You only need a few things to start using a transit. Note that you’ll need someone to help you with some of the tasks, though.
Required Tools and Materials
Transit
Pencil
Measuring stick (8 ft)
Transit tripod
Instructions
Place the transit tripod on an even surface. Adjust the tripod’s legs if the surface isn’t flat. Try eyeballing the mounting plate to attain the setting level. Connect the transit to the mounting plate. You can do this by fastening the female threads in the male threads. Make sure the legs are extracted up.
There are four legs. Remove the screws, two legs at a time. To start using a transit, focus the top bubble level. That’s the one above the transit body. Do this by putting the eyepiece parallel to a leg set.
Put the bubble in the midst of the two level lines. You can do this by adjusting the screw legs. Keep adjusting until the level bubble is in the middle.
Set a Level Mark
Turn the transit so it is parallel to the opposing screw legs. It would also be equal to the bubble you set up earlier. Done properly, the transit can now be rotated in a complete circle.
Before using a transit, check the level bubble; it will still be in the middle of he lines. Now you can project a level mark via the eyepiece.
Ask someone to extend the 8 ft stick. Locate a corner post. Mark this spot with a pencil. You can do this in the following way. Put the measuring stick on the ground.
Use the eyepiece to locate the height. Using the cross hairs, you can get the measurement. Just set the eyepiece and modify the focal screw.
Notes on Measurements
Remember that the ground difference will be known by the instrument. Keep this in mind when using a transit. Assume the base is 72 inches and the subsequent reading from the transit is 75 inches. This signifies the ground is lower by 3 inches. But if the reading is below 6 ft, then the surface is higher.
Tips and Warnings
To avoid confusion, take note of the shape and set it on paper. Also keep stock of the measurement readings. Try putting a flag in the midst of the tripod. This will make it easier to locate the benchmark in case you need it for reference.
You can analyze the data on paper. However, there are computer programs that can do the job. If you’re using CAD or something similar, make certain it is set to scale. There are different programs available. It will take time to study its features but it will pay off. It will make calculating that much easier.
Always use wood sticks or markers. If you use nails, other surveyors might think it is a correctly set corner. Whatever you use, make certain it isn’t permanent.
Using a transit can be a little complicated. But once you learn it, the instrument can prove vital in your construction duties.
