CENTER OF STUDIES FOR SURVEYING SCIENCE AND GEOMATICS

FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE, PLANNING AND SURVEYING

UITM MALAYSIA SHAH ALAM SELANGOR DARUL EHSAN

BACHELOR OF SURVEYING SCIENCE AND GEOMATICS (HONOURS) – AP220

GLS458 : BASIC ENGINEERING SURVEYING

LAB NO/Title : Cyclic and Constant Error of Total Station

Assigned by : 1. Professor Sr. Dr. Hj. Abdul Manan Hj. Samad
2. PM Hj. Yaziz Ahmad
3. PM Dr. Rosmadi Ghazali
Due : 3rd May 2019
Prepared by:
No. Name/UiTM No. Marks/Comments
1 MUHAMMAD FARHAN
HAKIMI BIN
SHAHRUNNIZAM
(2018435432)
2
HILMI BIN HAROON
(2018216816)

3
MASJIAH BINTI REMLI
(2018234878)

4 NUR SHAHIRAH BINTI

MOHD RUSDI
(2018635156)

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 CONTENT

CONTENTS PAGES

Abstract 3

Acknowledgment 4

Introduction 5

Objective 7

Equipment 8

Method 9

Data Processing 11

Results 13

Conclusion 16

Comments 17

References 18

Appendix 19

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 ABSTRACT

The practical of 3-peg test EDM calibration has been done marking an unknown three-point
baseline. All the three distances are measured with the instrument being calibrated (total station) and each
length are obtained. From this practical, there are two types of error which are cyclic error and constant
error. The cyclic error can be investigated by measuring a series of known distances (5m, 10m, 20m, 40m
and 80m) spread over the measuring wavelength of the instrument. The results of this errors were taken
based on two type of ways.

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We would like to express our gratitude to Professor Madya Hj. Yaziz Ahmad and Professor Madya
Dr Rosmadi Ghazali our lecturer, for their patient guidance, enthusiastic encouragement and useful
critiques of this practical. Finally, I would like to thank Professor Dr Hj Manan Hj Samad for
assistance in our lecturer class.

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 INTRODUCTION

In modern industrial geodesy, high demands are placed on the final accuracy, with expectations
currently falling below 1 mm. The measurement methodology and surveying instruments used
have to be adjusted to meet these stringent requirements, especially the total stations as the most
often used instruments. This report for electronic distance meters (EDM) have an important role
to play in modern land surveying. Most geodetic tasks are based on the direct measurement of
distance, and the accuracy of the results is directly dependent on their functioning correctly and on
the EDM precision. For the distance meters have developed considerably since their creation in
the 1940s and have become miniature components of total stations.

The electronic distance measurement (EDM) is a method of determining the length between two
points, using phase changes, that occur as electromagnetic energy waves travels from one end of
the line to the other end. As an example, there are three methods of measuring distance between
two points such as direct distance measurement (DDM), optical distance measurement (ODM),
and electronic distance measurement (EDM). The electronic distance measurement can be done
by instruments like geodimeter, tellurometer or distomat etc. The first EDM instrument called
geodimeter was developed in Sweden in the year 1948. The geodimeter is geodetic distance meter
developed based on a modulated light beam. The second instrument for EDM was designed and
developed in Africa in the year 1957, named ‘tellurometer’. This instrument employs modulated
microwaves. As years passed technology has improved drastically.

Besides that, we have modern EDMs that displays distance in digital form and many gains
microcomputers that calculates horizontal and vertical distance like as DX and DY. They also
show sloped distance (DH). The electronic distance measurement (EDM) equipment are
incorporated along with theodolites that possess automatic angle readout called as total station
(electronic tacheometers) also called as field to finish systems. These record distance and angles
simultaneously.

