Directional Drilling Surveying Tools
The oldest surveying tool for directional drilling was known as an acid bottle. When taking a survey, the tool aligned itself with the hole's axis, but the surface of the acid remained level. The instrument was left in this position for about 30 minutes, allowing the acid to etch a sharp line on the glass container, which indicated the hole angle.

This system did not, however, determine the direction of the wellbore.
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