For centuries the most common tool used to survey property lines and elevations to create maps has been the theodolite and the measuring stake. While this has been used with some success, it has led to many disputes regarding actual land boundaries between not only different owners, but in some cases between countries. With the Sokkia total station is now possible to take far more accurate reading that are often to within as little as a few meters or less, reducing the risk of inaccurate measurements that cause disputes.
There are several different styles Sokkia total station depending on the use you have in mind and the amount of money you want to invest.
The basic unit has a built in memory so that you can keep track of your day's readings and then download them at the end of the day into your PC allowing you to create the maps you need. You can also buy a more expensive unit that comes with a separate hand held unit that lets you see the reading as you go and has a slot for a memory card, which can be inserted into your PC without having to use a cable and carrying your total station into your office.
In order to use the Sokkia total station to get your readings, you must set it up in a stationary position using the enclosed plumb bob so that is perfectly level. From here using the digital pole transmitter you can get a far more accurate measurement than ever before as long as you stay in line of site. This will allow you to create the reference points known as X, Y and Z that you will need to draw that maps of both area and elevation of the land being surveyed.
The reason you must set the Sokkia total station up in a stationary position is that it works with line of sight only, the base unit must be able to see the digital transmitter pole in order to perform the calculations and give you the utmost of accurate readings. Should you wish to upgrade to a more sophisticated unit you can get one that uses GPS and the orbiting Global Navigation Satellite System to help pinpoint the position. This particular type of total station is the most accurate possible and can provide measurements to within inches of exact; there is no more accurate method of measuring.
If you are working solo and still need to be able to survey the land you can pick up the latest Sokkia total station which is operating robotically using a remote control. This way you can operate the total station from wherever you need to, negating the need to have a second person holding the measuring stake. If you are looking for the latest in surveying equipment at the lowest prices on the Internet, you need to take a look at ADV Possys. They offer the latest in high quality surveying equipment for the surveying and construction industry and have a variety of financing options.
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