Measuring angles and directions

We can conduct a measurement based on distances only (using tape or EDM) in order to obtain a map of a surveyed
area or to establish BP. Such method is called trilateration.
With equipment such is a theodolite, we can usually get much more accurate description of surveyed
area. Theodolite is an instrument to measure horizontal and/or vertical angles.

The angle α is measured from a reference line, which is considered to be 0 °. Such line is called meridian.

While still talking about horizontal measurements only, the final result will be usually network of
rectangular (cartesian) coordinates.

Vertical angles are usually needed to move over vertical obstacle and for trigonometric leveling (explained in other
chapter).

Vertical angles
Horizon is parallel to the earth surface, and zenith is perpendicular to the horizon. Vertical angles are
being taken from zenith or horizon, both method are usually supported by modern instruments.
Horizontal angles
Angle can be measured
 clockwise (angle to the right) or
 counterclockwise (angle to the left).
Further
 Interior angle is measured inside closed polygon,
 exterior angle is measured outside close polygon.
Sum of interior and exterior angle is 360°

The side of the angle measured needs to be clearly noted in the field book. It is also a good practice
 to adopt one way only of taking measurements, e.g. always take interior angles;
 to have both interior and exterior angles taken to check values (to avoid blunders),

Azimuth
The angles taken in the field have context within the network of points being measured. They have no
relation to earth coordinates. Azimuths are computed clockwise from geographic north.
When conducting measurement, similar to leveling, we are moving forward to next points during
measurement procedure.

In the context of backsight, the back azimuth of line AB is sometimes referred.

Back azimuth is taken in a backward direction and is azimuth of BA.

Theodolite setup
All parts of equipment are made of precise quality and must be always taken with increased care. That
applies especially for theodolite (but applies surveying equipment in general).
 Place the theodolite on the tripod head, screw centering screw while holding instrument. Let the
position be loose so theodolite still can slide around tripod head.
 Looking through the optical plummet, focus the centering index mark. Slide the theodolite on the tripod
head until the reference mark is centered in the optical plummet.
 Fully tighten the centering screw.
Look through the optical plummet again and adjust the theodolite foot screws for alignment with the
reference mark.

Level the theodolite

Once the theodolite is leveled, double check optical plummet to make sure it is still centered. If not, repeat
steps above.
Measuring horizontal angle
 When theodolite is setup, point to backsight (BS).
 Zero the instrument. Write actual zero into field book (might be not exact zero).
 Free the motion and point to foresight (FS).
 Tighten the motion and use screw for fine adjustment.
 Read the angle, write into field book.
The target (measured) point must be clearly marked for observing.
A target may be made visible by cord (rope) with plumb-bob.

Example (precision): let assume precision of theodolite is 5" and target is at a distance of 100 m. Then 5"
at 100 m is equivalent to 2.5 mm (that is 1:40,000).

Example illustrates, that theodolite is high precise instrument. For measuring angles we can not expect
that holding a rod on target point (as in case of leveling) is sufficient. We have to use plumb-bob with
visible line to allow clear reading. We have to pay attention to precise setup the instrument over station as
well

easuring horizontal angles by repetition (mechanical theodolite)

More reliable reading of angle value is made by repeating the measurements. The first angle is taken and written
into field book. Then telescope is pointed back to BS (with locked motion of value). Measurement to FS is made
again then, angle is accumulated. Usually after finishing 6 cycles angle is written into field book again. The
accumulated angle size is divided by 6 to figure out value of angle.
Measuring horizontal angles by repetition (digital theodolite)
More reliable reading of angle value is made by repeating the measurement. The first angle is taken from BS to FS
and written into field book. Then telescope is rotated against trunnion axis and pointed to FS. Measurement back to
BS is made again then and the result is taken as an average of both angles taken.