NCEES Principles and Practice of Surveying 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The theodolite is the primary device used for performing angular measurements in surveying. It is specifically designed to measure both horizontal and vertical angles with high precision. This instrument consists of a rotating telescope that can be aligned with the point being measured, allowing for accurate readings of angles between various points or lines.

The theodolite’s ability to operate in both horizontal and vertical planes makes it essential for tasks such as establishing control points, aligning structures, and determining the locations of objects within a surveyed area. Its use is crucial in various surveying applications, including construction, mapping, and geospatial studies, where precision in angle measurements plays a critical role.

Other devices listed, like a GPS receiver, primarily determine position and location based on satellite signals, and while they can provide some angular data indirectly through positioning, they are not specifically designed for angular measurements. A laser rangefinder measures distances directly and may incorporate some angular measurements but is not as precise for angle measurement as a theodolite. Measuring tape is used for linear distance measurements and does not provide angular information. Each of these tools serves a different function in the field versus the specialized role of a theodolite in surveying.