Making offset points using a total station requires entry of ALT-O or selection of the O/Offset button within the Store Points Foresight Screen.  If you are set to the graphical icons in Configure, you would select the "offset to tree" icon.  This works from both the Graphic and Text screens when foresighting.  There is no distinct total station "Offset” commandit is an offshoot (literally) of standard Store Points. The total station Offset command must be selected each time it is used.  It has three options:




In the case of shooting a large tree, where the goal is to shoot the center of the tree, you would take a shot to the middle-side of the tree, equivalent to the distance to the center of the tree.  Then you would take a second shot, as prompted, to the middle of the tree, for horizontal angle only.  Note that for the elevation of the shot, you can use the distance measurement or the angle measurement (second reading), and apply the vertical offset, if any, accordingly.  After both measurements are taken, the results are displayed. You are then returned to the dialog to take your next offset.





Repeat Shots Using Offsets

When taking multiple measurements in traffic or other conditions where you must move away quickly, one technique is to use the Offset button in Store Points, and then the Point method.  You do a Read and enter 0 for all offsets, then Store.  Then change the description and tap Store again (no additional Read is necessary), and a second point with a different description (or rod height, or offset) is stored.  Some office software programs require distinct readings on the same point to process multiple descriptions, in which case the use of Offsets to store multiple readings with one field measurement is recommended.