Surveying is the technique of determining the three-dimensional position of points vital in the establishment of territories and basic structural components. This task is a requirement in building any structure as well as in recognizing boundaries between residences, towns and cities, counties, states, countries and continents. Without this field of science, the world as we know it won’t be organized, and privacy won’t be as valuable.

Different instruments are used in surveying including transit, theodolite and total stations. A transit is the older model of a theodolite, which presents information digitally. A transit uses a vernier, a traditional leveling guide to determine the data and obtain accurate result. But because of developing technology in the field of surveying, theodolites made measurements of points a lot easier. A vernier is replaced by a digital device installed in the theodolite head.

A total station, on the other hand, is similar to a theodolite except that it has an additional feature. An electronic distance meter or EDM is integrated to the main system of this electronic equipment to read slope distances. With the help of an EDM, the slope is directly calculated and no longer analyzed using the primary data revealed from the theodolite. Companies like Leica are now introducing modern total stations in the market.

Most of the new equipment today are assisted by Global Positioning Systems or GPS. This is the latest technology in surveying that allows for more accurate information about the position of important points on land. This is a better alternative to traditional surveying methods since it employs satellite in locating points. Nonetheless, GPS does not apply for certain functions that only Leica total station can perform.

For example, a Leica total station is used in recording the absolute location of tunnel walls in mining. Because of the inclination of this instrument in determining slope data, it is occasionally used in mining works, which basically involve positions that cannot be assisted by the satellite. The signals streaming information from the satellite and the server are significantly obstructed, affecting the accuracy of the results.

All these instruments are important in the fields of construction and other geodetic works, particularly in building roads, railways and bridges. A Leica total station is specifically helpful and determining accurate topographic details of lands, which in turn are used in the design of manmade structure and other geologic applications.