theodolite
1
9.9
- noun
- /θiˈɒdəˌlaɪt/
- Specialized
:
teodolito
- A skilled surveyor relies on a theodolite to ensure the accuracy of the land measurements.
Examples
-
Second in value to his gold watch, Vincent owned a theodolite, an angle-measuring tool used by sophisticated surveyors of the era.
Academic text (2011) -
Soon he joined Erasmus among the wharf's clutter, moving the theodolite and uncovering a crate of onions.
Fiction book (1999) -
Imagine a cold, weary man on the top of a mountain, bent over his theodolite and waiting for a splash of light.
Fiction book (1999) -
Nandi is a surveyor, and her graphic instrument is a theodolite.
Academic text (2000) -
If you return with a laser theodolite, you will then get a much better estimate; but you wouldn't claim that the height of the building had actually changed between your two observations.
Blog text (5) -
They who with their theodolites measure the angles between each end of that line and a third high point in the distance, and they who calculate by trigonometry the two other sides of the triangle, thus fixing the distance to the far point and the point's exact position.
Fiction book (1999) -
Since nothing resembling the precision of modern theodolites existed, elevations were determined by an arrangement that was even more cumbersome than plane surveying.
Academic text (2003) -
The engineer used a theodolite to accurately measure the angles of the construction site.
-
During the surveying process, a theodolite is essential for determining precise horizontal and vertical angles.
Synonyms
15
8.9
A small telescope on a tripod used to measure horizontal and vertical angles
A tool surveyors use to measure distances quickly
An instrument for measuring distance, direction, and height on land quickly
A tool used to measure directions or angles when mapping land
How Accurate
- Specialized
205
2.6
- Specialized
- Specialized
1
9.9
- Specialized
62
1.6
Surface Forms
Etymology
Theodolite comes from an old Greek word thea meaning 'view', the same thea in theatre. So a theodolite is a tool for 'viewing' and measuring angles when engineers and surveyors check land.