- Gather Your Equipment:
First, you will need to have your equipment ready. In addition to the device, this should include a tripod, tribrach, controller, cables, survey stake or nail and a mallet.
- Establish and Mark a Point of Reference:
Establish a point of reference for your project. This often needs to be measured using conventional means. Mark this point with a stake or nail.
- Set Up the Tripod at the Reference Point:
Open the tripod and set it over the point of reference. Try to position the center of the tripod roughly over the stake.
- Attach the Tribrach and Course Level:
Attach the tribrach to the tripod and course level to the tripod.
- Adjust as Necessary:
Using these initial, course instrument, get the tripod as close as possible to be totally level and directly over the point of reference.
- Place the Total Station on the Tripod:
Attach the device to the tripod being careful not to move it off-center.
- Connect Cables:
Connect the battery pack and controller to the total station using the appropriate cables.
- Power On and Start Controller:
Turn the device on and open the fine-level functionality using the controller.
- Make Fine Adjustments:
Adjust the device using the fine level to get to directly over the survey marker on the stake. Also, ensure that it is perfectly level.
- You’re Ready: You are now ready to begin taking sightings. Using a total station, you can easily capture important measurements for land surveying, construction and many other projects.