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This section provides an overview for theodolites as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 22 theodolite manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked theodolite companies as of December, 2024: 1.SECO Manufacturing Co.,, 2.HOVERLABS, 3.Survey Supply, Inc..
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Categories Related to Theodolites
Postdoctoral researcher, conducting research on the production of cathode composite particles for solid-state batteries in the Equipment Engineering Group of Osaka Prefecture University.
Belongs to the Resource and Energy Recycling Laboratory, Nagaoka University of Technology, and conducts research on the development of DDR-type zeolite membranes for CO2 separation and the capture of CO2 from digestion gas generated from sewage treatment plants.
https://researchmap.jp/eiji-hayakawa
Thesis
https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes11080623
http://www.ijcea.org/index.php?m=content&c=index&a=show&catid=109&id=1177
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1387181119305529?via%3Dihub
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S138358661833154X?via%3Dihub
Theodolite is a surveying instrument that precisely measures horizontal and elevation angles.
By rotating the telescope mounted on a precision rotation and precision vertical swing stage independently in the horizontal and vertical directions, it is possible to accurately measure and determine angles between distant measurement points.
It is an indispensable instrument for surveying in the civil engineering and construction fields and is always used in conjunction with a tripod.
Currently, there are three main types of theodolites: optical theodolites, digital theodolites, and laser theodolites.
Theodolites are used for surveying at civil engineering and construction sites.
The accurate measurement of horizontal and elevation angles makes them particularly suitable for the following applications:
Theodolite is mounted on a special tripod to keep it horizontal and completely fixed on the reference point during surveying.
Combined with precise distance measurements, it is also possible to locate any single point in any space.
A theodolite is essentially a telescope mounted on a precision rotation stage in the horizontal plane and a precision swing stage in the vertical plane.
This allows the telescope to rotate independently horizontally and vertically to precisely determine the angle between any two measurement points.
Almost all theodolites have a telescope magnification of 30x.
They must be mounted on a tripod to secure their position during surveying and have a screw mount at the bottom.
Currently, there are three types of theodolites: those that combine an ordinary optical telescope with a digital micrometer (optical theodolite). Then ones that have a mechanism that displays the surveyed value in the field of view by looking through the telescope at the target point (digital theodolite), and the other is a laser theodolite that combines a digital theodolite and a visible laser to create a clear surveying reference line.
When used in conjunction with a distance surveyor, it is possible to determine the position of any arbitrary point in space.
There are three types of theodolites: optical theodolites, digital theodolites, and laser theodolites.
Optical theodolites use an optical micrometer built into an optical telescope to read angles, and since they do not use batteries, there is no need to worry about running out of power.
Digital (electronic) theodolites measure and display angles electronically. It is the most mainstream of the three types of theodolites, characterized by fast readings and low reading errors.
The laser type incorporates a laser diode and features a laser spot that illuminates the observation point. It is effective in underground and tunnel construction.
Theodolite and Transit are both surveying instruments that measure two types of angles: horizontal and elevation angles. The one that reads angles on a scale is called a transit, while the one that displays angles digitally is called an electronic theodolite. Electronic theodolites are the most common type of theodolite.
In contrast, a total station can measure both distance and angle with a single unit. A total station is a theodolite with an additional function to measure distance. A total station is also called a lightwave because it has the function of a lightwave rangefinder. They are more expensive than theodolites because they have more functions, such as a microcomputer and operating system that can be remotely operated.
While total stations can measure both distance and angle, the accuracy of angle measurement is generally higher with theodolites. Therefore, they are used on relatively small civil engineering sites.
There are two types of surveying instruments such as theodolites: those that require the telescope to be rotated after turning on the power to survey, and those that can survey immediately after turning on the power. This is due to the difference between the two methods: incremental and absolute.
The incremental method measures the amount of angle change by adding the number of slits engraved on the protractor. One of the slits has a marker for the zero point of the angle, which is 0 degrees for horizontal angles and 90 degrees for vertical angles. The angle cannot be measured unless it passes through this zero point after the power is turned on.
The absolute method measures the current angle by reading the pattern written on the protractor, so the angle can be read immediately after turning on the power. However, it tends to be more expensive than the incremental method.
