Total stations and auto levels are two kinds of survey equipment. While each one is durable and high-quality, they do differ and are best suited for certain tasks. If your project requires precise measurements, 3D mapping, or fast, automated data collection, a Total Station is the smarter choice over an Auto Level. While Auto Levels are great for simple leveling and basic elevation checks, Total Stations offer complete 3D coordinates, higher accuracy, and digital integration that make complex construction, topographic surveys, and BIM workflows faster and more reliable. Here’s a guide to help you learn about both instruments and determine which one is right for your job.
Total Station
A total station contains a distance meter and a theodolite, both of which are electronic. A distance meter uses a laser to measure distance, and a theodolite has a telescope that moves and measures angles in the vertical and horizontal planes. Thanks to its electronic data collector and microprocessor, the total station can also calculate and store the following information:
- Height and location of specific points
- Slope between a point and the total station
- Averages of distances and angles
For additional analysis, you can download the measurements to your computer.
Auto Level
An
auto level is a piece of equipment that determines the height of points, which must lie within the same horizontal plane. Inside an auto level, you’ll find an internal compensator mechanism, an optical device that sways back and forth. You don’t have to make the base exactly level because this mechanism eliminates discrepancies when positioned near the plane.
Since auto levels are self-levelling, they are easy to use. To set one up, simply insert the tripod into the ground and secure the level on the tripod. Make sure the compensator mechanism is in the middle of the vial, and fine-tune the recital. Finally, calibrate the lens so you have a clear view of the point you’re focusing on.
Uses of Each Instrument
Choosing a total station or an auto level depends on hat kind of work you’re doing. If you have zero coordinates or one coordinate, or you have two points, then a total station will work best. Resectioning, finding area, control and detail surveying, missing line measurement and remote distance measurement are examples of tasks a total station can accomplish.
Because auto levels are self-levelling, they are ideal for land surveys and use on properties that aren’t even and have varying heights, such as rough land and construction sites. Keep in mind, though, that they only calculate measurements in the horizontal plane, not angles or measurements in the vertical plane (You’ll want to use a total station to collect that data.).
Watch our videos to learn more about Auto Levels
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More Articles on Total Station
Best Total Stations
Featuring mobile data capability, this Leica total station will let you transfer construction data between the office and the instrument. This will always keep your project progress and plans up to date, which will make sure you don’t miss any changes in the design. The device is simple and easy to master, so you can finish your projects more efficiently and with minimal training. You can analyze layout points both quickly and accurately, even on complex structures. You can also make fast and accurate as-built measurements, do volume calculations on-site, and work with digital design data (including fully rendered models in IFC format).
With this total station, you can minimize the amount of time it takes to perform any survey task, while maximizing your performance and accuracy on the job site. This total station for surveying is the ultimate one-man system with the following features:
- Up to 20% more automation performance.
- Extended reflectorless measurement capability.
- STReAM 360.
- AccXess technologies.
- Windows CE open connectivity.
It will scan the entire working area in seconds, so you can find your target quickly. Once it’s locked, the instrument will continue to aim at the target (even if it’s moving). It will also aim accurately at any prism without having to look through the telescope, and measurements are performed automatically with a great deal of dependability.
This Leica total station will allow you to go digital, so it’s leading the way to the no-strings and no-tapes approach for a construction project. It’s easy to learn, so you can finish your projects more efficiently and with very little training. This total station will allow you to perform a variety of tasks, which include but may not be limited to:
- Evaluating layout points and lines quickly and accurately.
- Evaluating complex structures easily.
- Quickly performing verticality checks on formwork and structures.
- Completing fast and accurate as-built measurements.
- Working with digital design data (including fully rendered models in IFC format).
If you’re looking for one of the best
total stations for construction and surveying applications, be sure to pick yours up at
Engineer Supply.
Best Smart Levels
If you’re looking for the best
smart level on the market, the David White LT8-300P 26x Transit Level with Optical Plummet is certainly a contender. This unit boasts features such as the following:
- Range up to 400 ft.
- Thread size of 5/8 x 11
- Leveling accuracy of +/- 3/16-in. at 150-ft.
- Hard carrying case included
This is one of the best
builders levels on the market, and its 2 Year manufacturers limited warranty ensures that it will last.
The ZIPLEVEL Pro-2000 High Precision Altimeter is another one of the best
builders levels available, with several features that make it stand out:
- Average, minimum, or maximum record reading
- Range of up to 12 meter rod or 6 meter tripod
- Automatic shut off after four minutes to save battery
- Internal precision of 0.05” and 0.005” in HP
This
smart level is designed to measure any elevation or distance, and its rugged build make it perfect for everyday use on job sites.
Of all the auto levels on the market, the Topcon 32x Automatic Level AT-B2 stands out for its IPx6 rating and powerful ATB2 viewer. Some of its other features include:
- 9 inch focusing range
- +15 arc-minutes range
- .3 arc-second accuracy
- 2-speed focusing knob
These details make this one of the most precise levels available. When efficiency and accuracy matter, Topcon gets the job done.
David White LT8-300LP Universal Level-Transit with Laser Plummet
The only thing better than David White
builders levels is a builders level that comes with a laser plummet, too. The LT8-300LP is a two-in-one wonder, and offers these features, too:
- Class 2M laser plummet
- Thread size of 5/8 x 11
- Range up to 400 ft.
- At 150 ft., +3/16 in. accuracy
The unit also includes Stadia and comes with a 2 year manufacturers limited warranty.
Durability meets precision in the Sokkia B20 32X Automatic Level. With its magnetic damping system and two-speed focus knob, it’s designed for performance. These features add to its appeal:
- Easy to see stadia lines
- Quick setup
- Automatic compensator
- 20cm focus distance
If you need a unit that’s resistant to dust, shock, and vibration, this is one of the best
auto levels you can choose. Its compact design and superior ruggedness is perfect for construction sites.