Why do surveyors use theodolites

These measurements are used to plot boundary lines, building foundations and utility routing. A theodolite measures distance manually by chains of standardized length or metal measuring tapes along the length of the desired angle.

Land-surveying students use a theodolite as a way to learn the principles of angle measurement. Surveying on the job requires the use of more-advanced surveying instruments. Drive a surveyor's nail into the ground at the point where you want to set up the theodolite.

Angles will be measured from this point, as will distances. Set up the tripod legs, taking care to set the height where the instrument sight will be at a comfortable eye level. Be certain to check that the hole in the center of the mounting plate is located over the nail.

Press each leg into the ground by stepping on the bracket at the bottom of each leg. Fine-tune the position of the legs so that the mounting plate on the top of the tripod is as eye-level as possible. Remove the theodolite from the case. Most theodolites have a sturdy handle on top. Digital theodolites work by combining optical plummets, a spirit much like a spirit level and graduated circles to find vertical and horizontal angles. The plummet ensures placement exactly above the survey point.

The spirit makes sure the device is level. The graduated circles, one vertical and one horizontal, allow the user to actually survey the angles. This question all comes down to your individual needs, if you will be using it frequently and over a long period of time, buying a theodolite outright can be the right choice. However, even with regular use there are still drawbacks to buying outright, such as not having the latest technology, being responsible for servicing and maintenance and having a depreciating asset.

Another great benefit to hiring is being able to use the support and expertise of our team, if you want to speak to us about hiring a theodolite please give us a call on 13 15 The objective lens is used to sight the object, and with the help of the mirrors inside the telescope, allows the object to be magnified.

The theodolite's base is threaded for easy mounting on a tripod. A theodolite works by combining optical plummets or plumb bobs , a spirit bubble level , and graduated circles to find vertical and horizontal angles in surveying. An optical plummet ensures the theodolite is placed as close to exactly vertical above the survey point.

The internal spirit level makes sure the device is level to to the horizon. The graduated circles, one vertical and one horizontal, allow the user to actually survey for angles. A theodolite is a precision instrument used for measuring angles both horizontally and vertically.

Theodolites can rotate along their horizontal axis as well as their vertical axis. Theodolites have a lot in common with transits. A transit is a surveying instrument that also takes accurate angular measurements.

Along with the transit, theodolites have mounted telescopes that can be rotated in different directions. Both theodolites and transits can be used for similar projects, but there are slight differences between the two instruments. Transits use vernier scales and external graduated metal circles for angular readings.

Theodolites use enclosed graduated circles and angular readings are taken using an internal magnifying optical system. Theodolites tend to have a more precise reading and provide greater accuracy in measuring angles than transits do. Theodolites have an internal optical device that makes reading circles much more accurate than other instruments.

Also, because the theodolite allows you to take fewer repeat readings, these measurements can be made much more quickly. Theodolites with optical instruments have advantages over other layout tools. They have more precise measurements, they are unaffected by wind or other weather factors, and they can be used on both flat ground and sloped ground. Like other instruments, theodolites require proper care and maintenance to ensure the best results and reduce wear and tear on the instrument.

View theodolites, builder's levels and other optical instruments. Parts of a Theodolite Like other leveling instruments, a theodolite consists of a telescope mounted on a base. How Does a Theodolite Work?