A total station is used in surveying by setting the instrument over a known point, leveling and centering it, entering the instrument and prism heights, orienting it with a backsight, measuring angles and distances to target points, storing point data in the controller, checking accuracy against known control points, and exporting the data for CAD, GIS, or construction layout.
In practice, using a total station correctly requires more than placing it on a tripod. Surveyors must also manage control points, benchmarks, coordinate systems, prism setup, backsight orientation, point codes, and field checks to make sure the collected data is accurate.
Using a total station or any other piece of surveying equipment is easy when you know the right steps. But an understanding of the names and terms we will be using and how to use a total station is also important, so let’s go over some of those first.
Tripod– The tripod is a three-legged stand that forms the base of the total station, RTK GPS or other pieces of survey equipment. Cameras also employ tripods for stable measurements.
Tribrach– A 2-plate mechanism that attaches to surveying equipment and allows for sub-millimetre adjustments. There are thumbscrews that help to adjust the device and usually include an optical plummet and bubble level as well.
Optical plummet– a scope on the side of the tribrach that points to a mirror inside the levelling mechanism. The mirror is angled downward, so centering the tripod is easier.
A total station is a combined electronic theodolite and distance-measuring device used to capture angles, distances, and coordinates from a single setup point. It integrates an internal computer to calculate precise positions, making it a central tool for modern surveying tasks. Most models also include onboard storage or wireless data transfer to streamline workflow in the field.
A total station is used in surveying to measure angles, distances, elevations, and coordinates. It combines an electronic theodolite with a distance meter, allowing surveyors to collect accurate field data and store it digitally in a controller.
Surveyors use total stations for boundary surveys, topographic surveys, control points, construction layout, staking out, as-built surveys, roadwork, utility surveys, and engineering projects. In construction, a total station helps position building corners, foundations, columns, roads, drainage systems, and other site features according to design plans.
A total station can be used with a prism, in reflectorless mode, or as a robotic instrument. It is especially useful when high accuracy and direct line of sight are required, such as on construction sites, wooded areas, dense urban sites, tunnels, and locations where GNSS or RTK signals may be limited.
Before learning how to use a total station, it helps to understand the two main types available and how each one fits different surveying workflows.
A manual total station requires the operator to physically aim and align the instrument toward the target prism for each measurement. The surveyor looks through the telescope, manually rotates the instrument to the correct position, and locks it in place before recording data.
Manual models are well-suited for smaller projects or environments where straightforward, controlled setups are the norm. They are also generally more affordable, making them a practical choice for crews who do not require automated tracking capabilities.
A robotic total station removes the need for a second person at the instrument. Using a motorised drive system and built-in tracking technology, it automatically follows the prism as the operator moves across the site. The surveyor controls the instrument remotely from the rod end, which significantly speeds up solo fieldwork and reduces the chance of misalignment over large areas.
Robotic models are particularly valuable on complex or high-volume sites where efficiency and continuous data capture are priorities.
A total station works by measuring angles with its theodolite component while using an electronic distance meter (EDM) to calculate the distance to a target prism. These two sets of data allow the device to compute exact coordinates through triangulation. The onboard software processes these values instantly, enabling surveyors to map points, capture elevations, and create layouts directly in the field.
Once the instrument is levelled and centred over the reference point, the total station locks onto a prism or reflector to begin collecting data. The EDM sends out an infrared or laser signal, then measures the time it takes for that signal to return, converting it into a precise distance. Meanwhile, the horizontal and vertical angles are captured simultaneously, which provides the necessary input for the device’s coordinate calculations.
Modern total stations often include tracking modes that automatically follow the prism as the operator moves across the site. This reduces the need for manual alignment and helps maintain consistent measurement accuracy, especially during layout or topographic surveys. Many units also store point data directly in the controller, allowing surveyors to review measurements, apply codes, or adjust settings in real time.
After the fieldwork is complete, the stored coordinate data can be exported to CAD, GIS, or surveying software for further processing.
Total stations are widely used across multiple surveying and construction tasks, including:
Total stations offer surveyors a combination of precision, efficiency, and versatility that is difficult to match with traditional instruments. Some of the most notable benefits include:
User-friendly controllers and guided workflows that shorten the learning curve for new operators
Reliable performance across large or complex job sites. Surveyors can gather consistent data even when working over long distances or uneven terrain
Digital measurement and recording that eliminates the need for manual note-taking and reduces the chances of transcription mistakes
A single instrument capable of performing multiple tasks helping crews minimize equipment changes during a project
Real-time feedback on measurements, which lets operators confirm point accuracy immediately instead of waiting for office processing
Flexible data export options that make it easy to move measurements into design platforms, project management systems, or mapping tools
Before starting the survey, make sure all required equipment is available and working properly. A standard total station setup usually includes:
It is also important to check that the total station, controller, and prism are compatible. Batteries should be charged, the instrument should be calibrated, and the data collector should have the correct project files or job settings ready before fieldwork begins.
A total station must be set up over a known or clearly defined point. This may be a control point, benchmark, reference point, or another survey point with known coordinates.
A control point is a point with established horizontal and vertical coordinates. A benchmark usually refers to a point with a known elevation. A reference point may be used to orient the instrument or connect the survey to a known site layout.
Before setting up, confirm that the point is stable, visible, and suitable for the survey. If the point is disturbed, poorly marked, or incorrectly identified, all measurements taken from that setup may be inaccurate.
