University of Technology, Jamaica

Faculty of Built Environment

Geometry of the Theodolite

Presenter: Trecia Williams, Msc. (Distinction)

February 23, 2021
Geometric Relationship of a theodolite

Plate Bubble

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Geometric Relationship of a theodolite
1. Main axis (vertical axis) perpendicular to the horizontal circle.
2. Main axis perpendicular to the plate bubble
3. Main axis perpendicular to the horizontal axis (transit/tilting/trunnion
axis)
4. Main axis, horizontal axis and line of sight should pass through a
common point
5. Horizontal axis perpendicular to the vertical circle
6. Horizontal axis should pass through point where vertical circle
graduations radiate from
7. Main axis should pass through point where horizontal circle
graduations radiate from
8. Indices of vertical circle should be parallel to the line of sight
9. Line of sight perpendicular to the transit axis
10. Line of sight should maintain the same position with a change of
focus.
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Effects of the theodolite not being in
perfect adjustment
➢ Plate Level not in adjustment
a) The purpose of levelling a theodolite is to make its vertical axis coincide
with the vertical through the instrument.

b) If the plate level is not in adjustment, its axis is not perpendicular to the
vertical axis and it is possible that when the instrument appears to be level
and the plate level bubble is centred, the vertical axis is titled.

c) Detected and compensated for when levelling the instrument during the
temporary station adjustment procedure.

d) The error in the hz angle caused by the theodolite not being level is
proportional to the tangent of the vertical angle of the line of sight.

e) Consequently, it is important to ensure that the theodolite is carefully

levelled for any steep sightings
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Effects of the theodolite not being in
perfect adjustment
➢ Horizontal Collimation Error
a) Error occurs when the line of sight is not perpendicular to the tilting axis.

b) Detected by taking face left and face right hz circle readings to the same
point – if these do not differ by exactly 180 degrees, the theodolite has a
horizontal collimation error.

c) The error is removed by taking the average of the FL and FR reading to any
given point and by taking the mid point when setting out angles on both
faces.

d) For best results it is also necessary to keep the telescope at similar

elevations when observing.

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Effects of the theodolite not being in
perfect adjustment
➢ The horizontal axis not being perpendicular to the vertical axis

a) If the tilting axis of the theodolite is not perpendicular to the vertical axis, it
will not be horizontal when the theodolite is levelled.

b) Since the telescope rotates about the tilting axis it will not move in a
vertical plane, which will give a rise to errors in measured horizontal
angles.

c) As with the hz collimation error , this error is removed by taking the

average of the FL and FR reading and by setting out on 2 faces.

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Effects of the theodolite not being in
perfect adjustment
➢ Vertical Collimation/ Vertical Circle Index Error

a) When a theodolite is levelled, it is assumed that the automatic vertical

circle index normally sets the vertical circle to read 0 degrees at the zenith
such that 90 degrees is horizontal on FL and 270 degrees is horizontal on
FR.

b) To detect this error, the same point is sighted on FL and FR and the vertical
circle readings taken – when added these should be exactly 360 degrees or
a vertical collimation error is present.

c) The VCE is cancelled by taking the mean of the FL and FR readings after
reducing them.

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Effects of the theodolite not being in
perfect adjustment
➢ Plummet
a) The plummet is an important part of the theodolite and accurate results
cannot be obtained for hz angles if it is out of adjustment.

b) The line of collimation of plummet must coincide with the vertical axis of
the theodolite, and to check if this is in adjustment the following test is
carried out:
1. If the plummet is mounted on the upper part of the instrument and can be
rotated about the vertical axis secure a piece of paper on the ground below
the instrument and make a mark where the plummet intersects it. Rotate the
theodolite through 180 degrees and make a second mark – if the mark
coincide, the plummet is in adjustment. If not, the correct position of the
plummet axis is given by a point midway between the 2 marks.

