Introduction

The theodolite has been in use for many centuries. A theodolite is a high precision instrument for
measuring angles in the horizontal and vertical planes. Theodolites are used mainly for surveying applications,
and have been adapted for specialized purposes in fields like meteorology and rocket launch technology.

Discussion
The use of optic theodolites has been reduced and a more modern or digital theodolite has been commissioned
majorly for use. This has happened because the new digital theodolites can outperform the optical ones in
functions and usability.
The theodolite has many uses that have not changed since its invention
The different uses throughout history of a theodolite are:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

measurement of horizontal angles

measurement of vertical angles,
distance measurement (by tacheometric means),
Measuring Deflection Angles
Measuring Magnetic Bearing
Measuring t lie horizontal distance between two points
Finding the vertical height of an object
Mild difference of elevation between various points
Ranging of a line.

Over time the errors for a theodolite have been developed and recorded. Ways of avoiding errors have been
curbed using certain temporary and permanent adjustments. These are:

The temporary adjustments of the theodolite include:

Entering, levelling, focusing & elimination of parallax;
The permanent adjustments include: collimation error, plate level error, index error, trunnion axis error,
diaphragm error

There are two types of theodolites

1. digital
2. optical or non-digital

Digital
Digital theodolites are convenient because the digital readouts take the place of traditional graduated
circles and this creates more accurate readings.

Optical or non-digital
Non digital theodolites are rarely used anymore. Digital theodolites consist of a telescope that is mounted
on a base, as well as an electronic readout screen that is used to display horizontal and vertical angles.

Theodolites can also be classified by transit:

1. transit theodolite
In the transit theodolite, the telescope can be resolved through a complete revolution about its horizontal axis in
the vertical plane
2. non-transit
In the non-transit theodolite the telescope cannot be resolved through a complete revolution in the
vertical plane

Types of theodolite extended

Vernier or Transit Theodolite

This is most commonly used. In this type of instrument, observations are taken by using the principle of vernier
caliper. The precision of this type of instrument varies in the order of 10" to 20".

(i)

Face left View

Taken from : http://www.zealinternational.com/surveying/images/zi12004.jpg

Digital Theodolite
This type of theodolite provides the value of observation directly in viewing panel. The precision of this type of
instrument varies in the order of 1" to 10".

Figure 20.2 Digital Theodolite

Taken from : http://nptel.ac.in/courses/105107122/modules/module6/html/36.htm

Total Station
This is an electronic instrument. In this instrument, all the parameters required to be observed during surveying
can be obtained .The value of observation gets displayed in a viewing panel. The precision of this type of
instrument varies in the order of 0.1" to 10".

Taken from: http://nptel.ac.in/courses/105107122/modules/module6/html/37.htm

Evolution of optical theodolites

Evolution of digital theodolites

History of theodolite Operation in surveying

The portable surveying instrument that we call a theodolite was invented in the middle of the sixteenth century
by Leonard Digges of Kent, who gave it a name that was expressed in the common Latinate form of the time:
theodelitus.
In the late 1780s, Jesse Ramsden invented a mechanical dividing engine that allowed for higher accuracy and
production of theodolites. This resulted in an increase of theodolite availability and placed England at the front
of the theodolite production industry. Theodolites came to the United States in 1815, on the request of Thomas
Jefferson. Theodolites remained unchanged until the 1950s when electronic distance measurements were
adopted.
The American transit gained popularity during the 19th century. The transit had the ability to "flip" over on its
vertical circle and easily show the exact 180 degree sight to the user. This facilitated the viewing of long straight
lines, such as when surveying the American West.

Modern theodolites

Modern theodolite Nikon DTM-520

In today's theodolites, the reading out of the horizontal and vertical circles is usually done electronically with
a rotary encoder. Aresection solution or free station position surveying and is widely used in mapping
surveying. The instruments, "intelligent" theodolites called self-registering tacheometers or "total stations",
perform the necessary operations, saving data into internal registering units, or into external data storage
devices. Typically, ruggedized laptops or PDAs are used as data collectors for this purpose.

References
Associate Agencies,ahmedabad,gujarat. (2015, february 23). Retrieved from
http://www.surveyinginstrument.in/royal-digital-theodolites.html
encyclopaedia britannia. (2015, february 23). Retrieved from
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/575433/surveying/51758/The-theodolite
http://gslandsurveying.com/. (2015, february 23). Retrieved from http://gslandsurveying.com/history-ofsurveying
johnson. (2015, february 23). Retrieved from http://www.johnsonlevel.com/News/TheodolitesAllAboutTheodo
rachanaenterprises. (2015, february 2015). Retrieved from http://www.rachanaenterprises.com/theodolitesurvey-equipment.html