ANGLE

MEASUREMENT TOOLS
OBJECTIVES
To identify the different angle measuring tools used in
1
elementary surveying

To understand the basic functions and purposes of each

2
tool

To appreciate the importance of accuracy and precision in

3
angle measurement for real-world surveying applications.
 THEODOLITE

A surveying instrument used for measuring

horizontal and vertical angles.

The first theodolite is generally attributed to

Leonard Digges, an English mathematician, who
likely invented it around 1550.
THEODOLITE
 THEODOLITE

Theodolite technology uses a mounted

telescope, graduated circles, and leveling
mechanisms to measure horizontal and vertical
angles precisely, often utilizing a spirit (bubble)
level, an optical plummet for alignment, and a
tripod for stability.
 THEODOLITE

Measurement Capabilities

Angles: Measures horizontal & vertical

angles with high precision

Positioning: Determines object positions &

maps areas.
 THEODOLITE
Sources of Error
1. Instrumental Errors
Collimation error (telescope misaligned)
Horizontal axis error (axes not perpendicular)
Vertical circle index error (circle not aligned to gravity)
2. Personal Errors
Reading mistakes
Improper leveling & centering
3. Natural Errors
Temperature effects (expansion/contraction)
Atmospheric refraction (light bending)
Wind (instrument vibration)
 SET UP OF THEODOLITE

Set up – Place the theodolite on the tripod over the survey point.
Center – Make sure it is exactly above the point (using plumb
bob/optical plummet).
Level – Adjust the screws until the bubble is centered.
Focus – Look through the telescope and make the target clear.
Measure
→
Horizontal angle turn telescope from one point to another.
Vertical angle→ aim at the object up or down.
Record – Write down the readings.
 STRENGTH OF THEODOLITE

High accuracy in angle measurement

Direct angle measurement between points
Versatile across different terrains
Cost-effective for small tasks
Reliable and works without power
WEAKNESSES/LIMITATIONS OF THEODOLITE

Time-consuming manual operation

Needs skilled operators
Human errors may reduce accuracy
Line of sight limitations from obstacles
No distance measurement (needs another tool)
Affected by atmospheric conditions
THEODOLITE
 TRANSIT

A transit, like a theodolite is also a surveying

instrument that can take angular measurements.
Transits are capable of giving vernier readings.

The telescope of transits can only swivel

vertically. It is a more simple form of the
theodolite.
 TRANSIT

The transit also helps to find the positions of

target objects and their respective lines. The
transit is calibrated to allow a reading on both
horizontal positioning and the inclination of
angles. In the world of construction, transit
tools offer precise readings that are integral to
completing a project.
 MEASUREMENT CAPABILITIES OF TRANSIT

Horizontal Readings:

-Horizontal circles for readings on horizontal angles

Vertical Readings:

-Graduated vertical circles with vernier scale

Leveling:

-Leveling vial & screws

 TRANSIT SETUP

1. Mount transit to tripod

2. Place level on the head of the tripod
3. Use screws to secure transit
 ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES OF TRANSIT

ADVANTAGES
-Electronic readings
-Repeat readings are unnecessary
-Accuracy
-Small & compact

DISADVANTAGES
-Not very precise
-Outdated compared to theodolite
-Needs many accessories such as tripod
 SOURCES OF ERROR

1. Instrumental Errors
-The axes of the transit are vertical
-The axes of the transit were angled
incorrectly
2. Manipulation Errors
-Wrong target angled
-Tripod setup incorrectly
3. Reading Errors
-Incorrect reading of scales
TRANSIT
 TOTAL STATION

A total station is a surveying tool consisting of a theodolite, an EDM

and a control panel. It’s used to provide accurate measurements of
horizontal and vertical angles as well as distances.

The first official Total Station tool was created in 1968 by a German
company called Carl Zeiss Inc., and during that time, Zeiss called this
tool the “electronic tacheometer.” It wasn't until Hewlett-Packard
launched a tool that provided similar results, but with the name
"Total Station," over thirty years after the electronic tacheometer
was created that it adopted its current name.
 TOTAL STATION

MANUAL TOTAL STATION ROBOTIC TOTAL STATION

Manual total stations are traditional surveying Robotic total stations are advanced surveying
instruments operated by a surveyor who manually instruments controlled remotely, allowing surveyors to
measures angles and distances to calculate take precise measurements quickly and efficiently
coordinates. They are simple, easy to use, and without manually adjusting the device. They offer
affordable, making them suitable for small-scale speed, flexibility, and integration with technologies
projects or budget-conscious surveyors. like GPS and laser scanners, making them ideal for
large-scale or complex projects.
 TOTAL STATION

