1. n. []

A telescopic surveying device used to construct surface topographic and geologic maps in the field. The alidade is mounted on a plane table, which has a sheet of paper on which to draw the map, and an object or location is sighted through the alidade. The edge of the alidade is aligned in the azimuthal direction of the object or location. The vertical angle from which elevation of the location can be calculated is measured using the calibrated arc of the alidade.

See related terms: base map,  geologic map