C.K.

PITHAWALA COLLEGEOF ENGINEERING AND

TECHNOLOGY,SURAT
THEODOLITE TRAVERSING

CONTENTS
1)-Introduction
2)-definitions
3)-the Vernier transit theodolite
4)-temporary adjustment of theodolite
5)-permanent adjustment of theodolite
6)-measuring horizontal angles
7)-measuring vertical angles
8)-methods of traversing
9)-closing error

Hiral B.Patel e-notes Surveying

1)- INTRODUCTION
THEODOLITE (Universal device)

A theodolite is an important instrument used mainly for accurate measurement of horizontal and
vertical angles in surveying.

It is an extremely useful instrument to a surveyor because of its various uses, the theodolite is
sometimes known as a universal instrument.

USES-

 Horizontal ,vertical and deflection angle measurement

 W.C.B. ,horizontal distance , vertical height can be measured
 To range a line.
 To extend a line.

TYPES OF THEODOLITE

1)-Transit Theodolite

In the transit Theodolite the periscope can be revolved through a complete revolution about its
Horizontal axis in a vertical plane.

This type theodolite can be rotated from 0° to 180°.

2)-Non-Transit Theodolite

In this Theodolite the periscope cannot be Revolved through a complete revolution in a vertical
plane.

CLASSIFICATION OF THEODOLITE (Based on scale)

1. Micrometer Theodolite

2. Vernier Theodolite

2)- DEFINITIONS
CENTERING

The setting of Theodolite exactly over a station mark by a Plumb Bob is known as Centering.

TRANSISTING

The method of turning a telescope about its Horizontal axis in a Vertical Plane through 180° is
termed as Transition .( Change in Phase).

SWINGING THE TELESCOPE

It is the process of turning the Telescope about Vertical axis in a Horizontal Plane.

3. THE VERNIER TRANSIT THEODOLITE

PARTS OF THEODOLITE

1. Trivet

Hiral B.Patel e-notes Surveying

2.Foot screw

3.Tribranch

4.Levelling Head

5.Spindels

6.Lower Plate

7.Upper plate

8.Plate Bubble

9.Standard OR Frame

10.Telescope

11.Vertical circle

12.Altitude Bubble

 Magnifying power=focal length of object glass\focal length of eye piece

 The diaphragm
It is a brass ring consisting of cross hairs ,or one containing a glass disc with lines engraved
on it.

4. TEMPORARY ADJUSMENT OF THEODOLITE

Temporary adjustments or station adjustment are the adjustments which are required to be made at
each setting of the instrument before taking observations.

STEPS-

1.setting up.

2.centering

3.levelling up

4.focussing the eye-piece

5.focussing the object glass

6.Elimation of parallax

5. PERMANENT ADJUSTMENT OF THEODOLITE

This can be done in a prescribed order so that one adjustment are done in a prescribed order so that
one theodolite are done in a prescribed order so that adjustment does not affect any other
adjustments.

 Adjustment of the horizontal plate level.

 Adjustment of line of sight, collimation adjustment.
 Adjustment of the horizontal axis.
 Adjustment of altitude level.
 Vertical circle index adjustment.

Hiral B.Patel e-notes Surveying

6. MEASUREMENT OF HORIZONTAL ANGLE
1)-REPITITION METHOD

This method is used to measure angles accurately.in this method,the horizontal angle is measured
several times ,and the value is added mechanically.

2)-REITERATION METHOD

This method is used when several angles ar3e to be measured at the same station .in this method all
angles are measured succesively and finally the horizon is closed.

7. MEASURING VERTICAL ANGLES

In the tachometric surveying , when line of sight is inclined ,in this case vertical angle between the
horizontal line and vetical angle between the line horizontal line and the inclined line of sight is
measured. When the inclined line of sight is above the horizontal line ,it is known as the angle of
elevation . when the angle is below the horizontal line , it is called the angle of depression.

8.METHODS OF TRAVERSING
Theodolite Traversing

A Traverse is a series of connected lines whose lengths and directions are measured in the field.

METHODS OF TRAVERSING

1.Fast angle method

In this method ,the magnetic meridian is established only at the starting station.it is used to measure
the magnetic bearing and lengths of travers legs.

2.Loose needle method

In this method, the direction of the magnetic meridian is established at each travers line.

3.Included angle method

In this method ,the magnetic bearing of any line is measured in the field .this method is more
accurate than the fast needle method. In this all the included angles are measured.

4.Direct angle method

Hiral B.Patel e-notes Surveying

In this method ,direct angles or the angles or the angles to the right are measured .it is generally
used in open traverse.

5.Deflection angle method

This method is suitable for open travers and is mostly employed in the survey of rivers ,coast lines
,roads ,railways ,canals,etc.

9. CLOSING ERROR
If the condition of closed Travers is not satisfied ,there is an error of closure.

Due to errors in field measurements of angles and lengths, sometimes the finishing point may not
coincide with the starting point of a closed
S
Q
P
R
Q

Closing error

Where, ѳ=Closing error

(PQ)²=(Sum of square of latitude) + (sum of square of Departure)

Tanѳ=sum of departure\sum of latitude

permissible angular error=least count *√N

Relative closing error=closing error/perimeter of travers.

,
Hiral B.Patel e-notes Surveying