rotation axis

tilting axis

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Geodetic Sensors
Polar Measuring Systems
Prof. Dr.-Ing Frank Neitzel | Institute of Geodesy and Geoinformation Science

Version: 06.05.2022
2. Polar Measuring Systems

2.1 Introduction
►Basic idea of polar measuring systems:
 Measurement of directions and angles to describe the direction to a target point P
by spherical coordinates ߣ and ߴ, see Figure 1
 Electronic Distance Measurement to a target point P (later)

e
e T3 T3

(rotation axis)
(Drehachse)


OO 
 e
eP P
P
P
 e T2  
eT2 eT1
e T1

(Richtung der
(direction of
Nullmarke)
zero mark)
Figure 1: Instrument system

►Goal: Determination of 3D coordinates of points ܲ௜ in a local coordinate system

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Frank Neitzel | Geodetic Sensors 2
2. Polar Measuring Systems

2.2. Different Types of Polar Measuring Systems

► Optical Theodolite
► Electronic Theodolite User points with telescope to discrete points
► Total Station
► Terrestrial Laser Scanner (TLS) No telescope, rotating mirror
 No discrete points, “point cloud”

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Frank Neitzel | Geodetic Sensors 3

2.2 Different Types of Polar Measuring Systems

Optical Theodolite

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Frank Neitzel | Geodetic Sensors

WILD T16 4
2.2 Different Types of Polar Measuring Systems

Electronic Theodolite

WILD T2000 Electronic Distance Meter (EDM)

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Frank Neitzel | Geodetic Sensors 5

2.2 Different Types of Polar Measuring Systems

Total Station (Tacheometer)

A Total Station integrates the functions of
► A theodolite for measuring angles and directions
► An EDM for measuring distances

Leica TM 30 Trimble S6
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Frank Neitzel | Geodetic Sensors 6
2.2 Different Types of Polar Measuring Systems

Terrestrial Laser Scanner (TLS)

Zoller + Fröhlich Imager 5010 Leica C10

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Frank Neitzel | Geodetic Sensors 7