I thought of a very simple idea today for how to make a cheap surveying compass.
All you have to do is fix a cheap laser pointer to an electronic compass in order to easily show that it is lined up with the next point. This method is already in use with some digital surveying equipment, but that equipment is very expensive and requires complicated calibration methods in some cases. I think this cheap method would work as long as your compass is accurate and the laser is lined up perfectly, which wouldn't be too hard to do. What I like about the digital aspect is that it would eliminate the need for lying in awkward positions and having to match up lights in your sighting, which can be very difficult some times. It could also be much more accurate if made correctly.
This is so simple that I'd be surprised if it hasn't already been tried before. Does anybody know if it has be tried? Any other comments on this? I would like to test this idea but I will need to find a suitable electronic compass first.