Abstract: An automatic stationing of a geodetic survey instrument. The instrument comprises a targeting unit to provide targeting data, an imaging sensor, wherein the axis is referenceable to a targeting direction, and a computing unit. The automatic stationing comprises the steps of 1.) acquiring an image of the environment, 2.) creating a catalog of features based on the image and providing a score of applicability for each feature, 3.) selecting a first set of features based on the score of applicability and providing a first targeting data, 4.) recognizing a relocation of the instrument 5.) selecting a second set of features from the first set of features, and providing a second targeting data and 6.) determining the fine pose relative to the first pose based on the first and second set of targeting data.