For this report too, zero error or index error where this occurs if there are differences in the
mechanical, electrical and optical centers of the EDM instruments and reflectors, and includes the
prism constant discussed. This error is of constant magnitude and is not dependent on range, and

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must be taken to eliminate it. The value of a zero error obtained from a calibration procedure
usually applies to an instruments and reflector is changed the zero constant changes.

For the cyclic error or instrument non-linearity this error is caused by unwanted interference
between electrical signals generated in electronic distance measurement (EDM) unit and can be
investigated by measuring a series of known distance spread over the measuring wavelength of the
instrument. If calibration curve of (observed-measured) distance is plotted against distance and a
periodic wave is obtained, the EDM instrument has a cyclic error.

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 OBJECTIVE

The objective of this practical is introduce the use and simple application of EDM/Total Station.
Then, how to use and handle of EDM instrument and equipment in this practical. Last but not least,
compute the zero error and cyclic error of EDM calibration.

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 EQUIPMENT

Total Station
A total station or TST (total station theodolite) is an
electronic/optical instrument used for surveying. The total station
is an electronic theodolite (transit) integrated with an electronic
distance measurement (EDM) to read slope distances from the
instrument to a particular point, and an on-board computer to
collect data and perform advanced coordinate based calculations.

Tape
Tapes are used to measuring the distance between every station.
Tapes also are issued in various lengths and widths and graduated
in variety of ways.

Tripod Stand
Tripod is a device used to support any one of a number of
surveying instruments, such as theodolites, total stations, levels or
transits. The head of the tripod supports the instrument while the
feet are spiked to anchor the tripod to the ground.

Prism
Retro-reflectors (or corner cube prisms) used with electronic
distance measuring (EDM) instruments have an offset due to the
fact that the transmitted light beam from the EDM takes longer to
enter and exit the prism. This longer time translates to a longer
distance measured. This distance is corrected by using an 'offset'
and/or positioning the prism in relationship to the plumb line of
the prism holder. The offset is determined by multiplying the
height of the prism by the refractive index of the glass used.

Survey Arrow
Used in conjunction with Land Chains for measuring in
Land Surveying.

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 METHOD

One of the methods that have been used in this fieldwork is the 3-peg test. This method is the
practice of performing function checks and adjusting equipment in the field and office to account for the
environmental and performance variables. There are two types of error which is cyclic error and constant
error. Cyclic error is caused by the non-linearity in amplitude modulation of phase and carrier wave
measurement, while constant error is an algebraic constant to be applied directly to every measure distance.

 Procedure of constant error:

i. Measure the whole line as 80 meter and mark the 40m distance.
ii. Place the EDM at the first station (A) and the reflector at second station (C) and third station (B)
respectively.
iii. Measure the distance using EDM and make sure the acceptable error must be within 10 mm.
iv. If the value is under the acceptable value, proceed to measure the distance for the second reflector
at 80m.
v. If the value is under acceptable value, then continue to the second measurement.
vi. Repeat the same step as for the distance from station C to station B with 40m.

The calculation for the error that occur during the work:

A C B

AC + CB = ANS

AB – ANS = Error

 Procedure of cyclic error:

One of the methods that have been used in this fieldwork is the 3-peg test. This method is the
practice of performing function checks and adjusting equipment in the field and office to account for the
environmental and performance variables. There are two types of error which is cyclic error and constant
error. Cyclic error is caused by the non-linearity in amplitude modulation of phase and carrier wave
measurement, while constant error is an algebraic constant to be applied directly to every measure distance.

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 During this fieldwork, we used two steps to determine the data. The first step is by measuring
setting up the EDM at the center of each two station that being measured. Firstly, measuring the distance
by using 5m, 10m and 20m until it reaches 80m. Then set the EDM at second station, while the reflector
will be at first and third station respectively. First, measure the distance for the first station then continue
measure the second station. Like usual, the distance must be in the 5metre range. Then repeat the same step
until reaching the last station. The distance that have been collected from the EDM must be in 5m, 10m and
20m range respectively.

