reads an angle equal (𝛿 ,).
ii) The surveyor standing at the total station will order his assistant to move along the line of sight
while carrying the reflector. He will then read the horizontal distance from the T1, to the reflector and
start signaling the assistant to move closer or farther until the horizontal distance becomes first sub-
chord (C1,). At this point, the assistant will drive an arrow into the ground locating the first point.

iii) To locale point 2, the horizontal circle of the total station is brought to read (𝛿 , + 𝛿) and step (ii) is
then repeated until the horizontal distance between the T1, and the reflector becomes second chord
length.
iv)This procedure is repeated until the whole circular curve is laid out. The last point so located must
coincide with the tangent point T2, fixed already from the point of intersection (B).

Tangential Angles:
.
𝛿 = minutes

.
𝛿 = minutes

.
𝛿 = minutes and so on

.
𝛿 = minutes

Total deflection angle :

For first chord T1D, total deflection angle ∆ =𝛿

For second chord DE, total deflection angle,∆ =𝛿 + 𝛿 = ∆ +𝛿

Similarly , ∆ =𝛿 + 𝛿 + 𝛿 = ∆ +𝛿

And ∆ =∆ +𝛿

Check:

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∆
The total deflection angle (BT1T2) =∆ =

6.25 TRAVERSING WITH TOTAL STATION

Total stations can be used in any type of preliminary survey, control survey, or layout survey.
They are particularly well suited for topographic surveys, in which the surveyor can capture
the northings, eastings, and elevations of a large number of points-700 to 1,000 points per
day.
The main advantage of using a total station for traversing is that angles and distances
are measured simultaneously at each station. This can reduce the time taken for a survey, and
because they can carry out coordinate calculations, another advantage of the total station is
that it is possible to compute traverse coordinates at each station as angles and distances are
measured. The procedure for doing this with a total station for the traverse shown in Figure
6.25 is as follows.
1. The total station is set up at existing control point A and a backsight is taken to existing
control point B.
2. The coordinates of A and B are entered into the instrument and the horizontal circle is
orientated to display the whole- circle bearing from station A to the backsight B.
3. Following this, the total station is rotated through angle A1 and station 1 is sighted on the
traverse, the instrument will now display the whole-circle bearing along line A1

Fig 6.25: Traverse measurement with a total station

4. The horizontal distance will now display the whole-circle bearing along line A1 The
horizontal distance D1 is measured and the coordinates of station 1 are calculated by the total
station
5. The instrument is moved and set up at station 1, point A is sighted as a backsight and the
horizontal circle is orientated along this direction.
6. By rotating through angle A2 to sight station 2 and by measuring distance D2, the
coordinates of station 2 are obtained.
7. The instrument is now moved to station 2 and the process is repeated to give the
coordinates of the next station. To end the traverse, measurements are taken from the last
traverse station to a closing point C whose coordinates are known.
8.As soon as this is done, the total station will display the misclosures in Easting and in
Northing for the traverse, and if these are accepted it will adjust the coordinates of the
traverse stations.
9. Because an on-site calculation and check of the traverse can be carried out, any errors in
the traverse can be corrected immediately before leaving the site.
10. All of the coordinates for the traverse are stored by the total station using its internal
memory, data collector or field computer.
11. It is also possible to measure three-dimensional traverses with a total station. In this case,
the heights of the first control point A and those of the closing point C are entered into the
total station together with each instrument and reflector height as individual measurements

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are taken.
12. Heights are then calculated for each station in the traverse and these are checked at point
C. As with the eastings and northings, if the misclosure in the heights is accepted, they are
adjusted and then stored by the total station.
13.Some traverse programs allow the user to fix the positions of additional points along the
traverse called side shots. To coordinate these, the side shot point is sighted in between the
backsight and next station and the distance is measured to it. The instrument will calculate the
coordinates of the point and store these. As side shots are not part of the traverse, there is no
check on the coordinates obtained and they should not be used to determine the positions of
control points.
6.26 CALCULATING AREAS

The application program Area is used to compute online areas of maximum 50 points
connected by straights. the target points have to be measured, selected from memory or
entered via keyboard in clockwise direction. The calculated area is projected onto the
horizontal plane.

Procedure:
1. Set up the total station in the terrain so that it is within view of the entire area to be
surveyed. It is not necessary to position the horizontal circle.
2. Determine the boundary points of the area sequentially in the clockwise direction. You
must always measure a distance.
3. Afterwards, the area is calculated automatically at the touch of a button and is displayed.

