If you’re surveying a construction site, the advantages of a total station are numerous. With a Leica Total Station in hand your team can be confident about challenging and changing site conditions. This, in turn, leads to a more efficient use of your time and a way to mitigate potential obstacles by predicting them ahead of time. The building construction industry is demanding, which is why adding a total station to your repertoire of tools is a solid choice. For example, when your Leica Total Station is equipped with features designed for increased accuracy and speed, you’re able to tackle precision distance measuring with more confidence and perform measurements in places that are dangerous or inaccessible.

When it comes to how to operate Leica Total Stations, it’s easy to be initially overwhelmed by some of the more technical aspects. That being said, operating a total station isn’t as difficult or cumbersome as it may appear. In fact there are a few useful tips that can be helpful in getting started with your Leica Total Station. Keep the following four operational tips for your Leica Total Station in mind and you’ll be surveying with precision in no time at all.

Tip #1: Ensure Your Tripod Is Level

Many people think that before you even place the tripod on solid ground that you need to put the measuring instrument on the tripod. In actuality, this will impede your ability to get the most level measurement—and in some situations could cause the entire Leica Total Station to topple over, damaging the equipment or impeding your team’s progress. As such, it’s critical that you extend the legs of the tripod, absent of anything, before attaching other peripherals. Once you’ve tightened the screws and made sure the plate is as horizontal as can be using the bulls eye level, then you can attach the measuring instrument to your Total Station. Start your process this way each time for level and accurate surveying.

Tip #2: Increase Efficiency With A Robotic Total Station

Thanks to advancements in technology, not every Leica Total Station is completely manual these days. With powerful robotic features, you can work more quickly and efficiently without sacrificing accuracy. Perhaps best of all, robotic features take some of the guesswork out of using a Leica Total Station for the first time, which can help improve the overall learning curve. 

Thanks to current advancements in the field of Robotic Total Stations, only one person is required to perform the tasks that used to necessitate two field personnel. Today, an in-office BIM Manager is able to pre-plot measurement markings for use in the field (office-to-field measurement markings). In the field, the Robotic Total Station keeps its “eye” on the user’s target, indicating with a beep when the user has hit the target marking. The field operator, with prism pole in hand, uses a tablet with coordinated points to simultaneously navigate to the proper location. A Robotic Total Station is able to move independently allowing for more efficient use of resources in the field. 

Tip #3: Maintain Your Total Station

Even if you just purchased a new Leica Total Station, getting it serviced each year means that you’ll catch any problems before they develop into major issues. Like any other type of high-tech machinery, just because your Total Station appears to be working properly doesn’t mean that everything is up to snuff “under the hood.” Proper care and maintenance will extend the life of your Total Station, ultimately saving you thousands of dollars over time in replacement components, repairs and wasted site visits due to malfunction. 

Calibrating your Leica Total Station is another practical and simple mechanism for increasing the longevity of your equipment. Fluctuations in temperature and everyday use can leave your equipment in need of minor adjustments and general upkeep. Here at Datum Tech Solutions our Boise-based calibration center offers the following services:

Check & Adjust

• Collimation of angle and electronic compensation systems
• Inspection of laser alignment(s) and accuracy, bubble vials, sights
• Thorough cleansing of outer body

Inspection & Certification

• Inspection of the equipment to ensure it meets all manufacturing specifications
• Ensure the equipment can pass all test procedures and protocols 

Tip #4: Consider A Training Program

As was mentioned earlier, Leica Total Stations come chock-full of features that on the surface can initially appear complex or intimidating. In order to get the most out of all of the advantages of a Total Station, sometimes it’s best to consult with a team of experts and get hands-on training. For example, Datum Tech Solutions hosts a two-day training series that shows you the ins and outs of your Leica Total Station in a digestible format. From topics like basic geometry and angular strength to more in-depth details about instrument protection and layouts, the Datum Tech Solutions team can help you get the training you need to find success.

If you’re considering the purchase of a specific Leica Total Station or want to better understand the product you just bought, Datum Tech Solutions is here to help. Reach out to us today to see how we can help you make the most out of your new Leica Total Station with field training, software integration and more