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Engineering Surveying II
Chapter Two
Theodolite Instrument and Applications

Halabja University
Civil Engineering Department Bedar [Link]

• 1. Introduction:
• Theodolite: Is a survey instrument used
for the measurement of horizontal and
vertical angles.
• Angles are measured between two
intersecting lines in either a horizontal
plane or a vertical plane as shown.
• Horizontal angles are measured to
establish the directions of lines and
horizontal control (such as property
boundaries).
• Vertical angles are frequently measured
for slope distance reduction and
trigonometric leveling.

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• 2. Angle systems:
• There are three systems for dividing circles:
• 1. Sexagsimal system (English System): In this
system, the circle divided in to 360 parts called
degree ( ) ° . Each degree divided into 60 parts called
minutes ( )’ , and each minute divided into 60 parts
called seconds( )”.
• For example: 175° 15’ 47 “
• 2. Centesimal system (French-System): In this system,
the circle divided into 400 parts called grade ( )ᵍ ,
each grade divided into 100 parts called cent-grade (
) ͨ , and each cent-grade divided in to 100 cent-cent-
grade ( )ᶜᶜ . For example: 398ᵍ 78ᶜ 11ᶜ ͨ
• 3. Radian system (Circular System): Radian is a
central angle for the circle arc is equal to the radius of
the circle. The circle circumference is (2π R). Each
radian divided into 1000 parts called millium.
360°=400ᵍ=2π

• Example (1): Change (15° 37’ 14”) to Centesimal and Radian systems?
• 360°=400ᵍ=2π
37 14
• 15° 37′ 14" = 15 + + = 15.6205°
60 60(60)
15.6205 𝑥
• = →∴ 𝑥 = 17.3561𝑔
360 400
• 𝐶𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑙 𝑠𝑦𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑚: 17𝑔 35𝑐 61𝑐𝑐
15.6205 𝑥
• = →∴ 𝑥 = 0.2725 𝑟𝑎𝑑 = 272.5 𝑚𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑖𝑢𝑚
360 2𝜋
• Example (2): Find the value of the right angle in the all measuring systems?
• 360°=400ᵍ=2π
• English system: 90°
𝑥 90
• French system: = →∴ 𝑥 = 100𝑔
400 360
𝑥 90 𝜋
• Circular System: = →∴ 𝑥 = 𝑟𝑎𝑑
2𝜋 360 2

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• 3. Theodolite Instrument:
• Theodolites is precision instruments
used for angular measurement.
Typical Parts of Theodolite as
shown.
• Reading systems:
• There are basically three types of
reading system:
1. Optical scale reading.
2. Optical micrometer reading.
3. Electronic digital display.

• Set up of Theodolite:
1. Stand the tripod approximately over the survey station, keeping the
head reasonably horizontal.
2. Attach the plumb-bob to the tripod head (may not be used).
3. Move the whole tripod, or Unclamp a tripod leg and slide it in or out
until the plumb-bob is exactly over the station.
4. Put the theodolite to the tripod and clamped.
5. Move pair of tripod’s foot or by extending individual legs until the
center of optical piece or laser near to nearest location of the station.
6. Set levelling of theodolite by use same procedure of level
instrument.
7. Check the centering with optical piece.
8. Unclamp and move the whole instrument laterally over the tripod
until the plummet cross-hair or laser is exactly on the survey point.
9. Repeat (6) to (8) until the instrument is exactly centered and
levelled.

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• Measuring Angles:
• Angles may measured at two cases, after that
determining average reading for angles at face
right and face left.
• It is usually best to measure an angle by
repetition.
• 1. Horizontal angle:
1. Set up the instrument on survey point A.
2. Direct the instrument on target point B is
carefully bisected and lock the motion the
horizontal.
3. Set zero on the instrument.
4. Free the motion and direct to the point (C).
5. Read the angle from the LED.

