The Importance Of Observation Theodolites

By Carey Bourdier


The theodolite has been in use for many years. It is mainly used by engineers and surveyors. The instrument is used to make measurements of horizontal together with vertical planes easily and accurately. This instrument also is used widely in weather focusing by meteorologists. The instrument is normally called observation theodolite simply because it has a telescope mounted on it. This apparatus is usually very accurate.

Observation theodolites are usually grouped into two categories. They can either fall under transit or non-transit. For the transit, it is possible to invert telescopes along the vertical plane. It is important to know that some transit theodolites cannot measure vertical angles. On the other hand, for non-transit group, telescopes can only be rotated through a semi-circular distance.

Theodolites are used for various tasks. As state before, they are used in measuring both horizontal and vertical angles. In addition to that, they also can be used for other purposes including setting of horizontal angles, measurements of optical distances, various leveling tasks and also ranging.

Transit theodolites were developed in the beginning of nineteenth century by American engineers. Their introduction led to replacements of sextant, octant and also railroad compasses, as well as earlier versions of the theodolite. The modern theodolites use the principle that was used by the transit type of theodolite but these have been improved greatly to enhance accuracy. Some of improvements include replacement of engraved plates with glass plates, which are read with light-emitting diodes and this greatly improves the accuracy.

The process of measuring wind lofts has been happening for many years since introduction of theodolites. Both horizontal and vertical angles of pibal balloons are normally measured with help of theodolites. Pibal balloons are also called pilot or ceiling balloons and are mainly used in weather focusing. The completion of development of weather balloons took around a century.

With the help of the balloon, theodolites play a great role in enhancing the calculation of speed and wind direction. This is made easy by the tracking of balloon. Tracking is done by theodolite after balloon is released next to it. This helps in determination of rate of ascent of balloon together with angular attitude. All these observations are very crucial in weather predictions.

A rotary encoder is an electronic device that is used to read the modern types of theodolites. Modern ones also have CCD sensors, which have been placed in the focal plane. This is a great advancement in its operation in that they help the concerned telescope work automatically. With these pieces of equipment, the work of engineers and also that of surveyors has been made accurate and far easier.




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