Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book is based on surveying instrument functionality. It is devoted to description of levels and covers principles from the classic bubble-based mechanical levels to the most advanced microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology, which enables automatic levels including modern laser plane systems. The book describes theodolites and their parts, including a review of current technical capabilities and technology realized in the most advanced theodolite systems. It covers major principles and technologies associated with electronic distanced measurements. The book contains the mathematical basis of pulse- and phase-based methods and describes practical realizations of these methods by state-of-the-art electronic distance measurer (EDM) providers. It is about surveying engineering application of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and describes the sensors and platforms along with principles of UAV imagery processing for surveying engineering applications.