An odometer is an instrument used in surveying to measure the distance traveled by a vehicle or surveyor’s equipment. It is commonly used for measuring distances when performing land surveys or mapping tasks. In surveying, measuring distance accurately is essential for determining boundary lines, elevations, and other key parameters.
Explanation of the Options:
- Option (A) - Azimuth: An azimuth is the angle between a reference direction (such as true north) and the direction of an object, measured clockwise from the reference. An odometer does not measure azimuth, as it is specifically designed for measuring distance, not angles.
- Option (B) - Horizontal Angle: Horizontal angles are used to measure the angle between two lines in the horizontal plane. These angles are typically measured with a theodolite or a total station, not an odometer. Therefore, an odometer is not used for measuring horizontal angles.
- Option (C) - Vertical Angle: Vertical angles refer to the angles measured between a reference line (typically horizontal) and an object in the vertical plane. These angles are often measured using a theodolite or total station, not with an odometer. Therefore, an odometer is not used to measure vertical angles.
- Option (D) - Distance: This is the correct answer. An odometer is a device specifically designed to measure distance. It works by counting the rotations of wheels or sensors to calculate the distance traveled. Odometers are commonly used in both land surveying and road construction to measure horizontal distances accurately over long stretches.
Conclusion:
Thus, the correct answer is (D) distance. The odometer is a device used in surveying for accurately measuring distances over a terrain or along a specified path.