- Some compasses are surveying instruments.compass image by Sonar from Fotolia.com
Transit surveying instruments are used to survey land and establish boundary lines and other points. These instruments give precise vertical and horizontal angular measurements, and can be used for leveling surveying applications. Transits can be a basic instrument or a very precise instrument with a high degree of accuracy to measure the surface of the earth. - The pocket transit is a precise instrument.compass image by Albert Lozano from Fotolia.com
The pocket transit is an advanced hand-held compass. It is equipped with sights and cross hairs that fold up when not in use. The sights allow its use for some surveying applications. The main purpose of a pocket transit is for basic field mapping and magnetic direction. It is possible to use this instrument for more precise operations. The pocket transit has a leveling bubble and the option to mount on a unipod or tripod. Its use is to determine magnetic azimuths and basic directions. Some versions use a method to freeze the needle in place, making it easier to get a reading. Doing this allows calculation of basic surveying applications. The best models can determine vertical as well as horizontal angles. - Transits have been used to survey since the early 1800s.archaeologist. image by Anna Chelnokova from Fotolia.com
The transit is a surveying instrument that takes precise measurements of vertical and horizontal angles. The transit has a telescope with vertical and horizontal cross hairs. The telescope assembly mounts on a circular rotatable plate. The transit is equipped with a vernier scale to read the angle measurements. A similar vernier arrangement measures vertical angles. To use properly, mount the tripod on a transit and level. Transits have a bubble level and three screws for leveling the instrument. The different manufacturers may use different methods to level the transit. This instrument is a basic surveying tool and used continuously since its invention in 1831. - Theodolites are used like transits.theodolite image by Kostyantyn Ivanyshen from Fotolia.com
The purpose of theodolite is the same as a transit. The theodolite is a newer design than the transit, and considered more accurate. It is a similar instrument and often the terms transit and theodolite are interchanged. There isn't a standard delimitation or difference between the two instruments. The two instruments can do the same operations. The biggest difference between the two is the method of reading the angles. A theodolite doesn't use a vernier scale. It uses an internal system to read the numbers. This method gives a direct reading of the scales rather than reading a vernier scale. The procedure to set up and use a theodolite is the same as setting up the transit.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
