Setting Up for a Total Station survey
The process for setting up the device is fairly simple. Just follow these ten steps and you will be ready for your total station survey:
- Gather Your Equipment: First, you will need to have your equipment ready. In addition to the device, this should include a tripod, tribrach, controller, cables, survey stake or nail and a mallet.
- Establish and Mark a Point of Reference: Establish a point of reference for your project. This often needs to be measured using conventional means. Mark this point with a stake or nail.
- Set Up the Tripod at the Reference Point: Open the tripod and set it over the point of reference. Try to position the center of the tripod roughly over the stake.
- Attach the Tribrach and Course Level: Attach the tribrach to the tripod and course level to the tripod.
- Adjust as Necessary: Using these initial, course instrument, get the tripod as close as possible to be totally level and directly over the point of reference.
- Place the Total Station on the Tripod: Attach the device to the tripod being careful not to move it off-center.
- Connect Cables: Connect the battery pack and controller to the total station using the appropriate cables.
- Power On and Start Controller: Turn the device on and open the fine-level functionality using the controller.
- Make Fine Adjustments: Adjust the device using the fine level to get to directly over the survey marker on the stake. Also, ensure that it is perfectly level.
- You’re Ready: You are now ready to begin taking sightings. Using a total station, you can easily capture important measurements for land surveying, construction and many other projects.
How To Stake Our Points
Staking out points is one of the most common uses for a total station. The process for staking out points begins by setting up the device at known coordinates, as described above. Enter the coordinates of the stake point into the device. It will calculate the correct direction for this point (which will become zero degrees).
Turn the total station to zero degrees on the horizontal axis. Position a reflection in the line of sight of the device. Using the EDM functionality, move the reflector until it is the correct distance away from the instrument. This is the point of the coordinates entered into the system. Mark the point with a stake.
With many devices, points can be uploaded from a computer beforehand. This helps to make targeting the point even easier because the user only needs to select the relevant point number on the controller.
How To Stake Out Profile Boards
The process for staking out profile boards uses similar techniques to staking points. Begin by establishing a reference point based on distance from the boundaries of the area. Typically, this is a corner of the building. Alternatively, it may be the center point of the building. Set up the total station at this location as described in the steps above.
Enter the coordinates of your first target building corner. Using the ranging pole, find the correct point for the corner and mark it with a profile peg. If the total station is set up at a proposed corner for the building, you can use the distance measuring and ranging pole to find intermediate points along the wall. This is often used for determining the positioning of supports.
With the total station zeroed on the marked corner, turn it 90 degrees to find the next corner. Mark this again using the ranging pole. Using this method, you can ensure that the profile pegs and board are at exactly the right angles from each other.
Find the Right Total Station for You
Engineer Supply has a large selection of total stations. Explore our catalog to find the right one for you. Whether you need a simple device for basic jobs or an advanced robotic total station, we have the device for you.