GPS-aided autolock in a robotic total station system

摘要

A surveying system for accurate determination of the position of a target based on ranging information provided by a positioning system is disclosed. A target is configured with a receiver to receive positioning signals from a positioning system, such as the Global Positioning System (GPS). The target transmits to a total station system position information estimating the target's location. The total station system, based on the location and orientation of the total station and the estimated location of the target, determines the angular displacement which is used to control a servo mechanism to align the total station unit with the target. Finer adjustments can thereafter be performed to more accurately align the total station to the target.