theodolite
Sign in to savethumb|A direct-readout theodolite, manufactured in the Soviet Union in 1958 and used for topographic surveying
AI overview
A theodolite is a surveying instrument used to measure angles and distances, which allows surveyors to map out the shape and features of land. This particular example is a Soviet-made model from 1958 that was used to create detailed maps of terrain and geography.
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Article
15 sectionsContents
- Principles of operation
- Preparation for making sightings
- Sightings
- Errors in measurement
- History
- Historical background
- Development of the theodolite
- Operation in surveying
- Transit theodolite
- Use with weather balloons
- Modern electronic theodolites
- Gyrotheodolites
- See also
- References
- External links
thumb|A direct-readout theodolite, manufactured in the Soviet Union in 1958 and used for topographic surveying
A theodolite () is a precision optical instrument for measuring angles between designated visible points in the horizontal and vertical planes. The traditional use has been for land surveying, but it is also used extensively for building and infrastructure construction, and some specialized applications such as meteorology and rocket launching.