The abbreviation for total station, an optical surveying instrument that combines an electronic theodolite for turning angles with an EDM for measuring distances. It incorporates an onboard microprocessor to calculate horizontal distances, vertical elevations, and point coordinates in real time. Surveyors use a TS to collect topographic data, stake out construction sites, and run traverses.
Grab the TS and the heavy tripod from the truck so we can set up on the control point.
When a crew chief says TS, they usually mean a manual instrument that requires an operator behind the eyepiece, as opposed to a robotic unit run from a data collector at the rod.
Also heard as
- total station
Related terms
Robot
A motorized total station that automatically tracks a moving prism.
Target
A sliding visual reference piece mounted on a leveling rod or prism pole.
Occupy
To set up a surveying instrument precisely over a known control point.
Backsight
A reading taken on a point of known coordinates or elevation to establish a reference direction.