PREPARED BY:

SRIDHAR H N

THEODOLITE: Theodolite and types, Fundamental axes and

parts of a transit theodolite, Uses of theodolite, Temporary
adjustments of a transit theodolite, Measurement of
horizontal angles – Method of repetitions and re-iterations,
Measurements of vertical angles, Permanent adjustment of a
dumpy level and transit theodolite

THEODOLITE SURVEYING
 INTRODUCTION
So far we have been measuring horizontal angles by
using a Compass with respect to meridian, which is less
accurate and also it is not possible to measure vertical
angles with a Compass.
So when the objects are at a considerable
distance or situated at a considerable elevation or
depression ,it becomes necessary to measure horizontal
and vertical angles more precisely. So these
measurements are taken by an instrument known as a
theodolite.

THEODOLITE SURVEYING
THEODOLITE SURVEYING

The system of surveying in which the angles are

measured with the help of a theodolite, is called
Theodolite surveying.

THEODOLITE SURVEYING
THEODOLITE
The Theodolite is a most accurate surveying
instrument mainly used for :
• Measuring horizontal and vertical angles.
• Locating points on a line.
• Prolonging survey lines.
• Finding difference of level.
• Setting out grades
• Tacheometric Survey

THEODOLITE SURVEYING
CLASSIFICATION OF THEODOLITES
Theodolites may be classified as ;
A.
i) Transit Theodolite.
ii) Non Transit Theodolite.
B.
i) Vernier Theodolites.
ii) Micrometer Theodolites.

THEODOLITE SURVEYING
CLASSIFICATION OF THEODOLITES

A. Transit Theodolite: A theodolite is called a transit

theodolite when its telescope can be transited i.e
revolved through a complete revolution about its
horizontal axis in the vertical plane.
Non-Transit type, the telescope cannot be
transited. They are inferior in utility.

THEODOLITE SURVEYING
CLASSIFICATION OF THEODOLITES
B. Vernier Theodolite: For reading the graduated
circle if verniers are used ,the theodolite is called as a
Vernier Theodolite.

Whereas, if a micrometer is provided to read

the graduated circle the same is called as a
Micrometer Theodolite.
Vernier type theodolites are commonly used .

THEODOLITE SURVEYING
SIZE OF THEODOLITE
A theodolite is designated by diameter of the
graduated circle on the lower plate.
The common sizes are 8cm to 12 cm while 14 cm to
25 cm instrument are used for triangulation work.
Greater accuracy is achieved with larger
theodolites as they have bigger graduated circle with
larger divisions hence used where the survey works
require high degree of accuracy.

THEODOLITE SURVEYING
TRANSIT VERNIER THEODOLITE

THEODOLITE
THEODOLITE SURVEYING
SURVEYING
DESCRIPTION OF A
TRANSIT VERNIER THEODOLITE
A Transit vernier theodolite essentially consist of the
following :
1. Levelling Head. 6. Diaphragm
2. Lower Circular Plate. 7. T- Frame
3. Upper Plate. 8. Plumb –bob.
4. Plate level 9. Tripod Stand.
5. Compass 10. Telescope.

THEODOLITE SURVEYING
1. Leveling Head - It is the lowermost part of a theodolite. It consists of two
parallel horizontal plates separated by three levelling screws.
A leveling base i.e tribranch and trivet plate fitted with foot screw for
levelling.
It has three following functions:
a) To support the main part of the instrument.
b) To attach the theodolite to the tripod.
c) To provide a mean for leveling the instrument.
2. Lower Plate(Scale plate) - It is a horizontal circular plate monolithically and
is connected with the outer spindle. A scale is engraved at its beveled edge
with divisions in degrees and minutes increasing in clockwise direction.
-Lower plate carries a lower clamp screw and corresponding tangent screw
with the help of which it can be fixed accurately in any desired position.
3. Upper Plate(Vernier plate) - It is a horizontal circular plate monolithically
and is connected with the inner spindle. It is fitted with two diametrically
opposite vernier scales designated as A and B.
-Upper plate carries a upper clamp screw and corresponding tangent screw
with the help of which it can be fixed accurately to lower plate.
.
TRANSIT VERNIER THEODOLITE

Fig. Details if Upper & Lower Plates.