• Booking of Data (Field Records):

• There are several different ways in which
horizontal angles can be recorded in a field book.
• Typical table as shown:
• Centering errors:
• Centering with an optical plummet or laser is
accurate ±(1−0.5 mm).
Project Name: Date: Weather condition
Observer: Instrument Detail: Zone:

Observed Reading Angle Mean

St. Face Remarks
station ° ‘ “ ° ‘ “ ° ‘ “
A Left 0 0 0
50 30 30
P B Left 50 30 30
50 30 33
B Right 230 30 36
50 30 36
A Right 180 0 0

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• 2. Vertical angles:
• The vertical circle of a theodolite is
designed to give readings of zenith
angles as shown.
• In the case of a vertical angle, the
protractor moves relative to a fixed
horizontal index.
• When the line of sight is horizontal, the
reading will be 90° or 270° with the
scope reversed.
• ∝= 90° − 𝑍°
• ∝= 𝑍° − 270°

• Booking of Data (Field Records):

Project Name: Date: Weather condition
Observer: Instrument Detail: Zone:
Observed Reading Angle Mean
St. Face Remarks
station ° ‘ “ ° ‘ “ ° ‘ “
A Left 90 00 00
37 30 30
P B Left 127 30 30
37 30 0
B Right 307 30 22
37 30 22
A Right 270 00 00

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• 4. Conventional Control Surveys:

• One of the first steps in a typical mapping, land development, or construction
project is to establish a network of both vertical and horizontal control points on
or near the ground in the vicinity of the project.
• The relative positions of all the points are accurately determined in a control
survey.
• The control points serve as fixed reference positions from which other surveying
measurements are made later.
• Vertical control (benchmark) surveys were discussed.
• A horizontal control network may be established by:
• 1. Traversing.
• 2. Intersection and resection (Triangulation).
• 3. Least squares estimation of survey networks.
• 4. Photogrammetry
• 5. Global Positioning Systems (GPS).

• Angles and Directions:

• The direction of any line may be described either by
its azimuth angle or by its bearing.
• 1. Azimuth (Whole Circle Bearing WCB):
• An azimuth is a direction of a line given by an angle
measured clockwise (usually) from the north or south
to the survey lines, but the north is preferable.
• 𝜃 = 𝜃𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑜𝑢𝑠 + 𝛼𝑏𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑠 ∓ 180° ≤ 360°
• When the value of azimuth greater than (360°), it’s
reduced by (360°) before final listing.
• 2. Bearings: Is measured clockwise or counter
clockwise from the north or south end of the survey
lines, is always accompanied by letters that locate the
quadrant in which line falls (NE, NW, SE, and SW).
• For Example as shown: E35° 𝑆

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• 3. Directions: Every line actually has two directions, a forward direction and a
back direction. The difference depends, in effect, on which way the line is being
observed.
• For Azimuth: 𝐵𝑎𝑐𝑘𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑑 = 𝐹𝑜𝑟𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑑 ∓ 180°
• If 𝐹𝑜𝑟𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑑 < 180° → 𝐵𝑎𝑐𝑘𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑑 = 𝐹𝑜𝑟𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑑 + 180°
• If 𝐹𝑜𝑟𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑑 > 180° → 𝐵𝑎𝑐𝑘𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑑 = 𝐹𝑜𝑟𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑑 − 180°
• For bearings: Changing only N to S or S to N, and E to W or W to E.

• Example (3): The azimuth of side 1–2 is given for the three-sided traverse
shown in Figure below. The three interior angles are also given. Determine the
azimuth direction for sides 2–3 and 3–1, and determine the back azimuths?
• 𝜃12 = 120°
• 𝜃 = 𝜃𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑜𝑢𝑠 + 𝛼𝑏𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑠 ∓ 180°
• 𝜃23 = 120° + 85° ∓ 180° = 25°
• 𝜃31 = 25° + 35° ∓ 180° = 240°
• Back Azimuths:
• 𝜃21 = 300°
• 𝜃32 = 205°
• 𝜃13 = 60°

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• Example (4): If azimuth of line AB is (330°), find all others azimuths?

• 𝜃𝐴𝐵 = 330°
• 𝜃 = 𝜃𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑜𝑢𝑠 + 𝛼𝑏𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑠 ∓ 180°
• 𝜃𝐵𝐶 = 330 + 120.46 ∓ 180° = 270.46°
• 𝜃𝐶𝐷 = 270.46 + 118.61 ∓ 180° = 209.07°
• 𝜃𝐷𝐸 = 209.07 + 105.36 ∓ 180° = 134.43°
• 𝜃𝐸𝐴 = 134.43 + 108.46 ∓ 180° = 62.89°
• 𝜃𝐴𝐵 = 62.89 + 87.11 ∓ 180° = 330°

• Example (5): In the traverse shown in Figure ,

the bearing of side CA and angles A and B are
given. Determine the bearings of side AB and
side BC, and Check the bearing of CA.

