Surveying Tools And Accessories: Old And New - Part 2

Continuing from part 1...

Surveying Tools And Accessories- New. Today, thanks to the latest technological developments, many different improved and advanced surveying tools and accessories are available to the land surveyors for completing various kinds of surveying tasks. With the introduction of the GPS, or the global positioning system, the surveying techniques and methods are totally changed. Today the GPS technology accelerates the surveying procedures and increases the accuracy of the measurements. With the help of 24 satellites into the Earth's atmosphere, the GPS enables the surveyors to gather more accurate and precise data like never before. Different GPS devices are available to the surveyors depending on their needs, from simple to more advanced night vision GPS devices which enable the surveyors to perform measurements during the night. But however the GPS cannot be used in highly dense forest areas or for concrete constructions. For such applications a device known as total station is used to support the GPS.

The total station actually is a theodolite equipped with a electronic distance measurement device, or shortly known as EDMD. The introduction of the total station is another main reason, along with the introduction of the GPS, for the big changes in the surveying field. The EDMD has transformed the surveying tool from being optical mechanical device to digital electronic device. The total station is also used for leveling. New total stations come equipped with atmospheric correction and auto focus. These new devices incorporate quick measuring mode and high data storage capacity for increased efficiency and productivity. The new total station models provide the opportunity for longer distance measurement and monitoring. Modern total stations are mainly used for:

• General purpose angle measurement
• General purpose distance measurement
• Control of surveys
• Contour and detail mapping
• Construction work

The modern surveying tools that are heavily used today by the surveyors are generally a combination of these useful devices.

There is a broad range of surveying tools available today for completing different surveying tasks. Each surveying tool comes with unique features, configurations and specifications. The selection of a certain surveying tool is determined by the nature of the surveying work, and the accuracy level which is required. Although all these surveying tools that are available to the surveyors offer multiple options, a specific knowledge is required so that accurate data can be gathered in a timely manner. By knowing exactly how to use the surveying tools, surveyors can complete their work in a more efficient manner.