Tribarchs Total Station

Steel Tape
GPS

Prism Pole
Digital Level
Theodoltie

Distance Measuring Wheel

Plumb Bobs

Grade Rod
Tribachs
Definition/ Use: A tribrach is an attachment plate used
to attach a surveying instrument, for example a
theodolite, total station, GNSS antenna or target to a
tripod.
Tribrachs are handy when you need to add the ability to
use an optical or laser plummet, instead of a plumb bob.
Using a plumb bob can use valuable time, and can be
difficult to use in the wind. Also, Tribrachs can help with
leveling some surveying instruments and also used
when swapping out instruments while wanting to keep
the same set up location.
Total Station
Use: A total station is an electronic/optical instrument
used in modern surveying and building construction
that uses electronic transit theodolite in conjunction with
electronic distance meter (EDM).It is also integrated with
microprocessor, electronic data collector and storage
system.
Errors: Vertical Circle Error in Total Station
When direct and indirect zenith angles are measured to
the same point, the sum of the two angles should equal
360°. Over time, the sum of these two angles may
diverge from 360° and consequently cause errors in
vertical angle measurements.
Handling precautions:
Use both hands to hold the total station handle. Set up
the tripod as stable as possible. Do not move or carry a
tripod with the total station fixed on it, except for
centering
GPS
Use: Surveying is one of the uses of GPS that are
essential especially since it is used in mapping and
measuring various measures on the earth surface and
underwaters. It is used in determining land boundaries,
mapping sea floors, and highlighting the changes in the
shape of structures.
Errors:
GPS signals can also be affected by multipath issues,
where the radio signals reflect off surrounding terrain;
buildings, canyon walls, hard ground, etc. These
delayed signals cause measurement errors that are
different for each type of GPS signal due to its
dependency on the wavelength.
GPS provides surveying and mapping data of the
highest accuracy
Steel Tape
tape measure, tapeline
A steel ribbon used for the measurement of distances;
in the US, surveyor's and engineer's tapes usually are
accurately graduated in feet, tenths, and hundredths of a
foot; builder's tapes are graduated in feet, inches, and
fractions of an inch; also called a steel measuring tape.
Errors:
A steel tape not supported along its entire length will
sag. The tape length stays the same, so the sag
reduces the horizontal distance between the end
graduations of the tape. Sag may be reduced by
increasing the tension, but not eliminated.
This error can be accounted for by correcting the value
of measured lengths.
Handling:
Steel and fibreglass tapes should be kept out of direct
sunlight and away from excessive heat as much as
possible in order to prevent the risk of expansion and
stretch.
Prism Pole
In surveying, a prism is a corner cube or retroreflector,
normally attached on a surveying pole, used as a
target for distance measurement using, for example, a
total station. This article about a civil engineering topic is
a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.
Errors: An out-of-adjustment bubble used on either a
level rod or a prism pole can cause errors in both
angle and distance measurements
Theodolite
A theodolite is a precision instrument used for
measuring angles both horizontally and
vertically. Theodolites can rotate along their horizontal
axis as well as their vertical axis. Theodolites have a lot
in common with transits. A transit is a surveying
instrument that also takes accurate angular
measurements.
Errors:
 Theodolite errors: The trunnion axis is not
perpendicular to the vertical axis. ... The vertical axis is
not plumb. The vertical angle collimation is out of
adjustment.
Handling:
theodolites require proper care and maintenance to
ensure the best results and reduce wear and tear on
the instrument.
1. Do not submerge instrument in water or any other
chemical.
2. Do not drop instrument.
3. Make sure theodolite is locked in its case while
transporting.
Digital Level
Digital automatic levels are a precise instruments used
for precise leveling. Operation of digital levels is based
on the digital processing of video indications of a coded
staff. At the beginning of measurement a visual pointing
of the instrument into the surface of leveling meter is
performed.A
Digital automatic levels are a precise instruments used
for precise leveling. Operation of digital levels is based
on the digital processing of video indications of a coded
staff. At the beginning of measurement a visual pointing
of the instrument into the surface of leveling meter is
performed.A
Errors:
Not properly leveled can cause error in measurements
Handling:
Do not put on heat and prevent from soaking in water
Distance Measuring Wheel
Measuring wheels are used largely used for lower
accuracy measurements – which is to say, they're used
to get idea of how long a given distance is or used
for distances where surveyor's tape alone would be
impractical.
Errors:
On rough terrain, wheel slippage and bouncing can
reduce the accuracy.
Handling:
Prevent from using it in rough terrain, it will cause
bumps in the wheel that can cause discrepancy in
measurement in the future
Plumb Bob
A plumb bob, or plummet, is a weight, usually with a
pointed tip on the bottom, suspended from a string and
used as a vertical reference line, or plumb-line. It is a
precursor to the spirit level and used to establish a
vertical or horizontal datum.
Errors:
Touching the plumb bob on the ground or steadying it
with one foot can decrease the swinging motion.
Practice in plumbing will reduce errors.
This error cannot be accounted for by correcting the
value of measured lengths.
Handling:
Prevent from dropping the plumb bob so the pointed part
will not be damage.
Grade Rod
A Grade Rod or leveling rod, is a graduated rod used
to determine differences in elevation. Grade Rods can
be used with surveyor, optical and laser
levels. Grade Rods can be made up of several different
materials; however, the most common are made out of:
Wood.
Errors:
It is essential that the level rod be held in a “true”
vertical position, since it is measuring a vertical distance.
If the rod is leaning, then the reading is not actually the
true vertical distance. Leaning the rod forward,
backward, or to the side will cause an error.
Handling:
Prevent from swinging the rod to prevent errors in
accuracy in measurement