What is the purpose of a total station in surveying?

The purpose of a total station in surveying is to measure angles and distances between points for accurate surveying data. A total station is an advanced optical tool that combines the functions of an electronic theodolite and an electronic distance measuring (EDM) device, allowing surveyors to determine precise three-dimensional locations of points in a survey area.

By measuring horizontal and vertical angles and the distance to the target points, a total station provides accurate and reliable data needed for various surveying tasks, including land surveying, construction layout, and mapping. This capability is fundamental for creating highly accurate plans and models of an area, which is critical in engineering, construction, and geospatial analysis.

In contrast, analyzing soil samples is a function related to geotechnical engineering and not surveying. Calculating GPS coordinates typically involves satellite technology rather than the optical and electronic measurements provided by a total station, and while total stations can contribute data that might be used in three-dimensional modeling, that is not their primary function. The main focus of a total station is indeed on measuring angles and distances, making it an essential tool for surveyors to ensure the accuracy of their measurements.