Advanced Surveying 18CV45

MODULE 1
Theodolite Survey
Introduction

Theodolite is an angle measuring instrument used in surveying both vertical and horizontal
angles is measured using the theodolite.

Theodolite are an important and accurate instruments which are used in prolonging a line laying
of pipelines and road networks in locating the foundation points finding out differences in
heights etc. The theodolite is a complex instrument used mainly for accurate measurement of
horizontal and vertical angle up to 10" or 20" depending upon the least count of the instrument.
Because of its various uses, the theodolite is sometimes known as "Universal Instrument".

CLASSIFICATION OF THEODOLITES

BASED ON HORIZONTAL

1. Transit theodolite

2. Non- transit theodolite

BASED ON ANGLE

1. Vernier Theodolites.

2. Micrometer Theodolites.

3. Electronic digital theodolite.

❖ Transit theodolite – It is the one in which the line of sight can be reversed by revolving
the telescope through 180° in the vertical plane.

❖ Non-transit theodolite-It is the one in which the telescope cannot be transited. Also called
as plain theodolite or Y-theodolite.

The transit is used, and non-transit theodolite have now become obsolete.

❖ Vernier Theodolite: For reading the graduated circle if Vernier’s are used, the theodolite
is called as a Vernier Theodolite

❖ Micrometer Theodolites: Whereas, if a micrometer is provided to read the graduated

circle the same is called as a Micrometer Theodolite.

❖ Electronic digital theodolite: reading directly providing as digital num. if electronic

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Advanced Surveying 18CV45

distance measuring is attached with it then it’s called total station. Vernier type theodolites
are commonly used

USES OF THEODOLITE

The Theodolite is a most accurate surveying Instrument mainly used for :

▪ Measuring horizontal and vertical angles.
▪ Locating points on a line.
▪ Prolonging survey lines.
▪ Finding difference of level.
▪ Measuring the magnetic bearing
▪ Setting out grades
▪ Ranging curves
▪ Tachometry Survey

Dept. of Civil Engg. SJBIT

Advanced Surveying 18CV45

PARTS OF THEODOLITE

Fig: Transit Vernier Theodolite

Dept. of Civil Engg. SJBIT

Advanced Surveying 18CV45

Levelling Head - Levelling Head consists of upper tribrach and lower Tribrach. Upper tribrach
has three arms, each arm carries a levelling screw for levelling the equipment. Lower tribrach
has got a circular hole through which a plumb bob may be suspended for centering.
Three distinct functions of levelling head are:
i) to support the main part of the instrument
ii) to attach the Theodolite to the Tripod
iii) to provide a means for levelling the theodolite

Vertical circle (vertical Scale): The vertical circle is a full 3600 scale. It is mounted within one of
the standards with its centre co- linear with the trunnion axis. It is used to measure the anglr
between the line of sight (collimation axis) of the telescope and the horizontal. This is known as
vertical angle.

Telescope: A telescope is an optical instrument using lenses, curved mirrors or a combination of

both to observe distant objects.

Lower plate (Scale plate): The lower plate is the base of the whole instrument. It hold the foot
screws and the bearing for the vertical axis. It is rigidly attached to the tripod mounting assembly
and does not move.

Upper plate (Vernier plate): The upper plate is the base on which the standards and vertical circle
are placed. Rotation or transiting of the upper plate about a vertical(alidade) axis will also cause
the entire assembly to rotate in an identical manner. Upper plate must be perpendicular to the
alidade axis and parallel to the trunnion axis. Also, before the instrument is used, the upper plate
must be “levelled”. This is achieved by adjustment of three foot screws and observing a precise
tube bubble. This is known as the plate bubble and is placed on the upper plate.

Fig: Details of Upper and Lower plate

Horizontal scale (Horizontal circle): The horizontal circle is a full 3600 scale. it is often placed
between the upper and lower plates with its centre co-linear with the vertical axis. It is capable of
full independent rotation about the trunnion axis so that any particular direction may be arbitrarily
set to read zero. There are two clamps and associated tangent screws with the plate. These screws
facilitate the motion of the instruments in horizontal plane.

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Advanced Surveying 18CV45

Screws:
A theodolite instrument has number of screws as its component parts. These are classified
into different types depending on their functions.
I. Leveling Screws: These are present in the leveling head of a theodolite in between trivet
and tribrach. These work in threaded holes in the tribrach arms and their lower ends rest in
recesses in the trivet. These screws are used for leveling the instrument i.e., to make plate
level axis truly horizontal.

II. Lower plate Clamp Screw: The clamp screw attached to the lower plate of a theodolite is
called lower plate clamp screw. When it is tightened, the outer spindle gets fixed with the
tribrach, and, thus, the lower plate gets fixed in position.

