Kuwait University

College of Engineering & Petroleum

Civil Engineering Department

Construction Survey Monday CE – 236

Report #3 Theodolite
Conducted on: Feb 1st 2021
Submittal Date: Feb 15th 2021
By:
Mohammed AlMutairi
Student ID:
218231453

On my honor I pledge that this work of mine does not violate the University provisions on
academic misconduct. By signing below, I certify that I understand the University Policies on
academic misconduct is committed; all parties involved are in violation.

Signature:
Mohammed
 Contents:
Abstract ……………………………………………………………………………………… 3

Introduction …………………………………………………………………………………. 3

Experiments Objectives …………………………………………………………………….. 3

Theoretical Background ………………………………………..………………………….. 4

Experimental details ………………………………………….……………………………. 4

Result and Discussion …………………………………………..………………………….. 5

Conclusion ……………………………………………………….………………………… 6

Acknowledgment …………………………………………………..……………………… 6

Appendix …………………………………………………………….……………………. 6

References ……………………………………………………………..…………………. 7
 Abstract:
This survey report is about the theodolite uses and information. In this report we will get to
know about the details of taking observations from the points. We will learn, how to do Angle
measurements (horizontal and vertical) because theodolite is used to take these angles
measurements. An equipment adjustment on the field is necessary to know. Every theodolite part
is briefly described here. In any experiments, what will be the procedure of theodolite is briefly
explained here.

Introduction:
It’s an instrument which is used in surveying to measure angles. Angles can be horizontally and
also vertically too. It consists of adjustable legs called tripod, which can move around in both
axes. Theodolite provides the accuracies in measurements. An advanced theodolite becomes a
total station which is also measured angles and distances electronically.
Back to the 16th century, there was an English mathematician named Leonard Digges who used
this to measure angles. But the Basic origin of theodolite is unknown.
Before taking any observations, these four steps should be done.
 Leveling
 Focusing
 Centering and
 Setting
 There was a crosshair in the telescope which allows the object alignment accurately.
(Johnson Level)

Experiments Objectives:
Objectives of this survey project are written in following:

 To learn how accuracy can be maintained in the survey.

 To take precise measurements for survey skill enhancement.

 To ensure that horizontal angles should be set to some other values or set to zero.

 To determine the average line of the survey area.

 To take survey notes in the field book.

 Theoretical Background:
Theodolite word consist of two parts, first one is from the Latin which means to look steadily,
and the second one is from the Greek language which means obvious.
Theodolite measure angles so precisely with its moveable telescope facility; it works on the rays
of light theory. It also has a mechanical system which worked when the telescope fitted on the
ground perfectly. The system will be controlled by the mechanical system. In this system, we
divide the land elevation points in different parts and measure the angle from start to first and so
on. All angles are used in formulas to extract the proper output.
Formulas calculation of the theodolite is time consuming but it’s worth it. With the help of
formulas we calculate flat distances (D), skewed distances (S) and height differences (△H).
Formulas are:
D= [{(ba-bb)-100}*(sin V) ^2]
S= [{(ba-bb)-100}* sin V]
△H = {tan (90-V) *D +IH –TH} coordinate

Experimental Details:
equipment:
There are different types in theodolites which is total station, digital theodolite, vernier or
transit theodolite. Here we used digital theodolite. In this type of instrument, the precision level
varies in order of 1” to 10”. This equipment has leveling head which is the lowermost part of this
instrument. It has two parallel horizontal plates which are separated by the three leveling screws.
The lower plate is called trivet and the upper plate is called tribrach. There is also a vernier frame
also called a t-frame, which provides the vernier reading for vertical angle measurements.
Telescope, vertical circles, altitude bubbles and screws are also the parts of the theodolite.

Procedure:
 First of all we will mark the point at which we need its angle and measurements.
 Tripod height should be balanced to the eye level, therefore we ensured the eye ball
balance.
 We fixed the tripod legs in the ground so that it won’t get a swing.
 The height of the ground and instrument was measured through proper technique.
 According to the leveling knobs we adjust the tripod legs by using the bulls-eyes level.
 When crosshairs are exact on the point, the knobs will be locked by the sides.
 After with the help of viewing scope the horizontal and vertical angles will be noted.
(Johnson Level, 2021).
 All points are measured thoroughly.
 Result and Discussion:
Result:
After whole procedure, now it’s time to take the readings from the points of face left
observation and face right observations. When the vertical circle is on the left of the observer
then it’s called face left and when it’s on the right of the observer, then It’s called face right
observation. These both observations are called sets of observations. With these observations, a
booking table will be created.
From the point A to L the readings are
0° 00’ 00”
From the point B to L the readings are:
20° 30’ 10”
From the point C to L the readings are:
45° 14’ 20”
From the point C to R the readings are:
225° 20’ 40”
From the point B to R the readings are:
200° 34’ 10”
From the point, A to R the readings are:
180° 02’ 20.”

Discussion:
Adjustments table:
With the help of an altitude, bubble theodolite is being set up on the station point. Bubble and
altitude level should be centered, and vertical vernier will be set to exact zero before taking any
measurements. This process will be repeated after changing the face of the instrument.

Internal angle:
We took the readings of the vertical and horizontal points, and the vertical angle is the angle
that is being taken from the zenith or horizon because the horizon is parallel to the earth surface,
and the zenith is perpendicular to the horizon.
The horizontal angle is measured clockwise and also can be counterclockwise. For leveling,
horizontal readings can be evaluated by the theodolite. But the accuracy will be lower. (Miroslav
Stibor, 2013)
 Conclusion:
After getting whole this process, we have become compatible to get the horizontal and
vertical angles from the theodolite, and we become able to use this instrument properly. We now
know how to deal with reading and how to adjust the system properly.

Acknowledgment:
We acknowledge that this report is written by us upon the basis of the land survey which
we did with help of theodolite. We took the measurements fairly and presented properly. We also
acknowledge that this is significant for me and all of that done because of the clear guidance of
our respectable Instructor.

Appendix:
 References:
 Miroslav Stibor. (2013). Surveying course: Measuring angles and directions. Structural-

Analyser.com. https://structural-analyser.com/domains/Surveying/chapter06/

 Johnson Level. (2021). Theodolites | How Does a Theodolite Work | Theodolite vs

Transit | How To Use Theodolites | Johnson Level & Tool Mfg Company.

Www.johnsonlevel.com.

https://www.johnsonlevel.com/News/TheodolitesAllAboutTheodo#:~:text=Digital

%20theodolites%20consist%20of%20a

 CONCLUSION Survey Theodolite | Surveying | Scientific Observation. (n.d.). Scribd.

Retrieved February 15, 2021, from

https://www.scribd.com/doc/202500696/CONCLUSION-Survey-Theodolite#:~:text=We

%20enable%20to%20know%20how

 subha. (2019, May). surveyingnote.

https://surveyingnote.blogspot.com/2019/05/theodolite-types-of-theodolite-survey.html