Theodolites are highly precise instruments that are used to measure angles in both the horizontal and the vertical plane. Theodolites have been around in some form since the 1500s and are used in many fields, including surveying, meteorology and aerospace engineering.
The earliest appearance of the actual work theodolite appeared in a posthumous work by the English surveyor and mathematician Leonard Digges. It is Digges who is credited with the invention of this instrument in the 1550s, although crude forms may have existed as early as 1512. There is some debate as to whether a German engineer, Joshua Habermel, invented the first true theodolite, which also included a compass and a tripod.
Surveyors, of course, use theodolites to help them create precise boundaries, and this is useful in both cartography as well as construction. Detailed maps have been created for centuries using theodolites, and you might hire a surveyor who utilizes these instruments to help you determine the boundary lines of the property surrounding your home. These instruments also are used to determine the proper routes for utility lines and where to lay railroad lines, and were even used to create the Transcontinental Railroad and later rail lines that linked the western and eastern United States.
Gyrotheodolites are another type of theodolite and these are commonly used in mining and to help create tunnels. This instrument is actually a gyroscope mounted to a theodolite. It is an important instrument because it can precisely locate meridian direction and establish the location of true north. These instruments were used during the construction of the Channel Tunnel that connect France to the United Kingdom, as when engineers are underground, they cannot use astronomical star sights to help guide them. Interestingly, these gyrotheolodites are not used within 15 degrees of either the North Pole or South Pole, as the results are not reliable in these unique global areas.
In addition to surveying tasks both above and below ground, theodolites also are used for navigational purposes. For meteorology, theodolites are used to track weather balloons and their movement. Theodolites also can track other moving objects in the sky, such as rockets and airplanes, provided the altitude does not exceed 20,000 meters.
While the transit theodolites and gyrotheolodites are commonly used and look much like the early versions of themselves, there are high-tech modern theodolites that rely on electronic signals rather than people to gather information. In addition to be able to precisely measure angles, many modern theodolites can store measures which can later been downloaded to a computer or GPS unit. Despite their accuracy, they are highly expensive, so many firms still rely on typical transit theodolites.
The earliest appearance of the actual work theodolite appeared in a posthumous work by the English surveyor and mathematician Leonard Digges. It is Digges who is credited with the invention of this instrument in the 1550s, although crude forms may have existed as early as 1512. There is some debate as to whether a German engineer, Joshua Habermel, invented the first true theodolite, which also included a compass and a tripod.
Surveyors, of course, use theodolites to help them create precise boundaries, and this is useful in both cartography as well as construction. Detailed maps have been created for centuries using theodolites, and you might hire a surveyor who utilizes these instruments to help you determine the boundary lines of the property surrounding your home. These instruments also are used to determine the proper routes for utility lines and where to lay railroad lines, and were even used to create the Transcontinental Railroad and later rail lines that linked the western and eastern United States.
Gyrotheodolites are another type of theodolite and these are commonly used in mining and to help create tunnels. This instrument is actually a gyroscope mounted to a theodolite. It is an important instrument because it can precisely locate meridian direction and establish the location of true north. These instruments were used during the construction of the Channel Tunnel that connect France to the United Kingdom, as when engineers are underground, they cannot use astronomical star sights to help guide them. Interestingly, these gyrotheolodites are not used within 15 degrees of either the North Pole or South Pole, as the results are not reliable in these unique global areas.
In addition to surveying tasks both above and below ground, theodolites also are used for navigational purposes. For meteorology, theodolites are used to track weather balloons and their movement. Theodolites also can track other moving objects in the sky, such as rockets and airplanes, provided the altitude does not exceed 20,000 meters.
While the transit theodolites and gyrotheolodites are commonly used and look much like the early versions of themselves, there are high-tech modern theodolites that rely on electronic signals rather than people to gather information. In addition to be able to precisely measure angles, many modern theodolites can store measures which can later been downloaded to a computer or GPS unit. Despite their accuracy, they are highly expensive, so many firms still rely on typical transit theodolites.
About the Author:
Carey Bourdier loves blogging reviews on precision scientific instruments. For more information about items like precision alignment instruments, or to discover more information about a telemetric alignment system, check out the Warren Knight website today.
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