PAAVAI ENGINEERING COLLEGE, NAMAKKAL

CE6413 SURVEY PRACTICAL - II

LAB MANUAL

ANNA UNIVERSITY:: CHENNAI 600 025

PAAVAI ENGINEERING COLLEGE, NAMAKKAL

CE6413 Survey Practical II - Lab Manual

CE6413- SURVEY PRACTICAL II SPLITUP DETAILS

OBJECTIVE:
At the end of the course the student will possess knowledge about Survey field techniques.
LIST OF EXPERIMENTS
Ex.
No.

Experiment Name

Hours

Remarks

Study of theodolite.

Study the different components

of Theodolite.

Measurement of horizontal angles by

repetition Method.

Measure the Horizontal angle

between two points by method
of Repetition.

Measurement of horizontal angles by

reiteration method.

Measure the Horizontal angle

between two points by method
of Reiteration.

Measurement of height of a building by

using vertical angles

Measure the height of the

building using vertical angles.

Theodolite survey traverse

Constant of a Tacheometer

Finding the Tacheometer

constants.

Determination of distance and elevation of

an object by Stadia system.

Determining the distance

between two points and Height
of an object.

Single plane method.

Finding the elevation of the

object by using same line of
focus.

Determination of distance and elevation of

an object by Tangential method.

Determine the distance and

elevation of an object by
Tangential method.

10

Double Plane method.

Finding the elevation of the

object by using different line of
focus.

11

Setting out works - Foundation marking.

12

Setting out works - Simple curve.

13

Setting out works -Transition curve.

Obtaining the included angles

between objects.

To setting out the practical

application like, foundation and
curves.

14

Field observation and Calculation of azimuth

To find the True meridian of a

survey line, determination of the
azimuth of the line is necessary.

15

Field work using Total Station.

Getting to know about the

electronic total station and its
application.

CE6413 Survey Practical II - Lab Manual

SURVEY PRACTICAL- II LABORATORY

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
1.

All students are instructed to wear protective uniform, shoes and cap during lab
sessions.

2.

Before doing any exercise, students should have a clear idea about the
principles of that exercise. They should come with observation note with unfilled
tabular column. Viva questions will be asked by the Staff regarding the
particular experiment.

3.

All students are advised to come with completed record and corrected field
book of previous experiments; defaulters will not be allowed to do their
experiment.

4.

Students shall not use any instrument without getting concerned staff members'
prior permission.

5.

Utmost care must be taken to avert any possible injury while on laboratory work.
In case, anything occurs immediately report it to the staff members.

6.

One student representing each batch should receive the instrument on behalf of
his their batch.

7.

All instruments and accessories should be handed over to the technicians of the
lab as soon as the exercises are over and before leaving the laboratory.

8.

All instruments are costly. So the permanent adjustment screws of theodolites,

levelling and other instruments shall not be tampered. They must be handled
carefully, to avoid fine for any breakage.

Staff In-charge

HOD / Civil Engg.

CE6413 Survey Practical II - Lab Manual

ANNA UNIVERSITY CHENNAI

(REGULATIONS 2008)
CE6413 - SURVEY PRACTICAL II
SYLLABUS
OBJECTIVE
At the end of the course the student will posses knowledge about Survey field
techniques.
1. Study of theodolite
2. Measurement of horizontal angles by reiteration and repetition and vertical
angles
3. Theodolite survey traverse
4. Heights and distances - Triangulation - Single plane method.
5. Tacheometry - Tangential system - Stadia system - Subtense system.
6. Setting out works - Foundation marking - Simple curve (right/left-handed)
Transition curve.
7. Field observation for and Calculation of azimuth
8. Field work using Total Station.

TOTAL: 60 PERIODS

CE6413 Survey Practical II - Lab Manual

CE6413 - SURVEY PRACTICAL II

TEACHING SCHEDULE

Sl. No.

I CYCLE

Number
of
Periods

Study Of Theodolite, Measurement Of

Horizontal Angle Repetition Method

Measurement Of The Horizontal Angle Reiteration Method

Measurement Of Vertical Angles

Theodolite Traversing

Trigonometry - Single Plane Method

Tangential Tacheometry

Model Test 1

II CYCLE
8

Stadia Tacheometry - Determination Of

Tacheometric Constants

Stadia Tacheometry - Determination Of

The Gradient Of The Line

10

Subtense Bar - Gradient Joining Instrument

Station And Target Of Subtense Bar

11

Subtense Bar - Gradient Joining Staff Station

And Target Of Subtense Bar

12

Setting Out Of Foundation

13

Setting Out Simple Circular Curve - Rankine's

Method

III CYCLE
14

Setting Out Simple Circular CurveTwo Theodolite Method

15

Setting Out Of Transition Curve

16

Field Observation And Calculation Of Azimuth

17

Study Of Electronic Total Station

Revision / Repetition Class

Model Test 2

Total Number of Periods required

60

CE6413 Survey Practical II - Lab Manual

CONTENTS
Sl.
No.

