Brunton GeoTransit, Operator'S Manual

2. Rotate the needle locking adjustment lever clock-wise.

(Fig 10)

Now the needle swings freely, even when needle release
mechanism is pressed.

3.1.b  Needle Locked (Locked)

1. Position GEO transit so that the base faces you with the

needle locking adjustment on top.  (Fig 10)

2. Rotate the needle locking adjustment lever counter

clock-wise.

The needle remains locked until the needle release mechanism is pressed.  When the needle
settles, let up on the release mechanism to lock azimuth measurement in place.

3.2  Azimuth Using a Tripod or Monopod

For highest accuracy, mount the GEO transit on a Brunton non-magnetic tripod using the
Brunton ball and socket head.

1.  Adjust GEO transit for magnetic declination.

•

See section 2, Magnetic Declination, for help.

2.  Mount transit to the ball and socket head.
3.  Open the cover and large sight until they both 

extend in a straight line.  (Fig 11)

4.  Flip small sight and peep sight up.
5.  Rotate transit until large sight points at object.
6.  Level the transit by centering bubble in round level.

7.  Sight azimuth by aligning 

peep-sights with object. 
(Fig 12)

Using the magnetic declination adjustment (1.12, pg. 3), rotate the graduated circle to adjust
for declination.  Begin with the zero pin at 0°.  For 

East

declination, rotate graduated circle

clockwise

from the zero pin. (Fig 9A)  For 

West

declination, rotate graduated  circle 

count-

er-clockwise

.  (Fig 9B)  If magnetic declination is 0°, no adjustment is necessary.  (Fig 9C)

Azimuth is a term used for direction.  Azimuth is normally measured clockwise, in degrees with
true north being 0°.  Bearing is a term often used when measuring with a quadrant type instru-
ment.  From this point forward, description of pocket transit use will involve the 0° through 360°
graduated circle, and with the assumption the GEO transit is adjusted for magnetic declination.  

Example of Azimuth:  If a mountain is directly east of your position, the azimuth from your posi-
tion to the mountain is 90°.  If the mountain is directly south, it would be at 180°.

Warning:

The magnetic needle is highly sensitive.  When sighting an azimuth, keep the GEO

transit away from magnetic materials, such as watches, belt buckles, rings, knives, etc.

3.1  Needle Locking Adjustment

Before measuring an azimuth a decision must be made to have the needle swing freely, or be
locked until the needle release mechanism is pressed.

3.1.a  Needle Swings Freely (Unlocked)

1. Position the GEO so that the base faces you and the needle locking adjustment is on top.  

Figure 11

8

7

Zero Pin

Zero Pin

Zero Pin

Figure 9A

Figure 9B

Figure 9C

15

° 

East

Declination

15

°

West

Declination

0

°

Declination

Figure 10

Figure 12

Object

Adjustment

3 -- Azimuth Measurement