Studying the factors affect for the accuracy of reflectorless Total Station observations

Abstract

It is important to study the reliability and accuracy of modern survey instruments before using them for a specific task like engineering work or change detection studies. Reflectorless total stations are widely used in most of survey works due to their fast data collection, higher accuracy and automation procedures. On the other hand they might give low accurate results in some data collection procedures because of the variety of constrain that affects the measurement. It is possible to identify several factors affect for these observations. This paper investigates the influence of inclined angle, colour and type of the reflecting surface, effect of existing battery capacity of reflectorless total station and beam divergence for their measurements. If the instrument is used to collect precise data for a long time, above factors are subjected to affect for the accuracy of the data in a considerable manner. Therefore it should be investigated.