yes, a total station is more accurate for shooting elevations, but if you are just doing topo, getting dead accurate isnt always crucial.
and if you are about to get under tree cover, you can always set 2 points using the gps for a backsight and occupation point, and then all the shots taken...
From my experience with both that i recieved during a summer internship, gps is great for open areas and works best when you are using a local base and a rover (1 gps on a known point and 1 gps with the surveyor). this is the most accurate set up.
also gps very useful when used for setting up...
