Step-by-Step Guide: Scale Factor and Setting Job Details on Sokkia Total Station.

How to change a scale factor in Sokia total station

Guide for setting job details and scale factor on Sokkia to align ground measurements with maps for accurate survey data.

This guide explains how to set up job details and scale factors on the Sokkia Total Station IX 601. It covers essential steps for entering a job name and configuring the scale factor to accurately adjust ground measurements for mapping. It also describes the purpose of scale factors in land surveying, including grid and elevation scale factors, which ensure precise conversions between real-world distances and map projections. These steps will help you optimize the Total Station for accurate and reliable survey data.

 

In land surveying, the scale factor is a multiplier used to adjust ground measurements so they can be accurately represented on a map or coordinate system. It accounts for the curvature of the Earth and elevation differences, allowing for precise conversion between real-world distances and their projected counterparts.

There are two main types of scale factors:

1. Grid Scale Factor:

    This adjusts the length of a measured line to fit a flat, projected coordinate system like those used in state plane coordinate systems (SPCS).

    It’s essential for large areas or areas with notable curvature where projecting a curved surface to a flat map introduces distortion.

2. Elevation Scale Factor (Sea Level Scale Factor):

    Used to adjust distances for elevation above or below the reference surface, typically mean sea level.

    The higher the elevation, the greater the difference between the ground distance and the projected grid distance.

The combined scale factor is the product of the grid scale factor and elevation scale factor. Surveyors use it to convert distances measured on the ground to map distances in coordinate systems, helping ensure the survey’s accuracy for engineering, construction, and mapping.

 Changing Scale factor in Sokia Total Station

1. Access the Data Menu

    Press the button on the device to open a new screen.

    Select Data from the options, bypassing “USB” and “Observation” (main screen).

2. Navigate to Job Options

    In the Data menu, choose Job and press Enter to open the jobrelated options.

    You will see multiple options such as Job Selection, Job Details, Common Output, and Common Setup.

3. Select Job Details

    Choose Job Details and press Enter to access settings like job name and scale factor.

4. Set the Job Name

    At the top of the Job Details screen, you’ll find the Job Name field.

    Enter a custom job name that best describes the current task or project. 

5. Configure the Scale Factor

    Locate the Scale Factor field. Here, you can set the scale, which is usually displayed in “micromillimeters.”

    Note: The scale factor is in micromillimeters, so the decimal point comes after three zeros (000) for precision.

 

6. Save and Exit

    After setting the job name and scale factor, press OK to save your configurations.

    The device will return to the main menu or job selection screen, depending on your setup.

7. Final Review

    Double-check your settings to ensure accuracy before starting observations or measurements.

This quick guide provides an efficient way to set up job details and scale factors on the Sokkia IX 601 for accurate, easy-to-reference surveying data.