Estimation of the Gauging and the Calibration Time Interval for the Modern Total Stations

The modern TSs (total stations) have reached a very high level in the provided reading and reliability (accuracy and precision) of their measurements. The evolution of the digital technology has helped in this direction. Thus, the TSs can support all requirements for the stake out and monitoring of modern survey engineering and constructions projects. Their complicated manufacturing process and the sensitivity of their components require gauging, adjusting and calibration at certain time intervals. This appears to be the only way in order to assure the precision of measurements provided by the manufacturer and the reliability of the works they are used for. The goal of this paper is to propose a method for the estimation of the gauging time interval for modern TSs, which could be used by any user. More specifically, the indispensable need for the TSs gauging is elevated and documented. All the parameters that influence their operation are registered. A model expressed by a scale of grades is defined, leading thus to an equation for the calculation of the time interval for the next needed gauging and calibration.