7 Criteria to Check Before Using a Total Station in Public Surveying

When using optical surveying instruments in public surveying, if you judge only by whether measurements can be taken on site, you may later encounter rework when organizing results, cross-checking, or responding to inspections. Optical surveying instruments are surveying devices that can measure distances and angles; on site they are sometimes referred to as "optical," including total stations. However, for work handled as public surveying, it is important to confirm not only the instrument's performance but also the applicable work regulations, specifications, inspection records, observation procedures, and methods for organizing the results.

In this article, we explain seven criteria that practitioners should verify before using a total station in public surveying, arranged to flow from on-site preparation through to organizing the final deliverables.

Table of Contents

• Confirm the prerequisites for using total stations in public surveys

• Standard 1: Verify that the equipment complies with the work procedures and specifications

• Standard 2: Confirm that the status of inspections and adjustments can be traced in records

• Standard 3: Confirm that the required accuracy and measurement conditions suit the site

• Standard 4: Confirm that the handling of control points and the coordinate system will not be mistaken

• Standard 5: Confirm that observation procedures and re-measurement criteria can be unified on-site

• Standard 6: Link observation records and data management through to the production of deliverables

• Standard 7: Confirm that safety management and site conditions are reasonable and not unduly burdensome

• Final checks before using a total station in public surveys

• Summary

Confirm the prerequisites required of electro-optical surveying instruments in public surveying

A total station measures the distance and angles to a survey point and is used to verify position and elevation. When used in public surveying, it is not sufficient that only the measured values are displayed; it is important to have records that can explain which standards the work followed, whether the equipment used met the required accuracy, whether checks were made before and after observations, and whether such documentation remains as an account of the results.

For work that falls under public surveying, it is necessary to proceed while confirming the Survey Act, the approved Public Survey Work Regulations, the guidelines for those work regulations, the special specifications, and the client’s instructions. Even when carrying out similar surveys for construction management or as-built verification in public works, the required procedures and the granularity of records may differ depending on whether the results are to be submitted as public survey deliverables or treated as construction management documentation.

Electro-optical surveying instruments are affected by multiple factors in their measurements, such as sighting, leveling, centering, reflector height, instrument height, meteorological conditions, line-of-sight, and reflection conditions. Therefore, before using them in public surveys, it is necessary to verify not only the performance of the instrument itself but also the operator's procedures, field conditions, recording methods, and the preparation of deliverables.

In public surveying in particular, another person may check the results at a later date. If only the people who worked on site understand them, it becomes difficult to explain the results. It is important to ensure that which control points were used, which instruments were used to make the observations, under what conditions the measurements were taken, and by what judgment the adopted values were decided can be traced from the observation log, electronic data, photographs, and work notes.

Additionally, total stations are sometimes used in combination with GNSS surveying, leveling, photogrammetry, and 3D point cloud surveying. Rather than relying solely on a total station, it is important to select the surveying method according to the project objectives, site conditions, and the work methods that can be applied. Total stations are effective where line of sight can be maintained, but for wide-area position checks or elevation verification it may be more appropriate to combine other surveying methods.

This article organizes the criteria to check before using a total station in public surveying, in an order that field personnel can easily follow. By confirming equipment suitability, inspection, accuracy, coordinates, observation, recording, and safety in that sequence, you can more easily reduce rework in both fieldwork and result processing.

Criterion 1: Verify that the equipment conforms to the work procedures and specifications

In public surveying, the first thing to confirm is whether the total station to be used complies with the work procedures, special specifications, the client’s instructions, and your company’s internal quality standards applicable to that task. Even equipment you are accustomed to using in the field may not be usable as-is, because the required accuracy and observation methods vary depending on the type of work and the intended use of the deliverables.

