MLchartDataset catalogue

Single-theodolite observation

Term · Meteorology and atmospheric science · MLC-T-MET-008893

A method for determining wind speed and direction in the upper atmosphere by tracking the movement of a pilot balloon from a single ground station. The observer uses a theodolite to measure the balloon's azimuth and elevation angles at regular time intervals as it ascends. Wind velocity is calculated by assuming a constant rate of ascent for the balloon, a factor that introduces potential error compared to multi-station tracking.

Table 1. Record
IdentifierMLC-T-MET-008893
FieldMeteorology and atmospheric science
See alsoDouble-theodolite observation
Record as JSON
{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-008893",
  "term": "Single-theodolite observation",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definition": "A method for determining wind speed and direction in the upper atmosphere by tracking the movement of a pilot balloon from a single ground station. The observer uses a theodolite to measure the balloon's azimuth and elevation angles at regular time intervals as it ascends. Wind velocity is calculated by assuming a constant rate of ascent for the balloon, a factor that introduces potential error compared to multi-station tracking.",
  "see_also": [
    "double-theodolite observation"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/single-theodolite-observation/"
}

Record 8,610 of 10,816 in Meteorology and atmospheric science terminology (MLC-0110). Request the full dataset.