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• Plane Rectangular Coordinates:

• Assumption:
1. The scale for both axis are equal.
2. The origin is chosen at the south west of the
origin.
• (ΔE) called departure, and (ΔN) called latitude.
• ∆𝐸 = 𝐿 × sin 𝜃 ∆𝑁 = 𝐿 × cos 𝜃
• L=Horizontal distance of line
• 𝜃 =WCB of the line
• 𝐸𝐵 = 𝐸𝐴 + ∆𝐸𝐴𝐵 𝑁𝐵 = 𝑁𝐴 + ∆𝑁𝐴𝐵
∆𝐸 ∆𝑁
• 𝜃 = tan−1 = cot −1 ( )
∆𝑁 ∆𝐸
• 𝐿 = ∆𝐸 2 + ∆𝑁 2

• Example (6): Calculate the coordinates of point (B)? Given: EA = 48 964.38 m,

NA = 69 866.75 m,WCB AB = 299◦ 58’ 46”, and Horizontal distance=1325.64m
• From azimuth of AB, clear in fourth quadrant (−∆𝐸, + ∆𝑁)
• ∆𝐸𝐴𝐵 = 𝐿 sin 𝜃 = 1325.64 sin 299°58′ 46" = −1148.28𝑚
• ∆𝑁𝐴𝐵 = 𝐿 cos 𝜃 = 1325.64 cos 299°58′ 46" = 662.41𝑚
• 𝐸𝐵 = 𝐸𝐴 + ∆𝐸𝐴𝐵 = 48964.38 − 1148.28 = 47816.10𝑚
• 𝑁𝐵 = 𝑁𝐴 + ∆𝑁𝐴𝐵 = 69866.75 + 662.41 = 70529.16𝑚
• Example (7): Given the following coordinates for two points A and B, compute
the length of AB: EA = 48 964.38 m, NA = 69 866.75m, EB = 48 988.66 m, and NB
= 62 583.18m
• ∆𝐸𝐴𝐵 = 48988.66 − 48964.38 = 24.28𝑚
• ∆𝑁𝐴𝐵 = 62583.18 − 69866.75 = −7283.57𝑚
• 𝐿 = ∆𝐸 2 + ∆𝑁 2 = 24.282 + (−7283.57)2 = 7283.61𝑚

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• 5. Traversing:
• A traverse consists of an interconnected series of
lines called courses, running between a series of
points on the ground called traverse stations.
• Types of traverse:
• 1. Open Traverse (Free):
• Open traverses are not recommended due to the
lacks in checking, but they are sometimes used
out of necessity.
• 2. Closed traverses:
• There are two types of closed traverses:
• A. loop traverses (Polygonal):
• It is the traverse which is start from a known
point and ends on the same points.

• B. Connecting traverses:
• A connecting traverse looks like an open traverse,
except that it begins and ends at points (or lines) of
known position (and direction) at each end of the
traverse.
• Field Work:
• The positions of control traverse stations are chosen
so that they are as close as possible to the features or
objects to be located.
• The control traverse stations are usually marked by
concrete monuments set with a peg, a drill hole, or a
special bronze tablet.
• Witnessing a Point:
• This serves as an aid to finding the point when it is
covered with snow, or soil, or as a means to replace it
if the point is accidentally disturbed.

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• Measurements:
• Tape or Electronic distance measurement (EDM)
used for distance measurement.
• Theodolite used for measuring angles may be clock
wise or counter clockwise.
• The field angles of a traverse should be measured
clockwise
• May be use total station or GPS instead of them.
• These angles should be the interior angles. If for
some reason an exterior angle is measured, it
should be clearly noted in the field record.
• Some surveyors prefer to measure the deflection
angles, particularly for open or connecting
traverses.

