Surveying is the science and art of making all essential measurements to determine the relative position

of points or physical and cultural details above, on, or beneath the surface of the Earth, and to depict
them in a usable form, or to establish the position of points or details.

surveying instruments in use around the world are the theodolite, measuring tape, total station, 3D
scanners, GPS/GNSS, level and rod. Most instruments screw onto a tripod when in use.

Theodolite

The theodolite is an instrument for the measurement of angles. It uses two separate circles, protractors
or alidades to measure angles in the horizontal and the vertical plane.

The gyrotheodolite is a form of theodolite that uses a gyroscope to orient itself in the absence of
reference marks. It is used in underground applications.

The total station is a development of the theodolite with an electronic distance measurement device
(EDM). A total station can be used for leveling when set to the horizontal plane. Since their introduction,
total stations have shifted from optical-mechanical to fully electronic devices.

Gravimeters

Gravimeter instrumentation for precise geodesy is classed as absolute gravimeters that normally use the
acceleration of an object falling in vacuum or superconducting instruments that measure changes in
gravity on a test mass that is cooled to very low temperatures to minimize the random accelerations
from thermal noise.The gravimeter is the measuring instrument of the gravitational field of Earth at
specific locations. The instrument works on the principle of measuring constant downward acceleration
of gravity. There are two types of gravimeters: absolute and relative. Absolute gravimeters measure the
local gravity in absolute units (Gal)

seismometers

The detectors used for seismic exploration work are called geophones since they are used to ”hear”
echoes from the earth underneath. Sometimes, they are called seismometers but this term is more
often applied to long period seismographs used for recording natural earthquakes.

A borescope is an optical instrument designed to assist visual inspection of narrow, difficult-to-reach

cavities, consisting of a rigid or flexible tube with an eyepiece or display on one end, an objective lens or
camera on the other, linked together by an optical or electrical system in between.

Space telescope – Instrument in space to study astronomical objects.

Spectrometers – Used to measure spectral components of light.

Sundial – Device that tells the time of day by the apparent position of the Sun in the sky.

Telescope – Instrument that makes distant objects appear magnified.

Computers – Automatic general-purpose device for performing arithmetic or logical operations

Plane table

Alidade for sighting (telescopic or simple)

Plumb bob and plumb fork

Compass

Spirit level

Chain

Ranging rods

Tripod

Drawing sheet and drawing tools

Paper clips or screws