III. Upper plate Clamp Screw: The clamp screw attached with the upper plate of a theodolite
is called upper plate clamp screw. When it is tightened, the inner spindle gets fixed with
the outer spindle and, thus, the upper plate gets fixed in position. The manipulation of the
upper plate and lower plate clamp screws provide three conditions:
o When both the upper plate clamp screw and the lower plate clamp screw are
tightened, the instrument gets fully fixed.
o When the upper plate clamp screw is tightened and the lower plate clamp screw is
opened, the instrument rotates on its outer axis, there is no relative motion between
the two plate and the readings in the horizontal vernier scales do not change.
o When the lower plate clamp screw is tightened, and the upper plate is opened, the
instrument rotates on the inner axis with outer axis fixed. The readings in the
horizontal vernier scales change.

IV. Vertical plate Clamp Screw: It is present on a frame fixed with standard and above the
shaft of trunnion axis. It is used to clamp the telescope in any plane and hence at any desired
vertical angle.

V. Tangent Screws: With each clamping screw, there is a tangent screw present in the
instrument to provide fine movement. The tangent screws work only after its clamping
screws get tightened. Thus when the upper clamp screw has been tightened, small
movement of the upper plate can be made by the upper tangent screw; when the lower
clamp screw has been tightened, small movement of the lower plate can be made by the
lower tangent screw and similarly for vertical clamp screw.

The Upper Horizontal clamp and tangent screw: The upper horizontal clamp is provided to
clamp the upper plate to the horizontal circle. Once the clamp is released the instrument is free to
traverse through 3600 around the horizontal circle. Horizontal plate of smaller diameter provided
with two verniers. on diametrically opposite parts of its circumference. These verniers are
designated as A and B. They are used to read fractions of the horizontal circle plate graduations.
The verniers are graduated in 20 min and each minute is divided in 3 to 5 parts making least count

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Advanced Surveying 18CV45

20” or 10”. The upper clamp screw locks or releases the upper Vernier plate. When this clamp is
released, the lower plate does not move but the upper Vernier plate moves with the instrument.
This causes the change in the reading. The upper tangent screw allows the fine adjustment
The Lower Horizontal clamp and tangent screw: The lower horizontal clamp is provided to
clamp the horizontal circle to the lower plate. Lower clamp screw locks or releases the lower plate.
When this screw is unlocked both upper and lower plates move together. The associated lower
tangent screw allows small motion of the plate in locked position.

Vertical clamp and tangent screw: In order to hold the telescope at a particular vertical angle a
vertical clamp is provided. This is located on one of the standards and its release will allow free
transiting of the telescope. When clamped, the telescope can be slowly transited using another fine
adjustment screw known as the vertical tangent screw.

Altitude level: A highly sensitive bubble is used for levelling particularly when taking the vertical
angle observations.

Plumb bob: To centre the instrument exactly over a station mark, a plumb bob is suspended from
the hook fitted to the bottom of the central vertical axis.

Standards or A frame: The frames supporting telescope are in the form of English letter ‘A’. This
frame allows telescope to rotate on its trunnion axis in vertical frame.

Technical Terms

Centering: Centering means setting the theodolite exactly over an instrument- station so that its
vertical axis lies immediately above the station- mark. It can be done by means of plumb bob
suspended from a small hook attached to the vertical axis of the theodolite.

Transiting: Transiting is also known as plunging or reversing. It is the process of turning the
telescope about its horizontal axis through 180° in the vertical plane

Swinging the telescope: it means turning the telescope about its vertical axis in the horizontal
plane. A swing is called right or left according as the telescope is rotated clockwise or
counterclockwise.

Face left: if the vertical circle of the instrument is on the left side of the observer while taking a
reading, the position is called the face left and the observation made is known as left observation.

Face right: if the vertical circle of the instrument is on the right side of the observer while taking
a Reading, the position is called the face right and the observation made is known as right
observation.

Changing Face: It is the operation of bringing the vertical circle to the right of the observer, if
originally it is to the left and vice – versa.

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Advanced Surveying 18CV45

It is done in two steps; Firstly, revolve the telescope through 180° in a vertical plane and
then rotate it through 180° in the horizontal plane i.e first transit the telescope and then swing it
through 180°

Line of Collimation: It is also known as the line of sight.It is an imaginary line joining the
intersection of the cross- hairs of the diaphragm to the optical centre of the object- glass and its
continuation.

Axis of the telescope: It is also known an imaginary line joining the optical centre of
the object- glass to the centre of eye piece

Axis of the Level Tube: It is also called the bubble line. It is a straight line tangential to the
longitudinal curve of the level tube at the centre of the tube.
◦ It is horizontal when the bubble is in the centre.

Telescope normal: The telescope is said to be normal or direct when its vertical circle is to the
left of the observer & the bubble is up

Telescope Inverted: The telescope is said to be Inverted when its vertical circle is to the right of
the observer & the bubble is down

Vertical Axis: It is the axis about which the telescope can be rotated in the horizontal plane.

Horizontal Axis: It is the axis about which the telescope can be rotated in the vertical plane. It is
also called the trunion axis.

