Total Station vs. GNSS Receiver: Which is the Better Surveying Tool?

[@MrBCRC]

Haven't worked as a surveyor for 25+ years but curious about how the gear works in the 2020's. Thanks for this.

[@receiverzz9088]

Salute for your hard work to teach the beginners like me who is pursuing career in surveying. Thank you very much

[@blugaledoh2669]

How old are you?

[@highlight9014]

Great video Rami, I did a masters in civil engineering during COVID but unfortunately due to remote teaching the Geomatics module was not available (the only module I was really interested in) I genuinely believe your channel has taught me more than that course module ever would have. So thank you.

[@KSISurvey]

You want to rethink your comment on the total station being "grid" distances? GNSS operates on coordinate systems that convert lat/long to grid. The only way to compute ground distances from GNSS data is to compute the horizontal and vertical combined scale factor. Since the total station is set up on the earth, every distance it takes is a ground distance.

[@ihd-3603]

The newer Topcon data collectors will transform coordinates between grid and ground but I’m not sure I trust transforming coordinates in the field so I just leave that off. I’ve seen too many ppl get burned transforming coordinates back and forth.

[@rodrigosuarezcastano732]

GNSS is so much more time efficient, and keeping in mind that you're doing RTK only, It would be interesting to see a PPK with about 5 minutes of readings per point and compare that with a total station. Great video as always, I'm about to perform my first surveys next week using a GNSS reciever, and your videos have been a great first insight on how to hopefully make everything work out, keep up the good content!

[@lztoniolo]

Nice video Rami! Please, make a video on how to work with Total Station and GNSS measurements in the same project: how to convert grid distances to ground distances: finding an avarage combined scale factor for the entire site, using GNSS calibration, etc.? Which method would you use to start a surveying with GNSS and then use a total station on the same job? What are the best practices for site calibration for rounded areas and linear projects and how do you survey out of this calibration? If you could make a video about this subject would be awesome! 7:30 You metioned that total station takes distances in Grid system, but wouldn't be in Ground? GNSS makes the measurements in Grid (ellipsoid - 3D surface) distances and you need to convert to ground (2D plane - flattened earth) no? Plus, in the end of video, comparing the total station to GNSS distances you wouldn't get the same coordinates and distances to points unless you apply a combined scale factor to total station to reduce or amplify the distances, deppending of the place you're located in UTM grid. So for small places and not so high altitudes, you would observe some few cm of difference no? Thanks!

[@jjnxyz4368]

The one major advantage of a GNSS receiver is that the accuracy, while dependent on the distance from the CORS base stays the same over distance. While GPS is slightly more inaccurate over a single shot, you can expect compounding errors on properties that require you to move your TS. For instance on a long road or an already build apartment complex you might have to set the TS on A and measure to B and then set the TS on B and measure to C... the inaccuracy in the TS as well as user error (prism slightly unlevel, IMU's generally not nearly as accurate as a straight prism etc.) compounds from shot to shot. While a GPS usually will have a similar accuracy on every shot taken. Another thing to consider is the ease of use of the software, after using SurvPC I find it hard to use SurveyPro or Access. The layout is just not as easy to use and well thought out. A lot of older brands seem to want to stick with bad menu designs because existing users are used to them, for instance Leica software on a TS is easier to use then Sokkia for the most part.

[@shelbyh.griggs1242]

GS18i, yes! I have had one for about two years, use the tilt and the camera both when needed. Just surveyed GCP for a manned flight, hitting vertical control within about a cm, about same horizo ntal on existing NGS points in the area. For ANY GNSS, always have a redundant (repeat) measurements on your control. I have picked photo ID points that agree with static at about the 3cm level, pretty amazing for just walking by collecting a series of photos and that is with a RTN, not local base.

[@gabbothis]

Great video. I might have missed it, but I didn’t see where you mentioned the need for a mobile phone connection when using a CORS system. Can be a problem in some remote areas.

[@ingedgarv]

Total Stations measures Ground distances at 1 scale factor. It is GNSS that measures grid distances, like utm. Actually, when you try to match the distance in softwares like Field Genius, it increases de SF to match Total Stations distances.

[@RamiTamimi]

Not quite. Yes, in UTM, GNSS also measures in Grid because it is utilizing the ellipsoid height, but when accounting for the geoid adjustment to get to orthometric height, now you have a ground measurement. The misconception that Total Stations measure ground distance comes from the idea that we take the measurements on the ground. Which is true, but in practice ground distances account for the curvature of the earth, which a total station does not. I think an entire video about grid to ground would be very helpful for everyone.

[@ingedgarv]

@@RamiTamimi I understand perfectly combined factor scale , based on projection and elevation. But I pretty sure total stations returns ground and gnss grid.

