Present Surveying Instrumentation

Different realization of the combination use of angles and distance (Staiger, 2009)

Total Station

  1. Cooperative: Yes/No
  2. Range: 2-5000m
  3. Accuracy: >0.5mm
  4. Frequency: 0.2 – 10Hz
  5. Distance method: Phase/Pulse
  6. Application: Known; manifold


 

Binocular (With integrated compass and reflectorless distance-measurement)

  1. Cooperative target: No
  2. Range: 2-300m
  3. Accuracy: >1m
  4. Frequency: 0.3Hz
  5. Distance method: Pulse
  6. Applications: GIS


 

Laser Tracker

  1. Cooperative target: Yes
  2. Range: 0.4 – 80m
  3. Accuracy: >0.05mm
  4. Frequency: 0.5 – 2kHz
  5. Distance method: Interferometer/Absolute distance measurement (probably: phase-technique)
  6. Applications: Industrial Measurement


 

Laser Radar

  1. Cooperative target: No
  2. Range: 1 – 50m
  3. Accuracy: >0.05mm
  4. Frequency: 1 – 0.05Hz (Depending on accuracy)
  5. Distance method: Chirp
  6. Applications: Industrial Measurement


 

Laser Scanner

  1. Cooperative target: No
  2. Range: 1 – 500m
  3. Accuracy: >1 – 20mm
  4. Frequency: >1 – 500kHz
  5. Distance method: Phase/Pulse
  6. Applications: Manifold


 

Source: Staiger, R. (2009). Push the Button – or Does the "Art of Measurement" Still Exist. International Federation of Surveyor, Article of the Month – June 2009.