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How to Calibrate Theodolite

Surveying land for a potential building requires marking wall and foundation boundaries through precise angle calculations. In fact, many surveyors use theodolite electronic devices for viewing, or sighting, an area. These devices provide accurate angle readings for determining structural dimensions and property boundaries. However, the theodolite cannot offer precise readings unless it is calibrated periodically, especially if the job site has excessive machine vibration and wind.

Things You'll Need

Theodolite
Tripod
Target

Instructions

- 1
  Place the theodolite on a roughly leveled tripod. Verify that the tripod's legs are firmly pressed into the ground for stability.
- 2
  Level the theodolite with its base-leveling screws by observing the base's level bubble. Make sure that the bubble is perfectly centered in the viewable area.
- 3
  Set a target up approximately 300 feet away. The target should resemble a plus sign or crosshairs.
- 4
  Look through the theodolite's eyepiece. Align the theodlite's internal crosshairs with the target's crosshairs. Note the vertical angle displayed on the theodolite's front panel.
- 5
  Remain standing in the same position. Turn the theodolite around. Spin the eyepiece until the user can view the target again without moving the position.
- 6
  Repeat step 4. The vertical angles should match exactly. If the vertical angles do not match, reset the theodolite's electronic parameters with the reset button, effectively calibrating the theodolite to new precise values.
- 7
  Repeat steps 4 through 6 for the horizontal angle calibration.
- 8
  Test the theodolite with a set of known angle values, such as at a surveyor's baseline. The angles should match the known values.

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