➢ It is difficult to adjust the plummet precisely under site conditions, it is best

to return the instrument to the supplier if it needs adjusting.
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Geometric Relationship of a theodolite
➢ The theodolite will only yield good results if the geometric
relationships are met or if it is used in a manner to counteract any
shortcomings in the geometry. The good quality results that is desired
can be achieved if the following adjustments are executed.
➢ Temporary Adjustments
1. Setting up and centring
2. Levelling
3. Focussing
➢ Permanent Adjustments
1. Plate Level
2. Horizontal Collimation
3. Diaphragm/ Cross-hairs
4. Vertical Collimation
5. Adjustment of the Transit/Trunnion Axis

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Temporary Station Adjustments
➢ This process involves the following operations which must be
executed for the instrument to attain the geometric relationship
necessary for the measurement of angles. These adjustments are
necessary every time the theodolite is to be used.

➢ Setting up and Centring :-

1. With a plumb-bob
2. Without a plumb-bob

➢ Setting up :
1. Open the tripod legs sufficient enough for the instrument to be stable.
2. Assure that the station mark is located directly beneath the centre
hole in the tripod head.
3. Firmly press the tripod leg points into the ground.
4. Level the tripod head (i.e. the top surface of the tripod).
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Temporary Station Adjustments
5. Fasten firmly the thumb screws/clamps on the tripod legs.
6. Remove the instrument from the case, noting how it was secured,
place it on the tripod head and insert the tripod mounting screw into
the centre hole of the instrument’s trivet stage and tighten.

➢ Centring:
1. Looking through the optical plummet. Align the station point image
with the centre mark of the reticle by moving the legs of the tripod.
2. Slightly loosen the tripod mounting screw. Supporting the outer side
of the tribrach with both hands, carefully slide the instrument about
on the tripod head until the cross hairs is directly over the centre of
the station mark.
3. Confirm the alignment by viewing from two directions at right angles
to each other.

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Temporary Station Adjustments
➢ Levelling
1. While supporting the tripod head with one hand loosen the tripod leg
clamps and adjust the lengths of the legs to centre the bubble in the
circular/bulls-eye level.
2. Tighten the tripod leg clamps.

➢ Using the plate level proceed to the levelling procedure.

1. Loosen the upper plate clamp. Rotate the alidade to position the plate
level parallel to any two footscrews – Position 1.
2. Using the two screws simultaneously move the bubble to the centre
of its run by turning the foot screws in such a manner, where your
thumb is either both going inwards or both going outwards. NB: the
bubble always move in the direction of the left thumb.
3. Rotate the alidade through 90º and move the bubble to the centre of
its run using the third foot screw – Position 2.
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Temporary Station Adjustments
4. Rotate the alidade back to position 1 and check the bubble, repeat
steps 2 and 3 if necessary.
5. Rotate the alidade through 180º to the first position (position 3) and
180º to the 2nd position (position 4). If the bubble remains in the entre
of its run levelling is complete.
6. If the bubble does not remain centred it can be set properly bringing
the bubble halfway back using the foot screws. For example, if when
the bubble is at position 3 and 4 it is off centre by 2 divisions, return
the alidade to the first position and the bubble can now be set
properly by turning the foot screws until the bubble is only 1 division
off centre.
7. The bubble should remain in this off-centre position as the telescope
is rotated, indicating the instrument is in fact levelled.
8. To permanently adjust the plate level, the Plate Level Adjustment
should be done.
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Temporary Station Adjustments
➢ Focussing
1. Is the process of eliminating parallax and bringing the target image
into focus and aligning the said image with the centre hair of the
diaphragm/cross-hairs.
2. Direct the telescope to a blank area such as the sky or a piece of
paper or your hand middle. Looking through the eyepiece rotate the
eyepiece (or diopter ring) to bring the cross-hairs into sharp focus.
3. Rotate the telescope focussing ring to bring the targets image into
focus on the cross-hairs.
4. Move your eye vertically and also laterally to see if the target image
moves in relation to the cross-hairs. If they do not move relative to
each other, there is no parallax. If it moves rotate the telescope
focussing ring to eliminate the parallax or refocus the eyepiece.

