Surveying instruments are used for the accurate measurement of features, orientation and absolute positioning of large scale objects in engineering, construction, mapping, industry, defense and other applications. Land surveying equipment includes field computers, data collectors, global positioning system (GPS) lasers, global information system (GIS) lasers, levels, planimeters, theodolites, transits, and total stations. Construction surveying instruments are used to establish and mark the position and detailed layout of new structures such as roads or buildings. Level surveying equipment includes digital levels and precision levels (tilting, engineer's grade, and construction grade). Surveying technology includes a total station, a combination electronic transit and electronic distance measuring device (EDM). A standard transit is a telescope with cross-hairs for sighting a target. The telescope is attached to scales for measuring the angle of rotation of the telescope (normally relative to north as 0 degrees) and the angle of inclination of the telescope (relative to the horizontal as 0 degrees). An electronic distance measuring device (EDM) measures the distance from the instrument to its target.
Surveying instruments are used to perform GPS surveying, engineering surveying, and topographic surveying. GPS surveying uses signals from GPS satellites to determine the location of objects with great accuracy. Engineering surveying involves the preparation of maps and plans for the planning and design of structures. Topographic surveying involves determining the relative locations of observable features on the earth's surface by measuring horizontal distances, differences in elevation and direction.
Surveying instruments are used for the accurate measurement of features, orientation and absolute positioning of large scale objects in engineering, construction, mapping, industry, defense and other applications. Land surveying equipment includes field computers, data collectors, global positioning system (GPS) lasers, global information system (GIS) lasers, levels, planimeters, theodolites, transits, and total stations. Construction surveying instruments are used to establish and mark the position and detailed layout of new structures such as roads or buildings. Level surveying equipment includes digital levels and precision levels (tilting, engineer's grade, and construction grade). Surveying technology includes a total station, a combination electronic transit and electronic distance measuring device (EDM). A standard transit is a telescope with cross-hairs for sighting a target. The telescope is attached to scales for measuring the angle of rotation of the telescope (normally relative to north as 0 degrees) and the angle of inclination of the telescope (relative to the horizontal as 0 degrees). An electronic distance measuring device (EDM) measures the distance from the instrument to its target.
Surveying instruments are used to perform GPS surveying, engineering surveying, and topographic surveying. GPS surveying uses signals from GPS satellites to determine the location of objects with great accuracy. Engineering surveying involves the preparation of maps and plans for the planning and design of structures. Topographic surveying involves determining the relative locations of observable features on the earth's surface by measuring horizontal distances, differences in elevation and direction.
Surveying instruments can be mechanical or digital in design. Optical surveying instruments often employ telescopes, which differ in terms of specifications such as erect image, magnification, resolving power in degrees of arc, field of view, minimum focus, and stadia ratio. The internal data storage capacity of a digital surveying instrument can be measured in points. Surveying software functions include data collection in the field, compatibility with data from total stations and data collectors, and import/export to computer aided design (CAD) software.
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Technical Committee 172, Subcommittee 6 (geodetic and surveying instruments) maintains standards applicable to surveying instruments. ISO 9849 discusses terminology. ISO 12858 deals with ancillary devices for the following geodetic instruments: Invar leveling staffs, tripods, and tribachs. ISO 17123 covers field test procedures for surveying instruments.