THEODOLITE
THEODOLITE SURVEYING
SURVEYING
TRANSIT VERNIER THEODOLITE

THEODOLITE
THEODOLITE SURVEYING
SURVEYING
4. Plate Levels - A pair of level tubes are placed at right angles on the upper
plate. These are used to make the vertical axis of the instrument truly vertical
i.e., for leveling of the instrument
5. Compass- Some theodolite are provided with a compass.
6. Diaphragm- Diaphragm with cross hair is provided in telescope to give a
definite line of sight.
7. 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.
8. Plumb bob – To center the instrument exactly over a station
mark, a plumb bob is suspended from the hook fitted to the
bottom of the central vertical axis.
9. Tripod Stand - The theodolite is mounted on a strong tripod
when being used in the field. The legs of the tripod are solid or
framed.
10.Telescope – the function of telescope is to provide line of
sight. The length of telescope varies from 100mm to 175mm.
TERMS USED IN MANIPULATING A TRANSIT VERNIER THEODOLITE.

1. Centering : Centering means setting the

theodolite exactly over an instrument- station
so that its vertical axis lies immediately above
the station- mark. It can be done by means of
plumb bob suspended from a small hook
attached to the vertical axis of the theodolite.

THEODOLITE SURVEYING
TERMS USED IN MANIPULATING A
TRANSIT VERNIER THEODOLITE.
2. Transiting :
Transiting is also known as plunging or
reversing. It is the process of turning the
telescope about its horizontal axis through 180 0
in the vertical plane thus bringing it upside
down and making it point , exactly in opposite
direction.

THEODOLITE SURVEYING
TERMS USED IN MANIPULATING A
TRANSIT VERNIER THEODOLITE.

3. Swinging the telescope

It means turning the telescope about its
vertical axis in the horizontal plane.
A swing is called right or left according as the
telescope is rotated clockwise or counter
clockwise.

THEODOLITE SURVEYING
TERMS USED IN MANIPULATING A
TRANSIT VERNIER THEODOLITE.
4. Face Left
If the vertical circle of the instrument is on
the left side of the observer while taking a
reading ,the position is called the face left and
the observation taken on the horizontal or
vertical circle in this position, is known as the
face left observation

THEODOLITE SURVEYING
TERMS USED IN MANIPULATING A
TRANSIT VERNIER THEODOLITE.
5. Face Right
If the vertical circle of the instrument is on
the right side of the observer while taking a
reading ,the position is called the face right and
the observation taken on the horizontal or
vertical circle in this position, is known as the
face right observation.

THEODOLITE SURVEYING
TERMS USED IN MANIPULATING A
TRANSIT VERNIER THEODOLITE.
6. Changing Face
It is the operation of bringing the vertical
circle to the right of the observer ,if originally it
is to the left , and vice – versa.
It is done in two steps; Firstly revolve the
telescope through 1800 in a vertical plane and
then rotate it through 1800 in the horizontal
plane i.e first transit the telescope and then
swing it through 1800.
THEODOLITE SURVEYING
TERMS USED IN MANIPULATING A
TRANSIT VERNIER THEODOLITE.
7. Line of Collimation
DIAPHRAGM
LINE OF
COLLIMATION

TELESCOPE

It is also known as the line of sight .It is an

imaginary line joining the intersection of the
cross- hairs of the diaphragm to the optical
centre of the object- glass and its continuation.
THEODOLITE SURVEYING
TERMS USED IN MANIPULATING A
TRANSIT VERNIER THEODOLITE.
8. Axis of the telescope
OBJECT GLASS

AXIS OF THE TELESCOPE

.

TELESCOPE

It is also known an imaginary line joining the

optical centre of the object- glass to the centre
of eye piece.

THEODOLITE SURVEYING
TERMS USED IN MANIPULATING A
TRANSIT VERNIER THEODOLITE.
9. Axis of the Level Tube
It is also called the bubble line.
It is a straight line tangential to the longitudinal
curve of the level tube at the centre of the tube.
It is horizontal when the bubble is in the centre.