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Permanent Station Adjustments
➢ This process involves checking the following operations before
deciding if the instrument is within the safe limits for attaining the
geometric relationship necessary for the measurement of angles. If
the errors are large adjustments will be necessary.

➢ Plate Level Adjustment

1. Set up and level the instrument as described in the temporary
adjustment.
2. At the stage where you rotate the instrument’s alidade through 180º.
Check to see if the bubble remains in the centre of the vial. If a
displacement is detected the bubble is in need of adjustment. NB:-
the direction and size of the displacement.
3. Re-level the instrument using ½ of the displacement as the true
equilibrium position. Check if the bubble remains in this equilibrium
position, in all position around a revolution of the alidade. IF YES.
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Permanent Station Adjustments
Use the plate level capstan screw to bring the bubble to the centre of its
run. Recheck and repeat if necessary. NB: Perfectly precise work can be
done with a mal–adjusted bubble provided it is not far off centre.

➢ Optical Plummet
1. Place a thick sheet of paper marked with an ‘X’, on the ground below
the reticle mark of the optical plummet.
2. Rotate the alidade approximately 180º. If the marked image is seen in
the same position in the centre of the reticle. No adjustment is
required.
3. If any displacement is detected the plummet needs adjustment. This
adjustment varies depending on the manufacturer of the instrument.

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Permanent Station Adjustments
➢ Collimation Adjustment:- (Line of sight Adjustment)

➢ Horizontal Collimation: Line of sight perpendicular to the

Transit/Horizontal Axis
1. Choose a level stretch of ground 180-240m long, set up the
theodolite midway and execute the temporary adjustment.
2. Observe to an object ‘A’ at one end of the ground approx. 90m away.
Ensure that the upper & lower plates of the theodolite is clamped.
3. Transit the telescope and mark a point ‘C’, that coincides with the
vertical hair at the other end of the ground 90m away. (Ideally the
points being observed should beat approximately at the same height
as the H.I. of the theodolite).
4. Unclamp the upper plate, rotate the alidade and re-intersect the point
‘A’. Re-clamp the upper plate.

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Permanent Station Adjustments
5. Transit the telescope and you should be viewing the point ‘C’
coincident with the vertical hair of the diaphragm/cross-hairs. If not
the instrument has a horizontal collimation error. Mark the point ‘D’
that coincides with the vertical hair, at the same distance as ‘C’.
6. Measure CD an mark the midpoint ‘E’, (CE=DE). Also mark the
point ‘F’ so that DF = EF = ¼ CD.
7. Using the cross-hair adjusting screws, move the graticule
horizontally until the vertical hair intersects point ‘F’. NB: This is
achieved by first slightly loosening the upper and lower diaphragm
screws equal amounts. Then using the two horizontal screws with
equal motions until the vertical hair intersects point ‘F’.
8. Transit the telescope and re-intersect ‘A’ using the slow motion screw
or either the upper or lower plate.

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Permanent Station Adjustments
9. Transit the telescope, the vertical hair should exactly intersect point
‘E’. If not the entire process is repeated until this condition is
achieved.
➢ Since the diaphragm was moved in the test and adjustment above, the
next adjustment 4b must also be done.
➢ Diaphragm/ Cross Hair Adjustment:- The vertical hair must be in a
plane perpendicular to the transit axis and the horizontal hair must be
truly horizontal.
1. Execute the temporary adjustment of the theodolite.
2. Set the vertical hair on to a well-defined point and move the
telescope in a vertical plane. If the object remains on the vertical hair,
no adjustment is necessary.
3. If the hair moves off the object, ease (slightly loosen) the diaphragm
screws

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Permanent Station Adjustments
9. Transit the telescope, the vertical hair should exactly intersect point
‘E’. If not the entire process is repeated until this condition is
achieved.

