THEODOLITE

I. BRIEF HISTORY

 1. Theodolites Have Been Around For Centuries

Surveying equipment has been used since ancient times, but the theodolite has only
been in existence since about the 16th century. Prior to this time, surveyors would
have to use one device to measure vertical angles and one device to measure
horizontal angles.

In its modern form - it consists of a telescope mounted to swivel both horizontally

and vertically. Leveling is accomplished with the aid of a spirit level; crosshairs in the
telescope permit accurate alignment with the object sighted. After the telescope is
adjusted precisely, the two accompanying scales, vertical and horizontal, are read.

Mounted on a tripod with adjustable legs, the theodolite is used in the field to
obtain precise angular measurements for triangulation in road building, tunnel
alignment, and other civil-engineering work.

 2. Who Invented The Theodolite?

Actually, there is some debate regarding the answer to this question.

Leonard Digges - an English mathematician, typically is credited with the invention of

the theodolite around 1550 in London. However, images of a similar device show
up in an earlier text, so while he might not have been the first person to think
about creating a device that could measure in both planes,

 He was the first to name it a “theodolite” and create his own working version. He
described the instrument in his text, “Pantometria.” And introduced the word
"theodolitus" If you wish to get up close and personal with a 16th Century
theodolite,

 one similar to Digges’ theodolite is on display at the National Maritime Museum in

Greenwich, England.

 3. The Great Theodolite Joined France & England

 During the 1780s, during a rather brief moment of peace between England and
France, British and French astronomers decided that it would be an excellent notion
to fix the relative positions of the Royal Observatory in Greenwich and the Paris
Observatory. To accomplish this feat, they needed a massive theodolite, capable of
being able to mark accurately over a distance of 70 miles. This theodolite, often call
the Great Theodolite, was created by Jesse Ramsden, a famous British instrument
maker.

 4. Ramsden’s Theodolite No Longer Exists

The Great Theodolite, which also is known as Ramsden’s Theodolite, was kept
secure for 150 years at the Ordnance Survey in Southampton, England but
unfortunately was a casualty of World War II. The Ordnance Survey was bombed by
the Germans, destroying the structure, and from all accounts, the theodolite was
melted by the heat of the blast. However, Ramsden created several theodolites, and
his second one can be viewed at the Science Museum in London, which also includes
a huge collection of interesting instruments.

 5. Lewis & Clark Used Thomas Jefferson’s Theodolite

As they set off on their epic journey to chart and survey the Louisiana Purchase,
Meriwether Lewis and William Clark took along a wide array of mathematical
instruments. These included a portable microscope, hydrometers, a pocket compass
and a theodolite. There was actually much debate about bringing along a
theodolite, as some felt the instrument was too delicate for the long, arduous
journey. Both Lewis and Thomas Jefferson, however, believed that a theodolite was
 essential, and Jefferson (a former surveyor), offered to lend his own theodolite,
which was created, as one might expect, by Jesse Ramsden.

( OVERVIEW )

 What is Theodolite?

- Theodolite is a very commonly used instrument that has a fundamental importance in

the field of surveying and structural engineering.

- A theodolite is used to measure all sorts of vertical and horizontal angles.

- The work of land survey is almost impossible without the use of a theodolite.

- Apart from the work of land surveying, theodolites are widely being used in locating
points on the line, differentiating the levels, prolonging survey lines, etc. Their use in the
construction of buildings and infrastructures, meteorology, and rocket launching is
growing very rapidly.

 Uses of a Theodolite:

1. A theodolite is a measuring instrument, which is used to measure the horizontal and

vertical angles.
2. A theodolite is used to locate points on a line.
3. It is used to find the difference among levels.
4. It is used to prolong the survey lines.
5. it is used to range the curves.
6. A theodolite is also used to set out grades.
7. A theodolite is used in Techometric surveying.

 Types of Theodolite:

There are many types of theodolites, which may be classified into two groups: One is Transit
theodolite, and The other is a non-transit theodolite

(1). Transit Theodolite:

It is a theodolite that is used to measure horizontal and vertical angles

(2). Non-Transit Theodolites:

It is used for measuring horizontal angles only.

 Digital Theodolite:

The values of the observation are provided directly on the viewing panel of the digital
theodolite. The precision of a digital theodolite varies in order of 1” to 10”.

Vernier Theodolite:

It is the most commonly used theodolite, in which the principles of a Vernier Caliper are
utilized while taking out observations. The precision values of this type of instrument
vary in the order of 10" to 20".

Total station Theodolite:

This is a modern electronic instrument. All the parameters can be obtained which are
required to be observed in the survey procedure. The viewing panel of the instrument
displays the observation values. The precision of this type of instrument ranges in the
order of 0.1" to 10".