THEODOLITE SURVEYING
TERMS USED IN MANIPULATING A
TRANSIT VERNIER THEODOLITE.
10. Vertical Axis

It is the axis about which the telescope can be

rotated in the horizontal plane.
11. Horizontal Axis
It is the axis about which the telescope can be
rotated in the vertical plane.
It is also called the trunion axis.

THEODOLITE SURVEYING
ADJUSTMENT OF A THEODOLITE

The adjustments of a theodolite are of two kinds :-

1. Permanent Adjustments.
2. Temporary Adjustments.
1) Permanent adjustments: The permanent
adjustments are made to establish the relationship
between the fundamental lines of the theodolite and ,
once made , they last for a long time. They are
essential for the accuracy of observations.

THEODOLITE SURVEYING
ADJUSTMENT OF A THEODOLITE

2. Temporary Adjustment
The temporary adjustments are made at each set
up of the instrument before we start taking
observations with the instrument. There are three
temporary adjustments of a theodolite:-
i) Centering.
ii) Levelling.
iii) Focussing.

THEODOLITE SURVEYING
Temporary Adjustment of Theodolite
1. Centring
 Centring is the process of setting of the instruments exactly over a
station.
 The tripod stand is placed over the required station. The theodolite is
then shifted from the box and fixed on top of the stand.

Approximate levelling by Tripod

 The legs of the tripod stand are placed well apart and firmly fixed on
the ground. Then, approximately leveling is done using this stand, To
do this, two legs are kept firmly fixed on the ground and third is moved
in or out, clockwise or anticlockwise, so that the bubble is
approximately at the centre of its run.
 At the time of approximate leveling by means of the tripod stand, it
should be ensured that the plumb bob suspended from the hook under
the vertical axis lies approximately over the station peg.
2. Levelling
 Before starting the leveling operation, all the foot screw are
brought to the centre of their run. Then the following procedure
is adopted.
 The plate bubble is placed parallel to any pair of foot screws.
By turning both these screws equally inwards or outwards.
 The plate bubble is turned through 90 0 so that it is perpendicular
to the line joining the first and second foot screws. Then by
turning the third foot screw either clockwise or anticlockwise
the bubble is brought to the centre.
 The process is repeated several times, so that the bubble remains
in the central position of the plate bubble, both directions
perpendicular to each other.
 The instrument is rotated through 360 0 about its vertical axis. If
the bubble still remains in the centre position, the adjustment of
the bubble is perfect and the vertical axis is truly vertical.
3. Focusing
 Focusing the Eye Piece
The eye piece is focused so that the cross-hairs can be seen
clearly. The following steps are involved
1. The telescope is directed towards the sky or a piece of white
paper is held in front of the object glass, and
2. The eye-piece is moved in or out by turning it in clockwise or
anticlockwise until the cross –hairs appear distinct and sharp.

 Focusing the objective

This operation is done to bring the image of the object in the
plane of the cross hairs. The following steps are involved
1. The telescope is directed towards the object.
2. The focussing screw is turned until the image appears clear and
sharp.
 MEASUREMENT OF HORIZONTAL ANGLES:

There are three methods of measuring horizontal

angles:-
i) Ordinary Method.
ii) Repetition Method.
iii) Reiteration Method.

THEODOLITE SURVEYING
MEASUREMENT OF HORIZONTAL ANGLES:
i) Ordinary Method. To measure horizontal angle AOB:-
i) Set up the theodolite at station point O A B
and level it accurately.
ii) Set the vernier A to the zero or 3600 of
the horizontal circle. Tighten the upper
clamp. In vernier B the reading is 1800
iii) Loosen the lower clamp. Turn the
instrument and direct the telescope o
towards A to bisect it accurately with HORIZONTAL ANGLE AOB
the use of tangent(slow motion) screw.
After bisecting accurately check the
reading which must still read zero. Read
the vernier B and record both the
readings.
THEODOLITE SURVEYING
MEASUREMENT OF HORIZONTAL ANGLES:
i) Ordinary Method. To measure horizontal angle AOB:-
iv) Loosen the upper clamp and swing A B
the telescope clockwise until line of
sight bisects point B on the right hand
side. Then tighten the upper clamp
and bisect it accurately by turning its
tangent screw(slow motion screw).
v) Read both the verniers. The reading of
the vernier a which was initially set at o
zero gives the value of the angle AOB HORIZONTAL ANGLE AOB
directly and that of the other vernier
B by deducting 1800 .The mean of the
two vernier readings gives the value of
the required angle AOB.
THEODOLITE SURVEYING
MEASUREMENT OF HORIZONTAL ANGLES:
i) Ordinary Method. To measure horizontal angle AOB:-
vi) Change the face of the instrument A B
and repeat the whole process. The
mean of the two vernier readings
gives the second value of the angle
AOB which should be approximately
or exactly equal to the previous value.
vii) The mean of the two values of the
angle AOB ,one with face left and the o
other with face right ,gives the HORIZONTAL ANGLE AOB
required angle free from all
instrumental errors.

