Colorado Land Surveyor Practice Exam

A Total Station is a sophisticated surveying instrument that combines two key technologies: the electronic theodolite and electronic distance measurement (EDM) technology. The electronic theodolite component allows surveyors to measure horizontal and vertical angles with high precision, while the EDM technology provides the capability to measure distances accurately by sending a signal to a target and calculating the distance based on the time it takes for the signal to return. This integration allows for highly accurate position measurements in three-dimensional space, which is vital in surveying tasks such as land development, construction, and geodetic surveys.

The other options, while they involve various surveying technologies, do not accurately describe the specific integration found in a Total Station. GPS and satellite imagery are primarily used for large-scale surveys and mapping, rather than for the precise angle and distance measurements that a Total Station specializes in. 3D modeling software and measuring tapes do not reflect the core technological functionalities intrinsic to a Total Station's operation. Lastly, digital mapping and traditional surveying tools encompass a broader range of technologies that extend beyond the unique capabilities of a Total Station.