Working through data from a sub. They should not have the ability to use horizontal distance offsets for topographical shots on a hillside.
I might not have caught this had they oriented themselves correctly. Lefty loosey, righty tighty... nothing like finding a hedge 6' into the asphalt.
I use this function quite a bit (with the vertical offset too). I have a string line and a line level that I hook to the string. My string is 20' long and graduated every two feet. I clap a 90 and pull my offset, then measure my vertical difference. I don't use this for locating hard surfaces or critical points, but I use the heck out of it for a ground shot when I am in the briers. National mapping standards do give us a little wiggle room and I have been happy with my results. I am a licensed surveyor and it is my arse if I jack something up. With that being said, I would not want a rookie out there trying this!
I use Hz offsets to locate trees with a reflectorless gun.
Distance offset is 1/2 dia of dimensioned tree with a shot to the face of the tree.
Occasionally I have had to use a horizontal distance offset to a point blocked by an obstruction. But before i record my shot, I check the "gun" angle display vs. the data collector angle display to verify the righty/lefty offset. Or after locating that way, stake back out to the point just located to verify the Hz angle.