CST Level 1 Land Surveyor Certification Practice

Which instrument is described as an electronic distancing measure that also measures angles?

1. Level

2. Theodolite

3. Total Station

4. Transit

The correct answer is: Total Station

The instrument described as an electronic distancing measure that also measures angles is the total station. A total station is a versatile surveying tool that combines the functions of an electronic distance measuring (EDM) device and an angle measurement instrument. This integration allows surveyors to quickly and accurately determine both horizontal and vertical distances as well as angles from a single setup, significantly improving efficiency in gathering spatial data for various surveying tasks. Total stations operate by using a laser or infrared light to measure distances, while simultaneously utilizing a theodolite system to measure angles. This dual capability enables precise triangulation of points in the field, facilitating tasks like land surveying, construction layout, and geospatial data collection. The advent of total stations has streamlined many surveying processes, reducing the time and resources required for measuring and document preparation. Other instruments, such as the level, theodolite, and transit, have specific roles in surveying. A level is primarily used for establishing a horizontal plane and does not measure angles, while a theodolite measures angles but may require separate devices for distance measurements. A transit, similar to a theodolite, measures angles and can also offer limited distance measurement capabilities, but it does not combine these functions in the cohesive manner of a total station.