• Traverse computation:
• 1. Correction for observed angles:
• 𝐼𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑟 𝐴𝑛𝑙𝑔𝑒 = 180° 𝑛 − 2 = 90°(2𝑛 − 4)
• 𝐸𝑥𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑟 𝐴𝑛𝑙𝑔𝑒 = 180° 𝑛 + 2 = 90°(2𝑛 + 4)
• 𝛿 = 𝑂𝑏𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑣𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒𝑠 − 𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑦
−𝛿
• 𝐶𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑒𝑎𝑐ℎ 𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒𝑠 =
𝑁𝑜.𝑜𝑓 𝐴𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒𝑠
• 2. Compute azimuths:
• The direction of one side of the traverse must be known or assumed; this is
called the base bearing (or base azimuth).
• Find the azimuths for each side by using corrected angles.
• 3. Find departure and latitude for each side:
• ∆𝐸 = 𝐿 × sin 𝜃
• ∆𝑁 = 𝐿 × cos 𝜃

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• 4. Find error of closure for Latitude and Departure and relative accuracy:
• 𝑑𝐸 = ∆𝐸 𝑑𝑁 = ∆𝑁
• Find closing error: 𝑒 = 𝑑𝐸 2 + 𝑑𝑁 2
𝑒
• Find relative accuracy: 𝛽 =
𝐿
• If tolerance of work permit of relative accuracy (OK).
• If tolerance of work did not permit of relative accuracy (correction must be applied).
• 5. Correction for Latitude and Departure:
• Bowditch method (Compass method):
𝐿1 𝐿
• 𝛿1 = 𝑑𝐸 = 1𝐿 𝑑𝑁
𝐿
𝐿 𝐿
• 𝛿2 = 2𝐿 𝑑𝐸 = 2𝐿 𝑑𝑁
𝐿 𝐿𝐿𝑎𝑠𝑡
• 𝛿𝐿𝑎𝑠𝑡 = 𝐿𝑎𝑠𝑡 𝑑𝐸 = 𝑑𝑁
𝐿 𝐿
• These values are added to calculated ΔE or ΔN with opposite signs.

• Note: Also we have method of transit, but neglect it in the lecture.

• 6. Determination of coordinates:
• Assume one coordinate, based on corrected ∆E and ∆N determine other
coordinates.
• 𝐸2 = 𝐸1 + ∆𝐸𝐶𝑜𝑟.
• 𝐸3 = 𝐸2 + ∆𝐸𝐶𝑜𝑟.
• 𝑁2 = 𝑁1 + ∆𝑁𝐶𝑜𝑟.
• 𝑁3 = 𝑁2 + ∆𝑁𝐶𝑜𝑟. ….etc

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• Example (8): The table below, shows the field data for closed traverse ABCD, if
the coordinates of A (2000, 1500). Azimuth AB=31° 33’ 00”. Compute the
coordinates for all other stations into clockwise direction. Note that the observed
angles were measured counter-clock wise.

• 1. Correction for angles:

• Interior Anlge = 180° n − 2 = 90°(2n − 4) = 90° 2 × 4 − 4 = 360°
• δ = 360° 20′ 00" − 360° = 00° 20′ 00“
• Correction for each angle = −δ 4 = −00° 20′ 00“ 4 = −00° 05′ 00“

Station To Station Observed angles Corrected angles

A B 36° 44′ 00" 36° 39′ 00"

B C 231° 02′ 00" 230° 57′ 00"
C D 29° 26′ 00" 29° 21′ 00"
D A 63° 08′ 00" 63° 03′ 00"
∑= 360° 20′ 00" 360° 00′ 00"

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• 2. Determine azimuths: Stations Corrected angles

° ′
• We have 𝜃𝐴𝐵 = 31 33 00“ A 36° 39′ 00"
• A. Graphical method: B 230° 57′ 00"
° ° ′
• 𝛼 = 230° 57′ 00−180 −31 33 00" = 19° 24′ 00“ C 29° 21′ 00"
• 𝜃𝐵𝐶 = 360° 00′ 00" − 19° 24′ 00“ D 63° 03′ 00"
• 𝜃𝐵𝐶 = 340° 36′ 00" ∑= 360° 00′ 00"
• 𝛽 = 180° − 90° − 19° 24′ 00=70° 36′00"
• 𝜃𝐶𝐷 = 90° + 70° 36′ 00−29° 21′ 00"
• 𝜃𝐶𝐷 = 131° 15′ 00
• 90° − 36° 39′00" − 31° 33′ 00" = 21° 48′ 00“
• 180° − 90° − 21° 48′ 00" = 68° 12′ 00"
• 𝜃 = 180° + 68° 12′ 00 = 248° 12′ 00"
𝐷𝐴

