Land Surveying Instruments
Surveying is even more complex than it appears, and the many and varied tools used for this job are an interesting assortment. Because it is so important that a survey report be completely accurate, a wide range of instruments have evolved over the centuries to make today's surveyor well equipped for precise readings. Does this Spark an idea?
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Levels and Level Rods
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The level is one of the most important items in a surveyor's belt. There are many different types, but they all are for checking the level of a terrain. They can be made exactly horizontal and are usually mounted on a tripod with a telescope for sighting.
Planimeters
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Planimeters are machines that can determine the area of any piece of terrain, no matter how irregular that area might be. This is accomplished by tracing the irregular area's perimeter on a precise scale drawing of the terrain to be measured.
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Compasses
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A compass has a fixed reference point to the north due to its ability to always point to the Earth's magnetic field (which is obviously to the north). This allows the surveyor to pinpoint navigational direction when surveying.
Theodolite
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A theodolite is used by the surveyor to check vertical and horizontal angles. This is done through triangulation readings.
A theodolite is made up of vertical and horizontal planes with a rotatable telescope mounted inside the planes.
Utility Pipe & Cable Locators
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A pipe and cable locator is an electronic device that performs the useful function of detecting underground pipes and cables and their depth.
Plumb Bobs
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Plumb bobs are weights that are cone-shaped and hang on the end of a line. These weights and lines allow a surveyor to determine which direction is precisely vertical.
Chains
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A surveyor's chain has 100 links and is 66 feet long. Surveyor's think of the chain as having four sections, called poles, that are each made up of 16.5 links. The chains are used as measurement devices. A surveyor might get a distance reading of one pole and eleven links for instance.
Clinometer
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Clinometers, sometimes called inclinometers, come in different forms, but all are responsible for indicating the angle of inclines, elevations and slopes.
Surveyor's Sites
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Surveyor's sites are much like the sites on a rifle. They help the eye pinpoint an exact location in a magnified setting.
Flag Poles
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Flagpoles, also known as ranging or range poles, are a rod that has been painted in white and red 1-foot stripes. They are used to assist in determining distance in sightings.
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