In public surveying, the required deliverables vary depending on the type of work, such as control-point surveying, topographic surveying, route (alignment) surveying, river surveying, and land acquisition surveying. Whether the survey is intended to determine positions, whether verifying elevations is important, whether it will serve as the basis for mapping or quantity calculations, or whether it relates to control points or boundaries—all of these affect the requirements placed on the equipment.

Before using a total station, first clarify the purpose of the work. Tasks that are close to provisional on-site checks and tasks that will be submitted as deliverables for public surveys may require different degrees of rigor in record keeping. Work that may seem adequate in practice when merely confirming positions within a site still requires that observation conditions and inspection records be prepared when it is to be treated as the results of a public survey.

When reviewing equipment specifications, check distance measurement accuracy, angle measurement accuracy, measurable distance, usable reflectors, whether non-prism measurement is possible, dust and water protection performance, correction functions, data output formats, and so on. However, avoid deciding "it's fine because the specs show high accuracy" based only on the specification values: actual measurement results can also vary depending on leveling, sighting, mirror installation, measurement distance, weather conditions, and the operator's verification procedures.

When used for public surveying, confirm that the instrument's grade and performance are appropriate for the work, and reflect this in pre-work inspections and observation planning. In particular, for long-distance observations, observations with large vertical angles, sighting in confined spaces, or measurements in locations with poor reflection conditions, it is important to assess not only the catalog performance but also whether the instrument has sufficient margin for the field conditions.

In public surveying, it is necessary to manage not only the equipment name and model but also which specific unit was used. When there are multiple units of the same type of total station, if it is unclear which instrument was used for the observations, it becomes difficult later to link inspection records to the results. If you keep records so that the equipment number, management number, inspection date, and date of use can be recorded, it will be easier to explain when organizing the results.

Furthermore, information related to the tripod, prism, pole, tribrach, and atmospheric corrections must be considered together with the total station instrument itself. Even if the instrument alone meets the standards, an incorrect setting of the prism constant or defects in the pole’s graduations or its fixation can affect the measurement results. In public surveying, it is essential to be mindful of verifying the operating conditions, including peripheral equipment.

Criterion 2: Confirm whether the status of inspections and adjustments can be tracked in records

Next, it is important to check the inspection and adjustment status of the total station and to keep records that can be traced. In public surveying, records are required to show that the equipment was used in an appropriate condition in order to demonstrate that the observed values are valid.

Optical surveying instruments are precision equipment, and their condition can change due to transportation, operating environment, storage conditions, and aging. Even if there are no major abnormalities in appearance, factors such as angle readings, distance measurements, correction functions, the condition of the spirit level or electronic level, the fastening of the tribrach, and misalignment of the centering device can affect measurements. Therefore, perform a daily inspection before use and, as necessary, check the records of periodic inspections, certifications, calibrations, and adjustments.

In pre-use checks for public surveying, we first look at the equipment's inspection date and maintenance status. We confirm when the equipment was inspected, what actions were taken if any abnormalities were found, and whether records of repairs or adjustments remain. If inspection records cannot be found when equipment is brought to the field, it becomes difficult to explain the reliability of the results after measurement.

In pre-use inspections on site, check the appearance, power supply, display, spirit level, leveling mechanism, telescope visibility, focusing, crosshair visibility, data storage, mirror constant, unit settings, and so on. Each of these is a basic item, but when you're rushed on site they are easy to overlook. In public surveying, reliably confirming these basic items is the foundation for preventing later errors and rework.

Particular attention should be paid to the mirror constant and measurement mode settings. Measurements using a reflective prism and non-prism measurements have different measurement conditions and appropriate usages. If you do not confirm that the settings match the mirror being used, there is a risk of errors in distance measurements. When using multiple mirrors on site, keeping a record of which mirror was used for which measurement makes verification easier.

Also, check how meteorological corrections are handled. In distance measurements, conditions such as temperature, atmospheric pressure, and humidity can have an effect. Even when using an instrument's correction function, if the input values or the way settings are configured are not appropriate, the intended correction and the actual settings can diverge. When conducting long-range observations or working in environments with large temperature differences, it is important to align the approach to corrections beforehand.

