Theodolite, Tachymeter

 "Classical" instruments such as the Leica TDA 5000 or similar tachymeters and theodolites are the preferred option for single point measuring and for very large objects.

Because of its "polar" measurement principle the lasertracker is very well suited to the measurement of long or narrow objects or for points which are more remote (isolated).

From a fixed point the horizontal and vertical angles are found. The distance to the relevant target (mirror or prism) is measured and the coordinates will be calculated. The extremely high range makes it possible to get a nearly limitless measurement range.