Which tool would commonly be used in surveying to determine angles?

The theodolite is an essential instrument in surveying used specifically for measuring angles in both horizontal and vertical planes. This precision instrument allows surveyors to determine the exact angles between points, which is critical for accurate land measurements and establishing control points for construction projects and other geospatial tasks. The theodolite operates by using a telescope to measure angles and can be equipped with digital enhancements to increase measurement accuracy and facilitate data collection.

The laser level is more focused on establishing a horizontal or vertical reference plane rather than measuring angles. GPS receivers primarily provide positional data (longitude, latitude, and elevation) but do not measure angles between points. A compensation level is used mainly for leveling tasks rather than angle measurement. Hence, the theodolite stands out as the most appropriate tool for determining angles in surveying applications.