Features and Benefits of Robotic Total Station - Coursework Example

Victoria University School of Health, Engineering and Science Engineering Surveying: VAC2171 Abstract: Experts in various fields use the robotic total station. A case in point is the police who use the device to map the scene of a crime. Miners on the other hand use the device to estimate angles and distances. Surveyors are actually the main operators of Robotic total stations. The device is basically very strong and extraordinary electronic equipment that makes the process of surveying to be more effective. Various designs of RTS exist in the market today. There is the theodolite RTS which is designed with a component for data storage and an electronic distance metre. The latest types of RTS in the market are designed with more advanced technologies and systems. With the increasing use of the Robotic total stations by specialists in different fields beginning with surveyors, miners and even archaeologists there is need to examine the benefits of the devise. This paper seeks to examine the merits and demerits of robotic total station. The scope of the analysis will also involve examining the various kinds of total station. Table of Contents Victoria University School of Health, 0 Engineering and Science 0 Engineering Surveying: VAC2171 0 Abstract: 1 Table of Contents 1 1.0Introduction: 2 2.0 Users: 3 3.0 Applications: 3 4.0 Features and benefits: 4 5.0 Conclusion: 6 6.0 Reference 6 1.0 Introduction: Surveyor’s previously used optical transits for the purpose of marking building sites and property lines. However, during the 1970s a new device was invested. The new device known as the electronic theodolite could perform a variety of functions which included tasks that involved optical transit and also the precise measurement of angels on both vertical and horizontal axis. Later in the 1980, a new equipment was invented which consisted of total stations that can estimate the precise distance, though the use of electronic metre distance (EDMs) that turned out to be the equipment of choice for many surveyors. Geodimeter Dandryd later introduced a new device known as the robotic total station in the late 1990. The unique quality of the robotic total station was that it had a radio for communication, a data collector and an automatic tacking device. Another advantage was that the robotic total station was able to lower the extent of the surveying crew. The new device was also able to estimate angles in the angles in X, Y and Z axis. The measures obtained have usually been very precise. The accuracy of the device is about 3 seconds, nevertheless when using the device in a contraction site the accuracy required is about 5 seconds. Each total station is designed with an electronic distance meter (EMD) through infrared sensors or laser technology. This device is able to accurately estimate the distance from the device to the set target in millimetres precision. 2.0 Users: Robotic total station use various applications this include cadastral surveys, volume construction and calculations, tunnelling, deformation monitoring and stakeout of points. Civil Engineers and land surveyors mostly use total stations for the purpose of recording such as when undertaking topographic Surveying. They are also used for setting out features such as boundaries, roads or houses. Archaeologists on the other hand use the total stations to for the purpose of recoding excavations. Crime scene investigators, the police, insurance companies and accident re-constructionists use the device to measure crime scenes. In commercial contexts, contractors usually use the robotic total stations to verify place columns, elevations, and walls. A contractor working in every floor of a building uses a digital terrain model (DTM) that enables one to make a decision concerning the project’s completed elevations. The target is then to determine the points where cutting and filling can be undertaken. Robotic total stations are used by housing and commercial concrete contractors for the purpose of constructing work layout. Often housing foundation contractors develop control points which assist in excavation footing. They then reshoot the area of footing layout, and construct a third trip to develop foundation walls within the footing. Within the context of the mining industry, robotic total stations are mainly used to locate the exact location of the walls of the tunnels ceilings, floors and slopes as they shift towards the underground levels of the mine. The data collected is then transferred into a CAD program which is afterwards compared with the tunnels designed layout. . 3.0 Applications: Designing excavation lines Arrangement of anchors and concrete forms Act as Built checks Outlining the control lines on concrete funded for subcontractor Arrangement of underground pipes, sleeves and hangers Measurement of light topography Typing or checking into boundaries for property Controlling layout The Robotic Total Stations are also used in Trimble MEP and Trimble LM80 Layout Manager . When joined with the Trimble MEP or Trimble LM80 Layout Manager, the Trimble RTS Series Robotic Total Stations considerably raises productivity precision and reliability 4.0 Features and benefits: Can be operated by one person Can be installed at any place in an easy way and carry out each measurement tasks and jobsite layout Quicker operation and a shortened learning curve Following user inter-face is easy The built-in checks and data storage function effectively Cost effective and flexible Can sustain hardship working conditions and lower downturn as a result of repair Design is rugged Cost of labor is low Can eliminate errors and gives clear displays The exclusive modular system design enables similar sensors to be used across the whole construction site GNSS rover solutions - set-out and as-built survey GNSS machine control - additional machines covered GNSS foreman quad navigation /car Tracker machine control –additional machines covered Total station surveys - built surveys and set-out, one person, an option of two people exists Establishment control Data manipulation and design Set-up for base Station - or usage of network corrections Entirely directed by a similar simple user interface intended explicitly for the construction site Easy to use: One controller can be used for different functions Without a keyboard - Go functionality and Level A software that is not hard to use and is powerful; Save Money Can be upgraded as growth continues Modular system design – One can pay for what they require One can no matter the weather condition Leading performance in the market High dynamic modes and accuracy static Higher tracking performance Great frequency of measurement Power Search Good accessories and accuracy prism 5.0 Conclusion: The above discussion has analysed the existing variations between the robotic total station and a theodolite. From the analysis it can be stated that the robotic total station is a much more powerful surveying apparatus as opposed to surveying tool. This is due to its property of having features that are all inclusive and also being digitally integrated. Nevertheless, issues such cost, available expertise and also time determine if one is to use the total station or the theodolite. Currently, one of the most significant equipment for surveying is the robotic total station. It is actually not affected by factors such as the condition of weather, in addition is has good coverage. Furthermore, it is reliable and precise. The equipment is also used by professionals in various fields such as the police, archaeologist and contractors. Another unique benefit is that it can actually be operated by only one person based on the fact that it is directed by detailed pole and any sort of activity can be directed by detailed pole. After the date is gathered is can then quickly be transported to other sites such as the computer. With the assistance of an ATR sensor and a servo motors, the robotic total station is able to quickly identify the target. It has the ability to lock on the prism which has the ability to follow the detailed pole’s movement. In conclusion, it can be stated that the robotic total station has made work to be easier for surveyors and even other professionals. 6.0 Reference Cooper, M.A.R 1987,Modren theodolite and levels, 2th edn, Granda, Great britan. http://www.topconpositioning.com/products/total-stations/robotic/qs-series Viewed on 05th May http://www.topconpositioning.com/products/total-stations/robotic/ms-series viewed on 06th May http://www.trimble.com/con_5605rts.shtml viewed on 15th May Uren,J& Price,W.F.2006, Surveying for engineers, 4thedn, Palgrave Macmillan, New York. Read More