When it comes to construction management and monitoring, precision and accuracy are vital to the success and safety of every project.
As a leading authority in the construction monitoring industry, we understand the significance of choosing the right tools and methods to ensure the success of construction projects.
Among the many instruments at our disposal, two stand out: Manned Total Stations and Automated Motorized Total Stations (AMTS).
These devices play a pivotal role in tracking structural movement during construction activities, and each offers its own unique set of advantages.
Below, we’ll discuss the disparities between these two technologies, shedding light on their respective features and applications.
Manned Total Stations: Precision Through Manual Benchmarking
A cornerstone of traditional surveying and construction monitoring for decades, Manned Total Stations are complex instruments that require human intervention for setup and operation.
At Saltus Construction Management, our skilled surveyors rely on these instruments when projects require meticulous optical structural surveying services on a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly basis.
What sets Manned Total Stations apart is their manual operation, which allows our experts to establish benchmarks and document any movement with great precision.
Some of the key features of Manned Total Stations include:
Manual Benchmark Establishment
One of the distinctive features of Manned Total Stations is their reliance on manual benchmark establishment. Trained technicians carefully and skillfully calibrate and set up these instruments at predetermined points and establish benchmarks to monitor any structural movement to neighboring buildings during the construction process.
Periodic Monitoring
Manned Total Stations are often employed when construction projects necessitate optical structural monitoring services at regular intervals, such as weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly surveys.
The periodic nature of these surveys ensures that any deviations from the initial benchmarks are promptly detected.
Precision and Accuracy
One of the greatest advantages of Manned Total Stations is that they excel at providing precise measurements. This is largely due to the fact that they are operated by experienced surveyors who can fine-tune the instruments to capture data with exceptional accuracy.
Automated Motorized Total Stations (AMTS): Precision Without
In contrast to Manned Total Stations, Automated Motorized Total Stations (AMTS) represent a more contemporary approach to construction monitoring.
AMTS units are designed to offer continuous monitoring that supplies up-to-date data, reporting, and the highest levels of accuracy. These instruments come into their own when construction processes demand ongoing and more timely feedback. This can be a game-changer in the event of unexpected events or construction-related emergencies.
A few of the many benefits of employing AMTS units include:
Continuous Monitoring
As stated above, the most significant advantage of AMTS is their ability to provide uninterrupted, real-time data. This feature is invaluable for projects where constant monitoring is essential to ensure safety and precision.
Data Reporting
AMTS units are equipped with automated reporting systems that deliver detailed data to construction teams instead of having to rely on a technician to visit the site periodically to retrieve and report results. This feature streamlines the decision-making process and allows for swift adjustments when necessary.
Greater Accuracy
AMTS technology is renowned for its higher level of accuracy. These devices eliminate the potential for human error, making them an excellent choice for projects where immediate access to the most accurate information is of the utmost importance.
Choosing the Right Total Station for Your Project
Selecting the appropriate technology is crucial in construction management.
So what is the best total station for construction?
To determine the answer to that question, you need to consider your project’s specific needs and timeline. Those factors will help you decide between Manned Total Stations and AMTS. For instance, Manned Total Stations are well-suited for projects with stable conditions, while AMTS is ideal for dynamic, rapidly evolving construction sites.
When to Choose Manned Total Stations
Manned Total Stations may be the best choice for your project if it meets the following criteria:
Intermittent Monitoring
If your project can benefit from periodic monitoring, Manned Total Stations offer a cost-effective solution without compromising accuracy.
Need for Accurate Information on a Consistent Basis
In the event that your project does not require constant monitoring, a team of skilled surveyors who excel at using Manned Total Stations can ensure a high level of precision when setting benchmarks and recording data. Then they can review the data and provide highly detailed reports at fixed intervals to determine your project’s next steps.
When to Opt for AMTS
AMTS technology may be in your best interest if your project requires:
Constant Monitoring
Projects with ongoing construction activities and the need for the most up-to-date data can benefit greatly from AMTS units since they provide continuous monitoring of the surrounding structures.
Greater Automation and Efficiency
AMTS units are perfect for projects where automated reporting and efficiency are essential for project success.
Reduced Labor and Expenses
Another consideration for choosing an AMTS is the labor and cost involved in its operations. Manned Total Stations require trained surveyors for setup and data collection, whereas AMTS operates autonomously, reducing your labor costs.
Your Resource for Total Stations in Construction Monitoring
As you can see, the choice between Manned Total Stations and Automated Motorized Total Stations (AMTS) is an important decision for construction teams.
While Manned Total Stations offer precision through manual benchmarking and are suitable for periodic surveys, AMTS provides continuous monitoring and more up-to-date data and reporting, making it ideal for dynamic construction projects.
By understanding the differences and advantages of each technology, construction managers can make informed choices that contribute to project success.
If you require total stations for your project, then the experts at Saltus can help you.
Our optical surveying services offer both Manned and Automated Total Stations for your specific construction monitoring needs.
Contact us today to learn more about our total stations in construction monitoring services today.