[@ingedgarv]

Total stations, chains etc are on the ground , they return ground distances even though they not consider the curvature of earth that only affects in a very large area of studio, that's another topic. In order to return grid distances they should be placed below earth. Or have a factor scale to reduce the distance , in utm it depends in which parts you of the zone you are and also the elevation. Trust me , I have read a lott7 can prove by urself in global mapper or similar gis

[@ingedgarv]

@@RamiTamimi it really doesn't even matter if your projection is above or below earth surface or at least the proposed model to study it. Total stations are on the ground and there fore they measure ground distances even though they not consider curvature of earth that only affects in a very large area. I consider you a smart guy , and I know you gonna find it. Greetings

[@desertBirdDogs]

​@@ingedgarv you should Google and the difference between grid and ground distance, if you understood this concept you'd see you're wrong

[@simoncraw]

GNSS are horribly unreliable around buildings even when they tell you they have good accuracy. It is often not the case.

[@huckbeduck]

Single story, multi-story, skyscrapers? Buildings in general or mainly just tall buildings?

[@R.Ratkus]

@@huckbeduck a small shed can give you trouble if it has an overhanging roof on the edge and you have to measure the very corner of it, I guess leica GS18i has a cheat for that though

[@MrBCRC]

Reflections...

[@travislawrence4679]

That camera feature on the GNSS receiver is pretty cool. Considering using equipment like this is more of a hobby I'll stick with my Emlid, though. Might not be able to afford Leica but I can still look at it fondly.

[@RamiTamimi]

Yeah man, Leica is next level innovation.

[@darrylmccall3980]

Nice one Rami...some colleagues and I were just "discussing " this topic.

[@authoronauthorinterviews1589]

Hey Rami, could you make a video about how GIS and land surveying are relatable? I've completed my undergraduate in surveying and am doing a masters in GIS. I would love to see people working as geomaticians, combining both of these fields for the spatial sciences.

[@piuskwayisi9647]

am in the same field

[@moffia100]

As someone who studied GIS but who now works in surveying I would also be super interested in this.

[@piuskwayisi9647]

@@moffia100 you can always combine the two...survey and GIS is someway somehow related and its an advantage having the two

[@ihd-3603]

While a total station is more accurate in measuring the GNSS is more accurate over a larger area. For instance, if you traverse your way around surveying a 20 acre property with a total station you can expect to see error from your traverse line when checking back into your starting point where the GNSS doesn’t have that problem. Also, if I need to locate a structure or around a structure I prefer the total station because I don’t have to worry about multipath and it’s convenient to locate buildings reflectorless with the total station.

[@tadamb1]

I could (and will) add... Those sexy Leica receivers really are the best on the market. If you have deep pockets, go for it! But if you're new to the business and on a tight budget, the Emlid receivers are shockingly reliable and accurate. I can't tell that our Topcon HiPer VRs are ANY more accurate than our Emlid gear. Really. No lie. Get a pair of Emlid RX2+s so you can set up a local base, and pair that with Carlson Layout on an Android tablet. That makes for a very powerful and super economical setup. Highly recommended.

[@lylewilkinson5706]

How do you get the ridge heights with the GS18???

[@bonfaceisaya4118]

Watching from 254🇰🇪

[@shemakalinda676]

Nice and interesting video Rami, thanks for your hard work

[@mitchmackenzie3293]

I wish Leica would sponsor me too 😅

[@KathleenBaani]

some receivers use antennae during RTK survey. how do you connect to the CORS in a situation as such.

[@jlock311]

Hey Rami, thanks for the great video. How did the 3D coords of the FF elevation at your back door compare between the total station and the GNSS receiver? Was the elevation accurate? Thanks again! Amazing technology!

[@PeterBalfor]

Looking good Rami, miss ya brother

[@bobreiling]

what about bringing GPS data into local coord system or vice versa

[@cadethompson4956]

Great video! I bet if you would have used a base station instead of VRS, your vertical accuracy for the GPS would have been around .05', instead of .1'.

[@jaysom2240]

It would be the same as along as you have a good cell connection

[@aaravgupta4441]

Which one enables the state and corporations to collect more surveillance information about the user?

[@geocentrictruth]

Hello Rami, I would like to congratulate you with all the awesome videos you are producing with these great devices to further the science on these surveying devices... I have question, is there any ways you can produce a video on why a total station will show a higher center point when standing for example by the beach and pointing at the horizon it will mark a location that is higher than the horizon? Is there a way you can explain the science behind this regarding your total station.

[@desertBirdDogs]

Rami, where can i get a tablet holder for my rover pole like the one you're using in the video?

[@gilbertocosta6387]

Hi, congrats excellent tutorial! Do you know what are the external radios compatible to Emlid Reach RS2?

[@scottbuck9348]

I have a question for ya. When setting up on Known C.P.s with a robo, do u still set your circle to Zero with Toocon total stations? Your back sight will check in nicely either way but are the shots accurate? Anybody?

[@mrsow5265]

Hey boss I need advice to buy a gnss to working with in Africa please

[@m2rtsoo]

What about when you are doing integrated mesurment meaning you do resection of the totalstation using GNSS receiver? Thats like 99% of how totalstations are used now, when we do not talk about construction jobs.

