What are Theodolites?
A theodolite is an tool for measuring both horizontal and vertical angles.
It is a major tool in surveying and engineering work, even more so in hard to reach or traverse areas. A modern theodolite consists of a movable telescope mounted within two perpendicular axes-the horizontal or trunnion axis, and the vertical axis. When the telescope is pointed at a desired object, the angle of each of these axes can be measured with great precision, typically on the scale of arc seconds (1/60th of a degree)
In today's theodolites, the reading out of the horizontal and vertical circles is usually done electronically. The readout is done by a rotary encoder, which can be absolute, e.g. using Gray codes, or incremental, using equidistant light and dark radial bands. In the latter case the circles spin rapidly, reducing angle measurement to electronic measurement of time differences. Additionally, lately CCD sensors have been added to the focal plane of the telescope allowing both auto-targeting and the automated measurement of residual target offset. All this is implemented in embedded software.
Also, many modern theodolites, are equipped with integrated electro-optical distance measuring devices, generally infrared based, allowing the measurement in one go of all data required (angle, distance, Direction based on machine and other points)
Theodolites need to be calibrated at least every year to remain accurate
It is a major tool in surveying and engineering work, even more so in hard to reach or traverse areas. A modern theodolite consists of a movable telescope mounted within two perpendicular axes-the horizontal or trunnion axis, and the vertical axis. When the telescope is pointed at a desired object, the angle of each of these axes can be measured with great precision, typically on the scale of arc seconds (1/60th of a degree)
In today's theodolites, the reading out of the horizontal and vertical circles is usually done electronically. The readout is done by a rotary encoder, which can be absolute, e.g. using Gray codes, or incremental, using equidistant light and dark radial bands. In the latter case the circles spin rapidly, reducing angle measurement to electronic measurement of time differences. Additionally, lately CCD sensors have been added to the focal plane of the telescope allowing both auto-targeting and the automated measurement of residual target offset. All this is implemented in embedded software.
Also, many modern theodolites, are equipped with integrated electro-optical distance measuring devices, generally infrared based, allowing the measurement in one go of all data required (angle, distance, Direction based on machine and other points)
Theodolites need to be calibrated at least every year to remain accurate
Optical, Opti-Cal, Survey Equipment, Surveying Equipment, Total Station, Theodolite,
Dumpy Level, Auto Level, Optical Level, Opti-Cal Level, Laser Level, Hire, Tripod, Staff
Dumpy Level, Auto Level, Optical Level, Opti-Cal Level, Laser Level, Hire, Tripod, Staff
