On-set | Total Station
In Visual Effects, a Total Station is a sophisticated survey instrument used for surveying set locations and large objects. As a singular device, it contains all of the tools required to "totally" determine the location of a point in 3D space.
It uses values for a point's horizontal angle, vertical angle, and distance from the Total Station, to calculate polar coordinates that can be converted into the XYZ coordinates used in matchmoving.
Using the Total Station, Monster Matchmoves' experienced set technicians will acquire data that that significantly improves the accuracy of the matchmove, allowing more precise integration of CG objects into the scene when compared to a "surveyless" approach.