Total Station
Definition
An electronic instrument that simultaneously measures horizontal and vertical angles and distance to a reflective prism, computing three-dimensional coordinates directly. Typical angular accuracy is 2 to 5 arc-seconds and distance accuracy is 1 to 3 mm plus a parts-per-million component.
- Primary measurements
- Horizontal angles, vertical angles, and distance
- Angular accuracy
- 2 to 5 arc-seconds
- Distance accuracy
- 1 to 3 mm plus parts-per-million
- Key components
- Electronic theodolite and distance-measuring unit
Common questions
What does a total station measure?+
A total station measures horizontal angles, vertical angles, and distance to a reflective prism from a single instrument setup. It computes three-dimensional coordinates directly from these measurements, allowing forensic examiners to map complex spaces accurately.
How accurate is a total station?+
Typical total stations have angular accuracy of 2 to 5 arc-seconds and distance accuracy of 1 to 3 millimeters plus a parts-per-million component. This precision makes them suitable for detailed crime scene and fire scene mapping.
What's inside a total station?+
A total station combines an electronic theodolite with a distance-measuring unit. This integration lets it record three-dimensional coordinates from a single setup.
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- Non-invasive subsurface imaging using physical contrasts such as radar reflection, magnetic variation, or electrical resistance.
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