TL;DR: There are three main types of total stations used in South Africa: manual, robotic, and hybrid. Each type suits different project scales, team sizes, and budgets. Afgen supplies all three through trusted brands, including Topcon, Kolida, and Pentax.

Every construction site, mining operation, and land survey in South Africa depends on one thing above all else: accurate measurements. The total station is the instrument that makes that precision possible.

But not all total stations are built the same. Understanding which type fits your workflow can save you significant time, money, and effort on the job.

This post breaks down the three main types of total stations in surveying, explains what makes each one different, and outlines the options Afgen stocks for South African professionals.

What Are the Different Types of Total Stations in Surveying?

Manual Total Stations

A manual total station (also called a traditional total station) requires a two-person crew to operate. One surveyor manages the instrument on the tripod, manually rotating it and aligning the crosshairs to target points. A second person holds the prism pole at each measurement location.

Manual total stations are straightforward to learn, highly reliable, and carry a lower purchase price than automated alternatives. Because they contain fewer mechanical components, such as no motors, no remote tracking systems, they also tend to require less maintenance over time.

Best suited for: Boundary surveys, smaller building sites, and budget-conscious projects where a two-person crew is already available.

At Afgen: The Topcon GM-50 Series is a capable manual total station offering reflectorless measurement up to 500 m at 2 mm + 2 ppm accuracy, and prism-based measurement up to 4,000 m. Compact, lightweight, and cost-efficient, it is well-suited to entry-level site layout and surveying work across South Africa.

Robotic Total Stations

A robotic total station is a motorised instrument that a single operator can control remotely via a field controller. Built-in motors rotate the instrument automatically, while an onboard tracking system locks onto and follows the prism pole as the operator moves across the site. No second person is needed at the instrument.

The result is faster data collection, reduced labour costs, and the ability to complete complex surveys independently. Robotic units also support automated monitoring, making them valuable for ongoing structural or slope monitoring on construction and mining sites.

Best suited for: Large-scale infrastructure projects, mine monitoring, hazardous environments, and any situation where reducing field crew size improves efficiency or safety.

At Afgen: The KOLIDA KTS-591 Robotic Total Station is an all-in-one professional instrument designed for layout, survey, and monitoring. Key specifications include one-man survey operation, optional angle accuracy of 0.5″ to 1″, a 1,200 m APR range, a 300 m prism search function, and optional automated monitoring. It runs Ksurvey on-board software for intuitive field use.

The Topcon GT-1500/700 is another robotic option available at Afgen, featuring a Brushless Direct Current (BLDC) motor for smooth, silent operation and flexible 1-man or 2-man capability.

Hybrid Total Stations

A hybrid total station integrates robotic total station technology with GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) positioning into a single, unified workflow. Rather than choosing between satellite-based positioning and optical measurement, a hybrid setup uses both.

In open areas with clear sky visibility, GNSS provides rapid, accurate positioning. In built-up areas, underground zones, or sites with heavy tree cover where satellite signals are unreliable, the total station component takes over. The outcome is a more versatile and faster workflow than either technology delivers on its own.

Best suited for: Complex projects with varying terrain, mixed indoor and outdoor environments, and large sites where conditions change across different zones.

At Afgen: The Topcon GT-1500/700, when combined with a compatible GNSS receiver, creates what Topcon describes as a hybrid solution that “allows for the most versatile method of positioning in the industry.” Afgen, as the only authorised Topcon survey instrument dealer in Southern Africa, is well-positioned to advise on and supply this type of integrated setup.

Afgen | Supplier of Total Stations in South Africa

Afgen is a specialist positioning and surveying equipment supplier serving surveyors, contractors, engineers, and mining professionals across South Africa.

As the only authorised Topcon dealer in Southern Africa, with certified technicians and a dedicated service centre, Afgen offers more than just equipment. Our team provides expert guidance to help you select the right total station for your specific project and budget.

Browse the full range of total stations available at Afgen here, or contact the Afgen team directly for a quote or product enquiry.