How does totalstation differ from theodolite?

A total station is an advanced surveying instrument that combines the functions of a theodolite, which measures angles, with an electronic distance measurement (EDM) system, allowing it to calculate distances and coordinates automatically. While a theodolite measures horizontal and vertical angles manually, a total station provides digital readings and can store data for later processing. Additionally, total stations often include features like GPS integration and the ability to interface with computer software for enhanced data management. This makes total stations more versatile and efficient for modern surveying tasks compared to traditional theodolites.