page_title: Plane table
section_title: Construction
hierarchical_section_title: Plane table / Construction
caption_attribution_description: Cutaway view of a plane table with alidade
context_page_description: A plane table is a device used in surveying and related disciplines to provide a solid and level surface on which to make field drawings, charts and maps. The early use of the name plain table reflected its simplicity and plainness rather than its flatness.
context_section_description: A plane table consists of a smooth table surface mounted on a sturdy base.  The connection between the table top and the base permits one to level  the table precisely, using bubble levels, in a horizontal plane.  The base, a tripod, is designed to support the table over a specific point on land.  By adjusting the length of the legs, one can bring the table level regardless of the roughness of the terrain.
caption: A plane table cutaway.
    This shows a plane table with part of the surface of the table cut away to show the mounting on the tripod.  The mount allows the table to be levelled.  On the table, the alidade with telescopic sight is seen
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