To obtain a setting method in which a measuring error is set as a reproduction error by a collimation function and in which the shift time to the reference position of a theodolite is shortened by collimating a spherical reflecting object in the rotation center of an object to be measured in two positions to measure angle.

A spherical jig 3 is attached to the rotation center of an object to be measured on a turntable 2, the jig 3 is collimated by a theodolite 4a, and an AZ angle (a directional angle in a horizontal graduated circle at the theodolite 4a) α β and X-coordinates are measured. Then, the theodolite 4a is moved by a definite distance L on a horizontal table 6, and an AZ angle and X-coordinates are measured by a theodolite 4b in the same manner. On the basis of the AZ angles α, β and the distance L, movement distance S up to an alignment-measurement reference position 4c is computed, and the theodolite 4b is moved by the distance S. Consequently, a measuring error is set as a reproduction error by a collimation function, and the theodolite 4b can be shifted to the alignment-measurement reference position 4c in a short time by two measurements.