Before we move on to the different types of land surveying equipment, let’s first discuss the compass and clinometer. Both are tools used to measure the angle of elevation on land. Land is not always level, so these instruments are helpful for land surveying. Compasses and clinometers are often used together in surveying. However, there are some significant differences between the two tools.
Measuring wheels
Measuring wheels in land surveying are essential tools for measuring the length and perimeter of an area. The accuracy of measuring wheels is dependent on the hardness of the surface and whether it is smooth or rocky. A loose surface has a lower accuracy than paved or tarred terrain. In general, the accuracy of a measuring wheel depends on the weight and surface hardness of the surface.
Measuring wheels can be either mechanical or electronic, indoor or outdoor. Depending on your needs, you can choose from different brands and sizes. You should also consider the type of surface you plan to survey before purchasing a measuring wheel. It’s best to use a medium-size measuring wheel for uneven terrain. These wheels are not very accurate and don’t handle the roughest of surfaces.
Measuring wheels in land surveying are beneficial for converting units between different measurement units. They feature a ring magnet and a reed switch mounted inside a controller. The ring magnet generates a pulse which the controller then decodes. Then, the user clicks a button on the controller and can see the actual length in the desired unit.
GPS technology
GPS technology from Bench Mark Equipment & Supplies in land surveying has a wide range of benefits. It is highly accurate and can be used in almost any weather condition. The satellites also provide data on speed, velocity, and time synchronization, making GPS an excellent tool for land surveying. With its ability to provide real-time data, GPS has the potential to replace electro-optical instruments for many land surveying tasks. It is not yet possible to use GPS for all land surveying tasks, but the advantages of GPS technology over conventional methods are clear.
The use of GPS has radically changed the surveying industry. The surveying process used to take months, requiring tedious observation and geometrical calculations. Now, GPS technology is vital to land surveying and mapping activities worldwide. While GPS-based data collection reduces the labour and equipment needed for surveying, it still provides accurate data. In fact, a single surveyor can complete the work of several surveyors in a day instead of weeks or months.
Adjustable cross-staff
An adjustable cross-staff for land surveying is a simple instrument for setting the right angle. An open cross-staff consists of four metal arms with vertical slits at right angles to each other. Two arms are used for ranging objects along a chain line, while the other two arms are used for setting the right angle. A navigator would use a single cross-staff to mark a horizontal line in the past.
The earliest form of cross-staff is the open wooden cross-staff. It is made of a four-cm-thick round or square wood, with a diameter of 15 cm to 30 cm. A circular rack and pinion system can rotate the top cylindrical part.
A cross-staff is an instrument used for measuring angles and altitudes. It consists of a brass circle with perpendicular slits at both ends. The aim is to determine whether the line is parallel to the ground or horizontal. Using a cross-staff is also used to set out the length of a boundary line. So, if you have an adjustable cross-staff, you can use it to set the right angles.
Digital Theodolite
Digital theodolites are the most common piece of land surveying equipment. They measure angles on a flat surface, such as ground, and can be used with a chain or tape measure to calculate distance. Modern theodolites can measure distance, and some even include onboard computers for calculations. Surveyors also use sight reflectors in combination with the total station.
The accuracy of the theodolite measurements depends on the air temperature inside the tube. The most accurate models have a compensator that can measure 20” per two millimetres, achieving precision across a wide operating range. An electronic temperature sensor is set next to the vial, and the data enters directly into the microprocessor.
Non-digital theodolites are also available but used rarely. Digital theodolites have a telescope mounted on the base and an electronic readout screen that displays the measurements. These tools make the measurement process easier and more accurate. With their precision, they can be used to ensure the placement of buildings and monuments. In addition to land surveying, theodolites are used for many other applications, including rocket launching and meteorology.
