tachymeter

noun Surveying.

1. any of several instruments for rapidly determining distances, directions, and differences of elevation.

noun

1. another name for tacheometer

n.1836, from tachy- “swift” + -meter. M. GAETANO CAÏRO has invented an instrument, to which he has given the name of Tachymeter (rapid measurer). Its object is to give the area of plane surfaces bounded by any outline whatever, without the necessity of any arithmetical operation. [“Magazine of Popular Science and Journal of the Useful Arts,” Volume 2, 1836]