Total Stations & Robotics
Precision angle and distance measurement where GNSS can't reach. The workhorse of land surveying since 1971.
About Total Stations & Robotics
Total stations remain essential surveying instruments, combining electronic distance measurement (EDM) with precision angle measurement in a single device. These instruments measure horizontal and vertical angles along with slope distances, enabling 3D positioning calculations for any visible point.
Where GNSS requires open sky view to satellites, total stations work anywhere with clear line-of-sight between instrument and target. This makes them indispensable for surveying under tree canopy, in urban canyons, inside buildings, and in other GNSS-challenged environments.
Modern robotic total stations take this further by automatically tracking reflector prisms, allowing a single surveyor to operate the system. The instrument locks onto the prism and follows it as the rodman moves, capturing measurements continuously. This automation dramatically increases productivity while maintaining sub-centimeter accuracy.
Technical Specifications
- Angular Accuracy
- 1 arc second (0.3 mgon)
- Distance Accuracy
- ±(1 mm + 1 ppm)
- Range (prism)
- 5,500+ meters
- Range (reflectorless)
- 1,000+ meters
- Tracking Speed
- 7 m/second
- Operating Temp
- -20°C to +50°C
Key Capabilities
Advanced features that set our total stations & robotics apart
Sub-Centimeter Accuracy
Measure angles to one arc second and distances to one millimeter. Total stations deliver the highest accuracy for any survey application.
Robotic Operation
Automated tracking follows the prism as you move, eliminating the need for a second person at the instrument.
Reflectorless Measurement
Measure distances to surfaces without a prism—useful for inaccessible points like building facades, cliffs, and hazardous areas.
Works Everywhere
No satellite signals needed. Survey under tree canopy, inside buildings, in tunnels, and anywhere with clear line-of-sight.
Benefits for Your Project
How total stations & robotics delivers value to Florida property owners, developers, and engineers.
Maximum Accuracy
When millimeter precision matters, total stations deliver. Ideal for control networks, monitoring, and high-precision layout.
Challenging Environments
Survey where GNSS can't reach—under tree cover, between buildings, underground, and indoors.
Continuous Verification
Built-in checks and closures ensure data quality throughout the survey. Catch and correct errors in real-time.
Long Range
Measure distances over 5 kilometers with prism targets. Cover large sites from a single setup when conditions allow.
Equipment We Use
High-precision robotic total station with 0.5" angular accuracy and MagDrive servo technology.
Versatile scanning total station combining traditional measurement with panoramic imaging and scanning.
Self-learning robotic total station with ATRplus automatic target recognition.
Applications
How we apply total stations & robotics across our surveying services
Boundary Surveys
Precisely locate and set property corners where tree cover or buildings block GNSS signals.
Learn MoreConstruction Staking
Lay out building corners, column lines, and grade stakes with millimeter precision for demanding construction projects.
Learn MoreControl Networks
Establish precise control monuments that provide the foundation for all other survey work on a project.
Learn MoreMonitoring
Measure structural movement, settlement, and deformation over time with sub-millimeter precision.
Learn MoreServices Using This Technology
Professional surveying services that leverage total stations & robotics
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about total stations & robotics
When do you use a total station instead of GPS?
We use total stations when GNSS signals are blocked (under trees, between buildings, indoors), when millimeter precision is required (control networks, monitoring), or for short-range work where total station setup is faster than GNSS initialization.
What is a robotic total station?
A robotic total station automatically tracks a prism target, allowing one person to operate the system. The surveyor carries the prism pole while the instrument follows and records measurements remotely. This doubles productivity compared to conventional two-person crews.
How far can you measure with a total station?
With a standard prism, our total stations measure reliably to 5+ kilometers. Reflectorless mode (no prism) works to 1+ kilometer on suitable surfaces. Practical working distances depend on atmospheric conditions and target visibility.
Are total stations still relevant with GPS?
Absolutely. Total stations and GNSS are complementary technologies. We use GNSS for open areas and large sites, total stations for obstructed areas and high-precision work. Most surveys combine both methods for optimal efficiency and accuracy.
Ready to Experience Total Stations & Robotics?
Contact us today to discuss how our advanced surveying technology can benefit your project.