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How to Use a Survey Transit at High Angles

Surveyors continue to use similar technology as their predecessors from the 16th century used. The transit consisted of a telescope used to sight a distant target object and mounted on two measurement wheels that allow the surveyor exacting control over the angle that the telescope points. A modern theodolite -- the tool used to measure angles -- relies on the same basic concept, but measures the angle to a much greater degree of accuracy. Using a transit at high angles allows you to survey mountainous areas that gain elevation rapidly.

Instructions

- 1
  Check the ground on which you place the transit. Dig out a terrace if necessary to have enough flat ground to place the transit on. Zero out the angle wheels on the transit by checking that the sight reads 0 degrees when it is level.
- 2
  Place your sighting target further up the slope. Measure out the distance using surveyor's chain or tape if your transit does not have an electronic distance measuring device.
- 3
  Adjust your transit slowly until the target object lines up with the crosshairs in the sighting scope. Read the degree from the angle wheel and record the degree, distance and location of your reading.

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