# Total Station in Construction

> A total station measures distances, angles and coordinates with a laser and prism. See a column layout example and how SuperWise records earthwork quantities.

Canonical: https://superwise.site/glossary/total-station/
Last updated: 2026-11-01

A modern optical and electronic surveying instrument that measures distances, angles and coordinates for site layout.

## What is Total Station (Surveying)?

A Total Station is an electronic optical surveying instrument that builds on the classic theodolite. Mounted on a tripod with an Electronic Distance Meter (EDM), it fires an infrared laser at a reflective prism held by a worker and calculates distances, angles and 3D GPS coordinates to millimetre precision. The data can be passed directly to AutoCAD.

## Practical example

Before digging the foundation of an irregularly shaped high-rise, the chief surveyor sets up a total station. Within hours it marks the X and Y coordinates of all 200 column pits on the ground, matching the architect's CAD file. Measuring tapes would have left the columns skewed and off the grid.

## In SuperWise

Earthwork and layout quantities worked out from a total station survey go on a SuperWise measurement sheet against their [BOQ](https://superwise.site/glossary/bill-of-quantities/) item, as lines of number, length, breadth and height. The approved quantity updates BOQ progress and feeds the [RA bill](https://superwise.site/glossary/running-account-bill/) that the earthmoving contractor raises against the [work order](https://superwise.site/glossary/work-order/).

[Digital measurement book](https://superwise.site/features/digital-measurement-book/)

## Related terms

- [Earthwork Excavation](https://superwise.site/glossary/earthwork-excavation/)
- [Strip Foundation (Continuous Footing)](https://superwise.site/glossary/strip-foundation/)
- [Layout Plan](https://superwise.site/glossary/layout-plan/)
- [Key Plan](https://superwise.site/glossary/key-plan/)

## Related
- [Earthwork Excavation](https://superwise.site/glossary/earthwork-excavation/)
- [Strip Foundation (Continuous Footing)](https://superwise.site/glossary/strip-foundation/)
- [Layout Plan](https://superwise.site/glossary/layout-plan/)
- [Key Plan](https://superwise.site/glossary/key-plan/)
- [Digital measurement book](https://superwise.site/features/digital-measurement-book/)