Why Every Total Station Needs a Right-hand Man. The Ideal Surveying Accessory.

Land surveying techniques have been around since almost the beginning of recorded history. As a matter of fact, it can be traced back to as early as 3000 BC in ancient Egypt after the Nile River overflowed and farm boundaries were re-established using simple geometry. Surveying technology has come a long way since then and living in a modern civilization requires a more sophisticated and accurate method of collecting field data in order to build advanced and safe structures such as highways, railroads, skyscrapers, large irrigation projects and power plants. This requirement is filled through the use of data collectors, otherwise known as surveying detectors or receivers.

The land surveying equipment used today is a far cry from the ones used by surveyors’ decades ago. Electronic data collectors are now widely used to record precise measurements of coordinates, angles, distances, elevations and more. This battery powered handheld field computer with LCD touchscreen display and user friendly on-board data collection software takes the place of a tape measure, smartphone and other basic surveying equipment in gathering field data, all in the palm of your hand.



Today’s data collection hardware comes from major manufacturers of surveying instruments and field software, such as Leica Geosystems, Sokkia, Spectra Precision, Topcon and more. In some cases, manufacturers provide users with their custom or third party software and hardware solutions to provide maximum flexibility, especially when using different brands of tools in the field. The on-board data collection software available offers a comprehensive set of tools to help users collect and organize survey data efficiently. It helps in the calculation, mapping, data storage, data management and integration with total stations and other field equipment.  Customization and optional features are also available to help users modify their device to best meet their data collection needs, saving money in the process.

Among the unique devices available today are surveying field controllers from Spectra Precision. The new Spectra T41 Data Collector was designed to fully integrate the surveying process even in extreme weather conditions. This handheld computer for surveyors has a built-in GPS receiver, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, field software and digital camera. But don’t be fooled by the name, Spectra Precision T41 does more than just collect data; it also doubles as a smartphone with its touchscreen color display and integrated SIM card slot for sending text messages and receiving calls. In addition, the T41 can be used with other total stations, which adds flexibility for surveyors alternating between surveying, storing and manipulating field data.
It is amazing how technology continues to advance and new surveying and mapping technologies are invented to influence future designs of portable data collectors. Modern surveyors have definitely come a long way from basic geometry to complex mathematical equations and surveying equipment. With rugged wireless handheld computers integrated with software features, you can achieve significant improvements in productivity and accuracy of field data. The use of data collectors in conjunction with total stations definitely optimize workflow in building safer structures that will last through time.