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Advanced Surveying 18CV45

Fundamental axes of Theodolite & their relationship

1. Vertical Axis
2. Horizontal axis
3. Line of collimation
4. Axis of the altitude level tube
5. Axis of the plate level

The following relationship should exist:

1. The axis of the plate level must lie in a plane perpendicular to the vertical axis
2. The line of collimation must be perpendicular to the horizontal axis at its intersection with
the vertical axis.
3. The horizontal axis must be perpendicular to the vertical axis.
4. The axis of the altitude level must be parallel to the line of collimation
5. The vertical circle vernier must read zero when the line of collimation is horizontal

Dept. of Civil Engg. SJBIT

Advanced Surveying 18CV45

Temporary Adjustment:
Before the instrument is put to field usage certain adjustments one to be carried out so that the
instrument is ready. The setting of the theodolite over a station at the time of taking any
observation is called temporary adjustment.

(1) Fixing & Centering: It is an adjustment in which the instrument is attached to the tripod stand
and then placed exactly over the identified ground point.

(2) Levelling: It is a stage of adjustment in which the instrument in made level w.r.t the mean
ground at the station.

1. The 3 foot screws are brought to the certain of their run

2. By adjusting the legs the head plate is made horizontal by eye judgment

3. The plate level is brought parallel to any of the two foot screws and the corresponding foot
screws are turned inwards or outwards simultaneously till the bubble is in the center of the
run

4. Plate level is turned perpendicular to its earlier position and the 3rd foot screw is turned
inwards or outwards till the bubble comes to the centre.

5. The steps 3 & 4 are repeated till the bubble is at the centre for any direction

(3) Elimination of Parallax: It is an adjustment in which the image of the bisected object is made
to fall on the plane of cross hair.

It is done through the following steps:

1. Looking through the eyepiece lye piece is turned clockwise or anticlockwise till the
cross hairs are seen dark.

2. Telescope is turned to a far off object and looking through the eye piece the focusing
screen is turned till the clean image of the object is seen.

Dept. of Civil Engg. SJBIT

Advanced Surveying 18CV45

Measurement of Angles:

Angle is a deviation between 2 objects measured with reference to a point and expressed in
degrees(0), minutes( 1 ) and seconds( 11). Using theodolite both horizontal and vertical angles can
be measured. Horizontal angles are measured and observed w.r.t Horizontal plate scale in marked
from 0o to 360o. It consists of main scale and vernier scale.

Main scale is attached to lower plate and its movement is controlled through lower clamp
screw (LCS). The value of each big division in a main scale is 1 which is divided into 3 parts there
by value of each small division is 201

Vernier scale is attached to upper plate and its movement is controlled by upper clamp
screw (UCS). In version scale each big division is 1 and is divided into 3 parts there by the smallest
division = 20’’ (20 second). There 20’’ is the LC (least count) of theodolite.

General procedure for Angular Measurements

1. Both UCS & LCS are released Upper & lower plates are turned mutually till O of the
version co-insides with O (Zero) of the main scale.

2. The clamp screws are locked and lower tangential screw is used for accurate matching.

3. Releasing LCS instrument is turned towards the reference point P till accurate bisection is
made now the reading in the scale will be 00 0’ 0”.

4. Releasing UCS the second object (Q) is bisected accurately and UCS is clamped.

5. The reading on the scale A & B is observed and entered.

In scale A complete reading is noted down

i.e. M.S – 1770 20’ V. S - 9’ 40”

1770 29’ 40”

In scale B only minutes and seconds are observed

i.e,., M. S -20’ V. S - 10’ 40”

30’ 40’’

The true angle PRQ in the mean of scale A and scale B.

Horizontal angle measurement
Horizontal angles are measured in 2 method

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Advanced Surveying 18CV45

A) Method of repetition B) Method of Reiteration

A) Method of repetition:
P Q
When the precision of measurement of a horizontal angle is
desired to be more than the least count of the instrument, repetition
method is used. In this method, the desired angle is measured several
times, and average of the observed values is considered as the value
of the angle. The steps involved in the measurement of the horizontal
O
angle, say POQ at O by method of repetition are as follows:

1. Two points one on each of the lines, say P and Q, are to be marked.

2. A transit theodolite is to be set at the point of intersection of the lines, say at O. Initially, the
instrument is in the face left condition & its temporary adjustment is to be done over the point O.

3. Both the lower and upper plate main screws are to released and get the vernier A set to 0° (or
360°) mark on the main scale. After clamping the upper main screw, index of vernier A is to be
brought exactly to the zero of the main scale using the upper plate tangent screw.

4. At this stage the reading of the vernier B should be 180°.

5. Swing the telescope in the horizontal plane and point it to the left station, say P. Tighten the
lower plate clamp screw, and bisect the signal at P exactly using the lower plate tangent screw.
Record the readings in the form of table.

6. Loosen the upper plate main screw and turn the telescope the signal at Q is sighted. Tighten the
upper clamp screw and bisect the ranging pole at Q exactly using the upper plate tangent screw.

