Thursday, May 14, 2015

Theodolites: Which One Do You Need?

By Carey Bourdier


Theodolites, as you may know, are important optical instruments used by surveyors and other types of engineers. The theodolite is used to measure angles and can do so in both the vertical and horizontal planes. While theodolites have long been known as helpful tools for many types of surveying, they also are used by meteorologists and aerospace engineers.

If you are in the market for a theodolite, it is important to note that there are several different types of theodolites. For instance, a telemetering theodolite is an optical instrument that is often used to calibrate navigation aids used by the Federal Aviation Administration. This includes the VORTAC and TACAN navigational aids, as well as instrument landing systems or ISL.

Another type of theodolite is called an observation theodolite, and sometimes these are called pilot balloon observation theodolites or pibal theodolites. However, there are observation theodolites that would not be classified as a pibal theodolite. At any rate, these theodolites can be used to measure angles of elevation and degrees of azimuth. This theodolite can be a permanent fixture or movable, depending on the type, and many offer illumination so they can be used at night. These theodolites are used in regards to moving objects such as aircraft, stars, weather balloons and ships.

When you think about meteorology, you probably are thinking about tools such as radar and barometers or thermometers and weather balloons. However, there are theodolites designed specifically for meteorological tasks. These will record both elevation angles as well as azimuth. These can be used to track a weather balloon and then used to determine wind speed and wind direction.

Generally, the transit theodolite is the one with which people tend to be the most familiar. These are used for hundreds of different surveying and engineering tasks. This includes determining land boundaries and in many types of construction engineering. A transit theodolite can be used to ensure that roads, bridges, railways and skyscrapers are well constructed and safe.

A total station or total station theodolite is another product that you might need. This electronic optical instrument includes an electronic distance meter or EDM as well as an electronic transit theodolite. Mining engineers typically utilize the total station as their main surveying tool, as these instruments provide highly precise underground measurements. However, the total station also is used for other types of construction engineering.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment