Total station survey monitoring through an observation window: a systematic error correction to remove the effects of glass properties

Abstract

Total stations are used extensively for taking geodetic and engineering survey measurements. These measurements are made possible by accurate observation of targeted points. One example is deformation surveys, slope stability monitoring, in mines. Continuous monitoring necessitates sheltering or housing the instrument to protect it against harsh weather conditions that are characteristic of mining environments. Previous studies carried out by Afeni and Cawood (2012) revealed that the properties of the glass material matters when using a total station to take observations through a glass window of a structure that houses the total station at a mine. This study briefly discusses total station survey monitoring and developed systematic error correction formula to reduce the effect of glass properties, such as thickness and colour, on distance measurements through a shelter window glass in a surface mine environment. Each developed formula is combined with the atmospheric corrections formula given by Leica Geosystem, who is the manufacturer of the total station used in this research, to form a combined atmospheric and glass correction formula. The formula performed well when tested on two sets of observations.