In electronic surveying instruments, what does the rotary encoder system measure?

The rotary encoder system in electronic surveying instruments measures horizontal and vertical angles. This system operates by converting the rotational position of a shaft into a digital signal that corresponds to angles. By using rotary encoders, surveyors can precisely determine the orientation of the instrument relative to a reference point, thus facilitating accurate measurements of angles.

This capability is essential in surveying work, where accurate determination of both horizontal and vertical angles is critical for establishing control points, measuring distances, and ensuring proper alignment in construction and mapping tasks. The technology employed ensures high precision and reliability, which are vital in professional surveying applications.