7. Read both the verniers A and B and record the readings. The reading of the vernier A is the angle
POQ. The vernier B gives the value of angle POQ after deducting from it 180°.

8. Unclamp the lower plate, and turn the telescope to sight the signal P again. Tighten the lower
clamp. Use the lower plate tangent screw for exact bisection of the signal P. (The vernier readings
should be as it was during previous reading).

9. Release the upper clamp and turn the telescope to sight the signal Q. Tighten the upper clamp.
Bisect the signal Q exactly using the upper tangent screw. The vernier A will give the value which
is about twice the angle POQ.

10. Repeat steps (8) and (9) once again. The final reading of the vernier A will be approximately
thrice the angle POQ. If necessary, more repetitions can be done.

11. Divide the final reading by the number of repetition to obtain the value of the angle POQ. For
every completed revolution of the circle to the final reading, if necessary, add 360°.

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Advanced Surveying 18CV45

12. Change face of the instrument to the face right. The telescope will be in the inverted condition.
Repeat steps (2) to (9), with the face right, and determine another value of the angle POQ.

13. Determine the average value of the angles obtained with the face left and face right

The method of repetition eliminates different errors present in measurement of horizontal angle.
These are as follows:
• The errors due to eccentricity of verniers and centers get eliminated as readings from both the
verniers are taken.
• The errors due to inaccurate graduations get eliminated as the readings are observed at different
parts of the circle.
• The errors due to lack in adjustment of line of collimation and the horizontal axis of the
instrument get eliminated for considering both faces readings.
• Errors due to inaccurate bisection of the object, eccentric centering etc are eliminated partially
as these get counterbalanced in different observations.

The method is adopted

• When there are few objects between which angle is required
• Very accurate value of the angle is required.

Table : Measurement of a horizontal angle by repetition method

B)Method of Reiteration :- Method of reiteration for measurement of horizontal angle is usually

adopted in case several angles are to be measured from the same instrument station with high
precision. In this method, angles are measured successively starting
from a point termed as initial station. The angle between the
terminating station and the initial station is the last observation
during a set of measurement of horizontal angle by method of
reiteration. This process of measuring the angles at an instrument
station round the point is to obtain a check on their sum being equal
to 360°. the final reading of the vernier should be the same as its

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Advanced Surveying 18CV45

initial reading if there is no discrepancy. Figure shows a instrument station O where the angles
POQ, QOR and ROS have to be measured by method of reiteration.

The steps involved in the measurement of the horizontal angles by method of reiteration are as
follows:

Steps 1 to 7 are same as given in measurement of horizontal angle and record readings in Table

8. Loosen the upper plate clamp screw and turn the telescope clockwise until the station R is
sighted. Tighten the upper clamp screw. Use the upper tangent screw for placing the object R on
the vertical cross hair. Read both the verniers, and record readings in the Table 3. Compute the
angle QOR. And note down in the table.

9. Likewise, determine the angle ROS.

10. Finally, close the horizon by sighting the reference object P again. Note down the readings.
The vernier A should now read zero (or 360°).

11. Now change the face left of the instrument to the face right by transiting (plunging) the
telescope and swinging it through 180°. Repeat steps 3 to 10 in the anti-clockwise direction.

12. The average value of each angle obtained with the face left and the face right provides the
observed values of the angle

Table : Measurement of a horizontal angle by reiteration method

Vertical angle measurements

The deviation of objects in the vertical plane will give the vertical angle. Vertical angles are
measured with respect to horizontal LOS which is taken as the reference

When the bisected objects are above the line of sight (los), vertical angle is called Angle of
elevation. When the bisected object is below the los vertical angle is called Angle of depression

Vertical angles are measured with the help of scale C and scale D which are on the vertical
circle or vertical plate. The marking are 00 to 900 an either side of 0 marking. In vertical circle

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Advanced Surveying 18CV45

main scale is attached to the telescope and hence it is movable. The vernier is attached to the
vertical plate and is fixed.

General Procedure:

1. Instrument is adjusted for temporary adjustment. But the leveling is done w.r.t the attitude
bubble only

2. Releasing the vertical clamp screw (VCS) telescope is turned till 0 of the main scale is in
line with 0 of the version and it is clamped.

3. Releasing the VCS, telescope is turned above or below the horizontal line of sight (los)
depending on the position of the object.

4. UCS in clamped and accurate bisection is made using vertical tangential screw.

5. The obtained ladings on the scale C & D are observed and entered in tabular Colum.

6. Angle of elevation are marked with +ve sign and angle of depression are signed a negative
sign

Table: Measurement of vertical angles

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Advanced Surveying 18CV45

The permanent adjustment in case of a transit theodolites are:

1. Adjustment of the Horizontal Plate Levels:
The axis of the horizontal plate levels must be perpendicular to the vertical axis. If this
condition exists, the vertical axis will be truly vertical when the bubble is centre of its run.

2. Collimation Adjustment:
The line of collimation must be perpendicular to the horizontal axis at its intersection
with the vertical axis. The line of collimation should coincide with the axis of the telescope and
axis of the objective slide and should be at right angles to the horizontal axis.

