---
title: "Total station features and data recording steps"
subject: "Surveying II"
chapter: 9
key: "semester_4/surveying_ii:total-station-features-data-recording"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_4/surveying_ii/total-station-features-data-recording
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Total station features and data recording steps

Surveying II · Chapter 9: Total Station

- Asked in: 2079 Jestha, 4 marks
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_4/surveying_ii/total-station-features-data-recording
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_4/surveying_ii/chapter-9

## Question

Describe the features of total station. Mention the steps of data recording in any instruments.

## Short answer

Total station features include integrated angle and distance measurement, onboard coordinate computation, data storage, and built-in programs. Data recording involves creating a job, entering station and atmospheric data, orienting backsight, measuring each point with point ID and code, storing readings, and finally downloading for processing.

## Answer

#### Features of a total station
- Electronic theodolite, EDM and microprocessor in one instrument; measures horizontal angle, vertical angle and slope distance together.
- Angle accuracy of 1″–5″; EDM range of a few km with a prism and reflectorless modes.
- Automatic computation of horizontal distance, elevation difference and coordinates with corrections for curvature, refraction, temperature and pressure.
- Dual-axis compensator, laser plummet and onboard programs (resection, setting out, area, remote height).
- Internal memory or memory card, and data transfer by cable, USB or Bluetooth.

#### Steps of data recording
1. Set up and level the instrument over the station; measure the instrument height.
2. Create a new job or file; enter the station name, instrument height, prism height, and the atmospheric parameters.
3. Orient the instrument by backsighting a known point (set the azimuth or coordinates).
4. Sight the target prism and press the measure key to record the horizontal angle, vertical angle and distance.
5. Enter the point number and code (feature description) for every shot, and store it in memory.
6. Repeat for all points and check the closing readings.
7. Download the data to a computer and process it (editing, adjustment and plotting).

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. What accuracy and range are typical?
   A. Angles of 1 to 5 degrees and range of 10 m
   B. Angles of 1 to 5 seconds and an EDM range of a few km with a prism
   C. Angles of 1 minute and range of 1 km only with GPS
   D. Angle accuracy 30 seconds and no EDM
   Answer: B. Typical angle accuracy is 1″–5″ and range is a few km with a prism. (Key point: Total station features)

2. Why is a backsight taken in data recording?
   A. To measure the instrument height
   B. To record the temperature
   C. To orient the instrument by setting the azimuth or coordinates of a known point
   D. To clear the memory
   Answer: C. Backsighting a known point orients the instrument so later shots have correct coordinates. (Key point: Orientation)

3. Which data are entered when a new job is created?
   A. Only the date and surveyor's name
   B. Staff readings and bubble position
   C. Only the satellite almanac
   D. Station name, instrument height, prism height and atmospheric parameters
   Answer: D. These inputs are needed for correct coordinate computation and corrections. (Key point: Job setup data)

## Related in Surveying II

- [Total station, features, data recording points](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_4%2Fsurveying_ii%3Atotal-station-features-recording-points) — Surveying II, chapter 9
- [Short note: Total station principle, data recording](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_4%2Fsurveying_ii%3Atotal-station-principle-data-recording) — Surveying II, chapter 9
- [Short note: Total station features and uses](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_4%2Fsurveying_ii%3Atotal-station-features-uses) — Surveying II, chapter 9, asked 18×