Surveying tripods are use to hold a variety of surveying equipment, while undertaking the surveying exercise. Tripods have three legs which can be extended independently to provide a level base for which the instrument can be adjusted upon. The head of the tripod normally comes in one of three forms, a dome head, a threaded base or a flat head (the most common). Each of these heads has a typically some form of 5/8 thread, allowing for the instrument tribrach to be attached to the tripod.
Instrument Tripod Materials
Tripods are typically made from one of three materials, depending on use case.
Aluminium tripods are the most sensitive to temperature changes. However, they are the L=lighter tripods typically use for less precise instruments, which will also be picked up more frequently, e.g. levelling equipment.
Middle ground tripod, heavier than the aluminium, therefore suitable for theodolites and total stations, but will allow for small amounts of movement in comparison to wooden legs. Suitable for entry level total stations, theodolites.
The most heavy duty legs, which are typically use for more precise instruments, picked up less frequently, e.g. high level total stations, LASER scanners, and monitoring stations.
Special Use Case Tripod Types
Carbon tripods are used where high precision is required, alongside a stable base, but with a better thermal coefficient than wood or fibreglass.
These are tripods, where the head can be moved up or down (altering the z axis), while keeping the X and Y axis stable. These are typically used within surveying control.
Similar to elevating tripods, but more heavy duty to allow for increased carrying capacities.
How to Setup a Tripod
Extend the tripod legs so that they are of the correct height for the shortest person that will use the instrument,
Space the tripod legs apart, so they are in the shape of an equilateral triangle,
Place the points of the leg on the ground, ensuring you create a stable base with the equilateral triangle,
Push the points of the leg into the ground, therefore creating a stable base for the instrument,
Make sure that the head of the tripod is level by alerting the legs height,
Attach the instrument to the level, ensuring that it is securely fastened using the 5/8 screw.