Inspection results should be recorded — not left to the operator’s memory — including the date of the inspection, the equipment number, the inspection items, the inspector, and whether any abnormalities were found. Even if it is determined that there are no abnormalities, without a record it will be difficult to explain later. Conversely, if there is a minor defect, it is important to decide whether the equipment may be used in that condition or should be replaced with another device, and to document the reasons for that decision.

In public surveying, it is more reliable to check the condition of equipment before taking measurements than to look for problems after measuring. If inspection and adjustment records are properly maintained, then when doubts arise about the results you can check, in sequence, the equipment condition, field conditions, and observation procedures. This is not mere paperwork but a standard for safeguarding the reliability of the results.

Criterion 3: Confirm Whether the Required Accuracy and Measurement Conditions Are Suitable for the Site

Before using an optical surveying instrument in public surveying, confirm that the required accuracy and the on-site measurement conditions are compatible. Even if the instrument has high performance, poor site conditions can prevent obtaining the stable results you expect. Conversely, even when site conditions are stable, if the observation methods or verification procedures are insufficient for the work objectives, the results may be inadequate.

The accuracy required in public surveying varies depending on the purpose of the survey, the type of work, the intended use of the results, and the applicable tolerance ranges. Tasks that determine the positions of control points and auxiliary measurements for on-site verification require different levels of accuracy. Even for checks related to public works, it is necessary to understand their relationship to design values, management standards, and the conditions for submitting deliverables, and to ascertain how accurately measurements need to be made.

One of the conditions you should check on site is line of sight. Because a total station must sight a prism or the survey point from the instrument, measurements become difficult if line of sight is blocked by trees, temporary fencing, heavy equipment, materials, changes in elevation, pedestrians, and the like. For public surveying, it is important not only that line of sight can be secured temporarily, but that it can be maintained stably during the observation. Where heavy equipment may move, traffic is heavy, or workers pass through frequently, observations are more likely to be interrupted or to require re-measurement.

Next, check the instrument’s installation conditions. On soft ground, freshly placed fill, the edge of pavement, slope shoulders, or on structures subject to vibration, the tripod may sink or sway. Because a total station is sensitive to slight tilts or movements that affect measurements, it is important to choose a stable mounting location. If necessary, firmly secure the tripod legs and verify during observation that the instrument’s leveling has not changed.

Measurement distance is also important. At short ranges, errors in sighting and mirror height can become noticeable, while at long ranges atmospheric conditions and the difficulty of sighting tend to have a greater impact. As measurement distance increases, small angular deviations more readily affect position, so observation methods and re-measurement checks must be set carefully. In public surveying, decisions are not made based on measurement distance alone; distance, angles, line of sight, weather, and terrain are all checked together.

When dealing with heights, confirming instrument height and prism height is indispensable. When determining heights with a total station, not only vertical angle and slope distance but also the input of instrument height and prism height affect the results. Common field mistakes are misreading the prism height, unit errors, insufficient locking of the pole's extension, and forgetting to measure the instrument height. In public surveying, performing verbal confirmation and record checks before and after data entry, and establishing a system in which the same values can be checked by multiple people, makes it easier to prevent rework.

Weather conditions must not be overlooked. Strong winds, rain, heat haze, backlight, sudden temperature changes, humidity, and dust can affect sighting and distance measurement. In particular, on paved surfaces and newly developed sites during summer, near-ground shimmer can make it difficult to keep sighting stable. Under such conditions, site-specific measures—such as changing the time of day, shortening the observation distance, or increasing the number of verification measurements—are necessary.

When confirming the required accuracy and measurement conditions, it is important not to try to complete everything with a single observation. In public surveying, to ensure the reliability of results we combine repeat observations, checks against known points, pre- and post-observation verifications, and the establishment of remeasurement criteria. The more severe the field conditions, the more important it is to decide on verification methods before the observation rather than agonizing over the values afterward.

