CMgt2340 Surveying

Chapter 5 Open-faced transit, Vernier readings and Theodolites

Angular Measurement Terms

Optical Plummet Theodolite Plumb Bob Transit Theodolite Precision instrument Transit Repeating instrument Vernier Shorter scale on top of a longer scale used to measure angles

Uses of Transits and Theodolites

Accurate measurement or layout of horizontal and vertical angles

Low order differential leveling

Prolonging straight lines

Major Parts of a Transit

Alidade
Horizontal

Circle Assembly Leveling Head Assembly

Transits Versus Theodolites

Transits
Repeating instruments, 4 screw, plumb bob and string, vial level on telescope, metal hor./vert. circles with verniers inscribed, and rotation of instrument occurs on a brass spindle rather than ball bearings

Theodolites
Precision instruments, 3 leveling screws, optical plummet, fisheye level on leveling head, Shorter telescope, smaller graduations on verniers if not electronic

Major Types of Verniers

Direct or single Double or double direct Folded Vernier

Reading Double Vernier Transits

Clockwise (Angle Right) ReadingFind the zero mark on the vernier. Find the set of numbers on the bottom scale that increase going right to left.

Reading Double Vernier Transits

Clockwise (Angle Right) ReadingDetermine the last known mark going right to left on the bottom scale (57 degrees and just past 30 minutes).

Reading Double Vernier Transits

Clockwise (Angle Right) ReadingMoving left on the vernier from zero, find the vernier line that vertically aligns with a scale mark. These two marks should be framed by two vernier marks right inside two scale marks.

Reading Double Vernier Transits

Clockwise (Angle Right) ReadingAdd these minutes to the original reading (57d 30m + 7m = 57 d 37m).

Reading Double Vernier Transits

Counter-Clockwise (Angle Left) Reading-\

Find the zero mark on the vernier. Find the set of numbers on the bottom scale that increase going left to right.

Reading Double Vernier Transits

Counter-Clockwise (Angle Left) ReadingDetermine the last known mark going left to right on the bottom scale (302 degrees).

Reading Double Vernier Transits

Counter-Clockwise (Angle Left) ReadingMoving right on the vernier from zero, find the vernier line that vertically aligns with a scale mark. These two marks should be framed by two vernier marks right inside two scale marks.

Reading Double Vernier Transits

Counter-Clockwise (Angle Left) ReadingAdd these minutes to the original reading (302 degrees 23 minutes).

Typical Mistakes in Reading Verniers

Not using a magnifying glass. Reading the wrong direction from zero. Failing to read directly on the line.

Setting up a Transit

1. Remove transit from its case. Hold it by its standards, never by its telescope. 2. Place on tripod. Screw leveling head on tripod snuggly while holding instrument with one hand. 3. Place instrument roughly over the desired point and adjust the legs of the tripod so that 1) the instrument is at a convenient height, and 2) the tripod plate is nearly level. 4. Tighten the wing nuts on the tripod legs when in position. 5. Secure a plumb bob to the plumb bob chain and hook slightly over desired point.

Setting up a Transit

6. Slowly secure the tripod legs into the ground without jarring the instrument. 7. Loosen two adjacent leveling screws slightly to release tension so that the transit can be shifted laterally until it is precisely over the point. Then retighten the same two screws. 8. Center the leveling tubes or plate levels directly over two opposite leveling screws by rotating the alidade. 9. Begin adjusting the level bubble by turning the two (opposite) leveling screws that are directly beneath the level vial. Proper tension is important at this stage. Leave the screws firmly secure but not bound.

Setting up a Transit

10. Duplicate this procedure using the two remaining leveling screws and the opposite level vial. 11. Repeat the leveling steps a second or third time to eliminate any minor adjustments to the level bubbles. 12. Once the instrument is accurately leveled, the screws may be loosened slightly and the leveling head shifted to position the plumb bob point directly over the desired point of setup. Care must be taken if this is done. It can be shifted right or left but not turned on the leveling head. Any leveling screw must be retightened back to its original point.

Measuring Angles in the Field

1. After setting the instrument over the first point, set the scales to zero.
A. Loosen both the upper and lower motion clamps. B. Hold the alidade stationary, and revolve the circle by pushing on the circle underside with the fingertips. C. When zero is close to the index point of the vernier, tighten the upper clamp. D. With a magnifying glass, slowly turn the upper tangent screw until the zeros are precisely in line.

Measuring Angles in the Field

2. Sight the initial point (backsight).

A. With the upper clamp tightened and the lower clamp loose, turn and point the telescope towards the initial point. B. Once relatively close to the desired position, tighten the lower clamp. C. While observing the point through the telescope, slowly turn the lower tangent screw until precisely in line with the initial point.

Measuring Angles in the Field

3. Turn the horizontal angle.

A. Loosen the upper clamp and turn the telescope clockwise or counter-clockwise toward the final point (foresight). B. When point is close to the vertical cross hair, tighten the upper clamp. C. Slowly turn the upper tangent screw until the vertical cross hair is precisely in position.

Measuring Angles in the Field

4. Read the angle.

A. Observe the vernier and determine the angle using a magnifying glass. B. Record the value in the field book in the appropriate column.

Measuring Angles in the Field

5. Repeat the angle.

A. After the initial angle has been recorded, plunge or invert the telescope. B. Loosen the lower motion and sight the initial point or original backsight point. C. Tighten the lower clamp. D. Repeat steps 5 and 6 except that the telescope is now inverted and the initial horizontal angle setting is that of the initial angle. E. Record the doubled angle in the appropriate column.

Recording Angles in the Field Book

References Cited
Examples and step by step tutorials were copied directly from the following: Mid-America Vocational Curriculum Consortium, Inc., Basic Surveying Technology, Stillwater, OK: Oklahoma State Department of Vocational Technical Education, 1987