3. Horizontal Axis Adjustment:

The horizontal axis must be perpendicular to the vertical axis.

4. Adjustment of the Telescope Level or Altitude Level:

The axis of the telescope level or altitude level must be parallel to the line of collimation.

5. Vertical Circle Index Adjustment:

The vertical circle vernier must read zero when the line of collimation is horizontal.

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Advanced Surveying 18CV45

TRIGONOMETRIC LEVELLING

Trigonometrical levelling is an indirect method of levelling. The relative elevations of

various points are determined from the observed vertical angle and Horizontal distances by the use
of certain trigonometrical relations. The vertical angle are measured by means of theodolite. The
horizontal distances are measured with a type or chain or calculated indirectly.

Trigonometrical levelling can be divided into two groups

1. Plane trigonometrical levelling

2. Geodetic trigonometrical levelling
In plane trigonometrical levelling, the principles of plane surveying are used. It is assumed
that the distances between points are large and the effect of curvature are refraction is applied
linearly to the calculated heights and distances. If the distances are small, the effect of curvature
and refraction is neglected. The elevations of the points like top of the chimney, top of temple etc.,
are determined.
In geodetic trigonometrical levelling, the principles of plane surveying cannot be used as
the distances between the points are very large. The correction due to curvature are refraction are
applied directly to the observed angles.
The following situations under which trigonometrical surveying may be used:
1. When the base of the object is accessible, but it is difficult to measure the height of the
object directly with a tape. Eg: Tower.
2. When the base of the object is inaccessible due to obstacle between instrument and object.
Eg: River.
3. When the base of the object is inaccessible due to undulating ground or object is located
on the top of hill.
Method of determining the elevation of a point by theodolite
• There are main two cases to determine the R.L of any point.

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Advanced Surveying 18CV45

Case -1 :-- Base of object accessible.

Case -2 :-- Base of object inaccessible.
i. Single plane method
ii. Double plane method
Case -1 :-- Base of object accessible.
In this case the base of the object say chimney is accessible. The horizontal distance D
between the object B and the instrument station A can be measured directly using tape. This method
is usually employed when the distance D is small.
Let, B be the top of the object whose elevation is required. The following field procedure is used
1. Set up the theodolite over A and level it accurately with reference to altitude bubble.
2. Take a staff reading (s) on BM with the line of sight horizontal to determine the elevation
of line of sight.
3. Direct the telescope towards B and observe the vertical angle (α) Face left and face right
observation should be taken to eliminate instrumental errors.

Here A = Instrument station

B = Point to be observed
h = Elevation of B from the instrument axis
D = horizontal distance between A and the base of object
h1 = height of the instrument
BS = Reading of staff kept on BM

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Advanced Surveying 18CV45

α = Angle of elevation BA1C

ℎ
From the fig. Tanα = 𝐷 h = D tanα

R.L of instrumental axis = RL of A + h1 (or) RL of BM + BS

R.L of B = RL of BM + BS + h
= RL of BM + BS + D tanα
If the distance D is large. The correction due to curvature are refraction are applied directly
to the observed angles. The combined correction =0.0673 D2 for earth’s curvature and reflection is
required, were D = distance in Km.
If the angle of elevation, the correction is taken as + ve.
If the angle of depression, the correction is taken as – ve.
Then R.L of B = RL of BM + BS + h + C

Case : 2 :-- Base of object inaccessible.

When it is not possible to measure the horizontal distance between the instrument station and the
base of the object, this method is employed to determine the R.L of the object.
If the two Instrument stations so chosen lie in the same vertical plane passing through the
elevated object. It is known as “Single plane method” or “same plane method”.
If the chosen two Instrument stations do not lie in the same vertical plane passing through
the elevated object. It is known as “Double plane method” or “ not in the same plane method”.
Single plane method (same plane method) :
Let A and B be the two chosen instrument stations. P be the elevated object whose elevation
is required. A, B and P lie in the same vertical plane.
The following procedure is used to determine the elevation of P
1. Set up the theodolite over the station A and level it accurately w.r.t the altitude bubble

2. Direct the telescope with face left towards the top of the object P. Bisect P accurately &
clamp both plates. Read verniers C & D and determine the vertical angle α1
3. Plunge the telescope. Mark the second station B in the line so that P, A & B are in the same
vertical plane. Measure the distance (d) between A & B accurately with a tape.
4. Change the face to right & measure the vertical angle α1 again. Obtain the average value of
two vertical angles.

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Advanced Surveying 18CV45

5. Set the vertical circle vernier to zero and bring altitude bubble central. Take a reading on
the staff held on the BM. Take both face staff readings on BM to get average staff reading.
Let it be S1(BM)
6. Shift the instrument to B. Set up & level it with reference to altitude bubble. Measure the
vertical angle α2 to P with both face observations by repeating steps (3) & (4)
7. Repeat the step 5 and take the staff reading S2 on BM.( if instruments axes at A & B are
same level, then S1= S2)
Depending upon the levels of instrument axes at A & B, the following cases are considered
to calculate the RL of P
Case 1: Instrument axes at A & B are at the same level
Case 2: Instrument axes B is higher than that at A
Case 3: Instrument axes at A is higher than that at B.

