THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN A TOTAL STATION AND A THEODOLITE
Surveyors today have access to both ancient and modern equipment, so they have a variety of choices with which they can complete their work. A total station combines the functionality of a theodolite with that of an auto level and electronic distance meter, and it’s more accurate over longer distances. Data is gathered electronically and can be imported into a computer for analysis. A total station can also be operated by one person. However, it’s more expensive compared to other types of survey equipment, and it requires more skill to operate. A theodolite can give you accurate measurements at an affordable price, and it has centuries of proven operation. It can also give you what you need without any extra training for the surveyor. You will, however, need a second person to gather data, and it’s less accurate over longer distances.
THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN AN AUTO-LEVEL AND A THEODOLITE
An auto-level is an optical instrument that can establish and verify points on the same horizontal plane, and it has an internal mechanism that removes variation and inaccuracy from measurements. A theodolite is an instrument that’s used to measure both horizontal and vertical angles, and it has a mounted telescope that can move in both directions. When the telescope is pointed toward an area you want to measure, you can determine the angles of the horizontal and vertical axes with a great deal of precision.