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Total stations mainly come in the following types:
Manual Total Stations
Operations with manual total stations involve mechanics to sight and record readings, so experienced surveyors control data operations with good precision. Jobs on rough terrain or limited power supply are best suited for this type.
Hybrid Total Stations
They combine electro-optical distance measurement and GNSS, allowing flexibility in different surveying environments. They are particularly helpful for projects that require both ground and satellite measurements.
Robotic Total Stations
In robotic total stations, one person controls the equipment, which follows a moving target via a tracking device. This design improves efficiency in large land areas, where surveying involves laying out big expanses of land. Unmanned stations are valuable in several circumstances, especially for complex NDVI mapping.
GNSS Integrated Total Stations
These instruments make use of both GNSS and conventional total station features. The combined use of satellite data and triangulation measurements is useful for tasks that need precise positioning in an open area. This type is helpful in large surveying jobs requiring greater accuracy and efficiency.
They include the following:
Construction Surveying
Engineers use total stations to determine building positions accurately, paving, drainage, and electrical systems during construction. This equipment aids contractors in placing structures according to design specifications. The machine controls layout, confirming that walls, beams, and other components are where they should be.
Land Surveying
Surveyors measure land boundaries and distances using a total station and create accurate maps for property assessment and planning. It determines property lines accurately, which is important for legal land division. Total stations expedites the process and increases precision compared to outdated methods.
Mining Operations
In large-scale mining, total stations determine the best ore extraction sites, maintaining safety underground. Miners measure distances between tunnels and deposits, and total stations improve the efficiency and safety of mining activities. The equipment also supports the design of underground mine structures.
Road and Infrastructure Development
Road construction teams use total stations in mapping out highways and bridges, ensuring worker safety and structure longevity. They aid in aligning routes with survey accuracy. With precise data from total stations, engineers design roads that minimize environmental impact.
Geographic Information System (GIS) Mapping
Total stations gather positional data for GIS projects. They assist urban planners in developing infrastructure and predicting growth models. City planners depend on accurate maps for infrastructure placement like water lines and roads. Precise input from total stations makes GIS maps reliable for future city plans.
The following factors contribute to the pricing of total stations:
Type of Total Station
Robotic total stations tend to be more expensive due to their advanced technologies compared to manual stations, which are less complex and cheaper. A total station prismatic reflector has an effect on the cost, as hybrid stations are priced between those two. The selection of total station heavily impacts budget decisions.
Measurement Range and Accuracy
The cost increases when photogrammetry equipment has a higher precision level. Since it analyzes pictures to get measurements and examine the structure, regions with longer measurement ranges also need a more advanced total station. Significant projects take place in distant areas; investing in accurate equipment pays off by minimizing errors.
Technology and Features
Total station equipment with advanced features, such as onboard software, turns data into useful information right at the site, and technology, which boosts productivity but increases cost. Integration with GNSS improves efficiency, especially for extensive surveys. Customary surveying methods are slower and cause the operators to be unproductive; hence, advanced tools are worth buying.
Durability
The construction of total stations for harsh weather or rugged terrains out of strong materials affects their price. This equipment should be rated IP68 or above for rough job sites. If the project goes on in extreme weather for long hours, durable total stations will last longer and yield more results.
Brand Reputation
Expensive brands like Topcon or Leica offer precision and reliability, justifying costs. Newer brands provide average quality tools at low prices but do not have the same consistent quality. Established brands have service support and premium parts, which add long-term value. galileo total stations sells both branded and unbranded total stations.
Minimum Order Quantity (MoQ)
Every supplier has a minimum order quantity(MoQ) that buyers are required to meet. The quantity differs from one supplier to another and is influenced by the permanent nature of that supplier's business. Therefore, ascertaining the MoQ from one's choice of the source is important before ordering.
Budget
Different suppliers set different prices for total stations, and it's possible to encounter some that give huge prices due to high MoQ or working costs. Depending the initial cost on the budget will make one settle for the most affordable that meets the requirement's quality.
Shipping Costs
For bulk purchases, shipping costs can be significant, affecting the total cost. Always consider the available shipping methods since that will determine the delivery costs and time.
Customs and Import Regulations
Importing total stations for construction has specific regulations in different countries. Survey the customs policies, taxes, and import duty to avoid unnecessary delays or expenses. Consider affordable products with high taxation to eliminate customs from affecting the buying process.
Payment Terms
Check with one's supplier about the payment methods available and the flexibility of the payment schedule. Balance payments and feasible payment plans like PayPal or bank transfers greatly increase the success of buying in bulk products.
Terrain and Environment
When choosing total stations, consider the ruggedness or openness of the site. Robotic total stations are useful for large areas since GNSS can function well in open fields. A total station tripod will work correctly when operating on a small site and can be set easily on uneven ground. This equipment, which is appropriate for harsh working conditions, minimizes measures and increases working efficiency.
Measurement range requirements
Property boundary lines call for short-range work, while large construction sites or mines need long-range total stations. Select devices with excellent vision and target deflection. Ensure that the chosen total station can reach all critical scanning points from its location.
Budget and Cost
Defining an affordable limit will narrow the selection of total stations. Expensive robotic total stations might not be worth it in small projects where manual stations will do the job. The price mainly depends on the characteristics. Careful analysis of the project's needs will reduce costs by ensuring that the selected equipment is within budget yet meets performance requirements.
Accuracy and Precision
Consider total station accuracy in crucial works like big construction or land surveying. Instruments with more precision give better results. Review the manufacturer's specifications to ensure that the selected station meets or exceeds industry standards.
Ease of Use
For big projects, the total station should be user-friendly. Work can be stalled by programming complexity and operating intricacy. Check the controls and interfaces. The easier it is to operate, the less chance there is of making mistakes, and the easier it will be to train the workers.
A1: Yes, total stations measure the slope distance angle employing electronic distance measurement devices and triangulation principles.
A2: No, total stations do not connect with satellite. Only those which are incorporated with GNSS have satellite connectivity.
A3: Yes, total stations use lasers to measure distances and record angles by sending out a laser beam to a prism or reflective target.
A4: Some modern total stations have extended battery life to enable long fieldwork hours, particularly during remote surveys.
