Diaz Alexis Joy F. - Theodolite

NATIONAL COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Amafel Building, Aguinaldo Highway, Dasmariñas City, Cavite

Tel.No.: (046)416-6278•Telefax: (046)416-0166•Mobile No.: +63918-888-6278
THEODOLITE
SUBMITTED BY:
DIAZ, ALEXIS JOY F.
SUBMITTTED TO:
MS. GLICERIA P. DELA CUESTA

WHAT IS A THEODOLITE?
Theodolite is a precision instrument whose main purpose is for measuring angles in the horizontal and vertical
planes.
The main usage of theodolites is for surveying applications. Furthermore, they are also used for specialized
purposes in fields like metrology and rocket launch technology.
TYPES OF THEODOLITE
There are various kinds of theodolites for different purposes of different constructional works. Usually, four
types of theodolites are uses in site works for different measuring points. Such as-
1. Repeating Theodolite
2. Directional Theodolite
3. Electrical Digital Theodolite
4. Total Station
To clearly saying, theodolites can be also classified into two types
1. Primary Theodolite
2. Electronic Digital Theodolite
THEODOLITE CLASSIFICATION 1
Repeating Theodolite
Repeating theodolites refer to those theodolites which measure angles on a graduated scale. The average of the
angle measure is then derived. This takes place by dividing the total of these readings by the number of readings
which were taken.
The use of repeating theodolites takes place in locations where the base is not steady. Furthermore, their use
also occurs in places where space is too limited. This limited space makes the use of other instruments futile.
Repeating theodolites are certainly more accurate than other types of theodolites. This is because a reduction of
errors takes place here. This is possible due to comparing the values of multiple readings rather than a single
reading.
Directional Theodolite
Direction theodolites refer to those theodolites which determine angles through a circle. Here, a circle is set and
the direction of the telescope is at several signals.
An individual can acquire readings from every direction. The determination of the angle measurements is by
subtracting the first reading from the second reading.
The common usage of direction theodolites is by surveyors in triangulation. Moreover, triangulation is the
process of determining a point by measuring the angles from certain known points on a baseline.
Electrical Digital Theodolite

Naturally interprets and records horizontal and vertical angles. Eliminates the standard reading of scales on
graduated circles
Total Station
The total Station accommodates the functions of a theodolite for measuring angles, an EDM for measuring gaps,
digital data, and information documentation. Examples of Total Stations are the Nikon DTM 801, Topcon, and
Geodimeter 400 series.
THEODOLITE CALSSIFICATION 2
Primary Theodolite
Primary Theodolite can be two types.
 Transit Theodolites: A theodolite is named a transit theodolite once its telescope will be transited i.e.
rotated through a whole revolution regarding its horizontal axis within the vertical plane.
 Non-Transit Theodolite: In this kind, the telescope cannot be transited. They are inferior in utility and
have currently become obsolete.
Electronic Digital Theodolite

This type of theodolite provides the worth of observation directly within the viewing panel. The exactitude of
this sort of instrument varies within the order of 1" to 10". It has also two types.
 Vernier Theodolites: For reading the graduated circle, verniers are used to correct reading of measuring
points and this theodolite is termed as a Vernier theodolite.
 Micrometer Theodolites: A micrometer provides to browse the graduated circle identical be termed as
a Micrometer theodolite.
This Digital theodolite is also known as Modern Theodolite and can perform the following functions:
 Distance measurement
 Angular measurement
 Data processing
 Digital display of point details
 Storing data is an electronic field book
Uses of a Theodolite:
 A theodolite is a measuring instrument, which is used to measure the horizontal and vertical angles.
 A theodolite is used to locate points on a line.
 It is used to find the difference among levels.
 It is used to prolong the survey lines.
 It is used to range the curves.
 A theodolite is also used to set out grades.
 A theodolite is used in Techometric surveying.
Different Parts of Theodolites:

There are several types of theodolites based on their distinctive specifications and function. Each type has a
different mode of operation. However, some fundamental functions are common in all types of theodolites
inherently. In this article, we will discuss the parts of a Vernier Theodolite, because it is the most common type
of theodolite, widely used in all sorts of surveying all over the world. The salient parts of a vernier theodolite
are as follow:
Leveling Head:
The top leveling Head of a theodolite is its lowermost part, which consists of two parallel and horizontal panels
that are separated by screws. These screws are known as the traveling screws. In the lower plate, there is a large
thread-hole in the center. This thread hole is called trivel or foot-plate. It enables the instrument to be installed
on the tripod stand and get it screwed. The central aperture of trivel gives a way for hanging a plumb bob. There
is a tribrach in the form of a plate in the upper part of the head. There is a tapered-bearing at the center of the
tribrach. It has three arms. Each carries a leveling screw. It gives support to the upper portion of the instrument.
The main objective of the leveling head is to provide a balanced level to the instrument.
The Shifting Head:

The shifting head of a theodolite consists of a pair of horizontal-plates and one annular treaded ring. One of the
plates is installed beneath the lower plate but above the tribrach and the other plate is placed above the tribrach
and below the upper plate. The annular treaded ring is also put above lower plate and below the tribrach. The
annular treaded ring is used to tighten and untighten the whole of the instrument. After the completion of the
leveling, the shifting head of the theodolite is used for the exact centering of the instrument.
The Lower Plate:

The lower plate is a horizontal circular plate monolithically constructed with an outer spindle. A scale is
engraved at its beveled edge with divisions in degrees and minutes increasing in a clockwise direction. It
provides the main scale reading of a horizontal angle and a means to fix or unfix the whole of the instrument.
The Upper Plate:

It is a horizontal circular plate monolithically constructed with the inner spindle. It is fitted with two
diametrically opposite vernier scales designated as A and B. Functions of upper plates are to support a pair of
magnifiers for the verniers, a pair of plate levels, a pair of support frames for the telescope, and a means to fix
or unfix the upper plate of the instrument with its lower plate.
The Plate Levels:

A pair of tube-levels is placed horizontally at the right angle above the upper plate to determine the vertical axis
of the instrument. The identification of the vertical axis is made for the sake of leveling the instrument.
The Standard (or a Frame):

Two standards resembling the letter A are attached on the upper plate. This provides the bearings of the pivots
of the telescope allowing it to rotate on its trunnion axis in the vertical plane. The vernier frame and arm of
vertical circle clamp are also attached to it.
The Vernier Frame:

Also called T-frame or index frame, consists of a vertical leg known as clipping arm and a horizontal bar called
the index arm engraved with verniers C and D at its ends. Each of the verniers at C and D are having two scales
that increase in opposite directions. It is used as a seat for altitude bubble and also provides vernier reading for
vertical angle measurement
The Telescope:
The telescope of a theodolite is identical in structure and uses, as in the case of a dumpy level. But, in theodolite,
the telescope is mounted on a horizontal spindle called the horizontal axis or the trunnion axis to rotate it also in
the vertical plane.
The Vertical Circle:

The vertical circle is attached to the trunnion axis. It is engraved with a scale reading vertical angle in degrees
and minutes. The vertical circle is divided into four quadrants each reading 0°to 90°with 0°- 0°either along
vertical or in horizontal. It provides the main scale reading for the vertical angles.
The Altitude Bubble:

A sensitive level tube placed on the vernier frame is called an altitude bubble. It is used to make the horizontal
axis truly horizontal.
The Screws:
A theodolite instrument has number of screws as its component parts. These are classified into different types
depending on their functions.
 Leveling Screws: These are present in the leveling head of a theodolite in between trivet and tribrach.
These work in threaded holes in the tribrach arms and their lower ends rest in recesses in the trivet.
These screws are used for leveling the instrument i.e., to make plate level axis truly horizontal.
 Lower plate Clamp Screw: The clamp screw attached to the lower plate of a theodolite is called lower
plate clamp screw. When it is tightened, the outer spindle gets fixed with the tribrach, and, thus, the
lower plate gets fixed in position.
 Upper plate Clamp Screw: The clamp screw attached with the upper plate of a theodolite is called upper
plate clamp screw. When it is tightened, the inner spindle gets fixed with the outer spindle and, thus, the
upper plate gets fixed in position. The manipulation of the upper plate and lower plate clamp screws
provide three conditions:
 When both the upper plate clamp screw and the lower plate clamp screw are tightened, the instrument
gets fully fixed.
 When the upper plate clamp screw is tightened and the lower plate clamp screw is opened, the
instrument rotates on its outer axis, there is no relative motion between the two plate and the readings in
the horizontal vernier scales do not change.
 When the lower plate clamp screw is tightened, and the upper plate is opened, the instrument rotates on
the inner axis with outer axis fixed. The readings in the horizontal vernier scales change.
Vertical plate Clamp Screw:

It is present on a frame fixed with standard and above the shaft of trunnion axis. It is used to clamp the
telescope in any plane and hence at any desired vertical angle.
Tangent Screws:
With each clamping screw, there is a tangent screw present in the instrument to provide fine movement. The
tangent screws work only after its clamping screws get tightened. Thus when the upper clamp screw has been
tightened, small movement of the upper plate can be made by the upper tangent screw; when the lower clamp
screw has been tightened, small movement of the lower plate can be made by the lower tangent screw and
similarly for vertical clamp screw.
The Tripod Stand:

Tripod stand is a stand with three shaft-legs. The theodolite is mounted on the stand in a fixed manner. The head
of the stand has motile bearings which smoothly move the theodolite around without misplacing. The legs of the
tripod can be moved apart and closed, so as to move the theodolite up and down. The level of the theodolite can
be fixed with the help of the legs of the tripod stand.

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NATIONAL COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Amafel Building, Aguinaldo Highway, Dasmariñas City, Cavite

DIAZ, ALEXIS JOY F.

MS. GLICERIA P. DELA CUESTA

To clearly saying, theodolites can be also classified into two types

Electrical Digital Theodolite

Electronic Digital Theodolite

Different Parts of Theodolites:

The Shifting Head:

The Lower Plate:

The Upper Plate:

The Plate Levels:

The Standard (or a Frame):

The Vernier Frame:

The Vertical Circle:

The Altitude Bubble:

Vertical plate Clamp Screw:

The Tripod Stand:

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