Prismatic Compass

Prismatic Compass

Product Code : EL-SLE-10986

Quick Answer: A Prismatic Compass is a surveying instrument used to determine the direction of survey lines with a magnetic needle, with the length of the lines measured separately using a chain, tape, or laser range finder. It gets its name from the prism it incorporates, which allows observations to be taken more accurately, and it is generally used to run a traverse line -- calculating the bearing of each line with respect to the magnetic needle, with surveyors taking a fore bearing and a back bearing for each survey line, which should differ by exactly 180 degrees.

Compass surveying is a type of surveying in which the directions of surveying lines are determined with a magnetic compass, and the length of the surveying lines are measured with a chain, tape, or laser range finder. The name "prismatic compass" is given to it because it essentially consists of a prism which is used for taking observations more accurately. The compass is generally used to run a traverse line: it calculates the bearings of lines with respect to the magnetic needle, and included angles can then be calculated using easy formulas for anti-clockwise and clockwise traverses respectively. For each survey line in the traverse, surveyors take two bearings -- the fore bearing and the back bearing -- which should differ by exactly 180 degrees.

For this and other surveying lab equipment, schools and colleges can contact Engineering Lab Equipment, a manufacturer, supplier and exporter based in Ambala, India.

Last Updated: September 2026

Related Products: Square Hole Form, Plane Table Set, Corner Guard, Total Station, Prism with Pole

   

Office Address

Works:Engineering Labs Equipment Pvt Ltd Plot No. 43, Industrial Park, Sector 2, Growth Center, Saha, District Ambala, Haryana. Ambala, Haryana, India

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