➢ Since the diaphragm was moved in the test and adjustment above, the
next adjustment 4b must also be done.

➢ Diaphragm/ Cross Hair Adjustment:- The vertical hair must be in a

plane perpendicular to the transit axis and the horizontal hair must be
truly horizontal.
1. Execute the temporary adjustment of the theodolite.
2. Set the vertical hair on to a well-defined point and move the
telescope in a vertical plane. If the object remains on the vertical hair,
no adjustment is necessary.

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Permanent Station Adjustments
3. If the hair moves off the object, ease (slightly loosen) the diaphragm
screws and rotate the diaphragm until the vertical hair remains on the
object when the telescope is tilted. Tighten all screws and repeat the
test.

➢ Vertical Collimation (Index Error Adjustment) – (To ensure the

vertical angle read on one face is correct i.e. 0º or 90º on some
instruments)
1. Set the theodolite approximately 100m from a white wall, post or
vertically held staff. Perform the temporary adjustment of the
instrument.
2. Bring the altitude level bubble to the centre of its run and set the
vertical circle to read exactly 0º or 90º on some instruments, (when
the line of sight is horizontal) OR

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Permanent Station Adjustments
3. Make a fine pin point ‘A’ on the white surface where the horizontal
hair falls or read the staff.
4. Transit the telescope and repeat step 2 above. If the horizontal hair
intersects the marked pin point in 3 above. No adjustment is
necessary. If it does not, make another fine pin point mark ‘B’ or take
another staff reading.
5. Measure the distance between both marks and put in another mark
‘C’ at the mid-point of the distance or note the midway staff reading.
NB: The procedure from here is dependent on the instrument being
tested.
6. Use the vertical slow motion screw and bring the horizontal hair on
to the mid point mark ‘C’. This will throw the reading off its
horizontal reading 0º or 90º.
7. Using the altitude level setting screw bring the circle reading back to
0º and then using the altitude level adjusting screw bring the bubble
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Permanent Station Adjustments
back to the centre of its run.

➢ Transit/Trunion Axis Adjustment:- To ensure the transit axis is

perpendicular to the Vertical Axis also known as the SPIRE TEST.

1. Set up and the instrument about 30m from a tall building and
execute the temporary adjustment.
2. Place a white card or lay a level staff in a horizontal position at the
foot of the building.
3. Sight to an elevated point on the building and clamp the upper and
lower plates.
4. Depress the telescope to sight the card or staff, mark the vertical hair
position on the card or note the reading on the staff.

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Permanent Station Adjustments
5. Transit the telescope and re-observe the elevated point on the
building, make sure the upper and lower plates are clamped and
depress the telescope to sight the card. If the mark on the card
coincides with the vertical hair or the staff reading is identical as
before. No adjustment is required.
6. If adjustment is required, point the telescope to the mean position of
themarks on the card or the mean of the staff readings.
7. Elevate the telescope to the altitude of the point on the building.
Lower or raise one end of the transit axis with the adjustment screws
until the cross-hairs intersect the point.
8. OR at 6, Raise or lower one end of the transit axis until the mid-point
position is intersected on the card or the staff, repeat steps 1– 5 and
check the adjustments.

➢ NB:- Modern instruments do not carry any screws to effect this

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Permanent Station Adjustments
adjustment. Any slight errors existing after the manufacturing of the
instrument and the manufacturers adjustments, is eliminated by
observing on both faces.

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References
➢ Edmund R. A. Ingram C.L.S. (2017), Lecture notes on Geometry of
the Theodolite and Adjustments, Lecturer (Surveying), University of
Technology, Jamaica

➢ Uren, J., Price, B., (2010), Surveying for Engineers 5th Edition,
Palgrave Macmillan.

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Thank You!