Hi group! I've always been interested in navigation and compasses. I collected a commercial pilots license and have done blue water sailing. During COVID, I decided to try and figure out my property lines. I got a decent compass and started reading/playing. I've now picked up a used theodolite and tripod. I'm curious how accurate or not I am with a compass compared to the theodolite. I've got many questions 🙂
See ya in the forum,
Raf
Compasses measure directions. Theodolite measure angles. It's different. Theodolites come in a range of precisions but typically you can expect angles in the +/-20" range (+/-0.0055?ø) or better if handled correctly. Whereas a compass might yield bearings +/-2?ø.?ÿ
Find a used beginning surveying book, should be good information about Compasses and Theodolites.
Any book intended as a first course will do. My favorites are Wolf & Ghilani for recent, and Davis, Foote, & Kelly for a view of older practices (more on compass work).