[@SylvioAgius]

Can someone help with my problem please i created a c3d codelist descrpition keys now ii must transfer it to my leica captivate ts10 total station can someone tell me how thanks

[@akonikimobautista9307]

Hi. Out of curiosity, with the GNSS system, could you use more than one base station? Would that improve accuracy or convenience to set up two or more base stations?

[@scottbuck9348]

I’m no professional but I think your answer would be no, however at the small company I work for, we sometimes set up one base station and two or three rovers on large projects. And the rod men all go off in different locations and collect shots!

[@ihd-3603]

@@scottbuck9348that’s a great way to get a lot of topo in little time.

[@AdeshinaAzeez-i4p]

How much is the instrument?

[@granrey]

what is the accuracy of GNSS hand held devices that look like a phone?

[@Jonsoar]

3-5 meters. This is what your phone gets as well.

[@Lawi_Jake]

Grid vs Ground Distance

[@ma24th]

Great Video thanks Rami

[@Nhawthorne9274]

Love my GNSS receivers for crash investigations, but ice on receivers can be another obstruction. Keep it clean.

[@AdeshinaAzeez-i4p]

How much is it?

[@TroyMifsud]

Great Video! Thanks!

[@DrEvil814]

What is with the noise do you thing this is a video game ? Raising the noise floor with "music" just makes it harder to hear you. I find it painful...

[@taylorcoach73]

Good Job Man.

[@reyargieninom.4096]

waiting for review of all RTK receivers

[@AzharPsas93]

Nice thank you for the explanation good the steps ❤

[@ans3825]

damn idk that survey is this futuristic in Malaysia we still use old way no tablet

[@Asta-wl8jz]

Is there any equipment that would give us just ELEVATIONS? Something with around a foot or error. I'm a petroleum geologist and elevations are crucial to our mapping. Also, it needs to be inexpensive...lol. Thank you!

[@ihd-3603]

Try an auto bench level or an auto laser level.

[@hakeebnandalal88]

The visible red laser light is used for reflectorless pointing only - it doesn't measure anything. The IR light used by the EDM is invisible to the human eye. Additionally it's a very bad habit to level and centre the tripod using the total station - better to use a tribrach first then switch. If you're on rocky/stoney ground the legs are going to jump when pressing down and shake the hell out of the instrument.

[@DavidMossMGS]

Well done video 👍

[@Katana50cc]

What a vid, superb! : )

[@stargazer7644]

Why in the world would a fabric canopy block rtk or gnss? It is radio transparent.

[@AnarchyEnsues]

Hey rami. I'm an asphalt foreman What would you recommend for low cost option for a rtk survey just so I can measure the job fast on site I'm assuming I can Bluetooth a rtk receiver to my phone on a pole and use a free app to record the data? I don't need total professional, just a time saver for site meassurement

[@lardazz1544]

I’m using the Trimble t100 but this seems easier

[@allanjarrettbasi78]

id go for the total station any time accuracy is the aagenda......

[@ammadahmad3549]

Thank you sir

[@Jonsoar]

The more tech you re dealing with the more chance for problems. I err on the side of doing things more manually since I trust myself and enjoy the leg work of it.

[@sprasadksp]

Hello Rami , I am a freelancer I work on ortho, mapping, lidar and uav data too . I will be providing outputs like orthophoto,DEM ,DSM, colour point cloud, CONTOURS and MAPPING.and data matching with gcp also.please contact if u need any DATA SET to be processed.

[@kizzjd9578]

Rtk lidar on a drone is the best

[@timwingnut]

1 second rotary encoder accuracy not overall pointing accuracy..

[@JavadMirbagheri-r4v]

Great👏

[@ChrisDegenhardt2000]

Total station and didn't watch the video

[@RamiTamimi]

I mean I personally wouldn’t use a total station to set GCPs for a drone flight since the drone’s accuracy is less than a total station ;)

[@ChrisDegenhardt2000]

@Rami Tamimi good video...keep them coming

[@Gold-digger.www.]

@@RamiTamimiЗачем используешь опорные точки для дрона, если для него существует базовая станция?

[@ammadahmad3549]

Rami Tamimi I can't afford GNSS receiver base station.....can I use total station for RTK drone survey and GCPs??

[@Nereals]

leica ts16 its an awesome station! But not Leica GS18i(its to big an unconfortable to work all day in difficult terrain with this kind of big hardware!) Unfurtunately but China offer more good, light an afordable GNSS solutions than LEica

[@tadamb1]

11:46 OMG! Did you drop that brand new $30k receiver on the ground? Look at it. That poor thing. You deserve 10 licks with a splintered lath! I would note from my experience that the real danger with GNSS is not so much the reduced accuracy when working as indicated. Sometimes the data collector is telling you it has an accuracy

[@nioskzrinz9626]

useless...