Friday, May 8, 2015

Selecting The Right Theodolite

By Carey Bourdier


Theodolites, as you may know, are important optical instruments used by surveyors and other types of engineers. The theodolite is used to measure angles and can do so in both the vertical and horizontal planes. While theodolites have long been known as helpful tools for many types of surveying, they also are used by meteorologists and aerospace engineers.

When purchasing a theodolite, it is imperative that you select the proper device for your needs. For instance, one type of theodolite, known as a telemetering theodolite is used to calibrate several different important navigational aids. These include instrument landing systems, as well as TACAN and VORTAC. Primarily these telemetering theodolites are used in regards to aircraft, including private, commercial and military aircraft.

Another type of theodolite is called an observation theodolite, and sometimes these are called pilot balloon observation theodolites or pibal theodolites. However, there are observation theodolites that would not be classified as a pibal theodolite. At any rate, these theodolites can be used to measure angles of elevation and degrees of azimuth. This theodolite can be a permanent fixture or movable, depending on the type, and many offer illumination so they can be used at night. These theodolites are used in regards to moving objects such as aircraft, stars, weather balloons and ships.

The pibal theodolite can be used to track a weather balloon; however, there are theodolites specifically designed for use by meteorologists. Not surprisingly, these are simply called meteorological theodolites and there are many different models to consider. Manufacturers such as Warren Knight produce meteorological theodolites that rapidly record information such as elevation angles and azimuth. These theodolites are designed to withstand many different conditions.

When you see a surveyor working in the middle of a road in your town, the type of theodolite in use is probably a transit theodolite. These are definitely crucial to the construction of roads but also used for constructing buildings, railways and bridges. For virtually any type of construction engineering, a transit theodolite is an important tool. After all, if an engineer is uncertain about the angles of a road or the foundation of a building, this can result in catastrophic failure.

A total station or total station theodolite is another product that you might need. This electronic optical instrument includes an electronic distance meter or EDM as well as an electronic transit theodolite. Mining engineers typically utilize the total station as their main surveying tool, as these instruments provide highly precise underground measurements. However, the total station also is used for other types of construction engineering.




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