• B. Mathematical method:
• The angles are counter clockwise, compute the azimuths into direction of counter
clockwise:
• 𝜃 = 𝜃𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑜𝑢𝑠 + 𝛼𝑏𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑠 ∓ 180°
• 𝜃𝐵𝐴 = 31° 33′ 00“ + 180° = 211°33′ 00"
• 𝜃𝐴𝐷 = 211°33′ 00" + 36° 39′ 00“ ∓ 180° = 68°12′ 00“
• 𝜃𝐷𝐴 = 68°12′ 00“ + 180° = 248°12′ 00“
Corrected
• 𝜃𝐷𝐶 = 68°12′ 00“ + 63° 03′ 00“ ∓ 180° = 311°15′ 00“ Stations
angles
• 𝜃𝐶𝐷 = 311°15′ 00“ − 180° = 131°15′ 00“ A 36° 39′ 00"
′ ° ′ ° ′
• 𝜃𝐶𝐵 = 311°15 00“ + 29 21 00“ ∓ 180 = 160°36 00“ B 230° 57′ 00"
′ ° ′
• 𝜃𝐵𝐶 = 160°36 00“ + 180 = 340°36 00“
C 29° 21′ 00"
′ ° ′ ° ′
• 𝜃𝐵𝐴 = 160°36 00“ + 230 57 00“ ∓ 180 = 211°33 00“
D 63° 03′ 00"
′ ° ′
• 𝜃𝐴𝐵 = 211°33 00“ − 180 = 31°33 00“ (Checked)
∑= 360° 00′ 00"

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• 3. Find Latitude and Departure:

• ∆𝐸 = 𝐿 × sin 𝜃
• ∆𝑁 = 𝐿 × cos 𝜃

Stations To Station WCB Lengths (m) ΔE(m) ΔN(m)

A B 31° 33′ 00" 35.12 18.376 29.928
B C 340° 36′ 00" 25.73 -8.546 24.269
C D 131° 15′ 00 51.84 38.975 -34.180
D A 248° 12′ 00" 53.55 -49.720 -19.886
∑= 166.24m -0.915 0.131

• 4. Find error of closure for latitude and departure and relative accuracy:
• 𝑑𝐸 = ∆𝐸 = −0.915
• 𝑑𝑁 = ∆𝑁 = 0.131
• 𝑒 = −0.9152 + 0.1312 = 0.92433
0.92433 1
•𝛽= =
166.24 180
• The correction must be applied.
• 5. Correction for Latitude and Departure:
• Bowditch method (Compass method):
35.12 35.12
• 𝛿𝐸𝐴𝐵 = −0.915 = −0.193 𝛿𝑁𝐴𝐵 = 0.131 = 0.027
166.24 166.24
25.73 25.73
• 𝛿𝐸𝐵𝐶 = −0.915 = −0.141 𝛿𝑁𝐵𝐶 = 0.131 = 0.020
166.24 166.24
51.84 51.84
• 𝛿𝐸𝐶𝐷 = −0.915 = −0.285 𝛿𝑁𝐶𝐷 = 0.131 = 0.040
166.24 166.24
53.55 53.55
• 𝛿𝐸𝐷𝐴 = −0.915 = −0.294 𝛿𝑁𝐷𝐴 = 0.131 = 0.042
166.24 166.24

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To Corrected Corrected
Stations ΔE(m) 𝜹𝑬(m) ΔN(m) 𝜹𝑵(m)
Station ΔE(m) ΔN(m)
A B 18.376 0.193 18.569 29.928 -0.027 29.901
B C -8.546 0.141 -8.405 24.269 -0.020 24.249
C D 38.975 0.285 39.26 -34.180 -0.040 -34.220
D A -49.720 0.294 -49.426 -19.886 -0.042 -19.928

• 6. Determination of coordinates: A (2000, 1500)

Corrected Corrected
Stations To Station E(m) N(m)
ΔE(m) ΔN(m)
A B 18.569 2018.376 29.901 1529.901
B C -8.405 2010.169 24.249 1554.15
C D 39.26 2049.429 -34.220 1519.93
D A -49.426 2000.003 -19.928 1500.002

• Exercise (1): For the closed traverse shown below, all data indicate in the table
below. Compute the coordinates for all stations, while angles measured clock
wise direction?
Station Obs. Angles WCB Distance (m) E (m) N (m) To station
A 81º11ˉ50˭ 00º00ˉ00˭ 155 00 00 B
B 120º25ˉ50˭ 200 C
C 149º33ˉ50˭ 249 D
D 95º41ˉ50˭ 190 E
E 93º05ˉ50˭ 445 A
Total 539º59ˉ10˭ 1239

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