Theodolite

{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-002778",
  "term": "Theodolite",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definitions": [
    "A precision optical instrument used for measuring horizontal and vertical angles, primarily in surveying, but also adapted for meteorological applications. In meteorology, it is employed to track the ascent of pilot balloons, which are small balloons released into the atmosphere to determine wind speed and direction at different altitudes. The angular measurements from the theodolite are then used with trigonometry to calculate the balloon's position and movement.",
    "An instrument used in surveying to measure horizontal and vertical angles with a small telescope that can move in the horizontal and vertical planes. It used to track the movements of either a ceiling balloon or a radiosonde."
  ],
  "references": [
    "NWS Glossary"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/theodolite/"
}