The second one is by taking the measurement using the tape and mark the 5metre distance 5 times each
measurement at 5m. Then, mark 10m distance 2 times at each station and lastly, mark the 20m distances 2
times at each station. So, the full measurement will be 80m in a straight line. After finish measuring the
distances, the equipment being set up from the first point is the EDM, the second station will be the reflector
and so the reflector also at the third station. Measure the distance using the EDM. The distance must be in
5m range. Then the process will be repeated until the last station. The distance must be in 10m and 20m
respectively.

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 DATA PROCESSING

 Constant Error

Constant error or systematic error is a source of error that causes measurements to deviate consistently from
their true value. Unlike random errors, which causes measurements to deviate by varying amounts -- either
higher or lower than their true values -- constant errors cause the same amount of deviation in one direction
only.

 Distance measurement

The first data was taken by setting up a total station at station A and prism 1 at station C. Take the
distance reading from station A to station C and the data is 40.083m. Next, setting up the total station at
station C and the prism at station B and the reading were taken which is 39.979m. After that, setting up the
total station at station A and the data from station A to station B is 80.060m. From this distance
measurement, we can calculate the total distance by adding the distances from station A to station C and
station C to station B (40.083m + 39.979m = 80.062m). The error between data assume and total distance
is 80.062m – 80.060m = 0.002m.

The second data was taken by using the same steps but different prism (reflector). From station A
to station C, the data is 40.070m, from station C to station B is 39.980m and the distance from station A to
station B is 80.058m. The total distance (40.070m + 39.980m = 80.050m). The error is 80.058m – 80.050m
= 0.008m.

In this practical, there are 4 sets of data that has been observed. The data will be shown.

 Cyclic Error

Cyclic error or instrument error is caused by unwanted interference between electrical signals generated in
the EDM unit and can be investigated by measuring a series of known distances spread over the measuring
wavelength of the instrument. If a calibration curve of (observed-measured) distance is plotted against
distance and the periodic wave is obtained, the EDM instrument has a cyclic error.

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  First Electronic Distance Measurement (EDM)

The first practical is by measuring mid-point station distances. The first data was from station 1 to 0
has been taken by using total station is 5.028m and from 1 to 2 is 4.996m. Next is moving the total station
to the next mid-point station which was station 3, the reading to station 2 is 5.002m and to station 4 is
5.029m. After that, moving the total station to station 5, the data to station 4 is 10.027m and to station 6 is
9.997m. Last, the total station moved to station 7 and the result to station 6 is 19.997m and to station 8 is
20.032m.

 Second Electronic Distance Measurement (EDM)

The first data was taken when the total station at station 0 and a prism at station 1 and the result is
5.030m and the prism moved to station 2 and the measured distance from station 0 to station 2 is
10.000m.

Next, the total station moved to station 1 and the prism was set up at station 2 and the distance
taken is 4.998m. After that, the prism moved to next station respectively which were to station 3
(10.032m), to station 4 (14.996m), to station 5 (25.028m), to station 6 (34.996m), to station 7 (55.023m)
and to station 8 (74.993m).

The data of this practical will be shown.

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 RESULT
 Constant Error

 First Observer : Hilmi

STATION DISTANCE PRISM 1 (m) DISTANCE PRISM 2 (m)

A–C 40.027 39.980

C–B 40.081 39.988
A-B 80.115 79.969
TOTAL (A-C) + (C-B) 80.108 79.968
ERROR (m) 0.007 0.001

 Second Observer : Farhan

STATION DISTANCE PRISM 1 (m) DISTANCE PRISM 2 (m)

A–C 40.044 39.976

C–B 40.063 39.990
A-B 80.114 79.967
TOTAL (A-C) + (C-B) 80.107 79.966
ERROR (m) 0.007 0.001

 Third Observer : Masjiah

STATION DISTANCE PRISM 1 (m) DISTANCE PRISM 2 (m)