Name of the experiment

Page
No.

Study Of Theodolite

Measurement Of Horizontal Angle Repetition

Method

10

Measurement Of The Horizontal Angle Reiteration Method

12

Measurement Of Vertical Angles

13

Theodolite Traversing

14

Trigonometry - Single Plane Method

16

Tangential Tacheometry

18

Stadia Tacheometry - Determination Of

Tacheometric Constants

20

Stadia Tacheometry - Determination Of

The Gradient Of The Line

22

10

Subtense Bar - Gradient Joining Instrument

Station And Target Of Subtense Bar

24

11

Subtense Bar - Gradient Joining Staff Station

And Target Of Subtense Bar

26

12

Setting Out Of Foundation

28

13

Setting Out Simple Circular Curve - Rankine's

Method

30

14

Setting Out Simple Circular CurveTwo Theodolite Method

31

15

Setting Out Of Transition Curve

33

16

Field Observation And Calculation Of Azimuth

37

17

Study Of Electronic Total Station

40

CE6413 Survey Practical II - Lab Manual

Ex.No: 1
Date:

STUDY OF THEODOLITE

DESCRIPTION OF THE INSTRUMENT: TRANSIT THEODOLITE

The telescope can be revolved through a complete revolution about its horizontal axis in a
vertical plane.
PARTS:

A) Levelling Head:
1. A levelling head consists of two parallel triangular plates known as tribrach plates.
2. The upper tribrach has three arms each carrying a levelling screw.
3. The main functions of the levelling head is
(i) to support the main part of the instrument
(ii) to attach the theodolite to the tripod
(iii) to provide a mean for levelling the theodolite
B) Telescope:
It is mounted on a spindle known as horizontal axis or trunnion axis.
C) Vertical Circle:
1) It is a circular arc attached to the trunnion axis.
2) By means of vertical clamp screw and tangent screw the telescope can be accurately set
at any desired position in vertical plane.
3) The graduation in each quadrant are numbered from 0 to 90 in opposite directions.
D) Index Frame:
1) At the two extremities, two verniers are fitted to read the vertical axis.
2) When the telescope is moved in a vertical plane, the vertical circle moves relative to the
verniers with the help of which reading can be taken.
3) A long sensitive bubble tube is placed on the top of the index frame.
E) Standards (or) A - Frame:
This stands upon the vernier plate to support the horizontal axis.
F) Two Spindles:
The two axes have a common axis which forms the vertical axis of the instrument.
G) Lower Plate:
1. It carries a horizontal circle graduated from 0 to 360 in a clockwise direction as a
silvered, bevelled edge.
2. By means of clamp screw and tangent screw this can be fixed at any desired position.
H) Upper Plate:
1. It also carries clamp and tangent screw to accurately with the lower plate.
2. On clamping the upper clamp and unclamping the lower clamp, the instrument can
rotates on its outer axis without any relative motion between the two plates.
3. If the lower clamp is clamped and upper clamp unclamped, the upper plate and the
instrument can rotate on the inner axis with a relative motion between the vernier and the
scale.
4. For using any tangent screw, its corresponding clamp screw must be tightened. H)
Level Tubes:
1. The upper plate carries two level tubes placed at right angles to each other in
which one is kept parallel to the trunnion axis.

CE6413 Survey Practical II - Lab Manual

2. These can be centered with the help of foot screws.

I) Plumb Bob:
This is suspended from the hook fitted to the bottom of the inner axis to centre the
instrument exactly over the station mark.

TEMPORARY ADJUSTMENTS:
1) Setting Over The Station:
1. Centre the instrument over the station mark by a plumb bob.
2. Level approximately with the help of tripod leg.
2) Levelling Up:
Do this by using three foot screws similar to that of levelling instrument.
3) Elimination of Parallax:
1. By focusing the eye-piece for distinct vision of the cross-hairs.
2. By focusing the objective to bring the image of the object in the plane of cross hairs.
IMPORTANT TERMS:
Vertical Axis:
The axis about which the theodolite may be rotated in a horizontal plane.
Horizontal Axis:
The axis about which the telescope along with the vertical circle of a theodolite may be
rotated in a vertical plane.
Axis of telescope:
The axis about which the telescope may be rotated is called axis of telescope.
Axis of the level tube:
The straight line which is tangential to longitudinal curve of the level at its centre is called
axis of the level tube.
Centering:
The process of setting up theodolite exactly over the ground work station is known as
centering.
Transiting:
The process of turning the telescope in vertical plane through 180 about its horizontal axis
is known as transiting.
Swing:
A continuous motion of the telescope about the vertical axis in horizontal plane is called
swing. The swing may be either in face left or right.
Face left Observation:
The observations of angles when the vertical circle is on the left side of telescope.
Face right observation:
The observation of angles when the vertical circle is on the right of telescope.
Changing the face:
The operation of changing the face of telescope from right to left and vice-versa.
A Set of observations

