Topographic surveys are carried out using a combination of GPS equipment and electronic total stations. There is no requirement to write anything while in the field and the data is transferred automatically to the PC or workstation where the data processing takes place before being presented in Autocad or Microstation.

The latest robotic total stations use automatic target recognition. This results in very accurate field observation at any time during day and night and enables the Surveyor to gather precise level information and topographic detail simultaneously.