Centering and leveling are performed during the installation of the theodolite, but first, the flat and circular bubble tubes and centering telescope must be inspected and adjusted to ensure that these are performed correctly.
After the theodolite inspection and adjustment are completed, the theodolite is installed. There are several precautions to be taken when using the theodolite. Theodolite is a precision instrument and should not be subjected to vibration or shock. When transporting it, it should not be carried on the shoulder while attached to the tripod. If the camera gets wet in the rain, dry it well. If the lens gets dirty, wipe it gently with a soft cloth moistened with alcohol. Also, remove the batteries when not in use for long periods. Tighten the tripod securely on the centering cans and thumbscrews. When transporting the tripod, make sure the thumbscrews are tightened securely and do not point the base of the tripod at people.
To set up the theodolite, first set up the tripod and perform "centering" to align the center of the theodolite body and the measurement point on the same vertical line. Next, the vertical axis of the theodolite is adjusted to the vertical plane, and the center of the telescope is aligned with the center of the prism. These steps are repeated and adjusted to ensure that everything is aligned so that measurements can be taken.
After installation, positive and negative observations are made to eliminate mechanical errors. Then, inspect and adjust the flat-plate bubble tube, the circular bubble tube, and the centripetal telescope to ensure that the measurements are normal.
There are several precautions to be taken when using a theodolite. Theodolites are precision instruments and should not be subjected to vibration or shock, and should not be carried on the shoulder while attached to a tripod. If the camera gets wet in the rain, dry it well. If the lens gets dirty, wipe it gently with a soft cloth moistened with alcohol. Also, remove the batteries when not in use for long periods. Tighten the tripod securely on the centering cans and thumbscrews. When transporting the tripod, make sure the thumbscrews are tightened securely and do not point the base of the tripod at people.
In addition to the theodolite itself, the choice of tripod is also important. First, there are two types of materials: wooden and aluminum. Wooden tripods are less prone to expansion due to temperature, which allows for more accurate surveying, but their high price and weight are disadvantages. In contrast, aluminum tripods are lightweight, inexpensive, and easy to carry, but they are less accurate than wooden tripods due to thermal expansion.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Survey Supply was established in 1977 and based in Milford, United States as a commercial and industrial manufacturer and provider of surveying equipment and solutions. The company's product portfolio includes wood stakes, prisms, magnetic locators, lasers, field supplies, and more. These products are used by professionals in land surveying, construction, and geospatial applications to ensure accurate measurements, mapping, and data collection. It also offers customer service with expert guidance and efficient support.
SECO Manufacturing Co., founded in 1977 and currently a subsidiary of Trimble Inc., is an American manufacturer based in Redding, California, specializing in tools and accessories geared towards industries reliant on Global Positioning System/Global Navigation Satellite System (GPS/GNSS) technology. The company offers tools and accessories catering to surveying needs. These include construction lasers, field supplies, GNSS surveying accessories, laser scanner accessories, and optical instruments. It also provides prisms and reflectors for applications in mining, tunneling, and rail monitoring, as well as prism poles, quick-release bipods, thumb-release bipods, tripods, and robotic accessories. The company also produces instrument and structural clamps and claws.
Sokkia Co. Ltd., a subsidiary of Topcon Corporation headquartered in Atsugi, Kanagawa, Japan, has been a manufacturer of measurement instruments since 1920. The company notably developed its patented damped compensator for automatic levels in 1964. It specializes in surveying and mapping equipment and offers global navigation satellite systems (GNSSs). It also produces optical instruments for surveying, such as motorized/robotic total stations and reflectorless/prism total stations. Complementary products like field controllers and software are also part of its offerings. The company caters to the construction industry with solutions, including line lasers, rotating lasers, and theodolites.