II. PARTS AND FUNCTIONS

Different Parts of Theodolites:

There are several types of theodolites based on their distinctive specifications and
function. Each type has a different mode of operation. However, some fundamental
functions are common in all types of theodolites inherently. In this report, we will
discuss the parts of a Vernier Theodolite, because it is the most common type of
theodolite, widely used in all sorts of surveying all over the world. The salient parts of
a vernier theodolite are as follow:
 1. Leveling Head:

The top leveling Head of a theodolite is its lowermost part, which consists of two parallel and
horizontal panels that are separated by screws. These screws are known as the traveling
screws. In the lower plate, there is a large thread-hole in the center. This thread hole is called
trivel or foot-plate. It enables the instrument to be installed on the tripod stand and get it
screwed. The central aperture of trivel gives a way for hanging a plumb bob. There is a tribrach
in the form of a plate in the upper part of the head. There is a tapered-bearing at the center of
the tribrach. It has three arms. Each carries a leveling screw. It gives support to the upper
portion of the instrument. The main objective of the leveling head is to provide a balanced level
to the instrument.

2. The Shifting Head:

shifting head of a theodolite consists of a pair of horizontal-plates and one annular treaded
ring. One of the plates is installed beneath the lower plate but above the tribrach and the other
plate is placed above the tribrach and below the upper plate. The annular treaded ring is also
put above lower plate and below the tribrach. The annular treaded ring is used to tighten and
untighten the whole of the instrument. After the completion of the leveling, the shifting head of
the theodolite is used for the exact centering of the instrument.

3. The Lower Plate:

The lower plate is a horizontal circular plate monolithically constructed with an outer spindle. A
scale is engraved at its beveled edge with divisions in degrees and minutes increasing in a
clockwise direction. It provides the main scale reading of a horizontal angle and a means to fix
or unfix the whole of the instrument.

4. The Upper Plate:

It is a horizontal circular plate monolithically constructed with the inner spindle. It is fitted with
two diametrically opposite vernier scales designated as A and B. Functions of upper plates are
to support a pair of magnifiers for the verniers, a pair of plate levels, a pair of support frames
for the telescope, and a means to fix or unfix the upper plate of the instrument with its lower
plate.
 5. The Plate Levels:
A pair of tube-levels is placed horizontally at the right angle above the upper plate to determine
the vertical axis of the instrument. The identification of the vertical axis is made for the sake of
leveling the instrument.

6. The Standard (or a Frame):

Two standards resembling the letter A are attached on the upper plate. This provides the
bearings of the pivots of the telescope allowing it to rotate on its trunnion axis in the vertical
plane. The vernier frame and arm of vertical circle clamp are also attached to it.

7. The Vernier Frame:

Also called T-frame or index frame, consists of a vertical leg known as clipping arm and a
horizontal bar called the index arm engraved with verniers C and D at its ends. Each of the
verniers at C and D are having two scales that increase in opposite directions. It is used as a seat
for altitude bubble and also provides vernier reading for vertical angle measurement

8. The Telescope:
The telescope of a theodolite is identical in structure and uses, as in the case of a dumpy level.
But, in theodolite, the telescope is mounted on a horizontal spindle called the horizontal axis or
the trunnion axis to rotate it also in the vertical plane.

9. The Vertical Circle:

The vertical circle is attached to the trunnion axis. It is engraved with a scale reading vertical
angle in degrees and minutes. The vertical circle is divided into four quadrants each reading 0°
to 90° with 0° - 0° either along vertical or in horizontal. It provides the main scale reading for
the vertical angles.

10. The Altitude Bubble:

A sensitive level tube placed on the vernier frame is called an altitude bubble. It is used to make
the horizontal axis truly horizontal.
11. The Screws: A theodolite instrument has number of screws as its component parts.
These are classified into different types depending on their functions.
 Leveling Screws: These are present in the leveling head of a theodolite in between
trivet and tribrach. These work in threaded holes in the tribrach arms and their
lower ends rest in recesses in the trivet. These screws are used for leveling the
instrument i.e., to make plate level axis truly horizontal.

 Lower plate Clamp Screw: The clamp screw attached to the lower plate of a
theodolite is called lower plate clamp screw. When it is tightened, the outer spindle
gets fixed with the tribrach, and, thus, the lower plate gets fixed in position.
 Upper plate Clamp Screw: The clamp screw attached with the upper plate of a
theodolite is called upper plate clamp screw. When it is tightened, the inner spindle
gets fixed with the outer spindle and, thus, the upper plate gets fixed in position.
The manipulation of the upper plate and lower plate clamp screws provide three
conditions:

 When both the upper plate clamp screw and the lower plate clamp screw are
tightened, the instrument gets fully fixed.

