AbstractA number of problems associated with the practical use of the gyrotheodolite are examined and some of the ways of determining the null-line of the spinning gyroscope oscillations are reviewed for the tracking and non-tracking procedures, using the manual mode. A summary is given of the relevant formulae and examples are included to illustrate some of the methods. The SHAR effect is considered in relation to the age of the gyro-rotor. A practical example of rotor failure is given. Practical accuracies attainable with standard Wild GAKI gyrotheodolites are demonstrated by means of a number of examples drawnfrom actual engineering projects. The possible use of good standard gyrotheodolites for geodetic purposes is examined.