Chapter III

Engineer’s Transit and Theodolite

Outcome

identify the different parts and features of the

engineer’s transit and theodolite;
distinguish between an engineer’s transit and a
theodolite;
setup and level the instrument;
read the transit circles and verniers; and
perform field adjustments of the engineers transit and
theodolite.
 Engineers Transit

used principally to
measure angles in the
horizontal plane
designed for measuring
vertical angles, for
measuring distances, for
differential leveling, and
for staking compass
bearings.
Engineer’s Transit

It is essentially a telescope with two large protractors;

these are known as the circle graduations of transit.
designed to measure the angle of rotation of the
telescope about its horizontal and vertical axes
Parts of a
Transit
 Two Circle Graduations of Transits

Horizontal circle. usually numbered at 10 degrees intervals

from 0o to 360o in both directions and are calibrated in half
degrees, third-degrees or quarter-degrees. 

Vertical circle. generally numbered in quadrants from 0o to 90o

and are calibrated in degrees, half degrees

Verniers are employed for reading the horizontal and vertical

circles of the transit.
Types of Vernier

Single vernier. This is read in only one direction and must

therefore be set with the graduations a head of the zero mark in
the direction to be turned.

Double vernier. This vernier can be read either clockwise or

counterclockwise, only one-half being used at a time.

Folded vernier. This type avoids the long vernier plate required
by the normal double vernier. Its length is that of a direct single
vernier with half of the graduations placed on each side of the
index mark.
Principles of a Vernier
In order to determine what fractional part of the smallest main
scale division may be read with the vernier, the least count or
fineness of reading of the vernier and main scale must be
determined as follows:
 
LC = s / n where :
s – value of the smallest division on the main scale
n – number of divisions on the vernier
LC – least count or fineness of reading
Example:
 
Thirty spaces on a transit vernier are equal to 29
spaces on the graduated circle, and one space on the
circle is 15 minutes. What is the least count of the
vernier?
 
s = 15’ (length of a space on the main scale
n = 30 ( number divisions on the vernier scale)
LC = 15’/30 = 0.5’or 30”
The Theodolite
The Theodolite

-essentially the same as a transit except

that they are more compact, lighter, and
read to a smaller angular value, 10” or
less

-use to measure horizontal and vertical

angles
Types of Theodolite
Digital Theodolite
Setting up the Transit
Setting-up the transit
Adjusting Bubble Plate

The purpose of adjusting the plate bubbles is to

make the axis of the plate-level tubes
perpendicular to the vertical axis
This ensures that when the instrument is set up
and leveled, the vertical axis is truly vertical.
You should make the plate-bubble test every
time you set up the instrument for use and
always before making any other tests and
adjustments of the transit.
Adjusting Bubble Plate
Care of the Transit
When not in use, it should be stored in its carrying case.
If transported over a long walking distance, it should be
detached from its tripod and carried in its box
If the instrument becomes wet, damp dry it with
absorbent cloth
Protect the instrument at all times. Never allow the
instrument to fall or be dropped
Hold the transit in the arms with the tripod sticking out
to the side or behind not on the shoulder when carrying
inside the building/danger
Care of the Transit

the transit should be lifted from the carrying case by

grasping the standards and not by the telescope.
When the transit is set-up, the tripod legs should be
spread well apart so that it is stable
Clamps should be tighten only until they are snug and
never tighten down hard.
Assignment: Short Size Bond Paper (Handwritten/ Encoded)

1. Define what is a total Station

2. Enumerate the different parts of a Total
Station (explain each functions)
3. Accessories for a Total Station
4. Discuss the difference between total station
and theodolite
Practical Exam: Feb. 26, 2020

Parts of a Transit