Hi,
This post may seem a little out of the ordinary for this forum and please bare with my ignorance in proper surveyor terminology. I am a marine mammal scientist and am seeking advice on theodolite/total station models.
Scientists have used theodolites to track cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoise) from land based stations for over a decade. They are a great tool that allow us to study the locations, speed, and behaviors of cetaceans in a completely non-invasive manner. As long as we have an accurate knowledge of the altitude above sea level that the theodolite is positioned then we use them to collect 'fixes' on an animal or group of animals when they are at the surface. These fixes are simply the horizontal and vertical angles which can in turn be converted into geographical positions. This method also allows us to calculate the distance of the animal from the observation site.
The majority of cetacean studies that have used theodolites have either recorded angle data for each position on a data sheet or have linked the theodolite up to a laptop with appropriate software to record the data associated with each fix. In 2003 I used a Leica T1000 (which this week I learned may be considered a total station?). This instrument allowed me to operate it on my own with the need for additional data recorder personnel in the field. I could simply download the data from the T1000 at the end of each day.
So to the point of my post. I looking for advice on similar instruments that would allow for solo operation in the field -i.e. that have the capacity to store data for later download. There has been a suggestion that I should be looking at Total Stations and not Theodolites, is this the case?
I am currently trying to get price estimations for a budget but without fully understanding what kind of models I should be looking at this is proving to be a challenge as there is such a range in price. I would very much appreciate any advice that any of you might be able to send my way.
Best regards,
Frankie
That's pretty clever...you can reduce the angles to coordinates because they are all on the same plane (sea level). I've never thought of doing something like that, but I haven't had the need.
I'm not sure they make theodolites with internal memory. I know the Leica total stations will let you record an observation that is just angles without distance. (I figured that out the hard way with a robot I thought was tracking my distance for several hours but was recording angle only.)
Hi, I will do.
Thanks so much for the interest. I should say that we are also looking into some new photographic techniques but there is not much information available yet as to how well they perform. Email coming.
If you're just recording angles, without distances then virtually any total station will work for you, make sure that you can record without shooting a distance.
You can get away for less than 10K and stay with leica.
Depending on where you are and your budget I'd check with your local distributer. If you're in the New England area, and we have lots of whales right now, then contact me and I'll point you in the right direction.
Used would probably be the most economical value for your use.
Dtp
Thanks foggyidea,
Great advice, and when I am looking at specs if I see details relating to data storage and additional USB connections then this means that I can store the angles on the machine yes?
Looking at used/renting/borrowing from a university (if that is an option for us) are all things we might consider. We Pacific Northewest based though might be conducting our field work in the UK.
Thanks again,
Yes, I think that this program has been flagged as the potential analysis program. While one can enter data after the fact it is often used for real time tracking with the aid of an additional computer operator/data recorder -it is really neat! I think that there are a couple other options around also but this is the most used.
The novel photography techniques basically involve geo-referenceing photographs.
e.g.
http://www.smruconsulting.com/portfolio/vantage-point-training/
http://cyclops-tracker.com/about-cameras.html
However, as I understand the post processing is fairly heavy.
It is not immediately clear what the accuracy is with the photographic methods compared to theodolite/total station methods.
The T1000 was strictly a theodolite; you could add a scope mounted distance meter to make it a total station, or you could purchase a TC1000, which was the total station model.
The T1000 was ideal for your application because it had on-board memory and you didn't need any other device. Unfortunately, I don't think anyone still makes anything like it. Sokkia theodolites have RS232 interfaces, but that introduces the need for a recording device.
You can of course buy a total station, they just cost a lot more than plain theodolites. Make sure you get one that allows angles-only observations.
> The T1000 was strictly a theodolite; you could add a scope mounted distance meter to make it a total station, or you could purchase a TC1000, which was the total station model.
>
> The T1000 was ideal for your application because it had on-board memory and you didn't need any other device. Unfortunately, I don't think anyone still makes anything like it. Sokkia theodolites have RS232 interfaces, but that introduces the need for a recording device.
>
> You can of course buy a total station, they just cost a lot more than plain theodolites. Make sure you get one that allows angles-only observations.
When considering the additional cost required for an additional person in the field the extra cost might be worthwhile but it is something we are considering. How would I determine that a model allows angles-only observations? What should I look for in the specs?
Thanks for your clarification re the T1000, and yes it was ideal!
It wouldn't show up in the specs; the data collection software on the gun has to allow it. A lot of onboard data collection software is very rudimentary, you're probably going to need something a little more sophisticated.Leica probably has an instrument that allows it. The Trimble M3 running Trimble Access definitely allows it, and I'm sure the Spectra Nivo M series running Survey Pro must as well. When you get demos from vendors, make sure they show you that.
