An object is to provide a surveying instrument and system to manage instrument setting and usage data for each personal user. The surveying instrument includes a personal authentication sensor, a control unit, and a storage unit. A personal information registration unit of the control unit acquires personal authentication information from the sensor and stores the personal authentication information in a personal identification information database of the storage unit in association with user information. A personal authentication execution unit of the control unit identifies a user based on whether authentication data acquired by the sensor matches personal authentication information stored in the personal identification information database. A personal setting application unit of the control unit refers to a personal setting information database in the storage unit, and when finding instrument setting saved by the authenticated user, applies the instrument setting and starts the surveying instrument.