174
circle and micrometer values can be recorded simultaneously.
For the tacheometer a similar formulation applies. See [23], [24],
[1] and [2]. The code theodolite and code tacheometer (only a few
of the latter have been manufactured) have been described in many
languages since the last congress. In Russian, see [25]in Swedish,
see [26]. Details about the code on the film and punched paper
tape can be found in [27]. The apparatus which converts the film
code into punched paper tape code, is described by Dr. Bodo in
[28]. The Zuse Z 84 which provides the "link" between the decen
tralized gathering of field readings and centralized processing
of measuring results, appears to fulfil its task (on check) fast (80
images per minute) and accurately. The potential for and results
of measurements obtained by a code theodolite, are mentioned by
E. Zwickert in [29] and [30].
R. Jahns [31] cannot agree with the use of code theodolites as
the last link in the chain of complete automation in geodetic measur
ing, computing and plotting techniques. The possibility of checking
is said to be lost, and consequently, the responsibility of the survey
or. He would moreover, "hide" behind the authority and infalli
bility of the automatic instrument "often having so many defects".
Though I, as a leader of a modern-equipped photogrammetric
institute, agree with the cited author that automatic systems of
registration very often demonstrate their tricks at extremely
inconvenient moments, it is still interesting to put his point of view
against the experiences of Eisele published in [32]. Eisele remarks,
among other things: "Die Erfahrungen bei den Code-Theodolit-
Messungen ergaben, dass der Anted der menschlichen Fehler bisher
zu niedrig eingeschatzt wurde. Da sie bei dem Code-Theodoliten
fast völlig entfallen, ist die Zuverlassigkeit der Messwerte frappie-
rend hoch. Dadurch ergibt sich auch eine konstante Genauigkeit, die
wesentlich höher liegt, als sie nach den technischen und vor allem
mathematischen Gegebenheiten zu erwarten war. Sie liegt so hoch,
dass nach einem grosseren Beobachtungszeitraum vermutlich ohne
Genauigkeitseinbusse die Anzahl der Anzielungen verringert
werden kann", and further: "Mit dem Code-Theodoliten ist somit
dem praktisch schaffenden Vermessungsingenieur ein neues In
strument in die Hand gegeben worden, das ihm von der Knecht-
schaft des Beobachtens erlöst und ihm ermöglicht, sich voll und
ganz auf die Leitung des Messtrupps und einen flotten Ablauf der
örtlichen Arbeiten zu konzentrieren".
Next to the practical results obtained by Fennel and Kern,
there is a lot of theory and research efforts in the field of automatic
recording of angular measurements. [33] shows the application
for patent presented by N.V. Philips' Gloeilampenfabrieken in
Eindhoven. It concerns an angle measuring instrument operated
by pulses. The idea of measuring angles by means of pulses is
not new at all.
People were already working on it in 1930. About 8 developments,