Case 1: Instrument axes at A & B are at the same level

A & B = Instrument station

α1 = Angle of elevation at A
α2 = Angle of elevation at B
h = Height of P above the horizontal line of sight
D = horizontal distance between A and the base of object
d = horizontal distance between the instrument station

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Advanced Surveying 18CV45

ℎ
From triangle PA1P1 Tanα1 = 𝐷 h = D tanα1………(1)

From triangle PB1P1 h = (d+D) tanα1………(2)

Equating eq (1) & (2)
D tanα1= (d+D) tanα1
𝑑 tanα2
Or D = 𝑡𝑎𝑛α1−𝑡𝑎𝑛α2

Substitude the value of D in eq (1)

𝑑 𝑡𝑎𝑛α1 𝑡𝑎𝑛α2
h=
𝑡𝑎𝑛α1−𝑡𝑎𝑛α2

R.L of P = RL of BM + S1 + h

Case 2: Instrument axes B is higher than that at A

A & B = Instrument station

S1 = Staff reading on BM from the instrument station A
S2 = Staff reading on BM from the instrument station B
h1 = Height of P above the horizontal plane through A’
h2 = Height of P above the horizontal plane through B’
D = horizontal distance between A and the base of object

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Advanced Surveying 18CV45

d = horizontal distance between the instrument station

P’ = Projection of P on horizontal plane through A’
P’’ = Projection of P on horizontal plane through B’
ℎ1
From triangle PA1P1 Tanα1 = h1 = D tanα1………(1)
𝐷

From triangle PB1P1 h2 = (d+D) tanα2………(2)

Subtracting eq (2) from (1)
h1 – h2 = D tanα1 - (d+D) tanα2
= D (tanα1- tanα2) - d tanα2
But, h1 – h2 = difference in levels of instrument axes = S2 – S1 = S
Therefore, D (tanα1- tanα2) - d tanα2 = S
or D (tanα1- tanα2) = S + d tanα2
𝑑 tanα2+S
Or D = 𝑡𝑎𝑛α1−𝑡𝑎𝑛α2

Substitude the value of D in eq (1) & (2) to find h1 & h2

Now, R.L of P = RL of BM + S1 + h1
As a check, R.L of P = RL of BM + S2 + h2

Case 3: Instrument axes at A is higher than that at B.

ℎ1
From triangle PA1P1 Tanα1 = 𝐷
h1 = D tanα1………(1)

Dept. of Civil Engg. SJBIT

Advanced Surveying 18CV45

From triangle PB1P1 h2 = (d+D) tanα2………(2)

Subtracting eq (1) from (2)
h2 – h1 = (d+D) tanα2 - D tanα1
= d tanα2 - D (tanα1- tanα2)
But, h2 – h1 = difference in levels of instrument axes = S2 – S1 = S
Therefore, d tanα2 - D (tanα1- tanα2) = S
or D (tanα1- tanα2) = d tanα2 + S
𝑑 tanα2 − S
Or D = 𝑡𝑎𝑛α1−𝑡𝑎𝑛α2

Substitude the value of D in eq (1) & (2) to find h1 & h2

Now, R.L of P = RL of BM + S1 + h1
As a check, R.L of P = RL of BM + S2 + h2
Thus in general, the expressions for D, h1 & h2 can be written as
𝑑 tanα2 ± S
D = 𝑡𝑎𝑛α1−𝑡𝑎𝑛α2

Note: For D, use (+) ve sign if the instrument axis at B is higher than the near station A, use (-)ve
sign when the axis is at near station A is higher than that at B, and substitute S=0 if both axes are
at the same level.

Double plane method (Not in the same plane method):

The instrument stations A & B are not in the same vertical plane as that of elevated object
P. They are in two vertical planes.

The following procedure is used to find the elevation of P:

1. Set up the instrument at A. Level it accurately w.r.t altitude bubble.

2. Sight the top of the object P & measure the vertical angle α1with face left

3. Set the horizontal circle to read zero & sight B. Release the upper plate, sight P & measure
the horizontal angle θ1.

4. Take a staff reading S1 on BM with line of sight horizontal.

5. Change the face & repeat steps 2 to 4 and obtain another set of α1, θ1 & S1.

6. Determine the average values of α1, θ1 & S1

Dept. of Civil Engg. SJBIT

Advanced Surveying 18CV45

7. Shift the instrument to station B and measure vertical angle α2, horizontal angle θ2 & staff
reading S2 from B by repeating the steps 2 to 5.