Criterion 4 Verify that reference points and coordinate systems are handled correctly

When using a total station in public surveying, the handling of control points and the coordinate system is critically important. Even if the instrument is operated correctly, errors in selecting control points or misunderstandings of the coordinate system can cause the entire survey results to be offset. Because a total station conducts measurements based on the established instrument station, backsight point, and coordinate data, the initial reference setup becomes the foundation of the results.

First, you should confirm whether the reference point to be used is suitable for the work. In public surveying, you check the survey results for known points, the point name, coordinate values, elevation, installation status, and whether it can be used. Even if a point remains on-site, the survey values may be outdated, the point may have been moved or damaged, or its condition may have been altered by nearby construction. Do not judge by the point name alone; it is important to cross-check the on-site marker, the condition of the point, and the coordinates in the records.

When setting up an instrument station, carefully verify the instrument station's coordinates, the backsight point's coordinates, and the backsight direction. With a total station, errors in setting the instrument station and backsight point will affect all subsequent measured points. Mistaking point names, entering coordinate values incorrectly, confusing east/west/north/south directions, or selecting the wrong backsight point can lead to large deviations on site. Especially at sites where multiple points have similar names, you need to confirm not only the point names but also their relative positions.

Checking the coordinate system is also essential. Public coordinate systems, local coordinates, and arbitrary construction coordinates can be mixed. If you don't clarify which coordinate system the site drawings and design data were created in and which coordinate system is required for the survey deliverables, the measured values themselves may be correct, but the results can end up being difficult to use.

The same applies to height references. When elevation, temporary benchmarks, design heights, and on-site temporary references are mixed, you must make clear which height is being used as the reference. When handling heights with an electro-optical surveying instrument, heights are calculated from the instrument height, prism height, vertical angle, and slope distance, so if the reference elevation or temporary benchmark is handled incorrectly, the overall heights may be offset.

In public surveying, it is also effective to verify the distances and directions between known points before using control points. If the distances between points recorded in documents differ greatly from those measured in the field, point misidentification, differences in coordinate systems, or point displacement may be suspected. Rather than proceeding straight to the main survey, performing check observations to known points can uncover initial setup errors at an early stage.

When entering data, it is important to check the number of digits, the sign, the decimal point, and the units. A one-digit error in coordinate values, a misplaced decimal point, swapping the east‑west and north‑south directions, or confusing elevation with height difference are mistakes that can be hard to detect in the field. After input, verify not only the numerical values on the screen but also cross-check the positional relationships on the drawings and the actual site orientation to ensure nothing looks inconsistent.

The handling of control points and coordinate systems affects not only surveyors but also construction personnel, designers, and those responsible for organizing deliverables. Therefore, before using a total station in public surveying, it is important to share with all stakeholders the coordinate system to be used, the control points, the vertical datum, data names, and point-naming rules. If these items remain unclear and work proceeds, substantial rework will occur later when integrating the data.

Criterion 5 Confirm whether observation procedures and re-measurement criteria can be standardized on-site

When using a total station in public surveying, whether observation procedures can be standardized on site is also an important criterion. If measurement and verification methods differ among personnel, measurement variability and inconsistencies in records are more likely to occur. Especially when multiple people or multiple teams are working, procedures need to be aligned in advance.

In observation procedures, first establish the workflow to follow when starting work. Clearly defining the sequence—equipment inspection, tripod setup, centering, leveling, instrument height measurement, reference point verification, back-sight setup, known-point check, main observation, and post-observation check—reduces omissions. In public surveying, ensuring that required checks are carried out reliably is more important than working quickly.

Backsight verification is especially important. After setting the backsight, observe another known point or a check point to confirm there are no significant discrepancies in position or orientation. If you become complacent after performing the backsight setup only once, work may proceed without noticing swapped points or data-entry errors. Establishing a rule to measure check points before, during, and after observations helps detect anomalies early.