Components of Total Station An advance guide on operating a total

Theodolite station:
EDM (Electronic Distance 1.Set up the Total Station
Meter) 2.Power on the Total Station
Microprocessor 3.Calibrate the instrument
Display and Keyboard 4.Select the desired measurement
Power Source mode
5.Aim and sight the target
6.Take angle measurements
7.Measure distances
8.Record and store data
9.Pack up and power off
TOTAL STATION
Key Features of a Total Station
High accuracy
Automatic target recognition
On-board data storage
Remote control
On-board software

Applications of a Total Station

Construction
Engineering
Land surveying
Mining
Archeology
 TOTAL STATION

ADVANTAGES LIMITATIONS

High accuracy High cost

Efficiency Requires skilled operators
Versatility Maintenance needs
Data storage & transfer Dependent on line of sight
Integration with other tech Power dependence
PRISMATIC COMPASS

A prismatic compass is a specialised compact instrument

used in surveying to measure bearings or angles between two
points.

It comprises a magnetic needle, a graduated circle, and a

sighting line.

The 'Prismatic Compass' was invented by the maker Charles

Schmalcalder and patented in 1812.
PRISMATIC COMPASS

It is a small circular box (about 100 mm wide) with a

broad magnetic needle.

It measures the angle between the magnetic north

and a target, also known as the magnetic bearing.

It is used to measure the whole circle bearing (WCB)

of survey lines and lets you see the object and read
its bearing at the same time.
PRISMATIC COMPASS

It can be used by holding it in the hand, but for

more accuracy, it is usually placed on a small
tripod. For the compass to work properly, three
main steps are followed:

CENTERING

LEVELING

TAKING NOTE OF THE

BEARING
PRISMATIC COMPASS
PRISMATIC COMPASS

KEY DIFFERENCES

Has a prism

Measures bearings in a full circle (0°–360°).

Light and portable

 PRISMATIC COMPASS

ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES

Lightweight and portable Not as accurate as modern

surveying methods
Fewer settings are available to fix
Can have several errors
One inaccuracy has no bearing on
the other lines.
Mistakes may also happen due to
Appropriate to retrace previous uneven setup
surveys.
 PRISMATIC COMPASS

APPLICATIONS

It is used in various geological applications.

It can also be used in measuring different

railways, roadworks, etc,.

For traversing, it is utilize to find boundaries

and plot land areas.
GYRO-THEODOLITE

In surveying, a gyrotheodolite is an instrument

composed of a gyrocompass mounted to a
theodolite.

It is used to determine the orientation of true

north.

The gyro-theodolite was developed from the

principle of the gyroscope, with the first usable
surveying gyro being built by Max Schuler in 1921.
GYRO-THEODOLITE

COMPONENTS OF A A QUICK GUIDE HOW TO OPERATE

GYRO-THEODOLITE A GYRO-THEODOLITE

Gyroscope 1. Set-up and power on

Theodolite 2. Stabilization
Power supply 3. Detemine the meridian
Optical system (North seeker)
4. Calculate the meridian
5. Reading the azimuth
GYRO-THEODOLITE

KEY FEATURES OF A GYRO-THEODOLITE:

Gyroscope unit
Theodolite unit
Orientation capability
Built-in compass
High accuracy
Electronic unit

APPLICATIONS OF A GYRO-THEODOLITE:

Underground and tunneling

Military applications
Engineering and construction
 GYRO-THEODOLITE

Advantages Disadvantages
All-weather - can function in any weather. Operational Limitations - Once a gyro-theodolite
is set up, it cannot be relocated while operating.
High precision - accurate in determining azimuth angles
without a landmark. Accuracy and Calibration Issues - Issues like
"drift", human error and temperature sensitivity
Ideal for underground - It's indispensable in mining, can affect the Theodolite's accuracy.
tunnel, and subway construction.
Cost and Equipment Factors - Gyro-theodolites
Reduced Labor, Cost, and Improved Efficiency - It represent a significant investment, and their
replaces the time-consuming and resource-intensive maintenance.
geometric orientation methods.
Maintenance and Restarting - Users must restart
the instrument at each survey location.
ALIDADE(PLANE TABLE)

A Plain Alidade is used in plane table

surveying to sight objects and directly
draw their directions on the map sheet.

