Compare theodolite and level

In construction, the quality, reliability and beauty of the erected building depend not only on the skill of the workers, but also on the tool used. And choosing the right equipment can be much more difficult than it seems. Moreover, many devices and devices at first glance solve one problem — but in practice they are designed for completely different purposes.

An example of such similar instruments are the level and theodolite. In principle, the task of both is to measure angles. But in practice they are used for completely different purposes.

And in this material we will analyze what is the difference between a theodolite and a level — and what is better to use in certain cases.

Level

Level — an optical or electronic (including laser) device designed to determine the ratio of the height of different points of the surface being evaluated. That is, in fact, it allows you to identify that one area is higher than the other. This process is called leveling.

In addition, the level can be used to set the direction when carrying out certain construction or finishing works.

So, the level is convenient to use in the following situations:

1. When you need to fill the foundation or finishing floor. The device will help to achieve a completely flat horizontal surface;

2. In the process of laying the walls. Then a flat vertical surface with no distortions and other problems will be achieved with the level. It is especially important to use leveling when laying brick walls, since even a slight deviation can lead to subsequent unevenness;

3. Finishing work. Leveling is especially useful as a process when laying tiles, but it also does not interfere with wallpapering, plastering and other actions.

4. In addition, the level helps to build the correct guides for the work. But in general, it is a tool for analysis, not measurement. That is, simply by leveling, you can determine that the wall or floor has deviated from the vertical or horizontal plane. But how far they deviated — no longer.

As already mentioned, this device is presented in three versions — optical, electronic and laser. The first has the lowest price, but requires two people to use and is difficult to build guides. The most practical is laser, but it is characterized by relative high cost.

Theodolite

Theodolite is a geodetic and construction tool. It can also be optical, electronic and laser — and is also designed to determine angles. More precisely, it is necessary for angular measurements and is able to really measure the angle — in degrees or other values.

That is why the scope of its use is described by the following situations:

1. Assessment of the angle of deviation of the vertical plane of the wall with the determination of the degree of deviation;

2. Evaluation of the correctness of marking over long distances — for example, when applying it to a road surface profile;

3. Various geodetic, construction, landscape, land reclamation, astronomical and other works.

Such a wide scope of the theodolite is determined by its design. It has two degrees of freedom — horizontal and vertical. That is, the measuring grid with the necessary axes can move both up and down and left and right.

Because of this design complexity, a theodolite typically costs more than alternative or similar measuring instruments. But on the other hand, it allows for more accurate and reliable operations. In addition, theodolite is able to replace such construction tools.

So, let’s sum up.

Theodolites are presented in three versions — optical (mechanical), electronic and laser. The first ones are the least expensive, but all the necessary calculations must be carried out independently. Secondly, an optical system is used for evaluation, but the electronic platform easily determines the required values. Laser theodolites, in turn, are the most accurate and practical to use, but are expensive.

Which is better — a level or a theodolite?

So, a level is needed to determine the very fact of deviation from the horizontal or vertical axis (or plane), and theodolite also helps to measure this very deviation due to the two degrees of freedom of the optical visor. But the difference between the two devices is not limited to this.

In general, theodolite in the field of construction is largely able to replace the level. But it is better to use both of these tools, or to determine the most suitable for your purposes, based on the existing tasks.