Theodolites Uses in Disaster Zones

Theodolites are surveying instruments that have been around for over a century.  They are primarily used to measure angles in ground-based surveying.  They are also used in special applications on weather balloons.  There are many theodolites uses in disaster zones as well. 

There has been much information stored up by theodolites’ uses in disaster zones over the years.  Seismologists are just beginning to put together the pieces of a puzzle that involves the existence of previously unknown faults. 

Scientists can use old data combined with newer readings to predict where earthquakes are likely to hit.  They have the information about where earthquakes have occurred and the surveys completed using theodolites.  By combining these two types of knowledge, they understand where the major faults lie. 

In the same vein, theodolites’ uses in disaster zones also include predicting landslides.  In many undeveloped countries, landslides are a major problem.  The use of a simple theodolite in surveying the land regularly can warn residents of impending problems. 

Special theodolite are part of the equipment on some weather balloons.  Theodolites uses in disaster zones in this case would be in predicting extreme weather events.  These instruments can help in tracking hurricanes, tsunamis, and many kinds of storms.  With the information emergency personnel learn, they can prepare themselves and other people to deal with the disaster. 

Theodolites uses in disaster zones are not limited to prediction, either.  When a mine caves in, theodolites can be used to survey the area.  The equipment will detect the location and degree of the earth that has been displaced.  This gives rescue workers a better idea about where exactly trapped miners might be located. 

There are also video theodolites with uses in disaster zones.  These are mounted in fixed positions wherever an area is deemed to be important to view.  Then, the image from the theodolite is generated into 3D data that can be retrieved in real time from a computer. 

When video theodolites’ uses are in disaster zones, it is usually because they happened to have been set up beforehand.  The video images can then be used to relay information about the disaster zone to emergency workers and decision makers.  The drawback of the system is that the images take awhile to come through.  A faster method has been developed, but video theodolites are still in use in many places. 

In this use, there is also information gained after the fact of the disaster.  If a building collapses, there is data to help planners and insurers determine why it fell.  This is just one example of how facts about disasters can be used later. 

New theodolites a surveyor uses in disaster zones have different features.  Some are laser theodolites that provide a higher degree of accuracy.  The digital theodolites are also easier to work with in the field.  They do much of the work automatically, although a skilled operator is still required to use one. 

Theodolites’ uses in disaster zones are extensive.  The information data bank from the past use of theodolites is immense.  It alone makes these surveying instruments valuable.