What ability does a total station program provide when using the resection method?

The total station program using the resection method is designed to compute the coordinates of the instrument's setup. Resection is a surveying technique used to ascertain the location of an instrument by measuring angles and distances to known points, usually called control points. By analyzing these measurements, a total station can accurately calculate its own position in terms of coordinates (easting, northing, and elevation).

This capability is crucial for surveyors to accurately place the instrument in a specific location when no direct base point is available, thereby enabling precise measurements for further surveying tasks. In contrast, determining terrain elevation, measuring radial distances, and adjusting for temperature variations involve different aspects of surveying that do not directly pertain to the core function of resection.