Fig. 6.25: Area Measurement

6.27 OFFSET MEASUREMENTTS

If it is not possible to set up the reflector directly, or it is not possible to aim the target
point directly, the offset values (length, cross and or height offset) can be entered. The values
for the angle and distances are calculated directly for the target point.
The Total Station Interface permits to specify a horizontal offset between the point
measuring Point to and the actual center of the plant (hidden object). The offset may be
estimated or measured with a small tape measure. The offset distance is measured from the
prism. The angle (usually 90°) or direction to the hidden object, along with the measured

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distance, is entered into the total station, enabling it to compute the position of the hidden
object.
There are three types of horizontal offsets that may be entered: straight, left and right

6.27.1 Straight Offset

A straight offset is the distance from the prism to the center of the plant when the prism is on
a straight line between the total station and the plant as shown in Fig

Fig : horizontal offset

6.27.2 Using Left And Right Offsets

Position the prism to the left or right of the plant in such a way that two imaginary lines, one
drawn from the total station to the center of the plant and the other from the prism to the
center of the plant would cross at right angles (90°). Measure from the prism to the center of
the plant. The direction is determined from the vantage point of the total station. As shown in
Fig. 6.27.2, if the prism is to the right of the plant, it is a right offset. If it is to the left of the
plant, it is a left offset.

a) Left Offset b) Right Offset

6.27.3 Setting Out Profile Boards

During building alignment, it is useful to mark the sides of the building to beyond the limits of the
excavation and there to erect profile boards on which the extensions are marked exactly by sequence
hammering in nails. these can be connected to strings or wires at any time during the construction
sequence, indicating the required positions of the walls or columns.

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In the following example, profile boards are to be erected parallel to the proposed
walls of a large building and at distances of a and b respectively from the boundaries.
1. establish a baseline AB parallel to the left hand boundary and at a freely selectable distance c. (Fig.
6.28)
2. Mark the point A at the defined distance d from the upper boundary; it will be the first location for
the total station.
3. Set up the total station on point A, target point B, and set out the points A1, A2 and A3 in this
alignment in accordance with the planned length of the side of the building.
4. With point B sighted, set the horizontal circle to zero, turn the total station by 90° and setout the
second line AC with the points A4, A5 and A6.
5. The points on the profile boards are then set out in a similar manner, starting from the points Al to
A6 respectively.
6. Nails are driven into the batter board tops so that strings stretched tightly between them define the
outside wall or form line of the building. The layout is checked by measuring diagonals and
comparing them with each other (for symmetric layouts) or to their computed values.

If the foundations have not yet been excavated, we can set out the sides H,H, and H,H, of the building
directly and use them as the starting line for marking the points on the profile boards.

6.27.4 LAYOUT SMALL BUILDING USING TOTAL STATIOON

The following procedure adopted to fix the column position of building on site:

1. On the site plan supplied by an architect , number the columns serially and workout the co-
ordinates of the column centres with respect to any one plot corner assuming any one side of
building as meridian.

2. Create an excel document with four independent columns for column numbers and upload
this file to total station by making use of communication or transfer software.

3. Carry this total station to proposed site. Set the total station at site at a point with respect
the co ordinates of column centres which are worked out.

4. Carry out all the temporary adjustments of total station. Initiate the total station providing
it with the co- ordinates of the station occupied and by orienting the telescope along
themeridian taken at the time of reduction of co-ordinates of column centres.

5. Activate setting out the programme on total station & open the uploaded file and bring the
co-ordinates of any column to be set out.
6. Hold the prism pole at tentative position of that column at ground, bisect it and find its co-
ordinates.

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7. Repeat the process till obtaining no discrepancy in the coordinates of points occupied and
point to be set out. Similarly the centres of rest of columns marked.

6.3 Precautions To Be Taken While Using A Total Station

The following precautions need to be taken for good maintenance of total station:

i. Always carry a total station in a locked hard case even for a very short distance. Take
the total station out of the hard case only for fixing it firmly on a tripod for taking
observations.
ii. Do not move or carry a tripod with the total station fixed on it, except for centering.
iii. Use both hands to hold the total station handle.
iv. Never release the handle before the total station is fixed with the tripod’s fixing screw.
v. Set up the tripod as stable as possible.
vi. Do not leave the instrument in direct sunlight or in a closed vehicle for prolonged
periods overheating the instrument may reduce its efficiency.
vii. Take maximum care when the tribrach is removed from the total station.
viii. Do not make the total station wet. If the total station has been used in wet conditions,
immediately wipe off any moisture and dry the instrument completely before returning
the instrument to the carrying case. The instrument contains sensitive assemblies
which have been well protected against dust and moisture. However, if dust or
moisture gets into the instrument, severe damage could result.
ix. Sudden changes in temperature may cloud the lenses and drastically reduce the
measurable distance, or cause an electrical system failure. If there has been a sudden
change in temperature, leave the instrument in a closed carrying case in a warm
location until the temperature of the instrument returns to room temperature.
x. Do not store the total station in hot or humid locations. In particular, you must store
the battery pack in a dry location at a temperature of less than 300C. high temperature
or excessive humidity can cause the electronic assemblies to deteriorate, and so lead
to instrument failure.

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