DIFFERENT TYPES OF INSTRUMENTS AND EQUIPMENT

USED IN SURVEYING

Total Station
 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.
 The instrument is used to
measure sloping distance of object to the instrument, horizontal angles and
vertical angles. This Microprocessor unit enables for computation of data
collected to further calculate the horizontal distance, coordinates of a point and
reduced level of point.
 Mainly used by land surveyors and civil engineers, either to record features as
in topographic surveying or to set oust features (such as roads, houses or
boundaries). They are also used by archaeologists to record excavations and by
police, crime scene investigators, private accident Reconstructionist and
insurance companies to take measurements of scenes.

Auto Level/Dumpy Level

 A dumpy level,
builder’s auto
level, leveling
instrument, or
automatic level is
an optical
instrument used to
establish or verify
points in the same
 horizontal plane. It is used in surveying and building with a
vertical staff to measure height differences and to transfer,
measure and set heights.

Theodolite
 A theodolite is a precision instrument
for measuring angles in the horizontal
and vertical planes. Theodolites are
used mainly for surveying
applications, and have been adapted
for specialized purposes in fields like
metrology and rocket launch
technology. A modern theodolite
consists of a movable telescope
mounted within two perpendicular
axes the horizontal or trunnion axis,
and the vertical axis. When the
telescope is pointed at a target object, the angle of each of these axes can
be measured with great precision.

GPS (Global Positioning System)

 The Global Positioning System
(GPS) is a space-based satellite
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. The
system provides critical
capabilities to military, civil and
commercial users around the
world. It is maintained by the
United States government and is freely accessible to anyone with a GPS
receiver.
Photogrammetry/Drone

 Photogrammetry
is the art and
science of
making accurate
measurements
by means of
aerial photography.

Optical Square

 The optical square uses a pentaprism to

reflect and refract a beam or sighting 90
degrees, it is used in pairs in surveying and
in a singular block in metrology.

Plumb Bob Laser

 Dot-plumb lasers are a type of laser level that

projects a small dot onto a surface. These dots are
used for transferring points from wall to wall or
ceiling to floor. It’s a handy tool for making sure a
wall is plumb or even installing wall-to-wall.
LDM (Laser Distance Meter)
 Laser measurement tools are based on the
principle of reflection of a laser beam. To
measure a distance, the device emits a pulse of
laser in the direction of an object, for example a
wall. The time necessary for the laser beam to get
to the object and go back determines the
measurement of the distance. In consideration of
the speed of light, distances can be defined
precisely with this kind of laser. Laser distance
meters can also accumulate independently to
calculate surfaces and volumes.

Prismatic Compass

 A prismatic compass is a
navigation and surveying
instrument which is extensively
used to find out the bearing of the
traversing and included angles
between them, waypoints (an
endpoint of the Closure) and
direction.

Prisms

 Optical Survey prisms are a specially

designed retro reflector, specifically a
corner reflector that is used to reflect
 the Electronic Distance Measurement (EDM) beam from a total station.
A survey prism reflects the EDM beam back to its source with both a
wide angle of incidence and with high precision.

Leveling Staff

 A level staff, also called levelling rod, is a

graduated feet and meter on aluminum rod,
used with a levelling instrument to determine
the difference in height between points or
heights of points above a vertical datum. It
cannot be used without a leveling instrument.

Prism Pole

 A prism pole can be used to measure the elevation of a

specific ground point by using a sight level, which is
important if you want to get accurate results. You can
find a survey pole in a variety of materials — from
metal and fiberglass to a variety of composites.

Bipods
  Find a collection of aluminum survey bipods, carbon fiber bipods, quick-
release bipods, and more. Easy level adjustment for better precision &
accuracy.

Measuring Wheel

 The measuring wheel – also known

as a surveyor’s wheel, click wheel,
perambulator, odometer, way wiser
or trundle wheel – is a tool used to
measure distances. Measuring
wheels have a counting mechanism
that counts the number of rotations
and uses the circumference of the
wheel to calculate the distance
covered.

Tripod

 A tripod is a portable three-legged frame or stand,

used as a platform for supporting the weight and
maintaining the stability of some other object. It is
used to give stability to other survey instruments
as Total Station, Auto Level, etc.
 COMPOSITION OF FIELD SURVEY PARTY
1. Chief of Party - the person who is responsible for the overall direction,
supervision, and operational control of the survey operation. Prior to the execution of
a survey project, he consults or confers with superiors regarding the project to be
undertaken. He is responsible for submitting survey reports and records, and sees to it
that these are complete, accurate and adheres to prescribed technical standards and
specifications. He prepares cost estimates of survey projects and receives and
disburses all cash expenses of the surveys party. He may be called upon to act as
expert witness in court on matters relating to technical descriptions of land and other
surveying matters.

2. Assistant chief of party - the person whose duty is to assist the chief of party in
accomplishment of the task assigned to the survey party. He takes over the duties of
the chief of party during the absence of the chief. He conducts ground reconnaissance
and investigates sites of a proposed project to gather necessary data prior to the start
of a survey work. He is primarily responsible for the employment of surveying
equipment, instruments and accessories used in the survey operation. He prepares
filed and office reports and survey for submissions to the chief of party.