Re-measurement criteria should also be decided in advance. Decide how much variation in measured values will trigger a re-measurement, how large a discrepancy with known points will require stopping work, and how far back to return to re-observe if the instrument setup shifts; otherwise, on-site judgments will vary by person. In public surveying, rather than independently deciding fixed numerical thresholds on-site, it is important to set decision criteria in accordance with work procedures, specifications, the purpose of the survey, and internal company standards.

The order in which survey points are observed also affects the results. If you determine the sequence solely to reduce travel distance, verification against control points and check points may be postponed, delaying the detection of anomalies. Considering both efficiency and quality, it is reassuring to incorporate a plan to measure control points and check points at regular intervals. Especially on large sites or on sites where line-of-sight conditions can change easily, clearly define the observation segments.

Coordination with the worker holding the mirror is also important. If changes to the mirror height, confirmation of the survey point name, the installation position, the pole’s verticality, or the signal that a measurement is complete are ambiguous, the records and the actual on-site positions may not match. Confirm the survey point name aloud, always record any change to the mirror height, and leave a photo or note of the survey point’s position; deciding on on-site communication procedures in advance will reduce mistakes.

Also, when using non-prism measurements, it is necessary to clarify how they will be handled. Non-prism measurement is convenient, but measurement values can become unstable depending on the condition, angle, material, and distance of the reflective surface. When using results in public surveying, it is important to decide in advance in which situations they may be used, how verification measurements will be conducted, and the conditions for their adoption.

The purpose of standardizing observation procedures is not to restrict operators. It is to ensure a consistent level of quality regardless of who performs the work and to make it possible to explain the observations afterward. In public surveying, field judgment is also necessary, but that judgment is required to be based on records and standards. If procedures and remeasurement criteria are aligned before using a total station, on-site hesitation can be reduced and the reliability of the results increased.

Criterion 6 Connecting observation records and data management through to output creation

Before using an electronic total station in public surveying, you need to decide how observation records and data will be managed. Even if the measurements themselves are correct, insufficient records or confusing data naming can cause major rework during the production of deliverables. In public surveying, it is important not to think of fieldwork and office work separately, but to manage the process from the start through to deliverable production.

Observation records should document the work date, operator, equipment used, equipment number, weather, temperature and other conditions, instrument point, backsight, survey point names, instrument height, mirror height, observation methods, and verification results. You do not need to record every detail excessively, but ensure that no information necessary to verify the results later is missing. In particular, for public surveying it is important to be able to explain why a particular value was adopted.

Decide the rules for survey point names in advance as well. If you assign names on the spot based on whatever comes to mind at the site, it will be difficult to match them later with drawings and forms. For point names, include elements that make organization easy—such as work category, survey point number, route name, structure name, and purpose of verification—to simplify management. However, if names become too long or too many similar names accumulate, it will only cause confusion, so establish rules that are easy to read aloud at the site and easy to distinguish during office work.

When saving data, clearly specify the job name, storage location, date, and work category. For work that spans multiple days or involves multiple teams, similarly named data files tend to proliferate. If it becomes unclear which data set is the latest, which data are pending review, or which data were used for the deliverables, office work will lose time. In public surveying, you should consider that deliverable management begins the moment data are saved on site.

Also confirm the method for extracting data. When transferring data output from a total station to general-purpose survey computation software or general-purpose drawing software, problems can occur with file format, character encoding, coordinate order, handling of elevations, units, the number of characters in point names, and so on. Before using it for public surveys, it is reassuring to output test data and verify during office processing that it can be read correctly.

Ensure that data observed in the field are always backed up. If data are left stored in the instrument, they can be lost due to operator error, power issues, equipment failure, or overwriting. Data should be retrieved at the end of each workday, stored in the designated storage location, and procedures should be in place to match file names with the corresponding tasks. In public surveying, loss or confusion of data affects the overall results, so standards should be established that include post-measurement management.

