stadia

1
[ stey-dee-uh ]
/ ˈsteɪ di ə /

noun

a method of surveying in which distances are read by noting the interval on a graduated rod intercepted by two parallel cross hairs (stadia hairs or stadia wires) mounted in the telescope of a surveying instrument, the rod being placed at one end of the distance to be measured and the surveying instrument at the other.

adjective

pertaining to such a method of surveying.

Origin of stadia

1
First recorded in 1860–65; probably special use of stadia2

British Dictionary definitions for stadia-hairs (1 of 2)

stadia 1
/ (ˈsteɪdɪə) /

noun

  1. tacheometry that makes use of a telescopic surveying instrument and a graduated staff calibrated to correspond with the distance from the observer
  2. (as modifier)stadia surveying
the two parallel cross hairs or stadia hairs in the eyepiece of the instrument used
the staff used

Word Origin for stadia

C19: probably from stadia ²

British Dictionary definitions for stadia-hairs (2 of 2)

stadia 2
/ (ˈsteɪdɪə) /

noun

a plural of stadium