Abstract: A drive device for aligning a theodolite with a target, in which the theodolite is mounted rotatably in the horizontal direction on a theodolite foot. Provision is made of a control knob and an encoder connected thereto, the encoder emitting control signals in accordance with the rotary movement at the control knob to a downstream control circuit. The circuit drives a positioning motor. The rotary table is arranged at the theodolite foot and carries the control knob. Provided between the theodolite and the rotary table is an electric contact which ensures the electrical connection between the encoder and the positioning motor.