CE6413 Survey Practical II - Lab Manual

A set of horizontal observations of any angle consists of two horizontal measures one on the
left face and other on the right face.
Telescope Normal:
A telescope is said to be normal when its vertical circles is to its left and bubble of the
telescope is up.
Telescope inverted:
A telescope is said to be inverted or reversed when its vertical circle is to its right and the
bubble of the telescope is down.

CE6413 Survey Practical II - Lab Manual

Ex.No: 2
Date:
MEASUREMENT OF HORIZONTAL ANGLE REPETITION METHOD
Aim:
To determine the included angle between two object stations P and Q by using repetition
method.
Instruments required: Theodolite, Tripod
Procedure:
1. Set the instrument at "S" approximately at the middle of the given objects to avoid too
obtuse and too acute angles.
2. Do all initial adjustments with face left.
3. Rotate the upper plate clockwise or anticlockwise so that the zero mark of the A vernier
scale coincides with the zero mark of the main scale. Similarly Vernier B will read 180o.
Now tight the upper clamp.
4. Loosen the lower clamp screw and direct the telescope towards the object P. See
o
o
whether the vernier readings reads 0 and 180 still.
5. Tighten the lower clamp and loosen the upper clamp, and bisect point Q accurately by
lower tangent screw.
6. Note the readings of verniers A and B to get the horizontal
angle of PSQ.
7. Loosen the lower clamp screw. Turn the upper plate clockwise
to sight "P" again and bisect accurately by lower tangent
screw.
8. Repeat steps 5 to 8, until the angle is repeated to the
required number of repetitions. (Usually 3)
9. Change the face to right, and set the Vernier A to 180o to eliminate graduation error in
horizontal circle and note the readings similarly as above.
Practical Applications:
1. Repetition method is used during triangulation and in theodolite traversing.
2. Small horizontal angles have to be measured accurately.

10

CE6413 Survey Practical II - Lab Manual

'

B
"

'

Mean
"

'

Horizontal
Angle
(1)

"

'

"

Swing: Right

' " ' "

No of Rep

Swing : Right Face : Right

No of Rep

Sight to

Inst at

Face : Left

Mean

'

"

Average

Average

Result:
Average Horizontal angle PSQ =

11

Horizontal
Angle
(2)
'

"

Average
Horizontal
Angle

(1) (2)
2

'

"

CE6413 Survey Practical II - Lab Manual

Ex.No. 3
Date:
MEASUREMENT OF THE HORIZONTAL ANGLE
BY USING REITERATION METHOD
Aim :

To determine the included angle between the given stations by reiteration method
Instruments required :
Theodolite with stand, Ranging rods, Tape, Plumb Bob

E
F
Procedure :

1. Set the instrument over "S" which should be at the centre of the arrangement of the given
objects.
2. Do all the initial adjustments and keep the vertical circle to right.
3. With face left, set vernier A to 0 and bisect the ground point 'A' and turn the telescope to
object B by loosening the upper clamp.
4. In the same way bisect the other objects in clockwise direction and note down the
readings.
5. Do the same procedure with the face right.
Practical Applications:

1. This method is suitable when several angles are to be measured from a same
station.
2. Several angles can be measured successfully and finally the horizon can be closed.
Face : Left
Inst
at

Sight
to

'

Swing : Right Face :Right

B

" '

"

Included
Angle

Mean

'

"

'

"

'

Swing : Left
B

" '

"

Included
Angle

Mean

'

"

'

"

Average
Included
Angle
"
'

A
B
C
D
E
F
A

Result :

1) ASB

2) BSC

3) CSD

4) DSE

12

5) ESF

6) FSA

CE6413 Survey Practical II - Lab Manual

Ex.No: 4
Date:
MEASUREMENT OF VERTICAL ANGLES
Aim :
To determine the vertical angles of the given objects.
Instruments required : Theodolite with tripod, Plumb Bob
Procedure :
1. Set up the instrument at any convenient place to cover all the given points.
2. Level the instrument with reference to the altitude bubble by using foot screws as in the
case of horizontal bubble levelling.
3. Set the zero of the vernier C exactly in coincidence with the zero of the vertical scale.
4. Loosen the vertical plane until the focused object is bisected. Use tangent screw for
accurate bisection.
5. Read both the verniers C and D of vertical circle.
6. Denote the elevation angle with +ve sign and depression angle with ve sign..
7. Similarly bisect all other objects and find out the readings accurately.
8. Change the face and follow the steps 4 to 6 above.