3. Instrument man – the person whose duty is to set up, level, and operate, surveying
instruments such as the transit, engineer’s level. Theodolite, sextant, plane table and
alidade, etc. He sees to it that instruments to be used in a survey operation are in good
working condition and in proper adjustment. He also assists the technician in the
operation of electronic surveying equipment. He works in coordination’s and as a part
of an instrument party and exercises limited supervision over personnel doing manual
tasks.

4. Technician - the person who is responsible for use and operation of all electronic
instruments required in a field work operation. It is his duty to see to it that this
equipment is functioning properly, are regularly calibrated, and are in proper
adjustment. He is also responsible for the establishment of a two-way communication
link by radio between members of the survey party and the home office and, between
members of the survey party and the home office and, between members of the survey
party where distant stations or long survey lines are involved.

5. Computer – the person whose duty is to perform all computations of survey data
and works operation. He is responsible for the utilization of electronic calculators,
pocket or microcomputers, and assists in the operation of computerized surveying
systems or equipment.
6. Recorder – the person whose duty is to keep a record of all sketches, drawings,
measurements, and observations taken or needed for a field work operation. He keeps
table of schedules of all phases of work and the employment of the members of the
survey party. He does clerical tasks related to surveying in the office and undertakes
limited cartographic jobs.

7. Head Tapeman - the person responsible for the accuracy and speed of all line’s
measurements with tape. He determines and directs the marking of stations to be
occupied by the surveying instruments and directs the clearing out of obstructions
along the line of sight. He is clearing out of obstructions along the line of sight. He
inspects and compares tapes for standards length prior to their taping operations and
responsible for eliminating or reducing possible errors and mistakes in taping.

8. Rear Tapeman - the person whose duty is to assists the head tapeman during
taping operations and in other related works.

9. Flagman – the person whose duty is to hold the flagpole of range pole at selected
points as directed by the instrumentman. He helps the tapeman in making
measurements and assists the axeman in cutting down branches and in clearing other
obstructions to line of sight, he is responsible distance measuring instruments are
used, he is responsible for setting up reflectors or targets.

10. Rodman- the person whose sights are duty is to hold the stadia or leveling rod
when sights are to be taken on it.

11. Pacer - the person whose duty is to check all linear measurements made by the
tapeman. He assists the tapeman in seeing to it that mistakes and blunders in linear
measurement are either reduced or eliminated. In addition, the pacer may also perform
the job of a rodman.

12. Axeman/Lineman - the person whose duty is to clear the line of sight of tress,
brush, and other obstructions in wooded country. He is also responsible for the
security and safety of the member of the survey party at survey site. The axeman is
usually providing not only with an ax but a riffle or a sidearm as well. If this member
is to carry any firearm, it should be seen to it that he is lawfully authorized to do so. In
some instances, it would be advisable to request military or police authorities for
needed security of hire authorized security guards.

13. Aidman - the person whose duty is to render first aid treatment to member of the
survey party who are involved in snake and insects, accidents, and other cases
involving their health, safety, and well-being. In addition, he may be designated as an
assistant instrumentman.
14. Utilitymen - the persons whose duties are to render other forms of assistance
needed by the survey party or as directed by the chief of party. Where a survey
vehicle is used, a utilityman is designated as drivers. If the survey party must camp
out for days in the field, utilization is responsible for setting up the camp site and its
required facilities. They prepare and serve meals and look after the security of the
camp site. They are likewise responsible for the handling and transporting of
surveying equipment, accessories, and supplies. The laying of concrete monuments,
markers and signals at designated points are also their responsibility.

SURVEYOR’S HAND SIGNALS

 PARTS AND USE OF TOTAL STATION
What is a Total Station?

Total station is a surveying equipment combination of Electromagnetic Distance

Measuring Instrument and electronic theodolite. It is also integrated with
microprocessor, electronic data collector and storage system. The instrument can be
used to measure horizontal and vertical angles as well as sloping distance of object to
the instrument.

Capability of a Total Station

Microprocessor unit in total station processes the data collected to compute:

1. Average of multiple angles measured.

2. Average of multiple distance measured.
3. Horizontal distance.
4. Distance between any two points.
5. Elevation of objects and
6. All the three coordinates of the observed points.

Data collected and processed in a Total Station can be downloaded to computers for
further processing. Total station is a compact instrument and weighs 50 to 55 N. A
person can easily carry it to the field. Total stations with different accuracy, in angle
measurement and different range of measurements are available in the market.

A Total Station can be used when:

• When two points are given.
• When only one co-ordinate is given.
• When no co-ordinates were given in which case an arbitrary system of coordinates
can be used.
Applications of a Total Station?
• Measurement of horizontal and Vertical Angles.
• Determination of horizontal, slope, and vertical distances.
• Obtain three-dimensional coordinates of a point.
• Detection of the remote object’s elevation.
• Location of the points at a predetermined distance from the gridlines.