Selecting The Right Theodolite

By Carey Bourdier


When it comes to optical instruments, the theodolite is one tool that is used in many different professions. Of course, many kinds of surveyors will use a theodolite to measure angles in the horizontal and vertical plane, but other professionals also use this device. This includes the aerospace engineers that design rockets and the meteorologists that track our weather patterns.

When purchasing a theodolite, it is imperative that you select the proper device for your needs. For instance, one type of theodolite, known as a telemetering theodolite is used to calibrate several different important navigational aids. These include instrument landing systems, as well as TACAN and VORTAC. Primarily these telemetering theodolites are used in regards to aircraft, including private, commercial and military aircraft.

Another type of theodolite is called an observation theodolite, and sometimes these are called pilot balloon observation theodolites or pibal theodolites. However, there are observation theodolites that would not be classified as a pibal theodolite. At any rate, these theodolites can be used to measure angles of elevation and degrees of azimuth. This theodolite can be a permanent fixture or movable, depending on the type, and many offer illumination so they can be used at night. These theodolites are used in regards to moving objects such as aircraft, stars, weather balloons and ships.

When you think about meteorology, you probably are thinking about tools such as radar and barometers or thermometers and weather balloons. However, there are theodolites designed specifically for meteorological tasks. These will record both elevation angles as well as azimuth. These can be used to track a weather balloon and then used to determine wind speed and wind direction.

A transit theodolite is probably the type of theodolite most people have seen, as these are used by engineers and surveyors to help design or make improvements to roads. These also can be used at construction sites for buildings, homes and bridges. Aside from surveyors concerned with construction and civil engineering, these theodolites might be used for other types of engineering tasks, such as railway engineering.

The theodolite has been around for centuries in various forms, but in 1971 a new type of theodolite was introduced and called a total station. This helpful device was the first optical instrument that could record angle measurements as well as distance. It includes a transit theodolite as well as an EDM or electronic distance meter. Civil engineers used the devices, and they are one of the most important tools in the arsenal of a mining engineer.




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