We figured we'd see some unique products on sale during Prime Big Deal Days. A DeWalt surveying tool is definitely one of those types of products.

Surveying tools is a category we aren't too familiar with at Slice Hardware, since they don't pop on sale a lot. So we thought to ourselves, "How many different survey tools are there?" We were impressed to see the variety of tools that can be used for this activity

Different types of survey tools

Surveying tools are essential for measuring distances, angles, and elevations when mapping land or structures. They range from basic equipment to more complex instruments. Here are some common types of surveying tools:

1. Transit-Level

• A basic tool used to measure vertical and horizontal angles. It consists of a telescope mounted on a tripod that can rotate horizontally and vertically. It’s used for leveling and measuring elevations, as well as laying out straight lines.

2. Theodolite

• A more advanced version of the transit level, used to measure both horizontal and vertical angles very precisely. It is commonly used in triangulation for mapping large areas.

3. Total Station

• Combines the functions of a theodolite and an electronic distance measurement (EDM) tool. It can measure both angles and distances and is capable of recording data for later processing.

4. Level (Dumpy Level, Automatic Level)

• A device used for leveling that provides a horizontal line of sight. It is often used for establishing points in the same horizontal plane, and measuring differences in height between two points. Who doesn't like to say "Dumpy level"?

5. Laser Level

• Uses a laser beam to project a level line, either horizontally or vertically. This tool is popular in construction and is highly accurate for leveling tasks.

6. GPS Survey Equipment

• Global Positioning System (GPS) tools are used for geodetic and boundary surveys. These tools use satellite signals to determine precise location coordinates.

7. Chains or Tapes

• Simple tools for measuring distances on the ground. Chains are made of metal links, while tapes are made of fabric or steel. These are often used in smaller, simpler land surveys.

8. Plumb Bob

• A simple tool consisting of a weight on the end of a string, used to establish a vertical reference line or for transferring points from a survey instrument down to the ground.

9. Surveyor’s Compass (Circumferentor)

• Used for determining horizontal directions and bearings. The compass is mounted on a tripod and aligned to magnetic north.

10. Digital Levels

• These instruments provide more precise leveling by using a barcode staff and a camera. The digital display gives easy-to-read elevation differences and distances.

11. Prism and Prism Pole

• Used with a total station to reflect the instrument’s laser or infrared signal back, enabling distance measurement.

12. Auto Level

• A specialized type of level that automatically provides a horizontal line of sight and is mostly used for leveling and elevation measurements.

13. Drone-based Survey Equipment

• Drones are increasingly used in aerial surveys, capturing images and data from above. They can be equipped with LiDAR, cameras, and other sensors for remote surveying.

Each of these tools has specific applications depending on the type of survey being conducted—whether it’s for construction, mapping, geodesy, or land development.

Model Number: DW090PK