Image Assisted Total Stations (IATS) unify the geodetic precision of total stations with the areal coverage of images. One or more cameras integrated in total stations deliver accurately geo-referenced and oriented images, an appropriate calibration provided. In combination with image processing and recognition techniques as well as the polar methods of the base instrument, new measurement approaches can be developed. By using image sequences of subsequent measurement epochs, objects or features can be detected and tracked fully automated. In this article, we present current systems, commercially available as well as research prototypes. Different calibration methods and a general mathematical system description are given as the basis for the further described monitoring concepts. The presented application examples – monitoring of structures and geo-risk areas – prove that IATS are particularly suited for the repetitive or continuous check and control of artificial or natural structures.     «

Image Assisted Total Stations (IATS) unify the geodetic precision of total stations with the areal coverage of images. One or more cameras integrated in total stations deliver accurately geo-referenced and oriented images, an appropriate calibration provided. In combination with image processing and recognition techniques as well as the polar methods of the base instrument, new measurement approaches can be developed. By using image sequences of subsequent measurement epochs, objects or features...     »