DETERMINATION
OF VERTICAL ANGLE
Practical Applications:

1. Vertical angle determination is used to find the height of towers, church piers, tall
buildings etc.
2. It is used to determine whether the line of sight is above or below the horizontal
plane.
Face : Left

Face : Right

Inst at Sight to
C
A

'

D
" '

"

Vertical
Angle

Mean

'

"

'

"

Result:

1) Vertical Angle of the given object 1 =

2) Vertical Angle of the given object 2 =

13

'

D
" '

"

Vertical
Angle

Mean

'

"

'

"

Average
Vertical
Angle
' "

CE6413 Survey Practical II - Lab Manual

Ex.No: 5
Date:

THEODOLITE SURVEY TRAVERSE

Aim:
To run survey lines between various field objects by traversing and to find the area between given
stations.

Instruments required: Theodolite, Ranging rods, Tape

Procedure:
1. Set up the North direction by using Surveyors compass at A.
2. Set up a theodolite with face left at station A. Centre it over the ground station mark
and level it accurately with leveling screws.
3. Sight the telescope towards station B, by making the horizontal vernier A to read
zero.
4. Turn the telescope clockwise and sight F. Read both the verniers A and B, which will
give the BAF .
5. Repeat the procedure with face right. Find the mean included angle.
6. Shift the theodolite to the next traverse station (B) and repeat the steps 1 to 5 at
every traverse station in the same sequential order, for measuring the included
angles at B, C, D, E, and F.
7. Plot the traverse to suitable scale in a graph sheet or A3 size sheet.

Fig. Theodolite Traversing (Schematic diagram)

Practical Applications:
1. Closed traverse is suitable for locating the boundaries of lakes, woods etc.
2. It is also used for the survey of large areas.
3. Open traverse is used for surveying a long narrow strip of land as required for a road or a
canal or the coastal line.

14

CE6413 Survey Practical II - Lab Manual

Face : Left
Inst
at.

Sight to

Swing Right
B

Mean

Face : Right

Horizontal
angle

'

"

'

"

'

"

Swing : Right

Mean

Horizontal
angle

'

"

'

"

'

"

180

180

180

180

180

180

180

180

180

180

180

180

'

"

'

"

Average
horizontal
angle

A
B
A
B
C
B
C
D
C
D
E
E

D
F

E
A

Result :

The traverse done in the field, bearing between the lines are found and the traverse is plotted and the area is found.

15

'

"

Side
and
length

Bearing

CE6413- Survey Practical II - Lab Manual

Ex.No: 6
Date:

TRIGONOMETRY - SINGLE PLANE METHOD

Aim:
To determine the elevation of an inaccessible object (Tower)
Instruments required: Theodolite, Levelling Staff, Ranging rod, Tape
Procedure:
1. Set up the theodolite at P, level it carefully and observe the angle of elevation 1.
2. Set the vertical vernier to zero, and note the central hair reading on a staff held
vertically on a B.M. Let it be S1.
3. Transit the telescope, so that the line of sight is reversed.
4. Mark a point R in the line of sight at a convenient distance d . Measure it
accurately.
5. Shift the theodolite to the point R, centre it and level it. Observe the angle of
elevation 2.
6. Set the vernier C to zero and take again a B.M. reading (central hair) as S2.
Instrument axis at P is higher than R: (S1 > S2)

h1 = D tan 1
h2 = (d + D ) tan 2
S = Average of S2 Average of S1
h1 h2 = S

D=

d tan 2 S
tan 1 tan 2

R.L. of tip of the tower Q = R.L. of B.M. + S1 + h1

16

CE6413- Survey Practical II - Lab Manual

Instrument axis at R is higher than P: (S2>S1)

D=

d tan 2 S
; h1 = D tan 1; h2 = (d + D ) tan 2
tan 1 tan 2

RL of the tip of the tower (Q) = RL of BM + S2 + h2

Difference in elevation between Q and P = RL of the tip of the tower 100.00 =
Practical Applications:

