Automatic collimation device for surveying apparatus

Abstract

A surveying apparatus that is capable of automatic collimation based on an image obtained from an imaging device, which enables carrying out automatic collimation without using angle detectors, even when a telescope is rotating. An automatic collimation device for a surveying apparatus including: an imaging device that images a target () captured by a telescope and surroundings of the target; a drive unit that rotates the telescope; a light emitting unit that sends light toward the target; and an arithmetic control unit that determines a position of the target based on a difference between a lit image (a) obtained when the light emitting unit has been turned on and an unlit image (b) obtained when the light emitting unit has been turned off and controls the drive unit to automatically collimate the target, wherein the arithmetic control unit determines, while shifting either the lit image or unlit image little by little (C), a position where both images are most coincident (D), and determines a position of the target based on a difference between both images at the position (E).