Remote Survey: Alternative Method for Capturing Data

Abstract

As technology in the manufacture of total stations evolves rapidly, a new era in surveyor's field work arises. This paper describes appropriate instrumentation, software, and possibilities for communication that are needed for realization of a remote survey. With a remote survey, the surveyor can sight, measure, help, or check with collaborators in the field, without being at the designated site. Applying a remote survey in specific applications, the user can target, choose, and check the targets and also have a complete view of the field work in progress, at any given time, from an office or at home or other remote locations. The utilization of free software and appropriate instrumentation combined with wired or wireless connections allows the remote overall control and handling of a total station without additional costs. The pros and cons of this procedure are presented. Additionally the first successful results of remote targeting accuracy, achieved via computer, are presented. Finally useful discussion and further investigational tips are highlighted. The described method is intended to support specific surveying applications or scientific and academic research and is not for professional land-surveying work.