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