A system and methods are provided for controlling a surveying device. In one embodiment, a method includes displaying a control screen including image data captured by a surveying device, detecting an input associated with the control screen, and determining a control command for the surveying device based on the input associated with the control screen. The method may further include controlling operation of the surveying device based on the control command, wherein the surveying device is configured to rotate in one more of a horizontal and vertical direction based on the control command. The device and methods may advantageously allow for precise pointing of a surveying device and translation of input position to surveying device commands.