A–C 39.915 39.985

C–B 40.008 39.994
A-B 79.917 79.970
TOTAL (A-C) + (C-B) 79.923 79.979
ERROR (m) 0.006 0.009

 Forth Observer : Shahirah

STATION DISTANCE PRISM 1 (m) DISTANCE PRISM 2 (m)

A–C 40.043 39.974

C–B 39.998 39.994
A-B 80.036 79.969
TOTAL (A-C) + (C-B) 80.041 79.968
ERROR (m) 0.005 0.001
 Cyclic Error

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  First Electronic Distance Measurement (EDM)

STATION POINT HORIZONTAL DISTANCE VERTICAL DISTANCE (m)

(m)
1 0 5.038 0.025
2 5.012 0.187
3 2 4.998 0.018
4 4.869 -0.106
5 4 10.026 -0.164
6 10.017 0.060
7 6 20.091 0.028
8 19.903 0.083

 Second Electronic Distance Measurement (EDM)

STATION MEASURING EDM FREQUENCY e

FROM TO TAPE DISTANCE HORIZONTAL DISTANCE (m)
(m) DISTANCE (m)
0 1 5.00 4.986 1 0.014
0 2 10.00 10.000 - -
1 2 5.00 5.019 2 -0.019
1 3 10.00 9.899 3 0.101
1 4 15.00 15.031 4 -0.031
1 5 25.00 24.869 5 0.131
1 6 35.00 35.017 6 -0.017
1 7 55.00 54.976 7 0.024
1 8 75.00 75.026 8 -0.026

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 Distance measured with F1 frequency
0.14

0.12

0.1

0.08

0.06
e
Linear (e)
0.04

0.02

0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12
-0.02

-0.04

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 CONCLUSION

EDM instrument calibration is very important for surveyors, surveyors and other users of land measuring
instruments, especially topographic appliances is important that all users know the importance of permanent
monitorisation of EDM instrument, meaning changes depending on the type parameter measurement
performed and especially depending on environmental conditions. This article aims to put it briefly users
of these devices on some issues that should take into account before making topographic measurements,
and especially make a contribution to the field calibration using a geodesic based on pilasters. This is useful
because you can calibrate the accuracy and distance measurement error with some popular benchmarks.

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 COMMENTS

As states in my hypothesis, we believe that we understand what the purposes of EDM calibration
are. At the end of a day, we have gain information about the EDM calibration should be carried
out. We have learnt very important new things and discover how to check zero error and cyclic
error on the instrument. Not like before this, at that time, we never know the function of the
instrument and how it going to carried out and also not to forget how to check the errors on the
instrument. But this time, we applied the knowledge that we gain to the instrument in front of our
eyes. We know how to use it and the important things is, we know what the purposes of EDM
calibration. The purpose and objective of all this activity is to make sure to check the
instrument is determine instrument cyclic and zero errors. If significant, corrections should be
applied to distance reading that have been taken. A series of measurements on a base can also be
used to check the performance and reliability of the instrument over time and to assess its precision
against the manufacturer's specifications. Finally, we gain new knowledge, we studied new things,
and the important things is, we know how to use the instrument. We proud what we achieve, and
hopes the things we learnt will be uses as good as possible and will be benefit others in the future.

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 REFERRENCE

1. Constant error in EDM,

https://www.planning.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/891463/EDM_Calibration_Hand
book_16Oct.pdf
2. Cyclic error in EDM, J. Uren and W.F. Price. 1994. Surveying for Engineers, third edition. 193
pp.
3. EDM Calibration, https://www.scribd.com/document/262478920/EDM-Calibration
4. J. Uren and W.F. Price. (1994). Surveying For Engineers: Third Edition. (pp. 193-194).
5. Three peg test total station, https://www.slideshare.net/dasratkumar10048/3-a1-lecture-8-
41439272

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 APPENDIX

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