theodolite
Surveyor's optical instrument
A theodolite is a precision instrument used in surveying to measure horizontal and vertical angles.
Mounted on a tripod, it consists of a rotating telescope with graduated circles that allow exact angular readings.
Theodolites are essential for mapping terrain, establishing property boundaries, and aligning construction projects: The surveyor set up the theodolite at the corner of the lot.
Stabilizing support structure
- levelingMaking flat or equal
- stakingRisking something valuable
- benchmarkingMeasuring against top performers
- alignmentCorrect relative positioning
plotting · sighting · grade · contour · layout · site · triangulation · cadastral
Horizontal directional angle
- elevationHeight above reference point
- bearingPosture or orientation
- angleGeometric measure of rotation
- degreesUnits of measurement
minutes · seconds · zenith · vernier · micrometer · graduations · declination · inclination
Location via three points
- datumSingle unit of information
- coordinateArrange for unified action
- latitudeGeographic or personal freedom
- longitudeEast-west angular distance
geoid · ellipsoid · projection · baseline · network · cartography · topography · mapping
Instrument magnifying faraway objects
- eyepieceLens you look through
- focusingConcentrating on one point
- magnificationDegree of visual enlargement
- crosshairsIntersecting sighting lines
reticle · sighting · collimator · parallax · illumination · prism · rangefinder · stadia
tripod
Stabilizing support structure
- levelingMaking flat or equal
- stakingRisking something valuable
- benchmarkingMeasuring against top performers
alignment · plotting · sighting · grade · contour · layout · site · triangulation · cadastral · boundary
azimuth
Horizontal directional angle
- elevationHeight above reference point
- bearingPosture or orientation
- angleGeometric measure of rotation
degrees · minutes · seconds · zenith · vernier · micrometer · graduations · declination · inclination · arc
triangulation
Location via three points
- datumSingle unit of information
- coordinateArrange for unified action
- latitudeGeographic or personal freedom
longitude · geoid · ellipsoid · projection · baseline · network · cartography · topography · mapping · GPS
telescope
Instrument magnifying faraway objects
- eyepieceLens you look through
- focusingConcentrating on one point
- magnificationDegree of visual enlargement
crosshairs · reticle · sighting · collimator · parallax · illumination · prism · rangefinder · stadia · target
infrastructure
Basic physical systems
- gradingAssigning marks to work
- excavationAct of unearthing
- foundationUnderlying support structure
roadwork · pipeline · tunnel · bridge · dam · earthwork · elevation · setout · as-built · centerline
- construction equipmentbackhoe, bulldozer, excavator, crane, forklift
- measuring devicesthermometer, barometer, scale, meter stick, yardstick
- measuring toolstape measure, ruler, yardstick, tablespoon, teaspoon
- antique instrumentsastrolabe, sextant, octant, quadrant, sundial
- engineering toolslevel, tape measure, caliper, micrometer, plumb bob
- fieldworkfieldwork, field work, field journal, field guide, field study