V05B_25- Improving Surveying Field Procedures using the Total Station

This course covers surveying with a total station. Angle measurements and distance measurements, plus the basics of GPS surveying will be discussed. Under angle measurements topics include correct observing procedures, errors caused by an instrument being out of adjustment, accuracy and precision, and how to determine the precision of your instrument. Under distance measurements topics covered include the characteristics of Electronic Distance Measurements (EDM's), retroprisms, and how to calibrate the EDM on your total station. GPS is here to stay, especially Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) for the practicing land surveyor, and this will be covered in detail. This course should be of interest to those who practice surveying but also those who work in the civil engineering field, including county engineers, city engineers, public works officials, transportation engineers, DOT personnel, federal employees, contractors and consultants. 

At the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Explain the correct procedures for observing angle measurements and identify errors caused by an instrument being out of adjustment.
2. Analyze the accuracy and precision of angle measurements and determine the precision of surveying instruments.
3. Describe the characteristics of Electronic Distance Measurements (EDMs) and the use of retroprisms in distance measurements.
4. Explain how to calibrate the EDM on a total station to ensure accurate distance measurements.
5. Evaluate the applications and benefits of Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) GPS surveying for land surveyors and related civil engineering fields.