a multiple beam path surveying instrument is provided , which possesses an upper part that is rotatable about a vertical axis and which comprises a telescope body that can be swiveled about a tilt axis , with the vertical and tilt axes orthogonally intersecting at an intersection point s . at least two optical arrangements with optical beam paths are set up inside the telescope body . driving and / or adjustment devices are provided for rotating the upper part about the vertical axis and the telescope body about the tilt axis . further , measuring systems for determining the rotational angle of the upper part of the survey instrument about the vertical axis and the telescope body about the tilt axis are provided . a computer system may be used to evaluate the measurements , determine , display and / or record the measurement results , as well as to control the driving and adjustment devices for the telescope body and the upper part .