Most theodolites have a mirror light source that should now be opened. Look through its eyepiece and notice the three scales — vertical, horizontal, and fine adjustment. Use the adjustment knobs to align the line with the horizontal scale so that the object you wish to measure is positioned between the double lines.
5. Read the Horizontal Angle
You can now begin taking measurements by reading the horizontal angle that is indicated on the device. Look at the horizontal line and create a reference by lining it up with a tall landmark that’s easy to see. To do this, release the bottom clamp, position the landmark within the sight line, and secure the clamp again.
6. Read the Vertical Angle
Repeat the steps involve to obtain a horizontal measurement, but this time, adjust the vertical clamp. Release the vertical clamp and position the device to find the exact target you need to measure. Lock the clamp once again and use the adjustment knobs to fine-tune the precise point you want to measure. Look through the eyepiece to see the degrees, minutes, and seconds that it indicates. These coordinates will indicate the precise angle of measurement between the two points.
7. Anyone Can Use a Theodolite if They Know How It Works
Theodolites may at first seem mystifying to a beginner, and it’s true that they require more technical skill than many other kinds of survey tools. Despite this, knowing how to use theodolites is an important skill for anybody who wants to break into the field of surveying. Anybody who wants to learn how to use theodolites can master this skill if they follow the aforementioned steps and study the device closely.
Understand How to Use a Theodolite Correctly
Learning how to use a
theodolite is a great way to understand the basic concepts associated with surveying. It’s also a great way to get remarkably accurate angular measurements. If you’re wondering where to find the
best selection of theodolites, look no further than Engineer Supply. Call us at (800) 591-8907 for more information on our products and pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a theodolite the most accurate way to measure angles?
A theodolite is one of the most reliable and precise tools you can use for producing measurements, including angular measurements. Some say that it is indeed the most accurate, and it is more reliable than other tools such as compasses. A total station is reliable, too, and it uses a theodolite to generate measurements.
Do surveyors still use theodolites?
Yes, surveyors still use theodolites when they are gathering measurements on a survey site. Theodolites are not used as commonly as they were in the past, but they are still an important part of every surveyor’s toolbox.
Is a digital or manual theodolite better?
Digital theodolites have become increasingly popular thanks to the advent of new technology, and they may be more convenient than their manual predecessors. A digital theodolite offers digital readouts rather than graduated circles, and this may make it more accurate and easier to use.
Who uses theodolites?
In addition to surveyors, professionals such as civil engineers, construction managers, architects, and designers have all been known to use theodolites in their work. This is because all of these professionals rely on highly accurate measurements.
Are there different types of theodolites?
Yes, there are several different types of theodolites that you can use. In addition to manual and digital theodolites, you can choose from transit and non-transit theodolites. The former features a telescope that can rotate the trunnion axis, whereas the latter limits its rotation to a specific arc.
Best Theodolites
This theodolite integrates the same advanced circle reading technology found in Topcon’s high-performance total stations, so you can do more accurate calculations while you’re out on the field. Topcon continues to include high-quality optics and electronics in all their theodolites, and this particular model can endure any kind of wet or dust condition that you may find while you’re out in the field. This will keep you productive regardless of the surrounding weather. This theodolite also comes with the following accessories:
- Plumb bob.
- Tool kit.
- Lint-free lens cloth.
- Waterproof protective cover.
- Hard carrying case.
Be sure to pick yours up at Engineer Supply today!
This digital theodolite is an economical but sophisticated tool for measuring angles and slopes with a five-second accuracy. It also has a laser plummet for quick and easy setup, a reticle illuminator for a brighter view, as well as many other attractive features.
It’s a great tool for even the most demanding job requirements, and the automatic vertical angle compensator (which can be turned on or off) will make sure you get an accurate reading if the instrument moves out of balance. If the theodolite moves out of the compensation range, it will display a tilt warning in the vertical angle reading space (which can help you to avoid any costly errors).
Both sides of the instrument have back-lit LCD display panels, which will allow you to access functions from either side. And both of them are easy to read, even in low-light conditions. This digital theodolite has a number of other features, which can include:
- Horizontal angle indicator that can help with faster orientation.
- Numerous customization options.
- IP54 Rating for water and dust resistance.
- NiMH rechargeable battery pack with a charger.
- AA alkaline battery holder for an additional power option.
If you’re ready to purchase this theodolite, be sure to pick yours up at Engineer Supply.
This theodolite can give you more accuracy at a lower cost than most of the standard models. It comes with a NiCad battery and charger, as well as an alkaline battery pack. It also has two LCD displays that can be used with a large push-button system. It has flexible mounting options with its removable tribrach, and it will fit any standard 5/8” x 11” flat or dome-head tripod.
With a vertical compensator and a 2-second accuracy, this theodolite will give you the precision you need for even the most demanding jobs. It has a variety of display modes and measurement units. It’s also easy to operate with only six keys, and it comes with a laser plummet so you can make sure it’s set up correctly. When you purchase this digital theodolite, it will come with the following accessories:
- Hard carrying case.
- Tribrach.
- Rechargeable battery.
- Charger
- Alkaline battery cassette.
It also has an IP54 Rating for dust and water resistance as well as a 36-hour battery life.
This theodolite has a laser beam built into the aperture, so it can be easily and accurately aligned. And the simple, push-button functions will give you precise digital readouts on an LCD display. It also has an incremental encoding system with two digital displays and an automatic power shut-off system. The coaxial tangent and clamp screws will make sighting and alignment easier, and it even has an optical plummet for better point centering.
This theodolite uses rechargeable NiCad batteries (charger is included) as well as an alkaline battery pack. The two LCD displays have large displays, which makes it easier to read. This design allows you to get an accurate reading from either side of the machine. The built-in crosshair, display illumination, and simple push-button operation makes it easy to use. And the removable optical plummet (with its ability to fit flat or dome-head tripods) will give you more flexibility.
The incremental encoding detection system and dual digital displays on this theodolite will allow you to get precise readouts that are easy to read, and the 30x telescope will give you a bright wide field. The built-in 3x optical plummet will allow you to set it up quickly and easily. It also has a 5-second vertical and horizontal accuracy, so you can get precise readings in even the most demanding situation. This digital theodolite comes with a variety of other features, including the following:
- Automatic power shut-off.
- Optical plummet for centering of point.
- Coaxial tangent and clamp screws to make sighting and alignment functions easier.
Be sure to pick yours up at Engineer Supply today!
This theodolite has photoelectric incremental encoding that will make sure you get precise results. The horizontal and vertical measurements are displayed on dual-sided LCD displays. And it has a number of other features, which includes the following:
- A telescope that features erect imaging.
- An aperture of 45mm.
- 30x magnification.
- 4-second resolving power.
- Stadia ratio of 1:100.
- Angle measurement with a minimum accuracy of five seconds at 360 degrees.
If you’re ready to pick up one of the
best theodolites for surveying, be sure to pick yours up at Engineer Supply.
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