Use and Set-up of Theodolite

for Traverse Measurements

Supplementary Notes for Demonstration
GE 10 General Surveying

R. V. Ramos
22 September 2016
FIELD PROCEDURES
A. Setting up the tripod
1. Unlock the tripod thru rotating screw for each leg.
2. Place the tripod on the marker/control point. Set vertical height approximately below eye level by pulling up
legs of tripod.
3. Spread out the legs of the tripod such that each leg is equidistant to the marker. Use the platform in each leg to securely
anchor it to the ground.
4. Level the tripod by adjusting the legs such that the top of tripod (head) is approximately parallel to the ground.
Note: Check if the tripod is relatively centered with respect to the marker’s location. You can check by looking down through
the tripod head and see if the mounting/rotating screw is aligned with the marker.

B. Setting up the instrument

1. Remove the case from its steel container
2. Unlock the 3 rotating screws to remove the unit from the base of the container
3. Place the theodolite on the top of tripod (head) and lock with the mounting/rotating screw attached on the tripod
4. LEVEL the bubbles (circular then elongated). Use rotating screws and legs of tripod to adjust them accordingly.
5. CENTER the instrument (point on the marker/control point) thru adjustment of tribrach along the head of the tripod
FIELD PROCEDURES
C. Horizontal Angle Reading
Materials/accessories: range poles and flashlight

Backsight readings
1. Use circle setting knob to read angles in degrees and minutes (10s). Use to set the angle in degrees
2. Use micrometer or coincidence knob to read angles in mins/secs. Use to align the graduations/index lines
3. Read the angles set after aligning index lines
4. Lock the instrument along its horizontal axis
5. Close the circle setting knob (no need to use this for the foresight)
6. Swing/turn the unit clockwise to the next target (foresight)

Foresight readings
1. Use only the micrometer or coincidence knob to read the azimuth of the point (from the station to the next station). Align the
index lines then read the angle measured.

D. Returning the instrument

1. Place the telescope of the theodolite to its proper vertical position. Make sure horizontal and vertical screws/knobs are locked.
2. Unlock the theodolite from the tripod thru the rotating screw.
3. Attach the base of the theodolite to the base of its steel container then place cap of container.