THEODOLITE SURVEYING
Direct Method of Measuring Horizontal
Angle
MEASUREMENT OF HORIZONTAL ANGLES:
ii) Repetition Method.
This method is used for very accurate A B
work. In this method ,the same angle
is added several times mechanically
and the correct value of the angle is
obtained by dividing the accumulated
reading by the no. of repetitions.
The No. of repetitions made usually in
this method is six, three with the face o
left and three with the face right .In HORIZONTAL ANGLE AOB
this way ,angles can be measured to a
finer degree of accuracy than that
obtainable with the least count of the
vernier.
THEODOLITE SURVEYING
MEASUREMENT OF HORIZONTAL ANGLES:
To measure horizontal angle by
repetitions:-
A B
i) Set up the theodolite at starting point O and level
it accurately.
ii) To measure the horizontal angle AOB.
iii) Loosen the upper clamp and turn the upper plate
until the index(the arrow) of the vernier A
coincides with the Zero (or 3600 ) of the
horizontal circle. Clamp both the plates with the
upper clamp. o
iv) Turn the upper tangent screw so as to make the HORIZONTAL ANGLE AOB
two zeros exactly coincident.

v) Sight station A . Tighten the lower clamp and

bisect station A exactly by the lower tangent
screw. Read both the verniers.

THEODOLITE SURVEYING
vi) Unclamp the upper plate and swing the telescope clockwise. Bisect the
station B by the upper clamp and tangent screw.

Vii) Read both the verniers. Take the average to get angle AOB.

Viii) Unclamp the lower plate and swing the telescope clockwise and bisect
the station A by the lower clamp and tangent screw.

ix) Read both the verniers. Check the vernier reading .It should be the same
(unchanged) as that obtained in the step vii.

x) Loosen the upper plate, by using the upper clamp and upper tangentscrew
, bisect station B accurately . The vernier will read twice the angle AOB.

xi) Repeat the process until the angle is repeated the required number of
times (usually 3). Read again both verniers . The final reading after n
repetitions should be approximately n X (angle). Divide the sum by the
number of repetitions and the result thus obtained gives the correct value
of the angle AOB.
MEASUREMENT OF HORIZONTAL ANGLES:

xii) Change the face of the instrument. Repeat

exactly in the same manner and find another A B
value of the angle AOB. The average of two
readings gives the required precise value of the
angle AOB.

o
HORIZONTAL ANGLE AOB

THEODOLITE SURVEYING
MEASUREMENT OF HORIZONTAL ANGLES:
iii) Reiteration Method.
This method is another precise and
comparatively less tedious method
A
of measuring the horizontal angles. B

It is generally preferred when

several angles are to be measured
at a particular station.
This method consists in measuring C
o
several angles successively and
finally closing the horizon at the
starting point. The final reading of
the vernier A should be same as its D
initial reading. Reiteration Method

THEODOLITE SURVEYING
MEASUREMENT OF HORIZONTAL ANGLES:
iii) Reiteration Method.
…If not ,the discrepancy is equally
distributed among all the
A
measured angles. B

Procedure
Suppose it is required to measure
the angles AOB,BOC and COD.
Then to measure these angles by D
o
repetition method :
i) Set up the instrument over
station point O and level it
C
accurately. Reiteration Method

