Interactive Tool Timeline
Gunter's Chain
Invented by Edmund Gunter, this 66-foot chain revolutionized land measurement with its 100 links making decimal calculations easier.
- • Standard unit for surveying until the 1900s
- • Each link = 7.92 inches
- • 10 square chains = 1 acre
Theodolite
A precision instrument for measuring both horizontal and vertical angles, essential for triangulation.
- • Accurate to within minutes of arc
- • Used for triangulation
- • Modern versions still in use
Spirit Level
Invented by Melchisédech Thévenot, this tool used an air bubble in liquid to determine true horizontal.
- • Essential for leveling
- • High precision possible
- • Simple but effective design
Circumferentor
An early surveying compass used to measure horizontal angles and establish property boundaries.
- • Magnetic compass-based
- • Used for boundary surveys
- • Predecessor to transit
Plane Table
A drawing board mounted on a tripod, allowing surveyors to draw maps directly in the field.
- • Direct field mapping
- • Used with alidade
- • Popular until 1900s
Transit
Combined features of theodolite and spirit level, becoming the standard surveying instrument.
- • Highly accurate measurements
- • Vernier scales
- • Leveling capability
Sextant
Used for measuring angular distances, particularly useful in nautical surveying and navigation.
- • Precise angular measurements
- • Essential for navigation
- • Uses celestial bodies
Cross-Staff
A simple but effective tool for measuring angles and heights, widely used in early surveying.
- • Height measurements
- • Angular measurements
- • Simple construction
Surveyor's Compass
More sophisticated than the circumferentor, with improved accuracy for bearing measurements.
- • Magnetic bearings
- • Advanced graduation
- • Better precision
Solar Compass
Used the sun for orientation, eliminating magnetic interference issues.
- • Solar observation
- • Non-magnetic operation
- • High accuracy
Dumpy Level
A simplified leveling instrument for measuring height differences and setting out horizontal planes.
- • Fixed telescope
- • Precise leveling
- • Durable design
Graphometer
Used for measuring horizontal angles, featuring a semicircle with sights and alidade.
- • Angle measurement
- • Semicircular design
- • Portable instrument
Modern Survey Equipment
Total Station
Electronic/optical instrument combining electronic theodolite with electronic distance measurement. Can measure angles and distances simultaneously.
GPS/GNSS Systems
Modern satellite-based systems providing highly accurate positioning and elevation data. Essential for modern surveying work.