Consistency between observation records and electronic data is also important. Situations where a point is recorded in the field book but absent from the electronic data, or where a point appears in the electronic data but lacks explanation in the field notes, must be avoided. After measurements, reconcile the number of points, point names, instrument station, backsight, mirror height, and adopted values to ensure that unnecessary trial points or erroneous points are not mixed into the results.

When preparing deliverables, not only observation data but also the work plan, inspection records, observation logs, calculation documents, drawings, photographs, and check results are involved. Before using a total station, decide which records to keep in which formats, who will verify them, and where they will be stored; doing so will make organizing them before submission smoother. In public surveying, the skill of organizing records is as important as the skill of measuring.

Standard 7 Confirm that safety management and site conditions do not impose unreasonable demands

Before using a total station in public surveys, safety management and site conditions must also be checked as standards. Surveying work is often carried out on roads, rivers, sites under development, slopes, active construction sites, and locations with traffic, and prioritizing measurement accuracy alone can make the work dangerous. In public surveys, it is necessary that the plan ensures both the quality of the results and the ability to perform the work safely.

First, confirm that the location where the instrument will be installed is safe. Take care when installing near roadsides, intersections, within the swing range of heavy equipment, material storage areas, shoulders, openings, or along rivers. Even if visibility is good, placing the instrument in a hazardous location can endanger workers and third parties. Prioritize locations where it can be installed safely, and modify the observation plan as necessary.

In areas with traffic, consider safety measures such as securing a work zone, flaggers, signs, and traffic cones. Workers peering through a total station tend to have reduced awareness of their surroundings, and workers holding mirrors may also be so focused on survey points that they fail to notice vehicles or heavy machinery. For public surveying, attention must be paid not only to the workers but also to pedestrians and nearby workers.

On reclaimed land and slopes, confirm the stability of your footing. On recently placed fill, in mud, on crushed stone, or on steep ground, not only can a tripod be unstable, but there is also a risk that the operator may fall. Where tripod legs can slip or sink, the stability of measurements will also be compromised. If you cannot secure a safe working platform, you need to decide to change the setup position, adjust the observation distance, or combine with an alternative method.

Weather conditions affect both safety and accuracy. In rainy weather, equipment and mirrors can become wet, which may affect sighting and reflection conditions. In strong winds, tripods can sway, making measurements difficult to stabilize. In intense sunlight, worker health must be managed, and heat haze can make sighting unstable. In public surveying, the decision not to take measurements under unreasonable conditions is more important than proceeding with work as scheduled.

When working at night or in dark conditions, it is necessary to confirm visibility and signaling. If survey points, mirrors, personnel, or areas around equipment are difficult to see, the risk of mistaking points or tripping and falling increases. Even when using lighting, backlighting or reflections can make sighting difficult. For night work, confirm not only the ease of measurement but also safe routes of movement and methods of communication.

Moreover, in public surveying, coordination with stakeholders is also part of safety management. At construction sites, not only the survey team but also the construction crew, heavy equipment operators, supervisors, and traffic controllers may work in the same area. If it becomes necessary to temporarily halt work for surveying or to move materials to ensure line of sight, failing to coordinate in advance will cause confusion on site.

Safety management is not intended to delay work. It is a standard to prevent accidents and re-measurements and, as a result, to protect the quality and efficiency of public surveying. Before using a total station, check hazardous locations, work flow, instrument setup positions, weather, nearby operations, and emergency contact information so you can carry out observations calmly on site.

Final check before using an EDM instrument in public surveying

Considering the seven criteria outlined so far, it becomes clear that before using an electronic distance measurement (EDM) instrument in public surveying, it is important to check equipment, inspections, accuracy, control points, procedures, records, and safety as an integrated sequence. Verifying only one of these items is not sufficient for public surveying. Field measurements become reliable results through the accumulation of preparation and recordkeeping.