THEODOLITE SURVEYING
MEASUREMENT OF HORIZONTAL ANGLES:
iii) Reiteration Method.
Procedure
ii) Direct the telescope towards
A
point A which is known as B
referring object. Bisect it
accurately and check the reading
of vernier as 0 or 3600 . Loosen the
upper clamp and turn the telescope
clockwise to sight point B exactly. o
C
Read the verniers again and The
mean reading will give the value of
angle AOB.
iii) Similarly bisect C & D D
Reiteration Method
successively, read both verniers at-
THEODOLITE SURVEYING
MEASUREMENT OF HORIZONTAL ANGLES:
each bisection, find the value of the
angle BOC and COD.

iv) Finally close the horizon by sighting A

B
towards the referring object (point
A).
v) The vernier A should now read 3600.
If not note down the error .This error
occurs due to slip etc. o
C
vi) If the error is small, it is equally
distributed among the several angles .If
large the readings should be discarded
and a new set of readings be taken. D
Reiteration Method

THEODOLITE SURVEYING
MEASUREMENT OF VERTICAL ANGLES:

Vertical Angle : A vertical angle is an angle between

the inclined line of sight and the horizontal. It may be an
angle of elevation or depression according as the object is
above or below the horizontal plane.
A
A
AOB= α + β
B
α AOB= α - β
α
HORI. LINE β HORI. LINE
O O
O HORI. LINE β
β
Fig. b α Fig. c

Fig.a B B
VERTICAL ANGLE
A

THEODOLITE SURVEYING
MEASUREMENT OF VERTICAL ANGLES:
To Measure the Vertical Angle of an object A at a station O:
(i) Set up the theodolite at station point O and level it
accurately with reference to the altitude bubble.
(ii) Set the zero of vertical vernier exactly to the zero of the
vertical circle clamp and tangent screw.
(iii) Bring the bubble of the altitude level in the central position
by using clip screw. The line of sight is thus made horizontal
and vernier still reads zero.
(iv) Loosen the vertical circle clamp screw and direct the
telescope towards the object A and sight it exactly by using
the vertical circle tangent screw.

THEODOLITE SURVEYING
MEASUREMENT OF VERTICAL ANGLES:

(v) Read both the verniers C & D of the vertical circle, The
mean of the two vernier readings gives the value of the
required angle.
(vi) Change the face of the instrument and repeat the
process. The mean of of the two vernier readings gives the
second value of the required angle.
(vii) The average of the two values of the angles thus
obtained, is the required value of the angle free from
instrumental errors.

THEODOLITE SURVEYING
MEASUREMENT OF VERTICAL ANGLES:

For measuring Vertical Angle between two points A &B

i) Sight A as before , and take the mean of the two vernier
readings at the vertical circle. Let it be α
ii) Similarly, sight B and take the mean of the two vernier
readings at the vertical circle. Let it be β

iii) The sum or difference of these dings will give the value of the
vertical angle between A and B according as one of the points is
above and the other below the horizontal plane. or both points
are on the same side of the horizontal plane Fig b & c

THEODOLITE SURVEYING
READING MAGNETIC BEARING OF A LINE
To find the bearing of a line AB as shown in fig .below
i) Set up the instrument over A and level it accurately
ii) Set the vernier to the zero of the horizontal circle.
N
iii) Release the magnetic needle and loosen the
….. lower clamp. B

iv) Rotate the instrument till magnetic needle

points to North. Now clamp the lower clamp with
A
the help of lower tangent screw .Bring the needle
exactly against the mark in order to bring it in
magnetic meridian. At this stage the line of sight
will also be in magnetic meridian.
Fig.
Magnetic Bearing of a Line

THEODOLITE SURVEYING
READING MAGNETIC BEARING OF A LINE
iv)Now loose the upper clamp and point the
telescope towards B .With the help of upper
tangent screw ,bisect B accurately and read both
the verniers .The mean of the two readings will be
N
recorded as magnetic bearing of line.
B

v) Change the face of the instrument

for accurate magnetic bearing of the
line.The mean of the two values will A

give the correct bearing of the line AB.

