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Modern Surveying Instruments: Learn About Total Station, EDM, and GPS.
Modern surveying instruments are faster and more precise than traditional instruments. This article discusses their
various types and applications. Chain and tape are used for linear measurements in traditional surveying, while compass
and ordinary theodolites are used for angular measurements. A Dumpy level and a levelling staff are used for levelling
work. Survey work will be slow and tedious with such surveying instruments, As a result, modern surveying instruments
are becoming more popular, gradually replacing traditional surveying instruments such as the compass and Dumpy level.
Survey work will be more precise, faster, and less tedious with these modern surveying instruments,
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What are Modern Surveying Instruments?
Modern surveying instruments, such as Total Stations, GPS devices, and 3D Laser Scanners, provide precise measurements
and data collection for land surveyors. These advanced tools enable efficient data processing, real-time mapping, and.
accurate topographical analysis, revolutionizing the traditional surveying methods and enhancing the overall quality of
survey data,
‘As we know Modern Surveying Instruments have been used extensively in the construction industries, it is essential to
have a proper idea about the same. As far as the syllabus of various examinations like SSC JE CE, RRB JE and GATE CE as
well, the concept of Modern Surveying Instruments has become very important. This comprehensive article below will deal
with Modern Surveying Instruments in detail with some of the best examples and techniques.
Let us take a deep dive into Modern Surveying Instruments.
Modern Surveying Instruments and Their Uses
Below mentioned modern surveying instruments are used for surveying
‘Tripod
Theodolite
Total Station
Prismatic Compass
Prisms
Prism Pole
Photogrammetry/Drone
Plumb Bob Laser
Optical Square
Measuring WheelLDM (Laser Distance Meter)
Leveling Staff
GPS (Global Positioning system)
Bipods
Auto Level/Dumpy Level
Electronic Distance Measurement (EDM) Instruments
Distances and directions can be measured directly using electronic instruments that rely on the propagation, reflection,
and reception of either light waves or radio waves. They are broadly divided into three types: Infrared wave instruments,
Light waves instruments and Microwave instruments :
1.Infrared Wave Instruments
‘These modern surveying instruments use amplitude-modulated infrared waves to measure distance. Prisms mounted on a
target are used at the end of the line to reflect the waves. These Instruments are lightweight and inexpensive and can be
‘mounted on theodolites to take angular measurements and are becoming crucial Modern Surveying Instruments. The
range of such an instrament will be 3 km, with an accuracy of 10 mm, E.g. DISTOMAT DI 1000 and DISTOMAT DI 5 are two
different models.
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Fig. Distomat di 1000
It is a very small, compact EDM that is very helpful in projects involving the construction of buildings and other types of
civil engineering where the measured distances are less than 500 m. The meaning tape is obsolete thanks to EDM. Simply
pointing the instrument at the reflector, pressing a key, and reading the result is all that is necessary to measure the
distance.
2.Light Wave Instruments
‘These are the modern surveying instruments which measure distances based on the propagation of modulated light waves.
‘The accuracy of such an instrument varies from 0.5 to 5 mnvkm distance and has a range of nearly 3 km. Eg. Geodimeter& testbook
Fig.2. Geodimeter
Bergestand of the Swedish Geological Survey and the manufacturer M/s AGA of Sweden collaborated to develop the
geodimeter, an instrument that relies on the propagation of modulated light waves. The device needs a prism system
atthe end of the line to reflect the waves and is better suited for nighttime observations.
3.Microwave Instruments
‘These devices use high-frequency radio waves. Dr. TL. Wadley created these devices as early as 1950 in South Africa. The
range of these modern surveying instruments is up to 100 kilometres, and they can be used both day and night. Eg.
Tellurometer
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Fig. Tellurometer
Total Station
A total station, sometimes known as a total station theodolite, is an electronic/optical tool used in construction and
surveying. ILis one of the most crucial modern surveying instruments. IUis an electronic transit theodolite with an onboard
computer for data collection and triangulation computations, as well as electronic distance measuring (EDM) to measure
both vertical and horizontal angles as well as the slope distance from the instrument to a specific point.Robotic or motorised total stations allow the user to operate the instrument remotely. The operator holds the retroreflector
and operates the total station from the observed point, theoretically eliminating the requirement for an assistant staff
member. However, in reality, an assistant surveyor is frequently required while doing surveys in congested settings like a
public thoroughfare or construction site. This is done to avoid pedestrians disturbing the total station as they pass by, which
would force the tripod to be reset and a new haseline to be established, The value of the instrument makes opportunistic
theft usual. Thus, an assistant surveyor also deters it. These motorised total stations can also be used in automated setups
known as Automated Motorised Total Stations (AMTS).
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Fig4. Total Station
Features of Total Station
‘The following are the features of Total Station as a part of modern surveying instruments:
Keyboard Control: The keyboard is used to operate every function.
Digital Panel: The panel shows the coordinates of the observed point where the reflector (target) is stored, together
with the values of height, angle, and distance from the reflector.
The heights of some inaccessible objects, such as towers, can be directly read as remote height objects. The
instrument's built-in microprocessor automatically adjusts the earth’s curvature and mean refraction.
