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A surveying prism, also called a survey prism or retro-reflective prism, is a precision optical reflector used with total stations, theodolites, and EDM (electronic distance measurement) instruments to measure distances and angles. Its core is a corner-cube (cube-corner) retroreflector that reflects the incoming measuring beam directly back to the instrument along a path parallel to the incoming beam, enabling accurate, high-speed distance measurement.

Key features:

• Corner-cube / retro-reflective design — returns the beam parallel to the source with minimal alignment sensitivity

• Ground from high-quality optical glass (or molded/coated glass), often with a reflective coating on the back faces

• Defined prism constant that must match the total station setting

• Mounted in rugged holders, tribrachs, or poles for field use

• Available as single, triple, mini, and 360°/panoramic prisms

Common types:

• Single prism — standard distance measurement

• Mini prism — compact, for short-range and confined sites

• Triple prism — longer range measurements

• 360° / panoramic prism — full rotation without re-aiming; ideal for continuous tracking and robotic total stations

Typical applications:

• Distance and coordinate measurement with total stations

• Monitoring and deformation surveys

• Setting-out / stakeout in construction and engineering

• Robotic total station tracking (360° prisms)

• Machine control and automation systems

• Terrestrial laser scanning targets and control points