Present Surveying Instrumentation

Different realization of the combination use of angles and distance (Staiger, 2009)

Total Station

1. Cooperative: Yes/No
   
2. Range: 2-5000m
   
3. Accuracy: >0.5mm
   
4. Frequency: 0.2 – 10Hz
   
5. Distance method: Phase/Pulse
   
6. Application: Known; manifold
   

 

Binocular (With integrated compass and reflectorless distance-measurement)

1. Cooperative target: No
   
2. Range: 2-300m
   
3. Accuracy: >1m
   
4. Frequency: 0.3Hz
   
5. Distance method: Pulse
   
6. Applications: GIS
   

 

Laser Tracker

1. Cooperative target: Yes
   
2. Range: 0.4 – 80m
   
3. Accuracy: >0.05mm
   
4. Frequency: 0.5 – 2kHz
   
5. Distance method: Interferometer/Absolute distance measurement (probably: phase-technique)
   
6. Applications: Industrial Measurement
   

 

Laser Radar

1. Cooperative target: No
   
2. Range: 1 – 50m
   
3. Accuracy: >0.05mm
   
4. Frequency: 1 – 0.05Hz (Depending on accuracy)
   
5. Distance method: Chirp
   
6. Applications: Industrial Measurement
   

 

Laser Scanner

1. Cooperative target: No
   
2. Range: 1 – 500m
   
3. Accuracy: >1 – 20mm
   
4. Frequency: >1 – 500kHz
   
5. Distance method: Phase/Pulse
   
6. Applications: Manifold
   

 

Source: Staiger, R. (2009). Push the Button – or Does the "Art of Measurement" Still Exist. International Federation of Surveyor, Article of the Month – June 2009.