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

# Total station, features, data recording points

Surveying II · Chapter 9: Total Station

- Asked in: 2079 Chaitra, 4 marks
- Video: [TOTAL STATION-3: TS PRISM - ELECTRONIC DISPLAY & DATA RECORDING, RECTANGULAR & POLAR CO-ORDINATES](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjF_ZfP4msc) — Civil Engineering-Endurance Engineering Academy
- 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-recording-points
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_4/surveying_ii/chapter-9

## Question

What is total station? Write some typical features of total station. You are recording the data in the total station mention the three points which are kept in mind.

## Short answer

A total station is an integrated electronic theodolite, EDM, and microprocessor that measures angles and distances and computes coordinates. Features include precise angle sensing, long-range EDM with reflectorless mode, dual-axis compensator, and onboard data storage. When recording, ensure correct station and atmospheric data, backsight orientation, and unique point numbers with codes.

## Answer

A **total station** is an instrument that combines an electronic theodolite, an electronic distance meter (EDM) and a microprocessor, and measures horizontal angle, vertical angle and slope distance together, then computes coordinates and stores them.

#### Typical features
- Electronic angle measurement (1″–5″) and EDM range up to several km with prism.
- Reflectorless (laser) distance measurement on surfaces.
- Dual-axis compensator, laser plummet and built-in programs (resection, setting out, area, remote elevation).
- Memory card or internal memory, USB/Bluetooth data transfer.
- Automatic corrections for curvature, refraction, temperature and pressure.
- Robotic models with automatic target tracking.

#### Three points to keep in mind when recording data
1. **Correct set-up data:** enter the correct station name/coordinates, instrument height, prism height and prism constant, and the atmospheric (temperature, pressure) data.
2. **Backsight/orientation:** the instrument must be oriented by sighting a known point, and the orientation must be checked.
3. **Unique point number and code:** each point is stored with a unique point number and a feature code so that data can be processed correctly; also check the storage capacity and battery before starting, and transfer the data safely.

## Check yourself

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

1. What does a total station combine?
   A. An electronic theodolite, an EDM and a microprocessor
   B. A level, a tape and a compass
   C. A GPS receiver, a plumb bob and a camera
   D. A theodolite, a staff and a chain
   Answer: A. It measures angles and slope distance together, then computes and stores coordinates. (Key point: Definition)

2. Which set-up data must be entered correctly?
   A. Only the surveyor's name
   B. Station coordinates, instrument and prism heights, prism constant and temperature and pressure
   C. Only the staff intercept
   D. Only the number of batteries
   Answer: B. Wrong set-up data gives wrong coordinates and corrections. (Key point: Recording point: setup data)

3. Why is a unique point number and feature code used?
   A. To increase the EDM range
   B. To remove atmospheric errors
   C. So the data can be processed correctly later
   D. To avoid the backsight
   Answer: C. Unique numbers and codes let the software identify each point and feature. (Key point: Recording point: unique numbers)

4. What must be done about orientation?
   A. Orient by estimating north by eye
   B. Skip it if a prism is used
   C. Do it once at the end of the survey
   D. Orient by sighting a known point and check the orientation
   Answer: D. Orientation is done by backsighting a known point and it must be checked. (Key point: Orientation check)

## Related in Surveying II

- [Total station features and data recording steps](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_4%2Fsurveying_ii%3Atotal-station-features-data-recording) — 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×

## Related in other subjects

- [Features of a typical operating system](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_4%2Fmicroprocessor%3Afeatures-of-operating-system) — Microprocessor, chapter 6, asked 3×