How fascinating geometry was when we were in school and used protractor to measure the angle between two lines! It was so simple on a sheet of paper. In real world calculating precise angles is very important. Tools like theodolites are a tool designed to basically measure the verticals and horizontal planes precisely. With the increasing use of technology in fields such as construction of buildings and roads, mining, meteorology, rocket launching technology and much more, accurate measurement of angles is a must.
Designing of theodolites comprise of telescope mounted between horizontal and verticalaxes on a pivot. Levelling of this telescope is done using spirit level. Now-a-days the telescopes are movable with axes perpendicular to each other. The angle of each of these axes can be measured accurately, when the telescope is kept pointing in line of sight of the object. Sight of the object is measured precisely because of crosshairs in the telescopes.
Theodolites are mainly used in surveying, manufacturing of instruments and engineering industry. As the scope of its usage has widened, they are now being used for special purpose such as designing layouts for roads, bridges, swimming pools, golf courses etc. When it comes to theodolite survey, manufacturers have to keep in mind while designing the instrument, the accuracy with which it will be measuring the angles. Accuracy ranges from 5 sec to 0.1 sec.
Functionally theodolites are mainly of two types, Transit and Non- Transit. Transit theodolite has provision that the telescope can be inverted in the vertical plane, whereas in non transit theodolite the rotation in the same plane is allowed only up to 90 degrees (restricted to a semi-circle).
There are some drawbacks or may be limitations while using these equipments. While calculating the angles of the axes, the operator of the instrument should be well versed with Trigonometry. It is not possible for difficult terrain, but appropriate for small size plots. By use of digital theodolites, these problems can be overcome. Theodolite manufacturers are more focusing on long distance terrain measurement. Design of these instruments is such that even a layperson can use. Manufactures has also come up with Electronic theodolites to overcome the other problem which is operator should know the trigonometry, as these instruments automatically calculate the angles.
With increasing advent of technology, many things are incorporated in these new theodolites by Tiger Supplies. Since it is a low differentiated category, the manufacturers are now focusing on longer battery life, water proofs for different seasons and dust proofs for difficult terrain.
