How does a transit work?

A transit is a surveying instrument used to measure horizontal and vertical angles. It consists of a telescope mounted on a rotating base, allowing surveyors to align the telescope with a specific point and measure angles relative to a reference line. The instrument is typically leveled using adjustable legs and a built-in leveling bubble. Once set up, the surveyor can take precise measurements to determine distances and elevations for construction, mapping, or land surveying.