Which method involves sighting through a small angle at a distant scale in tachyometric distance measurement?

The stadia method is a technique used in tachymetric surveying to determine distances indirectly. It relies on a telescope with crosshairs, where the distance to a point is calculated based on the angle subtended by the crosshairs and a known staff reading on the scale.

In this method, the observer sights through a telescope at a staff placed at a distance. The scale or staff has divisions marked on it, and by measuring the distance between the crosshairs on the telescope and the staff's reading, you can derive the distance to the target point based on the geometry of the situation. This technique is efficient because it allows surveyors to measure distances without having to physically traverse the space, making it particularly useful in hilly or inaccessible terrain.

Other methods like the European method, aerial method, and trigonometric method utilize different principles or equipment configurations that do not specifically emphasize the small angle sighting approach associated with the stadia method. The European method often refers to specific procedures used in enhancing accuracy through precise leveling, while the aerial method focuses on remote sensing techniques. The trigonometric method relies on angle measurements to calculate distances using trigonometric functions rather than direct staff readings. Thus, the stadia method stands out for its