The theodolite has been in use for many years. It is mainly used by engineers and surveyors. The instrument is used to make measurements of horizontal together with vertical planes easily and accurately. This instrument also is used widely in weather focusing by meteorologists. The instrument is normally called observation theodolite simply because it has a telescope mounted on it. This apparatus is usually very accurate.
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.
Theodolites also have been used in measuring wind lofts for many years. They have been used to measure both vertical as well as horizontal angles of ceiling balloons, which are special types of weather balloons. Such balloons are also called pibal or pilot balloons. The development of this technology commenced in early nineteenth century and the completion was reached hundred years later.
With the help of the balloon, theodolites play a great role in enhancing the calculation of speed and wind direction. This is made easy by the tracking of balloon. Tracking is done by theodolite after balloon is released next to it. This helps in determination of rate of ascent of balloon together with angular attitude. All these observations are very crucial in weather predictions.
A rotary encoder is an electronic device that is used to read the modern types of theodolites. Modern ones also have CCD sensors, which have been placed in the focal plane. This is a great advancement in its operation in that they help the concerned telescope work automatically. With these pieces of equipment, the work of engineers and also that of surveyors has been made accurate and far easier.
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.
Theodolites also have been used in measuring wind lofts for many years. They have been used to measure both vertical as well as horizontal angles of ceiling balloons, which are special types of weather balloons. Such balloons are also called pibal or pilot balloons. The development of this technology commenced in early nineteenth century and the completion was reached hundred years later.
With the help of the balloon, theodolites play a great role in enhancing the calculation of speed and wind direction. This is made easy by the tracking of balloon. Tracking is done by theodolite after balloon is released next to it. This helps in determination of rate of ascent of balloon together with angular attitude. All these observations are very crucial in weather predictions.
A rotary encoder is an electronic device that is used to read the modern types of theodolites. Modern ones also have CCD sensors, which have been placed in the focal plane. This is a great advancement in its operation in that they help the concerned telescope work automatically. With these pieces of equipment, the work of engineers and also that of surveyors has been made accurate and far easier.
About the Author:
Carey Bourdier enjoys writing reviews on precision scientific instruments. For more information about surveying instruments such as a WK-20-8500 observation theodolite, or to find more information about surveying instruments, visit the Warren Knight site today.