Place the tripod directly over the chosen point. Spread the tripod legs wide enough to create a stable base, especially on uneven ground. Push the legs firmly into the surface so the tripod does not move during measurement.
At this stage, the tripod does not need to be perfectly centered, but it should be approximately positioned over the point. The tripod head should be roughly level and at a comfortable working height for the surveyor.
Avoid placing the tripod where it can be hit by vehicles, machinery, workers, or passing equipment. A small movement of the tripod can affect the accuracy of the entire setup.
Attach the tribrach to the tripod and secure it properly. Then mount the total station onto the tribrach according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
The tribrach is important because it allows the surveyor to center and level the instrument accurately over the survey point. It connects the total station to the tripod and provides the foot screws used for fine leveling.
Make sure the instrument is locked into place before releasing your hands. A loose connection between the total station, tribrach, and tripod can cause measurement errors or damage to the equipment.
Centering and leveling are two of the most important steps when using a total station in surveying.
First, use the optical plummet, laser plummet, or built-in plummet to position the instrument exactly over the survey point. Adjust the tripod legs and tribrach position until the plummet is aligned with the point on the ground.
Next, level the instrument. Start with the circular bubble to get the instrument roughly level. Then use the electronic level and foot screws for fine leveling. Adjust the foot screws carefully until the total station shows that it is level.
After leveling, check the plummet again. Centering and leveling often affect each other, so repeat the process until the instrument is both centered over the point and accurately leveled.
Once the total station is set up, create a new job or open an existing job in the data collector or field controller.
Enter the project name, units of measurement, coordinate system, datum, and any required job settings. For example, a survey may use feet or meters, local site coordinates, a state plane coordinate system, or another project-specific coordinate system.
This is also the time to set up point coding. Point codes help identify what each measured point represents, such as building corner, curb, fence, utility, tree, road edge, or property corner. Clear point coding makes the data easier to process later in CAD, GIS, or survey software.
The instrument height and prism height must be entered correctly before taking measurements.
The instrument height is the vertical distance from the survey point on the ground to the center of the total station telescope. The prism height is the vertical distance from the point being measured to the center of the prism.
Use a tape measure or height measuring tool to measure both heights carefully. Enter these values into the controller exactly as measured. Incorrect instrument height or prism height can lead to elevation errors, even when the horizontal position appears correct.
Always recheck prism height if the prism pole is adjusted during the survey.
The backsight is used to orient the total station. It tells the instrument which direction it is facing and connects the setup to the survey coordinate system.
A backsight point is usually another known control point or reference point with known coordinates. The surveyor aims the total station at the backsight point, measures to it, and uses it to establish the correct direction, azimuth, or bearing.
In many workflows, the controller will ask for the occupied point, instrument height, backsight point, prism height, and known coordinates. After measuring the backsight, the system calculates the orientation of the instrument.
A proper backsight setup is essential. If the backsight is wrong, all points measured from that setup may be rotated or positioned incorrectly.
After the instrument is oriented, aim the total station at the prism, target, or object being measured.
For prism measurements, the prism is usually mounted on a prism pole and held vertically over the point. The surveyor aims through the telescope and aligns the crosshairs with the prism. With robotic total stations, prism lock or auto-tracking may be used to follow the prism automatically.
For reflectorless measurements, the total station measures directly to a surface without a prism. This can be useful for measuring walls, building faces, inaccessible points, stockpiles, or other objects that cannot be reached safely.
Before measuring, make sure the target is clear, focused, and correctly selected in the instrument settings.
Once the total station is aimed at the target, take the measurement and store the point in the controller.
A total station measures horizontal angle, vertical angle, and slope distance. From these measurements, the controller calculates horizontal position, elevation, and coordinates for the measured point.
Each stored point should have a point ID and, when possible, a description or code. For example, a point may be stored as “BC” for building corner, “EP” for edge of pavement, or “FH” for fire hydrant.
Good point descriptions reduce confusion later and make office processing much faster.
Before moving the instrument to another setup, check the accuracy of the work. This step helps catch mistakes while they can still be corrected in the field.
Common accuracy checks include measuring back to a known control point, re-shooting the backsight, checking the closing error of a traverse, or comparing measured coordinates with known values.
If the residuals or check measurements are outside the acceptable tolerance, stop and investigate the issue. Possible causes include incorrect prism height, wrong backsight point, poor leveling, unstable tripod setup, wrong coordinate settings, or misidentified control points.
Do not move the instrument until the setup has been checked and the measurements are reliable.
After the survey is complete, export the collected data from the controller or field software.
Common export formats include CSV, TXT, DXF, LandXML, and other formats used by CAD, GIS, and construction layout software. The exported file may include point numbers, northing, easting, elevation, descriptions, codes, and raw measurement data.
Survey data can then be used for mapping, design, construction staking, machine control, volume calculations, as-built surveys, or documentation.
Before leaving the site, confirm that the data has been saved correctly and, if possible, backed up. Losing field data can mean repeating the entire survey.
Use this checklist before taking measurements with a total station:
Bench Mark Equipment & Supplies is your team to trust with all your surveying equipment. We have been providing high-quality surveying equipment to land surveyors, engineers, construction, airborne and resource professionals since 2002. This helps establish ourselves as the go-to team in Calgary, Canada, and the USA. Plus, we provide a wide selection of equipment, including global navigation satellite systems, RTK GPS equipment, GNSS receivers, and more. We strive to provide the highest level of customer care and service for everyone. To speak to one of our team today, call us at +1 (888) 286-3204 or email us at [email protected]