In the final review, first reconfirm the objective of the task. Clarify what to measure, which deliverables to submit, and which standards or specifications to follow. If you measure while the objective is unclear, you cannot determine the required accuracy or the granularity of the records. On-site personnel should not simply measure the instructed points but also understand which deliverables the measurements will be used for.

Next, check the electronic total station and peripheral equipment to be used. Confirm the equipment number, inspection status, batteries, tripod, mirror, pole, tribrach, and data storage destination to prevent discovering any shortages after arriving on site. For public surveys, preparing spare batteries, recording supplies, and inspection checklists in advance can reduce unexpected interruptions.

When you arrive on site, check the control points and the coordinate system. Confirm that the point names in the documents match the points on site, that there are no discrepancies in the coordinate system or elevation datum, and that the direction of the backsight is appropriate. If anything feels off at this stage, it is safer not to force the work to proceed but to check the documents or consult the relevant parties. Errors in the control are difficult to partially correct later, so it's worth taking time at the start.

Before beginning observations, share the re-measurement criteria and how check points will be handled among the operators. Decide when check points will be measured, what difference will cause work to stop, and how to record changes when the mirror height is adjusted. Because making decisions hesitantly on site tends to lead to inconsistent records, a short meeting before work is effective.

After observations, cross-check the data and records before leaving the site. Verify the number of survey points, point names, instrument station, backsight, check points, mirror height, and the presence of any abnormal values, and if there are unclear items, clarify them on the spot. Once you have left the site, it becomes difficult to recall the condition of the survey points and the reasons for your decisions. In public surveying, it is important to complete any checks that can be finished on site while you are still there.

Also, organize the information to be handed over for office processing. By providing not only observation data but also work notes, photos, inspection records, and on-site judgments, the person responsible for producing the deliverables can handle them without confusion. Even if the surveyor and the office processor are the same person, memory fades over time. Keeping records that are understandable when reviewed later supports the quality of public surveying.

A total station, when used correctly under appropriate conditions, is an effective instrument at public surveying sites. However, precisely because operators become familiar with it, there is a tendency to omit basic checks. In public surveying, it is important not to rely on familiarity but to perform checks according to standards and to maintain records that can explain the work.

Summary

Before using a total station in public surveying, you must confirm whether the instrument complies with the work regulations and specifications, whether inspection and adjustment records can be traced, and whether the required accuracy and field conditions are met. Furthermore, by preparing for the handling of control points and coordinate systems, observation procedures and re-measurement criteria, observation records and data management, and safety management, you can reduce rework in both field operations and the processing of deliverables.

In public surveying, it is important not only to record the measurements themselves but also to be able to explain the conditions under which those values were obtained. Rather than relying solely on the performance of a total station, you can improve the reliability of the results by organizing instrument stations, back-sights, mirror heights, meteorological conditions, check points, inspection records, and the workflow for data storage.

At job sites, there are times when you want to skip checks because of limited working hours and personnel. However, mixing up reference points, confusing coordinate systems, entering mirror heights incorrectly, confusion over data names, and insufficient inspection records become increasingly burdensome to fix later. Confirming seven checks before surveying ultimately leads to more efficient work.

Also, in public surveying, rather than trying to solve everything with only an electronic total station, it is important to select surveying methods according to site conditions. In locations where line-of-sight is difficult to secure, where wide-area position verification is required, or in situations that prioritize height checking, consideration should be given to combining GNSS surveying, leveling, photogrammetry, and three-dimensional point cloud surveying within the scope of the applicable work procedures and specifications.

In public surveying work, to smoothly carry out position verification and record creation, it is effective to establish on-site, easy-to-use recording methods, data sharing methods, and backup methods in addition to reliable observations with a total station. Rather than relying on specific devices or service names, choosing methods that match the purpose of the work, the required accuracy, the deliverables, and the site conditions is the quickest way to stabilize the quality of public surveying.