Introduction to Modern Surveying Instruments
Modern surveying instruments are becoming increasingly popular due to their ability to provide faster and more precise surveying than conventional instruments. This article discusses the types and uses of these instruments in detail.
Conventional Surveying Instruments
Conventional surveying instruments such as chains and tapes are used for making linear measurements, while compasses and ordinary theodolites are used for making angular measurements. Leveling work is carried out using a Dumpy level and a leveling staff. Such instruments are slow and tedious, making modern surveying instruments a more desirable option.
Advantages of Modern Surveying Instruments
Modern surveying instruments offer several advantages over conventional instruments. They are faster, more precise, and less tedious to use. In addition, modern instruments provide a much higher level of accuracy than their conventional counterparts. This makes them a much better choice for survey work.
Types of Modern Surveying Instruments
Some of the most popular modern surveying instruments include total stations, global positioning systems (GPS), and laser scanning devices. Total stations are used for measuring both linear and angular distances, while GPS devices are used for determining precise locations. Laser scanning devices are used for creating high-resolution 3D models of large areas.
Conclusion
Modern surveying instruments are becoming increasingly popular due to their ability to provide faster and more precise surveying than conventional instruments. This article discussed the types and uses of these instruments in detail. With modern surveying instruments, survey work will be precise, faster and less tedious, making them a much better choice for survey work.
Modern Surveying Instruments and Their Uses
Following are the modern surveying instruments which are used for surveying:
- Electronic Distance Measurement (EDM) Instruments
- Total Station
- Global Positioning System (GPS)
- Automatic Level
1. Electronic Distance Measurement (EDM) Instrument
A. Measuring Distances Using Infrared Wave Instruments
Infrared wave instruments are electronic devices used to measure distances and determine their direction. They employ the use of infrared waves which are invisible light waves that travel at the speed of light. These instruments can be used to measure distances up to several kilometers, depending on the type of equipment. They are highly accurate and can be used for navigation, surveying, and other scientific applications.
B. Measuring Distances Using Light Wave Instruments
Light wave instruments enable direct measurement of distances and their directions. These instruments rely on the propagation, reflection, and reception of visible light waves in order to measure distances and determine directions. Light wave instruments are highly accurate and can be used for navigation, surveying, and other scientific applications. These instruments are typically used for measuring distances up to several kilometers.
C. Measuring Distances Using Microwave Instruments
Microwave instruments are electronic devices used to measure distances and determine their direction. These instruments rely on the propagation, reflection, and reception of microwave radiation in order to measure distances and determine directions. Microwave instruments are highly accurate and can be used for navigation, surveying, and other scientific applications. These instruments are typically used for measuring distances up to several kilometers.
a. Infrared Wave Instruments
Distance Measuring Instruments
Distance measuring instruments are light and economical tools used to measure distances. They use amplitude modulated infrared waves, and employ prisms mounted on a target at the end of the line for reflecting the waves. Examples of such instruments are the DISTOMAT DI 1000 and DISTOMAT DI 5; these can measure distances up to 3 km and provide an accuracy of ± 10 mm when mounted on theodolites for angular measurements.
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Heading: Compact and Portable EDM for Civil Engineering
The DISTOMAT DI 1000 is a small and compact EDM (Electronic Distance Measurement) device that is particularly beneficial in the construction of buildings and other civil engineering projects, where measurements are less than 500 m. The device eliminates the need for measuring tapes, as the distance can be measured simply by pointing the instrument towards the reflector, touching a key, and reading the result.
b. Light Wave Instruments
Measuring Distances with Modulated Light Waves
A Geodimeter is an instrument that measures distances accurately by using propagation of modulated light waves. It has a range of up to three kilometers and an accuracy that can range from 0.5 to 5 mm per kilometer. This device is an efficient and reliable way of measuring long distances accurately.
Advantages of Using a Geodimeter
Using a Geodimeter is advantageous as it can measure long distances accurately. This device is also reliable and efficient. The accuracy of this instrument is highly precise and can range from 0.5 to 5 mm per kilometer. Additionally, it has a range of up to three kilometers.
Features of a Geodimeter
A Geodimeter is an instrument that uses modulated light waves to measure distances accurately. It is equipped with a range of up to three kilometers and an accuracy that can range from 0.5 to 5 mm per kilometer. This device provides efficient and reliable results as it measures distances accurately.
Geodimeter: An Instrument for Night-Time Observations
The Geodimeter is a specialized instrument designed to measure distances by propagating modulated light waves. It was developed by E. Bergestand of the Swedish Geological Survey in collaboration with the manufacturer M/s AGA of Sweden. This instrument is particularly suited to night-time observations, as it requires a prism system at the end of the line for reflecting the waves. With the Geodimeter, distances can be accurately measured with minimal light disruption.
c. Microwave Instruments
What are High Frequency Radio Wave Instruments?