The reflector's coordinates and angle or bearing can be stored in the traversing software and retrieved for the
instrument's subsequent setup.
‘When a specific direction and horizontal distance are entered to locate a point on the ground using a target, the
instrument displays the angle through which the theodolite must be turned and the distance by which the reflector
must move.
Functions of Total Station
Total Station serves following functions
‘Angle measurement
* Distance measurement
1 Coordinate measurement
1 Data processing
Global Positioning System (GPS)
‘The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a space-based navigation system that provides location and time information
in all weather conditions, anywhere on or near the Earth, where there Is an unobstructed line of sight to four or
more GPS satellites. GPS has become one of the major modern surveying instruments in the current scenario.
GPS is also known as the NAVSTAR (Navigation System for Timing and Ranging). It was developed by the United
States’ Department of Defence.
As a military system, Navstar was originally designed as a modern surveying instrument and was reserved for the
sole use of the military, but civilian users were allowed access in 1983, Back then, accuracy for civilian users was
intentionally degraded to +/- 100m using a system known as Selective Availability (SA), but this was eliminated in
May 2000.A testbook
Satelite
Segment
Bidirectional
fone way “SX Signal Control
# Signal 8 a Segment
User
‘Segment
Figs. GPS
It consists of 24 satellites (21+ 3 active spares) nominally orbiting the Earth in MEO, Le. Medium Earth Orbit.
‘The GPS currently has 27 active satellites orbiting the Earth as new ones are replacing older ones.
The satellites orbit about 20,000km from the Earth’s surface, make two orbits daily and repeat the same ground track
daily.
‘The orbits are designed to ensure the availability of a minimum of 4 satellites whose visibility is above a 15 degrees
cutoff angle anywhere on Earth's surface, irrespective of the time of day.
This enables GPS receivers to determine their current location, time and velocity. The United States Air Force
maintains GPS satellites.
GPS works worldwide and in all weather conditions, thus helping users track locations, objects, and even
individuals! Any person can use GPS technology if they have a GPS receiver.
AGPS receiver must be locked on to the signal of at least 3 satellites to calculate a 2-D position (latitude and
longitude) and track movement.
With four or more satellites in View, the receiver can determine the user's 3-D position (latitude, longitude and
altitude).
Once the user's position has been determined, the GPS unit can calculate other information, such as speed, bearing,
track, tip distance, distance to destination, sunrise and sunset time and more.
Components of GPS
Satellite segment
Also known as the space segment. The satellites are the heart of the Global positioning system which helps to locate the
position by broadcasting the signal used by the receiver. The signals are blocked when they travel through buildings,
‘mountains, and people. To calculate the position, the signals of four satellites should be locked. You need to keep moving
around to get a clear reception.
Control segment
This helps the entire system to work efficiently. It is essential that the transmission signals have to be updated and the
satellites should be kept in their appropriate orbits.
User segment
‘The user segment of GPS includes military and civilian users. It comprises a sensitive receiver which can detect signals
(power of the signal to be less than a quadrillionth power of a light bulb) and a computer to convert the data into Useful
information. GPS receiver helps to locate your position but disallows you from being tracked by someone else.
Working Mechanism of GPS
Each GPS satellite transmits data that indicates its location and the current time.
All GPS satellites synchronise operations so that these repeating signals are transmitted simultaneously.
The signals, moving at the speed of light, arrive at a GPS receiver at slightly different times because some satellites
are further away than others.
The distance to the GPS satellites can be determined by estimating the amount of time it takes for their signals to
reach the receiver.
When the receiver estimates the distance to at least four GPS satellites, it can calculate its position in three
dimensions.
Advantages of GPS
Some of its main advantages are as follows.
Intervistbility between different stations is not required.
Not dependent on weather conditions, day or night.
Positional accuracy, irrespective of network geometry, acts as a function for two or more different station distances.Baeeoos
accuracy affects geodetic network planning and could easily establish points with the sites where stations are not
visible, e.g. mountains.
Comparatively more flexible, consuming less time and also more effective.
High accuracy with 3-dimensional geographic information irrespective of place and time.
Limitations of GPS
Some main limitations of GPS are given below.
Clear and fine visibility of sky and no obstructions through any obstacles, e.g. branches etc.
Limited application in especially urban areas.
Higher efficiency is generally not needed.
GPS coordinates in WGS-84 datum are not easily convertible into local geodetic systems. It is only possible via a
reliable transformation scheme.
Comparison of GPS accuracy and terrestrial accuracy could create confusion or conflict for many years, which are
yet to come.
Not easily universally acceptable.
Highly skilled workers are needed.
Automatic Level
A modern surveying instrument known as an automatic level has an optical compensator that keeps the line of sight or line
of collimation constant even when the instrument is slightly inclined, For eg. Wild NAK2 Automatic level.
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Fig.6. Automatic level
Hope this article was able to deliver the crucial information about the modern surveying instruments and how they are
becoming an integral part of civil engineering as far as recent technological developments are concerned. You can check
our Testbook App and enrol in our GATE CE.coaching and AEJE Civil coaching and gain the knowledge from our Super
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