Stonex, founded in 2010 and headquartered in Milan, Italy, is a manufacturer of precision measurement and survey equipment. The company’s product range encompasses advanced solutions, including GNSS receivers, total stations, 3D laser scanners, and field software. It holds ISO 9001 certification, ensuring its products meet optimal standards of accuracy and durability. These solutions provide benefits such as increased productivity, reduced project timelines, and enhanced surveying accuracy. Its equipment finds regular applications in industries such as construction, land surveying, geospatial mapping, and civil engineering.
eSurvey GNSS, part of the UniStrong Group (Beijing Unistrong Science & Technology Co. Ltd.), is a manufacturer offering mapping, positioning, and automation solutions, established in 2018 and based in Shanghai, China. The company's product range includes light detection and ranging (LiDAR) and land survey systems. It also offers rugged geographic information systems (GISs), intelligent control systems for agricultural machinery, and various antennas and radios. Serving customers in over 50 countries, the company supports geospatial, smart farming, and construction sectors.
STS Corporation, founded in 1989 and based in Nagoya, Japan, is a manufacturer of surveying instruments and laser tools. Its product range includes laser measuring equipment for construction and surveying, laser marking equipment for material engraving, laser processing equipment for metalworking, as well as surveying instruments for land surveying, and optical measuring equipment for manufacturing applications. The company has established membership and qualifications with JSIMA (Japan Surveying Instruments Manufacturers Association).
HoverLabs has roots dating back to 1963 and is headquartered in Haryana, India. The company is a laboratory supplies manufacturer, exporting to over 110 countries. The company provides extensive R&D for designing, manufacturing, and packaging supplies. The company also provides customized product development, OEM support, and project management assistance. The company’s products include educational equipment, analytical lab equipment, engineering lab equipment, medical lab equipment, and other products used in the medical as well as scientific industries.
Rachana Enterprises( A Unit Of Shitole Associates) is a manufacturer of Land Survey and Lab Testing Equipment since 2004 with its headquarters in Pune, India. The company provides Concrete and Cement Lab Equipment such as Cube Mould with Base Plate, and Slump Test Apparatus, they supply Bosch devices and Soil Lab Equipment such as Test Sieves, Swell Test Apparatus, and more. There are also Auto Level instruments, Aggregate Lab equipment, and Survey instruments along with the availability of land survey services. Their products are used for constructing, maintaining, and surveying buildings, roads, bridges, dams, canals, and related sites.
SE-Test Lab Instruments India Private Limited, established in 2005 with headquarters in India, is a manufacturer and supplier of civil engineering lab instruments and mechanical engineering lab instruments. The company's products include cement testing lab equipment, soil testing lab equipment, computerized universal testing machines, and ice plant test rigs that are used by government organizations, engineering colleges, vocational schools, and road and highway development projects. The company also provides a range of services that include maintenance, repairs, and equipment training.
CONDTROL is a manufacturer of laser and testing instruments based in Munich, Germany since 2003. The company designs Laser instruments such as Laser Distant Meters, Levels for tile laying and wallpapering, and Rotary lasers for planning and creating slopes. There is also Surveying equipment which consists of Levels, Theodolites, and Measuring wheels along with related accessories. There is also Non-Destructive Testing equipment such as Non-contact infrared thermometers Moisture meters, Thermal imagers, and Wall scanners which help professionals such as builders, furniture installers, and home craftsmen and are used for measuring doors, widows, calculating areas, and by the construction industry.
Hexagon AB was established in 1992 in Stockholm, Sweden as a manufacturer, designer, and marketer of digital reality solutions and autonomous technologies. The company offers various products, such as, digital quality inspection, Jovix, LuciadCPillar, REcreate, among others. The solutions offered by the company enhance productivity, efficiency, quality, and safety in various sectors, including manufacturing, infrastructure, industrial, public sector, and mobility applications. It also offers geographic information system (GIS) software for creating 3D models and maps, as well as sensors for satellite location and data collection from the air and ground.
GeoMax AG, established in 2006 and headquartered in Europe, is a manufacturer of surveying and construction solutions. The company is a Hexagon division that offers total stations, GNSS instruments, and software. Its android-enabled software, x-pad, caters to specific application needs in construction, enhancing flexibility and productivity. Its x-pad suite, including x-pad 365, facilitates efficient data management, communication, and collaboration, ensuring project transparency and productivity. The company enables seamless teamwork and progress tracking through X-chat collaborative surveys and stakeout features.
