Civil Engineering Professional Engineer Practice Exam

Which alternative instrument can be used aside from the Total Station Instrument?

1. Standard Measuring Tape

2. GPS

3. Total Robotic Station

4. Electronic Level

The correct answer is: Total Robotic Station

The total robotic station is an advanced version of the traditional total station and integrates electronic distance measurement and angle measurement with a robotic mechanism that allows for remote operation and automation of measurements. This technology offers significant advantages, such as increasing productivity and enhancing accuracy. With a total robotic station, a single operator can control the device from a distance, which is particularly useful in environments where multiple measurements are needed without the need for numerous personnel to operate equipment. While standard measuring tapes, GPS devices, and electronic levels are all valuable surveying tools, they serve different purposes and do not provide the same comprehensive functionality as a total robotic station. For instance, a standard measuring tape is primarily for simple distance measurements, GPS is often used for locating and mapping but may lack the fine precision required for detailed surveys, and electronic levels are specialized tools for ensuring horizontal or vertical alignment but do not measure angles. The total robotic station combines these capabilities and enhances them, making it the most suitable alternative in this context.