5 Key Factors for Selecting a Total Station

If you’re in the market for a total station, there’s more to consider than just the spec sheet. The right model will make your job faster, your data cleaner, and your workflow smoother from start to finish.

Let’s look at what to consider when choosing your total station.

1. Accuracy and Precision

When you select a total station, accuracy should be at the top of your checklist.

Whether you’re mapping out a construction site or doing elevation checks, small errors add up fast.

Here’s what to look for:

Angular accuracy: This tells you how precisely the total station measures angles. It’s usually shown in seconds ("). The lower, the better. For example:

• The Stonex R25LR gives you 2” angular accuracy, which is solid for general construction and topographic work.
• The Stonex R60 offers 1” or 2”, depending on the model. If you’re doing high-precision work (like monitoring structural shifts or tight civil engineering tolerances), go with the 1”.

Distance measurement precision: This is how close your distance readings are to the actual value. It’s usually listed as something like 2 mm + 2 ppm. Look for models that stay consistent across different ranges and conditions.

Calibration tools: Some total stations have built-in calibration features that help you stay accurate without needing constant downtime. That saves time and keeps your data clean.

Read Comparing Total Station Models: Entry-Level vs. Professional Surveying Tools to learn more.

2. Range and Targeting

Once you’ve locked in accuracy, the next thing to consider is how far it can reliably measure. Range affects how quickly you can work, especially on large or uneven job sites. If your station can’t hit the target, you’ll spend more time repositioning, and that slows everything down.

Here are the two main types of measurement range:

• Reflectorless range: This is how far the total station can measure without using a prism. It’s ideal when you’re working solo or need to hit a hard-to-reach surface (like the side of a building or a slope). The Stonex R25LR offers a reflectorless range of up to 600 meters, which gives you a lot of flexibility, even on challenging terrain.
• Prism range: A prism setup allows you to measure much farther (often several thousand meters). This setup is ideal for long-distance or high-precision jobs, where even small shifts in angle or distance matter.

The more range you have, the fewer times you’ll need to move your setup. That means fewer interruptions, quicker layouts, and better coverage, especially in large-scale or time-sensitive projects.

For more information, see

• Understanding the Different Types of Total Stations for Land Surveying
• What Is a Reflectorless Total Station?
• Traditional or Robotic Total Station? A Guide to Picking the Right Tool

3. Software Integration and Data Management

When you select a total station, consider how it handles your data. Software integration is key if your workflow involves bouncing between the field and the office.

You want a system that helps you collect, manage, and move your data without frustration. If your tools don’t talk to each other, you’ll waste time on conversions, re-entry, or troubleshooting.

Good software integration means:

• You can capture data quickly in the field.
• You can transfer files easily to your team or office systems.
• You can work with tools you already know, like AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or GIS platforms.

Field and Office Compatibility

The Stonex R35, for example, works with Stonex Cube-a, a flexible Android-based field software. It lets you collect points, stake out boundaries, and manage jobs from your tablet or controller.

Once you're back in the office, those files transfer cleanly into CAD and GIS tools so you can get straight to drawings, maps, or reports without extra steps.

Data Management Tools

Look for features that help simplify your file handling:

• Onboard memory lets you save projects directly to the device.
• Cloud syncing helps keep data safe and accessible across the team.
• Export options like USB, SD card, or wireless transfer give you flexibility in the field.

A total station that supports your workflow – from job site to office – saves time, reduces mistakes, and keeps your projects moving.

4. Connectivity and Workflow Efficiency

Strong software matters, but how your total station connects is what makes that software easy to use. A reliable connection setup helps you move faster and carry less gear.

Connectivity Features

• Bluetooth and Wi-Fi: Great for sending files wirelessly to a laptop, tablet, or data collector. No cables, no downtime. The Stonex R25LR and R60 both offer built-in wireless tools to keep your data moving without interruption.
• USB ports and SD cards: These give quick backup options for file transfer, especially if you’re working offline or switching between systems.
• Integrated data collectors: Some models (like the Stonex R180 and R60) feature onboard software and touchscreen interfaces so that you can collect and manage data directly on the instrument. That means fewer devices to carry and a more streamlined workflow in the field.

When your total station easily connects to your gear and your team, everything runs smoother, from setup through final file delivery.

5. Price and ROI

Total station price is always a factor, but think long-term. A cheaper model might get the job done now, but if it slows you down or lacks key features, you’ll pay for it in lost time and extra labor.

Higher-end models with better accuracy, longer range, and strong software integration often pay for themselves by:

• Reducing costly rework,
• Speeding up jobsite productivity, and
• Delivering cleaner data that’s ready to use.

To compare models and pricing, check out the full lineup of total station surveying equipment at Baseline Equipment. You’ll find reliable, field-tested options for surveyors who want tools that work as hard as they do.

Turn Precision into Productivity

The right total station doesn’t just measure. It moves your whole workflow forward. Whether managing complex layouts or working solo on tough terrain, your gear should work with you, not against you.

Ready to upgrade your total station? Contact Baseline Equipment to find the best model for your next project or explore our online selection.