The Theodolite application is used to create and measure precise horizontal and vertical angles relative to the station location of your head unit. It enables accurate angular measurements and point creation based on defined reference directions, supporting tasks such as alignment checks, grid extensions, and angle‑based layout.
Unlike other applications, the Theodolite application does not require the tool to be stationed. Angle measurements and point creation are performed relative to your head unit's location and a measured reference point rather than absolute coordinates. This makes the application suitable for quick angle checks and relative layout tasks without prior stationing.
A helpful video of the application can be found below:
Supported Measurements
The Theodolite application provides both static and live measurements, including:
- Horizontal Angle (HA);
- Vertical Angle (VA);
- Horizontal distance from the head unit to the measured point (HD);
- Slope distance from the head unit to the measured point (SD);
Although the PLT 300 and PLT 400 do not include a plumb laser, the theodolite application can still be used with these tools. The application is commonly associated with POS 150 and POS 180 workflows but remains fully usable on PLT 300 and PLT 400 for angle measurement and angle‑based point creation.
Horizontal angle controls
- Set HA: Allows setting the horizontal angle (HA) to a specific desired value
- Hold HA: Transfers the current HA value to a different measured point. The newly measured point will retain the HA value previously set at the original point.
- Turn: Rotates the head unit by 45° to the left or right.
How to Use the Theodolite Application to measure points
- Open Your Project: Start by opening any project on the tablet.
- Open the Application: Open the Theodolite application either from the home screen or from the side menu in the CAD view.
- If the application is not available on the home screen, select Add Shortcut and add the Theodolite application.
- Measure the Reference Point: Measure the first point using either direct measurement or a prism pole.
- This point serves as the reference for all angle measurements and angle‑based point creation.
- Set the Horizontal Angle (HA): In the bottom‑right corner of the screen, select the L‑shaped icon to access horizontal angle controls.
- Set HA to 0°.
- This defines the measured reference point as the zero‑degree direction.
- Select the check mark on the right side and confirm by selecting OK to change the H value.
- Measure or Create the Desired Angle: Rotate the tool toward the target direction.
- If Live Measurement is enabled, HA, VA, and distance values are displayed and updated continuously.
- If Live Measurement is disabled, a measurement must be taken to display the angle and distance values.
- To create a specific angle:
- Use the arrow controls to rotate the direction
- Each arrow press rotates the direction by 45° in the selected direction.
- Continue adjusting until the required angle is reached.
- Once the desired angle is set, points can be measured and recorded as needed.
Theodolite application shortcut icon:
Selecting the Theodolite application from the CAD view side menu:
Example of CAD view displayed after selecting the Theodolite application:
Example of CAD view displayed after measuring the first reference point (Horizontal Angle (HA), Vertical Angle (VA), Horizontal distance from the head unit to the measured point (HD), Slope distance from the head unit to the measured point (SD):
L‑shaped icon used to access horizontal angle (HA) controls:
Horizontal angle controls tab (Set HA: Allows setting the horizontal angle (HA) to a specific desired value. Hold HA: Transfers the current HA value to a different measured point. The newly measured point will retain the HA value previously set at the original point. Turn: Rotates the head unit by 45° to the left or right.):
Confirmation screen for changing the horizontal angle (HA):
Horizontal angle controls tab after HA has been updated:
Horizontal angle controls tab after rotating the angle by 90°:
Examples of using Theodolite Application
Example 1: Measuring the Angle Between Two Points
The application can be used to measure the angle between two known points.
- Measure the first point and set it as HA = 0°
- Rotate toward the second point
- Read the horizontal and vertical angle between the two points
(live or after measurement, depending on Live Measurement settings)
This is useful for alignment verification and angular checks.
Example 2: Creating a 90° Perpendicular Line
The Theodolite application can be used to create a perpendicular direction from a known reference.
- Measure a reference point
- Set HA = 0°
- Rotate the direction by 90°
- Measure or record points along the perpendicular line
This workflow is commonly used for squaring layouts and establishing perpendicular features.
Example 3: Gridline Extension
Gridlines can be extended when partial geometry is available.
- Establish your tool (likely the POS 150 or 180) directly over a grid intersection point
- Measure a second point along one known gridline
- Rotate the direction as desired (such as 90°)
- Measure or record points along the extended gridline(s)
This is useful when grid intersections are partially obstructed or missing on site.
Example 4: Checking Installation Alignment
The Theodolite application can be used to verify the alignment of installed elements.
- Define a reference direction using an existing feature
- Rotate toward the installed element
- Compare the measured angle with the expected value
This supports fast quality control checks without stationing.
Example 5: Creating Angled Layout Points
Angled points can be created relative to a reference direction.
- Measure the reference point
- Set HA = 0°
- Rotate to the desired angle (for example, 45° or 135°)
- Measure and record points along that direction
This is useful for angled walls, ramps, or non‑orthogonal layouts.
Example 6: Relative Orientation Without Coordinates
In early project stages or retrofit situations, the theodolite application can be used without a defined coordinate system.
- Measure a known physical reference
- Use it as a directional baseline
- Measure or create points relative to that direction
This enables productive work even when absolute positioning is not available.
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