Creating a contour map using a Total Station is a classic surveying lab that helps visualize terrain elevations and gradients. Here’s a complete guide on how to perform the lab to collect data for a contour map:

🧭 Objective:

To collect data and prepare a contour map of a given land area using a Total Station.

🧰 Instruments & Materials Needed:

• Total Station (with data recording capabilities)
• Tripod
• Prism with Prism Pole
• Field Book / Data Collector
• Temporary Bench Mark (TBM) or known elevation point
• Pegs or flags (to mark points if needed)

📐 Theory:

A contour map is a representation of the terrain showing lines of equal elevation. Using a Total Station, we can collect the coordinates (E, N) and elevations (Z) of various points across the area to generate a topographic map with contour lines.

🧪 Procedure:

1. Set Up the Instrument:

• Select a station point with a clear view of the area.
• Set up the Total Station on the tripod and level it precisely.
• Center the instrument over the station using the optical plummet.
• Enter the coordinates and elevation of the instrument station (can be arbitrary if not using real-world coordinates).
• Set the instrument height (HI).

2. Backsight Orientation:

• Choose a back sight point (known or assumed coordinates/elevation).
• Sight the prism at that point and enter its coordinates.
• Lock the orientation by measuring the angle.

3. Data Collection (Topographic Survey):

• Divide the survey area into a grid (5m x 5m or 10m x 10m depending on terrain detail).
• Move the prism pole to each grid point and hold it vertically (use bubble).
• Measure and record the following for each point:
  • Easting (X)
  • Northing (Y)
  • Elevation (Z) (calculated from vertical angle and slope distance)
• Use “Remote Elevation Measurement” (REM) mode if needed.
• Continue until all necessary points across the area are measured, especially at:
  • Terrain changes (hills, valleys, slopes)
  • Boundaries
  • Natural/man-made features

4. Download & Process Data:

• Transfer data from the Total Station to a computer via USB or Data Collector.
• Use software like:
  • AutoCAD Civil 3D
  • Surfer
  • Excel (for basic plotting)
  • GIS software
• Import (X, Y, Z) points to generate the contour map.
• Specify contour intervals (e.g., 0.5m, 1m) depending on the terrain.

5. Plotting Contour Lines:

• The software will interpolate between points and draw contour lines.
• Label each contour with its elevation.
• Add details like legend, scale, north arrow, and title.

✅ Precautions:

• Ensure the prism pole is held vertically at all times.
• Keep instrument precisely leveled and centered.
• Take extra readings at areas of rapid elevation change.
• Avoid errors due to environmental factors (wind, refraction, etc.).
• Check and recalibrate Total Station if needed.

📓 Result:

You have successfully collected elevation data and created a contour map that represents the topography of the given area.

Conducting a Topographic Survey using Total Station.

Conducting a Topographic Survey means to measure the land using total station. A total station is an electronic tool used in topographic and land surveying. The instrument station combines a horizontal and vertical angle-measuring electronic theodolite with a precise distance-measuring electronic distance measuring equipment (E.D.M).

Here we will discuss how to conduct a topographic Survey using Total station.

Conducting Topographic Survey using Total Station

Here are some steps during conducting a Topographic Survey.

1. Set up the Total Station.

Place the total station on a steady tripod on flat ground.
Adjust the instrument for accurate readings. Adjusting means centering leveling and focusing the instrument.

2. Mark Control Points.

Put markers in key spots around the area you’re surveying. Search control points already given in the Surveying area. if you don’t find it, make at least two control points that’s also called Bench Marks. (BM)

3. Attach the Prism.

Attach Prism on the rod. Use that prism to demarcate the boundaries and BM. Fix a reflective prism on the exact point you want to measure.

4. Take Measurements.

Use the total station to measure angles, distances, and heights to the prism.

5. Record the Data.

Write down the measurements carefully, including point numbers and other details. you can also save your data in total station by using record option.

6. Move to the Next Spot.

If the Surveying area is large and you can not cover the measurement on one place. Shift the total station to the next location with a clear view of the prism.

7. Repeat the Measurements.

Take measurements for all the points you’re interested in, moving the total station as needed.

8. Process the Data.

Transfer the recorded data to a computer. Use software to calculate coordinates and elevations, creating a detailed map. you can use software to make drawing like auto CAD civil 3d.

9. Check for Accuracy.

Double-check the survey’s accuracy by comparing it with control points or using additional measurements.

10. Create Reports and Maps.

Make reports and maps based on the processed data for clear presentation.

Conclusion

A total station is a powerful electronic tool that is commonly used in topographic and land surveying. In order to calculate angles accurately, it combines the abilities of an electronic theodolite and an electronic distance measurement tool (E.D.M).

With the precision and effectiveness of land surveying substantially improved by this technology, it has become a magical instrument for creating accurate topographic maps and assisting several land development projects.