Calculation:

From triangle ABQ1, Horizontal angle, θ3 = 1800 – ( θ1 + θ2)

𝐴𝑄1 𝐵𝑄 𝐴𝐵
Apply Sine rule, = 𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃1 = 𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃
𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃2 1 3

𝑑
∴ 𝐴𝑄1 = D1 = 𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃 x 𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃2
3

𝑑
& 𝐵𝑄1 = D2 = 𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃 x 𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃1
3

h1 = D1 tanα1

R.L of Q = RL of B.M + S1 + h1

Check: h2 = D2 tanα2

R.L of Q = RL of BM + S2 + h2

Solved problems:

Dept. of Civil Engg. SJBIT

Advanced Surveying 18CV45

1.A transit is set up at 75m away from a lightening conductor of a tall building. The angle of
elevation to its top is 14036’. The reading on a levelling staff held on a B.M of RL 1900.800 is
3.775m. Determine the RL of top of lightining conductor.
Solu:
Let, P = Instrument station
Q = Top of lightining conductor.
Angle of elevation, α = 14036’
D = 75m
S = 3.775m
R.L of instrumental axis = RL of BM + S = 1900.800 + 3.775 = 1904.575m
h = D tanα = 75 x tan 14036’ = 19.54 m
R.L of top of lightining conductor = RL of instrumental axis + h
= 1904.575 + 19.540 = 1924.115m
2.A theodolite was set up at a distance of 500m from a tower & the angle of elevation to the
top was 9039’ while the angle of depression to the foot of tower was 2052’. The staff reading
on a BM of RL 86.600 was 2.480m. What is the height of tower & RL of its top and its foot.
Solu:
Let, P = Instrument station
Q = Top of tower.
Angle of elevation, α1 = 9039’
Angle of depression, α2 = 2052’
D = 500m
S = 2.480m
h1 = D tanα1 = 500 x tan 9039’ = 85.02 m
h2 = D tanα2 = 500 x tan 2052’ = 25.04 m
Height of tower = h1 + h2 = 85.02 + 25.04 = 110.06 m
R.L of instrumental axis = RL of BM + S = 86.600 + 2.480 = 89.080m
R.L of top of tower = RL of instrumental axis + h1 = 89.080 + 85.02 = 174.100m
R.L of bottom of tower = RL of instrumental axis – h2 = 89.080 + 25.040 = 64.040m

Dept. of Civil Engg. SJBIT

Advanced Surveying 18CV45

3.To determine the elevation of the top of the chimney, the following observations were made:

Inst. Reading on BM Angle of elevation Remarks

Station to Aerial pole

A 0.860 18036’ RL of BM
= 420.500m
B 1.220 10012’

Station A & B and the top of the chimney are in the same vertical plane. Find the Elevation
of the top of the chimney, if the distance between A & B is 50.00m
Solu:

S1 = 0.860m, S2 = 1.220m, α1 = 18036’, α2 = 10012’, d = 50m

Instrument axis at B is higher than A (S2 > S1)
R.L of instrumental axis at A = RL of BM + S1 = 420.500 + 0.860 = 421.360m
R.L of instrumental axis at B = RL of BM + S2 = 420.500 + 1.220 = 421.720m
Difference in level of intrument axis = S = S2 - S1 = 1.220 - 0.860 = 0.36m
𝑑 tanα2+S 500 𝑥 tan 100 12’+0.360 9.356
Distance, D = 𝑡𝑎𝑛α1− 𝑡𝑎𝑛α2 = = 0.157 = 59.60 m
tan 180 36’ − 𝑡𝑎𝑛100 12’

Height of top of the chimney above instrument axis through A

h1 = D tanα1 = 59.60 x tan 18036’ = 20.06 m
R.L of top of the chimney = RL of instrumental axis at A+ h1 = 421.360 + 20.06 = 441.420m
Check: Height of top of the Aerial pole above instrument axis through B
h2 = (d + D) tanα2 = (50 + 59.60) x tan 10012’ = 19.72m
R.L of top of the chimney = RL of instrumental axis at B + h2 = 421.72 + 19.72 = 441.440m

Dept. of Civil Engg. SJBIT

Advanced Surveying 18CV45

4.To determine the elevation of the top of the Aerial pole, the following observations were
made:

Inst. Reading on BM Angle of elevation Remarks

Station to Aerial pole

A 1.377 11053’ RL of BM
= 30.150m
B 1.263 805’

Station A & B and the top of the Aerial pole are in the same vertical plane. Find the Elevation
of the top of the Aerial pole, if the distance between A & B is 30.00m
Solu:

S1 = 1.377m, S2 = 1.263m, α1 = 11053’, α2 = 805’, d = 30m

Instrument axis at A is higher than B (S1 > S2)
R.L of instrumental axis at A = RL of BM + S1 = 30.150 + 1.377 = 31.527m
R.L of instrumental axis at B = RL of BM + S2 = 30.150 + 1.263 = 31.413m
Difference in level of intrument acxis = S = S1 – S2 = 1.377 - 1.263 = 0.114m
𝑑 tanα2 − S 30 𝑥 tan 80 5’− 0.114 4.146
Distance, D = 𝑡𝑎𝑛α1− 𝑡𝑎𝑛α2 = = 0.0684 = 60.62 m
tan 110 53’ − 𝑡𝑎𝑛80 5’

