Topic outline

  • Topographic Surveys - Total Station Procedures

    Credits: 2 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    This course provides general guidance on the use of total stations on topographic surveys. Also included is information on reflectorless/robotic systems and prism-only systems. Use and operation of internal and external data collectors with a total station are covered.  

    Total stations combine electronic theodolites and EDM into a single unit. They digitally observe and record horizontal directions, vertical directions, and slope distances. These digital data observations can be adjusted and transformed to local X-Y-Z coordinates using an internal or external microprocessor. Various atmospheric corrections, grid and geodetic corrections, and elevation factors can also be input and applied. 

    Topics:

    • Introduction to Total Stations
    • Features and Operations
    • Use of Prism Poles
    • EDM Range and Accuracy
    • Reflectorless and Robotic Total Station
    • Field Equipment Inventory and Maintenance
    • Total Station Job Planning
    • Total Station Error Sources
    • General Total Station Operating Procedures
    • Total Station Angle Measurement and Traverse Techniques
    • Total Station Leveling Field Procedures
    • Positioning Topographic Features with a Total Station

    To take this course:

    1.) Enroll in Course: Click below to enroll:
    (must be logged into your user account)


    2.) Study: Once enrolled, click below to begin the course:

    Download the Study Guide

    3.) Test: Once you've thoroughly read the course materials, please click below to take the final examination.

    Take the final exam

    4.) Certificate: A passing grade of 70% or higher on the exam, is required to receive the certificate of completion for this PDH course.
         NOTE: After the exam is completed, you will need to return to this page, in order to print (download) the certificate of completion.

    Print the Certificate of Completion

    Intended Audience: This course is intended for surveying and engineering professionals whose job description may require an intermediate knowledge of control and topographical surveying practices and principles.
    Publication Source: USACE (Corp of Engineers)

    Donald Parnell, PE

    • Topic 1