According to MineSurveyor.net, “The first total station (electronic theodolite and EDM) was developed in the late 1970s”. Since then, total stations have continued to improve with technology, and with those improvements mining has become safer. Before mining can begin, the land must be surveyed, and surveyors map the benchland and plot drilling holes. Surveyors prioritize the safety of staff above all else and make careful decisions about all mining processes. For surveyors to do a job efficiently and accurately, they must have a total station that meets the needs of their job. In this post, we’ll compare and contrast conventional total stations and robotic total stations being used for mining surveys.
Conventional Total Stations
Many companies are buying robotic total stations today, but conventional total stations still have many merits that should be considered. Conventional total stations are less expensive than robotic total stations. If a conventional total station is damaged while surveying a mine, it will not be as expensive to replace as a robotic total station would be.
A surveyor may have to go underground to survey an area before it can be mined. Underground mining has specific challenges, such as artificial light sources. In this case, a conventional total station might be a better option because the surveyor has control over finding the prism through the lens.
Robotic Total Stations
Robotic total stations also have qualities which might be helpful to surveyors. Robotic total stations can be controlled by one staff member with a remote control. Robotic total stations also collect data much faster than conventional total stations. This means less time spent surveying the mine and limited delays.
Improving Safety
The Mine Safety and Health Administration of the United States Department of Labor says that twenty-six miners died in work-related accidents in 2016. Those deaths were related to machinery and powered haulage. Mining has become safer in part because of surveyors using equipment such as total stations. Conventional total stations and robotic total stations both have qualities that are considered when companies purchase equipment for surveying. Visit for more information.