Height of top of the Aerial pole above instrument axis through A

h1 = D tanα1 = 60.62 x tan 11053’ = 12.757 m
R.L of top of the Aerial pole = RL of instrumental axis at A+ h1 = 31.527 + 12.757 = 44.284m
Check: Height of top of the Aerial pole above instrument axis through B
h2 = (d + D) tanα2 = (30 + 60.62) x tan 805’ = 12.870m
R.L of top of the Aerial pole = RL of instrumental axis at B + h2 = 31.413 + 12.870 = 44.284m

Dept. of Civil Engg. SJBIT

Advanced Surveying 18CV45

5.Find the RL of a church spire C from the following observations taken from two stations A
& B, 50m apart. ∟BAC = 600, ∟ABC = 500
Angle of elevation from A to the top of spire = 300
Angle of elevation from B to the top of spire = 290
Staff reading from A on BM of RL of 20.00m=2.500m and staff reading from B on
BM=0.500m.
Solu:
S1 = 2.5m, S2 = 0.5m, α1 = 300, α2 = 290, d = 50m, θ1 = 600, θ2 = 500
In a triangle ABC,
Horizontal angle, ∟ACB, θ3 = 1800 – ( θ1 + θ2) = 1800 – (600 + 500) = 700
𝐴𝐶 𝐴𝐵 𝐵𝐶
Apply Sine rule, = 𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃 = 𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃
𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃2 3 1

𝐴𝐵 50
∴ 𝐴𝐶 = D1 = 𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃 x 𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃2 = 𝑆𝑖𝑛70 x 𝑆𝑖𝑛50 = 40.76m
3

𝐴𝐵 50
& 𝐵𝐶 = D2 = 𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃 x 𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃1 = 𝑆𝑖𝑛 70 x 𝑆𝑖𝑛60 = 46.08m
3

R.L of instrumental axis at A = RL of BM + S1 = 20.00 + 2.500 = 22.500m

R.L of instrumental axis at B = RL of BM + S2 = 20.00 + 0.500 = 20.500m
Height of top of a church spire C above instrument axis through A
h1 = D1 tanα1 = 40.76 x tan 300 = 23.53m

R.L of top of a church spire C = RL of instrumental axis at A + h1 = 22.50 + 23.53 = 46.03m

Check: Height of top of a church spire C above instrument axis through B

Dept. of Civil Engg. SJBIT

Advanced Surveying 18CV45

h2 = D2 tanα2 = 46.08 x tan 290 = 25.54m

R.L of top of a church spire C = RL of instrumental axis at B + h2 = 20.50 + 25.54 = 46.04m

6.Determine the RL of a top of tower from the following observations:

Inst. Vertical angle Reading on BM

Station Elevation with Horizontal
line of sight

A +16042’ 1.73m

B +13038’ 2.23m

Distance between A and B is 100m. RL of BM is 168.270m. A and B are not in the same plane
with the top of tower. Horizontal angle at A between B and top of tower is 73044’. Horizontal
angle between A and top of tower at B is 52008’.

Solu:

A and B are the instrument stations and Q is the top of tower.

Angle of elevation at A, α1 = 16042’

Angle of depression at B, α2 = 13038’
d = 100m
S1 = 1.730m
S2 = 2.230m
Horizontal angle at A, θ1 = 73044’
Horizontal angle at B, θ2 = 52008’
In a triangle ABQ,
Horizontal angle Q, θ3 = 1800 – ( θ1 + θ2) = 1800 – (73044’+ 52008’) = 54008’
𝐴𝑄 𝐴𝐵 𝐵𝑄
Apply Sine rule, = 𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃 = 𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃
𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃2 3 1

𝐴𝐵 100
∴ 𝐴𝑄 = D1 = 𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃 x 𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃2 = 𝑆𝑖𝑛540 08′ x 𝑆𝑖𝑛52008’ = 97.42m
3

𝐴𝐵 100
& 𝐵𝐶 = D2 = 𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃 x 𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃1 = 𝑆𝑖𝑛 54008′ x 𝑆𝑖𝑛730 44 = 118.46m
3

Dept. of Civil Engg. SJBIT

Advanced Surveying 18CV45

h1 = D1 tanα1 = 97.42 x tan 16042’ = 29.23m

R.L of instrumental axis at A = RL of BM + S1 = 168.27 + 1.73 = 170.00m
R.L of top of tower = RL of instrumental axis at A + h1 = 170.00 + 29.23 = 199.23m

Check:
R.L of instrumental axis at B = RL of BM + S2 = 168.27 + 2.230 = 170.500m
Height of tower above instrument axis through B
h2 = D2 tanα2 = 118.46 x tan 13038’= 28.73m
R.L of top of tower = RL of instrumental axis at B + h2 = 170.50 + 28.73 = 199.23m

Dept. of Civil Engg. SJBIT