Fig.
Magnetic Bearing of a Line

THEODOLITE SURVEYING
PROLONGING A STRAIGHT A LINE
There are two methods of prolonging a given line such as AB
(1) Fore sight method ,and (2) Back Sight Method
(1) Fore Sight Method. As shown in the fig. below

A B C D Z

i) Set up the theodolite at A and level it accurately .Bisect the

point B correctly. Establish a point C in the line beyond B
approximately by looking over the top of the telescope and
accurately by sighting through the telescope.
ii) Shift the instrument to B ,take a fore sight on C and establish
a point D in line beyond C. Fig.
iii) Repeat the process until the last point Z is reached.
THEODOLITE SURVEYING
PROLONGING A STRAIGHT A LINE
(2) Back Sight Method. As shown in the fig. below
A B C D Z

C’
D’

i) Set up the instrument at B and level it accurately .

ii) Take a back sight on A.
iii) Tighten the upper and lower clamps, transit the telescope
and establish a point C in the line beyond B.
iv) Shift the theodolite to C ,back sight on B transit the telescope
and establish a point D in line beyond C. Repeat the process
until the last point ( Z) is established.
THEODOLITE SURVEYING
PROLONGING A STRAIGHT A LINE
(2) Back Sight Method.(contd.) As shown in the fig. below
A B C D Z

C’
D’

Now if the instrument is in adjustment, the points

A,B,C,D and Z will be in one line, which is straight but if
it is not in adjustment i.e. line of collimation is not
perpendicular to the horizontal axis ,then C’, D’ and Z’
will not be in a straight line.

THEODOLITE SURVEYING
PROLONGING A STRAIGHT A LINE
Double reversing Method
When the line is to be prolonged with high precision
or when the instrument is in imperfect adjustment, the
process of double sighting or double reversing, is used.
Suppose the line AB is to be prolonged to a point Z.
Procedure: As shown below:
C1 D1

A B C D Z

C2 D2
Double Sighting / Reversing Method

THEODOLITE SURVEYING
PROLONGING A STRAIGHT A LINE
Double reversing Method
i) Set up the theodolite at B and level it accurately.
ii) With the face of instrument left, back sight on A and
…. clamp both the upper and lower motions.
iii) Transit the telescope and set a point C1 ahead in line.
C1 D1

A B C D Z

C2 D2
Double Sighting / Reversing Method

THEODOLITE SURVEYING
PROLONGING A STRAIGHT A LINE
Double reversing Method (contd.)
iv) Loosen the lower clamp ,revolve the telescope in the
horizontal plane and back sight on A .Bisect A exactly by
using the lower clamp and its tangent screw. Now the face of
instrument is right.
v) Transit the telescope and establish a point C2 in line
beside the point C1. C1 D1

A B C D Z

C2 D2
Double Sighting / Reversing Method

THEODOLITE SURVEYING
PROLONGING A STRAIGHT A LINE
Double reversing Method (contd.)
vi) The exact position of the true point C must be mid-way
…..between C1 and C2 .
vii) Measure C1 C2 and establish a point C exactly mid-way,
….which lies on the true prolongation of AB.

C1 D1

A B C D Z

C2 D2
Fig. Double Sighting / Reversing Method

THEODOLITE SURVEYING
PROLONGING A STRAIGHT A LINE
Double reversing Method (contd.)
viii) Shift the instrument to C, double sight on B ,establish the
…..point D1 and D2 and locate the true point D as before .
ix) Continue the process until the last point Z is established.

C1 D1

A B C D Z

C2 D2
Double Sighting / Reversing Method

THEODOLITE SURVEYING
SOURCES OF ERRORS IN THEODOLITE
Instrumental errors
◦ Non adjustment of plate bubble
◦ Line of collimation not being perpendicular
to horizontal axis
◦ Horizontal axis not being perpendicular to
vertical axis
◦ Line of collimation not being parallel to
axis of telescope
◦ Eccentricity of inner and outer axes
◦ Graduation not being uniform
◦ Verniers being eccentric
 .Personal errors
 Natural errors
◦ High temperature causes error due to irregular
refraction.
◦ High winds cause vibration in the instrument, and this
may lead to wrong readings on verniers