High frequency radio wave instruments are instruments that make use of high frequency radio waves. Developed as early as 1950 in South Africa by Dr. T.L. Wadley, these instruments have a range of up to 100 km and can be used both during the day and night. An example of such an instrument is the Tellurometer.
How High Frequency Radio Wave Instruments Work
High frequency radio wave instruments work by sending out a high frequency radio wave signal. This signal is then returned to the instrument which is then able to measure the distance between two points accurately. This process is useful for measuring distances in remote areas where other methods may be impractical.
History of High Frequency Radio Wave Instruments
High frequency radio wave instruments were first developed in 1950 in South Africa by Dr. T.L. Wadley. Since then, these instruments have been used for measuring distances in a variety of different settings. They have become increasingly popular due to their accuracy and convenience.
What is Tellurometer?
Tellurometer is an Electronic Distance Measuring (EDM) device that uses high-frequency radio waves (microwaves) to measure distances. It is a highly portable instrument and can operate with a 12 to 24-volt battery.
How Tellurometer Works?
To measure distance, two Tellurometers are needed – one at each end of the line – with two highly skilled operators to take observations. One instrument acts as a master unit while the other acts as a remote unit. By pressing a button, the master can be converted into a remote unit and vice versa. Additionally, each operator has a speech facility to communicate during the measurement.
Total Station
What is a Total Station?
A Total Station is an electronic instrument combining the functions of an EDM (electronic distance measurement) and an angular measuring device such as a Wild theodolite. It is lightweight, compact and fully integrated, making it ideal for surveying and mapping applications.
What Does a Total Station Do?
A Total Station is capable of performing a number of tasks, including distance measurement, angular measurement, data processing, digital display of point details, and storage of data in an electronic field book. This makes it an invaluable tool for surveyors, engineers and other professionals who need accurate measurements of distances and angles.
Benefits of Using a Total Station
The benefits of using a Total Station include its lightweight and compact design, versatility, accuracy and ease of use. With its integrated EDM and angular measuring capabilities, it is an ideal tool for surveyors and engineers who need precise measurements of distances and angles. Furthermore, its digital display and data storage capabilities make it easy to store and review data collected in the field.
The important features of total station are,
Keyboard Control
The total operation of the instrument is controlled by the keyboard. All the functions can be operated conveniently with the help of the keyboard.
Digital Panel
The digital panel displays the values of distance, angle, height and the coordinates of the observed point, where the reflector (target) is kept.
Remote Height Object
The heights of inaccessible objects such as towers can be accurately measured with the help of the microprocessor provided in the instrument. The microprocessor automatically applies the correction for earth’s curvature and mean refraction.
Traversing Program
The coordinates and angle or bearing of the reflector can be stored and recalled for the next setup of the instrument.
Setting Out for Distance, Direction and Height
When a particular direction and horizontal distance is to be entered for the purpose of locating the point on the ground, the instrument displays the angle through which the theodolite has to be turned and the distance by which the reflector should move.3
Global Positioning System (GPS)
Introduction to GPS
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a navigational system developed by the U.S. Defense Department, also known as NAVSTAR GPS. This system is used to determine the precise location and time of a person or an object on Earth.
GPS Satellite Network
To make GPS functional, the U.S. Air Force has placed 24 satellites in orbit at an altitude of 20200 km above the Earth’s surface. These satellites are arranged in such a way that at least four of them are visible from any point on the planet.
Benefits of GPS
GPS has numerous advantages, including navigation, tracking, mapping, and surveillance. It is also used in various industries, including aviation, agriculture, and transportation. Moreover, GPS is extremely useful for everyday activities such as locating destinations, tracking shipments, and finding lost items.
What is a GPS Receiver?
A GPS Receiver is a device used to determine a user’s position on the ground. It receives signals from satellites and then computes the latitude, longitude, and elevation of a given point with reference to a particular datum.
How Does a GPS Receiver Work?
A GPS Receiver uses satellite signals to precisely calculate the user’s position on the ground. It receives signals from multiple satellites and then uses the data provided by these signals to accurately determine the user’s location, altitude, and other positioning information.
Automatic Level
What is an Automatic Level?
An automatic level is a surveying instrument used to ensure that a line of sight or line of collimation is maintained even when the instrument is slightly tilted. It contains an optical compensator which helps to achieve this. One example of such a device is the Wild NAK2 Automatic level.
What are the Benefits of an Automatic Level?
The main benefit of using an automatic level is that it makes it possible to easily maintain a level line of sight even when slight tilts are present. This makes it an extremely useful tool for surveying and other precision tasks. Additionally, the optical compensator helps to reduce the amount of time and effort needed to make adjustments.
What is the Wild NAK2 Automatic Level?
The Wild NAK2 Automatic level is a popular model of automatic level used for surveying and other precision tasks. It features an optical compensator which enables it to maintain a level line of sight even when slightly tilted. This makes it a reliable and accurate tool for surveying and other related activities.
