Instruments for Surveying There are several instruments commonly used for surveying, each serving different purposes. Here are some of the most frequently used surveying instruments: Theodolite : Measures horizontal and vertical angles. It is often used for land surveys, construction, and engineering projects. Total Station : Combines the functions of a theodolite with an electronic distance measurement (EDM) device to measure angles and distances simultaneously. It is widely used in topographic surveying and construction. Level : Used for determining height differences and establishing points in the same horizontal plane. Common types include the automatic level, digital level, and dumpy level. GPS (Global Positioning System) Receivers : Used for precise location measurements. Survey-grade GPS units provide accurate positioning data and are essential in geodetic and cadastral surveys. Transit : An older type of theodolite used primarily for measuring horizontal and vertical angles. Although less common now, it was widely used before more modern equipment was developed. Prism and Prism Pole : Used in conjunction with a total station to reflect the electronic distance measurement signal back to the instrument. Surveyor’s Tape (Measuring Tape) : A tape made of metal or fiberglass used for measuring short to medium distances directly. Drones (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles - UAVs) : Equipped with high-resolution cameras and GPS, drones are increasingly used for aerial surveys and mapping large areas quickly and accurately.