It’s primarily for plotting rays (lines of

sight) to objects on the ground.
ALIDADE(PLANE TABLE)

1.Operational Principle

- A plane alidade is a straightedge, usuallyfitted with sighting

vanes or a telescope, used on a plane table to draw lines of sight
directly onto the1 drawingsheet. It works on the principle of
sighting and alignment to establish directions.

2.Accuracy & Precision

- Provides moderate accuracy in plotting directions directly on the

map. Errors can arise due to improper sighting, uneven table setup,
or human judgment. Accuracy is generally lower compared to modern
instruments like the theodolite.
ALIDADE(PLANE TABLE)

KEY FEATURES & CAPABILITIES TYPICAL APPLICATIONS

Simple construction Used in plane table

(straightedge with sight surveying for small- to
vanes or telescope). medium-scale maps.
Lightweight and easy to
Suitable for preliminary
use.
surveys, topographic
Capable of directly plotting
angles and directions on surveys, and field
the plane table sheet. sketching in civil
Does not require complex engineering projects.
adjustments. Useful in areas where
rapid plotting is required.
ALIDADE(PLANE TABLE)
ALIDADE(PLANE TABLE)

ADVANTAGES
Simple, inexpensive, and easy to use.
Portable and lightweight, good for fieldwork.
Allows quick direct plotting on the plane table.

LIMITATIONS
Less accurate compared to advanced instruments.
Strongly dependent on operator’s skill and table leveling.
Not suitable for large-scale or highly precise surveys.
 CONCLUSION
CONCLUSION

In conclusion, angle measurement in surveying relies on different tools such as

theodolites, transits, total stations, prismatic compasses, gyro-theodolites,

and alidades, each with unique functions, advantages, and limitations;

mastering their proper use ensures accuracy, precision, and efficiency in

mapping, construction, and engineering applications

 REFERENCES
Bhattacharjee, S. (2024, November 20). What Is a Prismatic Compass Survey: Principles & Uses Explained. nova.
https://www.novatr.com/blog/prismatic-compass-principles-and-uses

Transit:
https://www.engineersupply.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-transit-levels.aspx
https://www.engineersupply.com/Transits-Theodolites-Total-Stations-Levels.aspx

https://testbook.com/physics/prismatic-compass

Gonzalez, B. D. (2023, September 25). What is Total Station used for? – KC Engineering and Land Surveying, P.C. https://kcepc.com/what-is-
total-station-used-for/
Mak, H. (2023a, May 11). What is a Total Station? A Comprehensive Guide. Global GPS Systems. https://globalgpssystems.com/total-
station/what-is-a-total-station-a-comprehensive-guide/
Mak, H. (2023b, September 14). The Total Station: A Brief History and development. Global GPS Systems.
https://globalgpssystems.com/total-station/the-total-station-a-brief-history-and-development/
Understanding total stations: key components & functions. (2025, February 4). KOREC Group. https://www.korecgroup.com/products/total-
stations/understanding-total-stations-components-
functions/#:~:text=A%20total%20station%20is%20a,land%20surveying%2C%20engineering%20and%20construction

S.K.D.A.V. Government Polytechnic. (n.d.). Surveying II: Theodolite surveying and traversing [PDF]. S.K.D.A.V. Government Polytechnic.
https://www.skdavpolytech.ac.in/news_files/surveying___2_-compressed-70-125_1586840917.pdf

https://www.ericcointernational.com/info/the-uses-and-limitations-of-gyro-theodolite-
24756259.html#:~:text=Gyrotheodolite%20is%20a%20theodolite%20with,the%20case%20of%20shield%20excavation.

https://www.ericcointernational.com/application/accurate-alignment-method-for-gyro-theodolite-calibration-
system.html#:~:text=Gyroscope%20theodolite%20can%20be%20divided,%C2%B130%E2%80%B3%20for%20low%20accuracy.
 QUIZ
True or False Quiz: Angle Measurement Tools

1. Theodolite is used for measuring both horizontal and vertical angles.

2. A prismatic compass consists of a magnetic needle, a graduated circle, and a sighting line.

3. The gyro-theodolite is mainly used for orientation in mine surveying and tunnel engineering.

4. An alidade measures angles numerically like a theodolite or total station.

5. Accuracy and precision in angle measurement are important for real-world surveying applications.
THANK YOU!