Uncertainty evaluation of proposed setup for the calibration of vertical angle measuring systems by using means for the flat angle calibration

•Method for vertical angle calibration using flat angle calibration means is proposed.•An apparatus for fixing a total station in the horizontal position was designed.•The calibration can be performed within the range of 90° ± 50° and 270° ± 50°.

Precision angle measurements performed by using total stations is a field showing a lot of potential. Horizontal angle measuring system calibration is a well documented and researched field however vertical angle measuring system calibration tends to lack proper investigation. The paper deals with the analysis of modern calibration methods of vertical angle measuring systems. New setup for the calibration of vertical angle measuring system of the total station using horizontal angle calibration means is presented in the paper. The principle of the method is explained and the uncertainty evaluation as well as preliminary results are given in the paper. The advantages and weaknesses of this new setup are discussed.