The device called a theodolite is a type of precision instrument that is normally used to measure angles in both horizontal and vertical planes. This instrument is mainly applied in surveying and in other fields like in meteorology. An observation theodolite has a telescope mounted on it. The movable telescope is normally used to measure angles with great precision for a very short period of time.
Transit theodolites have a telescope that is capable of moving in or along a vertical plane. However, there are those in this group that are not designed to measure vertical angles. The second group is composed telescopes that are capable of operating within semi-semicircular region. These are called non-transit theodolites.
Theodolites are used for various tasks. As state before, they are used in measuring both horizontal and vertical angles. In addition to that, they also can be used for other purposes including setting of horizontal angles, measurements of optical distances, various leveling tasks and also ranging.
The designing of the initial theodolites in America was done by engineers in the beginning of nineteenth century. Their main aim was to replace the other equipment such as octant and a sextant that were originally used, as well as making improvements on existing types of observation theodolites. These original instruments were not very accurate, a condition that triggered the engineers' ambition to come up with an instrument that is more advanced and with world of differences to the original equipment for the betterment of users.
Since many years ago, it might interest one to note that theodolites have been used in measurement of wind lofts. They help in measuring vertical and also the horizontal angles of pilot balloons. These balloons are also called ceiling or pibal balloons mainly used by different types of meteorologists. It has taken about 100 years to truly perfect the measurement of wind lofts and weather balloons.
Theodolites are mainly used to track balloon after its release. This is achieved after its construction and all other requirements are made. Tracking, which is normally made at frequent intervals, helps in determining the rate of ascent. Time, ascent rate and also angular attitude are highly used to calculate the speed of the wind and also the direction of wind.
Modern theodolites usually are read electronically with help of rotary encoder. For efficiency, CCD sensors and other devices are added to enhance the automated working of the telescope. This unique instrument has been around for many years, and it has made the work of engineers and also surveyors simple and accurate. Indeed, theodolites are of great importance.
Transit theodolites have a telescope that is capable of moving in or along a vertical plane. However, there are those in this group that are not designed to measure vertical angles. The second group is composed telescopes that are capable of operating within semi-semicircular region. These are called non-transit theodolites.
Theodolites are used for various tasks. As state before, they are used in measuring both horizontal and vertical angles. In addition to that, they also can be used for other purposes including setting of horizontal angles, measurements of optical distances, various leveling tasks and also ranging.
The designing of the initial theodolites in America was done by engineers in the beginning of nineteenth century. Their main aim was to replace the other equipment such as octant and a sextant that were originally used, as well as making improvements on existing types of observation theodolites. These original instruments were not very accurate, a condition that triggered the engineers' ambition to come up with an instrument that is more advanced and with world of differences to the original equipment for the betterment of users.
Since many years ago, it might interest one to note that theodolites have been used in measurement of wind lofts. They help in measuring vertical and also the horizontal angles of pilot balloons. These balloons are also called ceiling or pibal balloons mainly used by different types of meteorologists. It has taken about 100 years to truly perfect the measurement of wind lofts and weather balloons.
Theodolites are mainly used to track balloon after its release. This is achieved after its construction and all other requirements are made. Tracking, which is normally made at frequent intervals, helps in determining the rate of ascent. Time, ascent rate and also angular attitude are highly used to calculate the speed of the wind and also the direction of wind.
Modern theodolites usually are read electronically with help of rotary encoder. For efficiency, CCD sensors and other devices are added to enhance the automated working of the telescope. This unique instrument has been around for many years, and it has made the work of engineers and also surveyors simple and accurate. Indeed, theodolites are of great importance.
About the Author:
Carey Bourdier enjoys blogging reviews on precision scientific instruments. For more details about surveying instruments like a WK-20-8500 observation theodolite, or to gather more details about surveying instruments, check out the Warren Knight website today.