HiTarget, established in 1999 and headquartered in Guangzhou, China, is a manufacturer and distributor of precision surveying and mapping instruments. The company's products include real-time kinematic (RTK) positioning devices, scalable GNSS receivers for surveying systems, and ground-based InSAR automatic monitoring systems used for long-term observation and emergency monitoring in various terrains such as mountains, mines, and dam sites. It offers complete turnkey solutions that include hydrographic surveying, monitoring solutions, and precision agriculture.
TI Asahi Co. Ltd., established in 2009 and headquartered in Japan, is a manufacturer of surveying and measuring instruments. The company's products include total stations, GNSS receivers, electronic theodolites, and various accessories such as data collection and post-processing software. Its Field Genius 10 software enhances workflow efficiency with its streamlined project initiation process and features such as automatic instrument reconnection and Bluetooth device management. This software also includes calculating tools, allowing users to access a built-in RPN calculator for convenient surveying calculations directly within the interface.
Topcon Corporation is a manufacturer and distributor of optical, sensor, and control products that was established in Tokyo, Japan, in 1932. The company’s products include ophthalmic instruments such as tonometers, refractometers and slit lamps. It also offers positioning sensors and control products, such as global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receivers, laser scanners, and total stations. The company operates internationally, with subsidiaries in the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East. It chiefly serves clients in the engineering, aerospace, and agriculture sectors.
Metrica, founded in 1949 and headquartered in San Donato, Italy, is a manufacturer and distributor of professional measuring tools, offering a broad spectrum of traditional and instruments. Its product catalog encompasses Angled Gauges for measuring angles, Length Measures for measuring distances, advanced Laser Measuring Tools for precise measurements, Levels for establishing the horizontal plane, and robust Telefix Telescopic Poles used in height measurements for buildings, awnings, doors, and trees. These tools cater to the construction and mechanical industries, enhancing accuracy and efficiency.
Southsurveying & Mapping Technology, established in 1989 and situated in Guangzhou, China, is a manufacturer and distributor of GIS products. The company's product line encompasses data controllers, GIS handhelds, echo sounders, RTK systems, and acoustic Doppler current profilers. The products made by the company are used in different applications, including UAV aerial photogrammetry, terrestrial laser scanning, indoor mobile mapping, railway engineering, and field-to-office data engineering services. The company has over 3000 employees, 30 provincial branch offices, and 9 headquarters, exporting to over 100 countries worldwide.
Shangrao Haodi Import and Export Trading Co., Ltd., established in 2005 with headquarters in China, is a supplier of surveying tools, instruments, and accessories. The company's products include auto and digital levels, survey drones, survey tripods, laser distance meters, and handheld GIS devices. The company supplies products made by brands including Foif, Stonex, Hi-Target, and CHCNAV, among many more. It also provides warranties for the materials and workmanship of all of the products the company supplies.
Nanjing Hanzhong Mapping Equipment Co., Ltd., established in 2005 with headquarters in China, is a supplier of surveying tools, instruments, and equipment. The company's products include total stations, auto and digital levels, auto and electronic theodolites, laser distance meters, and handheld GIS devices. The company supplies products made by brands including Leica, Foif, Hi-Target, Nikon, and CHC, among many more. It also provides sourcing services to meet the needs of clients with specific product and production requirements.
Ranking as of December 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | SECO Manufacturing Co., |
15.2%
|
| 2 | HOVERLABS |
10.6%
|
| 3 | Survey Supply, Inc. |
8.7%
|
| 4 | SOKKIA |
7.2%
|
| 5 | Condtrol GmbH |
7.2%
|
| 6 | Stonex |
5.1%
|
| 7 | Spectra Precision |
4.3%
|
| 8 | Metrica |
4.3%
|
| 9 | TOPCON CORPORATION |
4.1%
|
| 10 | Shangrao Haodi Import and Export Trading Co., Ltd |
3.9%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the theodolite page as of December 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
|
United States of America
|
3 | 18.8% |
|
China
|
3 | 18.8% |
|
Japan
|
3 | 18.8% |
|
India
|
3 | 18.8% |
|
Italy
|
2 | 12.5% |
|
Germany
|
1 | 6.3% |
|
Sweden
|
1 | 6.3% |
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