Free stationing

With use of a handheld computer, recorded data can be related to local polar coordinates, defined by the horizontal circle of the total station.

Upon completion of observations and calculations, a coordinate is produced, and the position and orientation of the total station in relation to where the control network is established.

[citation needed] Because bearings and distances are measured in a full resection (free stationing), the result may have a different mathematical solution.

This method has different names in other languages, e.g. in German: Freie Standpunktwahl (free stationing).

[5] In a resection (triangulation) measuring bearings only, there can be a problem with an infinite number of solutions known as a "danger circle", or "inscribed angle theorem".

The axes and circles of a theodolite
Points in the polar coordinate system with pole O and polar axis L . In green, the point with radial coordinate 3 and angular coordinate 60 degrees or (3,60°). In blue, the point (4,210°).
Example of a site plan