Chapter 7 Theodolite Survey

UNIT 6:THEODOLITE
SURVEYING
So far we have been measuring horizontal
angles by using a Compass with respect to meridian,
which is less accurate and also it is not possible to
measure vertical angles with a Compass.
So when the objects are at a considerable
distance or situated at a considerable elevation or
depression ,it becomes necessary to measure horizontal
and vertical angles more precisely. So these
measurements are taken by an instrument known as a
theodolite.
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THEODOLITE SURVEYING
The system of surveying in which the angles are

measured with the help of a theodolite, is called
Theodolite surveying.
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THEODOLITE
The Theodolite is a most accurate surveying
instrument mainly used for :
• Measuring horizontal and vertical angles.
•Finding difference of level.
•Ranging curves.
•Find distances indirectly (Tacheometry).
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TRANSIT VERNIER THEODOLITE
THEODOLITE
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SURVEYING 5
Fig. Details if Upper & Lower Plates.
THEODOLITE
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SURVEYING 6
THEODOLITE
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SURVEYING 7
CLASSIFICATION OF THEODOLITES
Theodolites may be classified as ;
i) Transit Theodolite.
ii) Non Transit Theodolite.
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CLASSIFICATION OF THEODOLITES
A. Transit Theodolite: A theodolite is called a transit

theodolite when its telescope can be transited i.e
revolved through a complete revolution about its
horizontal axis in the vertical plane, whereas in a-
Non-Transit type, the telescope cannot be
transited. They are inferior in utility.
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TERMS USED IN MANIPULATING A TRANSIT VERNIER THEODOLITE.
1.Centering : Centering means setting the

theodolite exactly over an instrument- station
so that its vertical axis lies immediately above
the station- mark. It can be done by means of
plumb bob suspended from a small hook
attached to the vertical axis of the theodolite
or by using the optical plummet.
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TERMS USED IN MANIPULATING A
TRANSIT VERNIER THEODOLITE.
2. Transiting :
Transiting is also known as plunging or
reversing. It is the process of turning the
telescope about its horizontal axis through 180 0
in the vertical plane thus bringing it upside
down and making it point , exactly in opposite
direction.
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3. Swinging the telescope

It means turning the telescope about its
vertical axis in the horizontal plane.
A swing is called right or left according as the
telescope is rotated clockwise or counter
clockwise.
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4. Face Left
If the vertical circle of the instrument is on
the left side of the observer while taking a
reading ,the position is called the face left and
the observation taken on the horizontal or
vertical circle in this position, is known as the
face left observation
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5. Face Right
If the vertical circle of the instrument is on
the right side of the observer while taking a
reading ,the position is called the face right and
the observation taken on the horizontal or
vertical circle in this position, is known as the
face right observation.
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6. Changing Face
It is the operation of bringing the vertical circle to
the right of the observer ,if originally it is to the left ,
and vice – versa.
It is done in two steps; Firstly revolve the telescope
through 1800 in a vertical plane and then rotate it
through 1800 in the horizontal plane i.e first transit the
telescope and then swing it through 1800.
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7. Line of Collimation
DIAPHRAGM
LINE OF
COLLIMATION
TELESCOPE
It is also known as the line of sight .It is an

imaginary line joining the intersection of the
cross- hairs of the diaphragm to the optical
centre of the object- glass and its continuation.
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8. Axis of the telescope
OBJECT GLASS
AXIS OF THE TELESCOPE

.
TELESCOPE
It is also known an imaginary line joining the

optical centre of the object- glass to the centre
of eye piece.
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9. Vertical Axis
It is the axis about which the telescope can be
rotated in the horizontal plane.
10. Horizontal Axis
It is the axis about which the telescope can be
rotated in the vertical plane.
It is also called the trunnion axis.
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ADJUSTMENT OF A THEODOLITE
The adjustments of a theodolite are of two kinds :-

1. Permanent Adjustments.
2. Temporary Adjustments.
1) Permanent adjustments: The permanent
adjustments are made to establish the relationship
between the fundamental lines of the theodolite and ,
once made , they last for a long time. They are
essential for the accuracy of observations.
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1. Permanent adjustments: The permanent
adjustments in case of a transit theodolites are :-
i) Adjustment of Horizontal Plate Levels. The axis of
the plate levels must be perpendicular to the vertical
axis.
ii) Collimation Adjustment. The line of collimation
should coincide with the axis of the telescope.
iii) Horizontal axis adjustment. The horizontal axis
must be perpendicular to the vertical axis.
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2. Temporary Adjustment
The temporary adjustments are made at each set up
of the instrument before we start taking
observations with the instrument. There are three
temporary adjustments of a theodolite:-
i) Centering.
ii) Levelling.
iii) Focussing.
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MEASUREMENT OF HORIZONTAL ANGLES:
There are three methods of measuring horizontal

angles:-
i) Ordinary Method.
ii) Repetition Method.
iii) Reiteration Method.
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i) Ordinary Method. To measure horizontal angle AOB:-
A B
o
HORIZONTAL ANGLE AOB
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ii) Repetition Method.
A B
o
HORIZONTAL ANGLE AOB
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iii) Reiteration Method.
A
B
C
o
D
Reiteration Method
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MEASUREMENT OF VERTICAL ANGLES:
Vertical Angle : A vertical angle is an angle between the

inclined line of sight and the horizontal. It may be an
angle of elevation or depression according as the object is
above or below the horizontal plane.
A
A
AOB= α + β
B
α AOB= α - β
α
HORI. LINE β HORI. LINE
O O
O HORI. LINE β
β
Fig. b α Fig. c
Fig.a B B
VERTICAL ANGLE
A
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HOME ASSIGNMENT
Q1. Enumerate the temporary and permanent adjustments

of a theodolite.
Q2. What are various methods used in measuring horizontal
angles and when?
Q3. Define following :-
i) Swinging the telescope.
ii) Plunging or reversing.
iii) Changing face.
iv) Face left.
v) Face right.
Q4. Draw a neat sketch of theodolite and name all the parts.
Q5. What are fundamental lines of a theodolite.
13/12/21 27

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UNIT 6:THEODOLITE

The system of surveying in which the angles are

Fig. Details if Upper & Lower Plates.

A. Transit Theodolite: A theodolite is called a transit

1.Centering : Centering means setting the

3. Swinging the telescope

It is also known as the line of sight .It is an

AXIS OF THE TELESCOPE

It is also known an imaginary line joining the

The adjustments of a theodolite are of two kinds :-

There are three methods of measuring horizontal

Vertical Angle : A vertical angle is an angle between the

Q1. Enumerate the temporary and permanent adjustments

Q5. What are fundamental lines of a theodolite.

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