Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction...................................................................................................................................2
1.1 Instrument Use For Site Surveying....................................................................................3
2.0 History and Evolution of Theodolite............................................................................................6
3.0 Comparison and Component of Tradisional and Modern Theodolite.....................................10
4.0 Conclusion....................................................................................................................................11
5.0 References....................................................................................................................................11
1.0 Introduction
Figure 1: Site Surveying. (Techopedia, 2022)
A site survey is the examination of a location or spot in order to obtain data or information.
This information includes feasibility reporting and estimation of cost and the time required to
perform a certain task. A site survey consists of different techniques and factors, depending
on what type of plan needs to be executed on the location. (Techopedia, 2022)
One of the most important tasks before initiating the practical work of a project is to survey
the site on which the task is intended. This not only provides insight to the project manager,
but also can save a lot of trouble and potential dangers to the task. With the use of
technology, many hazards involved can be reduced in the planning stage of the project.
Typically, a site survey involves a series of visits to the site and numerous aspects are kept in
perspective while doing so. (Techopedia, 2022)
Site surveys are common with large-scale technology projects, such as installing a new
network or upgrading an old one. (Techopedia, 2022)
1.1 Instrument Use For Site Surveying
A theodolite is an instrument used to determine the relative position of points on the earth's
surface by measuring the horizontal and vertical angles. Theodolites can be either digital or
non-digital types. Non digital theodolites are rarely used anymore. Digital theodolites consist
of a telescope that is mounted on a base, as well as an electronic readout screen that is used to
display horizontal and vertical angles. Digital theodolites are more convenient and accurate
as they provide digital readouts instead of reading directly from the traditional graduated
circle. (Neenu, n.d.)
Figure 2: Digital Theodolite. (Johnson, 2015)
Figure 3: Tradisional Theodolite.
Theodolites are employed everyplace from construction sites to main road points. It measures
angles using age-old principles of pure mathematics and assists surveyors in establishing
precise locations. (Chowdhury, n.d.)
Theodolite uses for many purposes, but mainly it is used for measuring angles, scaling points
of constructional works. For example, to determine highway points, huge buildings’
escalating edges theodolites are used. Depending on the job nature and the accuracy required,
theodolite produces more curved readings, using paradoxical faces and swings or different
positions for perfect measuring survey. (Chowdhury, n.d.)
Major Uses Of Theodolite:
Measuring horizontal and vertical angles
Locating points on a line
Finding the difference in the level
Prolonging survey lines
Ranging curves
Setting out grades
Tachometric surveying
A theodolite consists of a telescope mounted on a base. The telescope has a sight on the top
of it that is used to align the target. The instrument has a focusing knob that is used to make
the object clear. The telescope contains an eyepiece that the user looks through to find the
target being sighted. An objective lens is also located on the telescope, but is on the opposite
end as the eyepiece. 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. (Johnson, 2015)
2.0 History and Evolution of Theodolite
Theodolites were used in surveying and astronomy at least since the 16th century when they
were introduced.
(MUIB, 2017)
The first known theodolite was made by Leonard Digges in 1551. He called it a “Scymitar.”
It had a compass that could be set to any angle, and a separate level for cross-leveling.
Toward the end of the 16th century, a Polish mathematician named Tadeusz Kościuszko
invented a type of “Dodekamer” theodolite with 12 graduations. Theodolites were used in
surveying and astronomy for the next several hundred years.
Figure 5: Jesse Great Theodolite. (Society, 2018 )
The theodolite became a modern, accurate instrument in 1787, with the introduction of Jesse
Ramsden's famous great theodolite, which he created using a very accurate dividing engine of
his own design.
Theodolites were later adapted to a wider variety of mountings and uses. In the 1870s, an
interesting waterborne version of the theodolite (using a pendulum device to counteract wave
movement) was invented by Edward Samuel Ritchie.
Figure 6: Wild T2 Theodolite. (Society, 2018 )
In the early 1920s a step change in theodolite design occurred with the introduction of the
Wild T2 made by Wild Heerbrugg. Heinrich Wild designed a theodolite with divided glass
circles with readings from both sides presented at a single eyepiece close to the telescope so
the observer did not have to move to read them. The Wild instruments were not only smaller,
easier to use and more accurate than contemporary rivals but also sealed from rain and dust.
Canadian surveyors reported that while the Wild T2 with 3.75 inch circles was not able to
provide the accuracy for primary triangulation
After the mid-1940s, theodolites became available to the general public. In 1953, the first
inexpensive digital model was introduced by Raytheon. This later evolved into computer-
based theodolites.
Figure 7: Digital Theodolite. (Society, 2018 )
After this, theodolites became more accurate, versatile and affordable. Today, a variety of
devices are available to both professional and amateur surveyors. Many variations of these
instruments are also manufactured to meet specific needs such as level measurement.
(Society, 2018 )
3.0 Comparison and Component of Tradisional and Modern Theodolite
Figure 8: Early Vernier Theodolite. (Brainkart, 2018)
Digital Theodolite (Johnson, 2015)
Digital theodolites are more convenient because digital readouts can be taken instead of
reading directly from the traditional graduated circle. The parts of a digital theodolite are
mostly similar to a non-digital theodolite, except for the presence of an LCD, which shows
the reading of the target focused.
4.0 Conclusion
Theodolite is one of the most accurate and useful instruments for measuring angles in
surveying. It can be represented as an optical survey instrument. Used to measure vertical
angles, horizontal angles, differences in height, etc. Typically theodolites, ranging in size
from 8 cm to 12 cm, are widely used in survey work. Larger sized theodolites are used for
greater accuracy in triangular surveys. (Khatri, 2020)
5.0 References
Brainkart, 2018. Chapter: Civil Surveying : Theodolite Surveying. [Online]
Available at: https://www.brainkart.com/article/Vernier-Theodolite_4632/#:~:text=The%20vernier
%20theodolite%20is%20also%20known%20as%20a,vernier%20theodolite%20is%20also%20known
%20as%20a%20transit.
[Accessed 20 12 2022].
Chowdhury, R. R., n.d. What is Theodolite? Uses of theodolite in surveying. [Online]
Available at: https://civiltoday.com/surveying/290-what-is-theodolite-uses-of-theodolite-in-
surveying
[Accessed 22 12 2022].
Johnson, 2015. All About Theodolites. [Online]
Available at: https://www.johnsonlevel.com/News/TheodolitesAllAboutTheodo
[Accessed 20 12 2022].
Khatri, B., 2020. What Is Theodolite? | Types of Theodolite | Theodolite Parts and Function. [Online]
Available at: https://9to5civil.com/theodolite/
[Accessed 20 12 2022].
MUIB, 2017. Theodolite. [Online]
Available at: http://www.madeupinbritain.uk/Theodolite
[Accessed 20 12 2022].
Neenu, n.d. Theodolite, Important Part and Working of Digital. [Online]
Available at: https://theconstructor.org/surveying/parts-working-digital-theodolite/87806/
[Accessed 20 12 2022].
Society, R. A., 2018 . Great Ramsden Theodolite. [Online]
Available at: https://fineartamerica.com/featured/great-ramsden-theodolite-royal-astronomical-
societyscience-photo-library.html
[Accessed 20 12 2022].
Techopedia, 2022. Site Survey. [Online]
Available at: https://www.techopedia.com/definition/9389/site-survey
[Accessed 20 12 2022].
