Modern Surveying Technologies MCQ with answer and solution

Concept

Primary function of collimator in total station

Formula

NONE

Step-by-step solution

1. A collimator in optical surveying instruments serves as an optical alignment tool. 2. In a total station, its primary function is to accurately align the instrument's optical system. Answer: B

Explanation

A collimator in surveying instruments like total stations is an optical device used to produce parallel rays of light or to align optical components. Its main function is to ensure proper alignment and calibration of the instrument's internal optical and targeting systems so that accurate sights can be taken. Therefore, option B accurately describes the primary function of a collimator.

Why the other options are wrong

A) Distance measurement is performed by the electronic distance meter (EDM), not the collimator. C) Horizontal angles are measured using the electronic horizontal circle and optical encoders. D) Image capture is performed by digital cameras or imaging sensors, not collimators.

Shortcut

Collimator aligns the optical system to produce parallel light rays.

Common mistake

Selecting option A or C by confusing the optical alignment function of a collimator with distance or angle measurement functions.