 When the upper plate clamp screw is tightened and the lower plate clamp screw is
opened, the instrument rotates on its outer axis, there is no relative motion
between the two plate and the readings in the horizontal vernier scales do not
change.

 When the lower plate clamp screw is tightened, and the upper plate is opened, the
instrument rotates on the inner axis with outer axis fixed. The readings in the
horizontal vernier scales change.

 Vertical plate Clamp Screw: It is present on a frame fixed with standard and above
the shaft of trunnion axis. It is used to clamp the telescope in any plane and hence at
any desired vertical angle.

 Tangent Screws: With each clamping screw, there is a tangent screw present in the
instrument to provide fine movement. The tangent screws work only after its
clamping screws get tightened. Thus when the upper clamp screw has been
tightened, small movement of the upper plate can be made by the upper tangent
screw; when the lower clamp screw has been tightened, small movement of the
 lower plate can be made by the lower tangent screw and similarly for vertical clamp
screw.

12. The Tripod Stand:

Tripod stand is a stand with three shaft-legs. The theodolite is mounted on the stand in a fixed
manner. The head of the stand has motile bearings which smoothly move the theodolite
around without misplacing. The legs of the tripod can be moved apart and closed, so as to
move the theodolite up and down. The level of the theodolite can be fixed with the help of the
legs of the tripod stand.

III. APPLICATION
Theodolites are mainly used for surveying, but they are also useful in these applications:

 Navigating
 Meteorology
 Laying out building corners and lines
 Measuring and laying out angles and straight lines
 Aligning wood frame walls
 Forming panels
 Plumbing a column or building corner

IV. HOW TO SET-UP

How Does a Theodolite Work?
A theodolite works by combining optical plummets (or plumb bobs), a spirit (bubble level), and
graduated circles to find vertical and horizontal angles in surveying. An optical plummet ensures
the theodolite is placed as close to exactly vertical above the survey point. The internal spirit
level makes sure the device is level to to the horizon. The graduated circles, one vertical and
one horizontal, allow the user to actually survey for angles.

How to Use a Theodolite

1. Mark the point at which the theodolite will be set up with a surveyor’s nail or a stake.
This point is the basis for measuring angles and distances.
 2. Set up the tripod. Make sure the height of the tripod allows the instrument (the
theodolite) to be eye-level. The centered hole of the mounting plate should be over the
nail or stake.

3. Drive the tripod legs into the ground using the brackets on the sides of each leg.

4. Mount the theodolite by placing it atop the tripod, and screw it in place with the
mounting knob.

5. Measure the height between the ground and the instrument. This will be used a
reference to other stations.

6. Level the theodolite by adjusting the tripod legs and using the bulls-eye level. You can
make slight tunings with the leveling knobs to get it just right.

7. Adjust the small sight (the vertical plummet) found on the bottom of the theodolite.
The vertical plummet allows you to do ensure the instrument remains over the nail or
stake. Adjust the plummet using the knobs on the bottom.

8. Aim the crosshairs in the main scope at the point to be measured. Use the locking knobs
on the side of the theodolite to keep it aimed on the point. Record the horizontal and
vertical angles using the viewing scope found on the theodolite’s side.

V. ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANVANTAGES

Advantages of Using a Theodolite

 Theodolites have many advantages when compared to other leveling instruments:

 Greater accuracy.

 Internal magnifying optical system.

 Electronic readings.

 Horizontal circles can be instantly zeroed or set to any other value.

 Horizontal circle readings can be taken either to the left or right of zero.

 Repeat readings are unnecessary.

  It is a cheap instrument.

 It is very portable and can be carried anywhere without making much effort.

 It is generally easier to use than transit or the level and compass. This makes it ideal for
small-scale surveying projects like construction sites, farms, and so on.

 Its basic parts are easy to understand and can be used with ease by anyone who knows
the basics of surveying instruments in general.

 Theodolites have an internal optical device that makes reading circles much more
accurate than other instruments. Also, because the theodolite allows you to take fewer
repeat readings, these measurements can be made much more quickly. Theodolites
with optical instruments have advantages over other layout tools. They have more
precise measurements, they are unaffected by wind or other weather factors, and they
can be used on both flat ground and sloped ground.

Disadvantages of Using a Theodolite

The major disadvantages are:

 It is provided with a bubble level, which makes it difficult to use.

 It gives an approximate reading.

 It cannot be used when the object to be measured is too small or too far away or when
the sight point is fixed in one place.

 It has to be kept parallel to a horizontal level line for accurate measurements, which
means that it must be leveled before taking an angle off of it.

 It cannot be used for measuring vertical angles in separate stations.

 It is not as accurate as other surveying instruments such as the transit and the
theodolite.

VI. CONCLUSION