Engineering Surveying I

Chapter 4: Theodolite

Contents
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Classification
5.3 Components of a
Theodolite
5.4 Reading the Circles
5.5 Setting Up a Theodolite

5.1 Introduction
In topic of traversing, and tacheometry, the subject
of angular measurement will be a common factor.
Therefore, it is essential that a surveyor has a
sound knowledge of the instruments and methods
used in the measurement of horizontal and vertical
angles.
Theodolite is an instrument that is used to measure
angles, with an accuracy varying from 1 to 60
seconds of arc.

5.2 Classification
A theodolite is generally classified according
to the method used to read the circles.
Broadly speaking, the methods are

vernier (now obsolescent);

Direct reading;

Optical scale;

Optical mirometer, and;

Opto-electronic.

5.3 Components of a
Theodolite
The main components of a theodolite include :
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)

Tripod (support instrument);

Trivet stage;
Tribrach;
Footscrew (levelling screws for levelling arrangement);
Horizontal circle (lower plate) & alidade (upper plate);
Lower plate clamp and upper plate clamp (controls
for measuring horizontal angles);
g) Telescope;
h) Index marks;
i) Transits axis or trunnion axis (telescope and vertical
circle are attached to it);
j) Altitude spirit level (maintain a horizontal position of
telescope);
k) Optical plummet (aids in centering the instrument).

5.3 Components of a
Theodolite

5.3 Components of a
Theodolite

5.3 Components of a
Theodolite

5.4 Reading the Circles

Four methods of reading the graduations on the
circles are available.
Most of the time, the sexagesimal units are used in
the measurement of angles, hence all subsequent
examples use degrees, minutes, and seconds.
Direct reading

Read through a reading eyepiece attached to one of the

standards or alongside the main telescope eyepiece.

Direct scale reading

Intermediate order theodolites employ an optical scale

to read the horizontal and vertical circles.

5.4 Reading the Circles

Micrometer reading

The higher order of theodolites employ

micrometer reading.

Opto-electronic

The automatic display of the circle readings

eliminates the need for scales and micrometers,
and greatly reduces reading and booking errors.
The time required for measuring an angle is
also reduced because of zero-set facility on
most of these instruments, whereby the circle
can set to read zero at the touch of a button.

5.4 Reading the Circles

Read the readings :

Direct angle readings Vertical

(left)
and horizontal /
azimuthal (right)
from theodolite

/ zenithal

5.4 Reading the Circles

Read the readings :

5.5 Setting Up a
Theodolite
Plumb-bob method

Setting the tripod

Mounting the instrument
Levelling
Centring
Parallax elimination

Optical plumb method

Setting the tripod

Mounting the instrument
Centring
Levelling
Parallax elimination