theodolite

Also known as Transit

thumb|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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Wikidata facts

Image: Askania Sekunden-Theodolit TU e 400.jpg
Height: 25

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Commons gallery: Theodolite
Commons category: Theodolites
inventory number: ETHZ_IFGP_0025
inception: 1923-00-00

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~20 min read

Article

15 sections

Contents

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.