Choosing The Best Theodolite

By Carey Bourdier


When it comes to optical instruments, the theodolite is one tool that is used in many different professions. Of course, many kinds of surveyors will use a theodolite to measure angles in the horizontal and vertical plane, but other professionals also use this device. This includes the aerospace engineers that design rockets and the meteorologists that track our weather patterns.

When purchasing a theodolite, it is imperative that you select the proper device for your needs. For instance, one type of theodolite, known as a telemetering theodolite is used to calibrate several different important navigational aids. These include instrument landing systems, as well as TACAN and VORTAC. Primarily these telemetering theodolites are used in regards to aircraft, including private, commercial and military aircraft.

If you need to measure azimuth and angles of elevation for moving objects, such as aircraft, ships or perhaps a weather balloon or pilot balloon, then you might consider some type of observation theodolite. In some cases, this theodolite will be fixed and mounted in a permanent place and in some cases, you will need to be able to move it to various locations. These observation theodolites sometimes are called pibal theodolites, which stands for pilot balloon observation theodolites; however, not all observation theodolites are pibal theodolites.

There are quite a few different types of meteorological theodolites. For instance, Warren Knight produces several varieties including a compact electronic meteorological theodolite system. This system quickly can record azimuth and elevation angles in a variety of weather conditions. Of course, meteorologists also have to use a wide variety of other equipment including thermometers, barometers, radar and much more.

When you see a surveyor working in the middle of a road in your town, the type of theodolite in use is probably a transit theodolite. These are definitely crucial to the construction of roads but also used for constructing buildings, railways and bridges. For virtually any type of construction engineering, a transit theodolite is an important tool. After all, if an engineer is uncertain about the angles of a road or the foundation of a building, this can result in catastrophic failure.

The theodolite has been around for centuries in various forms, but in 1971 a new type of theodolite was introduced and called a total station. This helpful device was the first optical instrument that could record angle measurements as well as distance. It includes a transit theodolite as well as an EDM or electronic distance meter. Civil engineers used the devices, and they are one of the most important tools in the arsenal of a mining engineer.




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