Here are some interesting instruments I came across at the department of Surveys and mapping in cape Town the other day. They have a small museum there. Some of these instruments were used in in establishing the Triangulation network here.
A late 17 th century dutch designed theodolite
A Massive 36 inch theodolite
The millionar calculator, used for 58 years without an overhaul.
A kern me3000 Mekonmeter from 1973 , accuracy 0.2mm + 1ppm
A theodolite by Negretti & Zambra
A Wild T3
A 5 and a half inch Theodolite with trough compass by Cooke & Sons
A Pistor & Martin from 1865
They also had quite a few Tellurometers on display, which I believe were invented here in south africa, and are still produced today .
beautiful gear there, but i think the Wild theodolite is a T4...
That is a great exhibit that the survey office has. I'm very envious. NGS is just starting to work on something similar at our Corbin, VA office. Moe is correct that's a T-4 not a T-3. Being a former "astro guy" that was my all-time favorite instrument. The T-3 is a very close second.
hi dave, it was the T4 in your office that was the one i saw live and in person. i was doing a project in silver spring and looked up crescent moegling (clemente) and amy kennedy, from the noaa hydro side. got a chance to chat with you and ronnie taylor as well. good to hear from you
Yes, sorry that was a t4, it was next to a t3, I just got the two mixed up.
Lee
Just completed my column on the Grids & Datums of South Africa. Send me an email if you want a copy (in WORD format).
Great Photos. I would have hoped that they had a Model 1 Geodimeter. If there was room as they came from South Africa also.
The Tellurometers came from South Africa, the Geodimeters came from Sweden.