Traditional Distance Determination in Surveys
Distance determination requires a leveling transit (theodolite) and a distance measuring device called a chain (the process is called chaining).
Historically a metal chain was used but evolved to metal cables, metal rods and then steel tapes.
Euclidian distances between points on the terrain surface are measured with the chain. The theodolite is used to keep the points on the same ground line and for measuring angles. Corrections for catenary, thermal and optical effects are required.
Today the chain/theodolite combination uses a laser for distance measuring.