1. To determine the elevation of inaccessible objects like church piers, temple towers,
telecommunication towers, high rise buildings etc.
2. This method is done when the elevated object & the instrument station both lie in the
same vertical plane.
3. Double plane method is done when the elevated object & the instrument station both
lie in different vertical planes.
TRIGONOMETRY - SINGLE PLANE METHOD

Face : Left
Inst at

Sight
to

P
Q

Tower
Tower

P
Q

Tower
Tower

C
'

"

Vertical angle
D
'
"

Face : Right

Swing : Left
Staff reading
on BM
Mean
(Central
'
"
Hair)

Remarks

Swing : Right

Result:

1) Elevation (RL) of the apex of inaccessible object = ________________m

2) Difference in elevation between top of the tower and RL of inst. axis at P (h1) =
3) Difference in elevation between top of the tower and RL of inst. axis at R (h2)=

17

CE6413- Survey Practical II - Lab Manual

Ex.No: 7
Date:

TANGENTIAL TACHEOMETRY

Aim:
To determine the gradient of the line joining the given staff stations A and B and to find the
RL of station B.
Instruments Required: Theodolite, Tape, Peg, Target Levelling staff
Procedure:
1. Set up the instrument approximately between the given objects and do the initial
adjustments.
2. Direct the telescope towards the staff at A and note the central hair reading ho.
Find the vertical angles by bisecting the staff at two points in the target leveling
staff. The vertical angles may be both at elevation or both at depression or one
elevation and one depression.
3. Now turn the horizontal plate clock-wise and sight towards B. Note the horizontal
angle .
4. Take the vertical angles at B and find the target distance S.

Take
RL of BM at A = 100.000m
S = __________m (Target distance)
1 & 2 = Vertical angle to upper and lower targets respectively.
h1 = Height of lower target above foot of ranging rod
h0 = Height of instrument above datum line
V = Level difference between A and B = D tan 2
R.L of H.I = R.L. of B.M. + h0
R.L. of B = R.L. of H.I + V- h1

18

CE6413- Survey Practical II - Lab Manual

Let X = Horizontal distance between A and B

Then, from the above figure,
2

X = D1 + D2 2D1D2 cos

S1
S2
and D2 =
, = horizontal angle bet A and B
tan 1 tan 2
tan 1 tan 2
V
Gradient between A and B =
X
where D1 =

Practical Applications:
1. This method is adopted in obstacles such as steep & broken ground, deep ravines, stretches
of water or swamp and so on, which makes chaining difficult or impossible.
2. This method is adopted when the theodolite is not provided with a stadia diaphragm.
3. This method is also used when the staff is too far from the instrument and it is difficult to read
the staff.

TANGENTIAL TACHEOMETRY TABULAR COLUMN

Staff reading (central hair) at A = ho =__________________ m
Face : Left
Inst at

Sight
to

A
B

A
B

Position of vane

Swing : Left
Vertical angle
Horizontal angle
C
D
Mean
A
B
Mean
'
"
' " ' " ' " ' " ' "

Top vane
Bottom vane
Top vane
Bottom vane
Face : Right
Top vane
Bottom vane
Top vane
Bottom vane

Swing : Right
0

Result :
1)
2)
3)
4)

The horizontal distance between A and B ( X ) =

The horizontal angle between A and B ( ) =
The RL of B =
The gradient of the line joining A and B =

19

CE6413- Survey Practical II - Lab Manual

Ex.No: 8
Date:
STADIA TACHEOMETRY - DETERMINATION OF TACHEOMETRIC CONSTANTS
Aim:
To determine the Tacheometric constants.
Instruments required:
Tacheometer with stand, Levelling Staff, Ranging rods, tape
General:
An ordinary transit theodolite fitted with stadia hair is known as Tacheometer. This method
completely eliminated the use of tape or chain and is very rapid and convenient.
Procedure:
1. Set up the instrument at A.
2. Measure a line AB, 30 metres long on a fairly level ground and fix arrows at 10m
intervals.
3. Note down the stadia hair readings (top, middle, bottom), by placing the staff
over the arrow stations (PQR)
4. Keep the vertical circle to read zero during observations.
5. Calculate the other staff intercepts in the same manner.
Calculation:
Stadia intercept: S = Difference of top and bottom hair readings
Let S1, is the staff intercept corresponding to distance D1 and S2 corresponding to D2. By
using tachometric equation.

f
S + (f+d), since vertical angle is zero.
i
f
where
= Multiplying constant denoted by k.
i

D=

and (f+d) = Additive constant denoted by C.

Then D = kS + C
Now we have,
D1 = CS1 + k
D2 = CS2 + k
Solving the above two equations to get the values for C and k.
Similarly find out the values for C and k by other set of readings.
The average values of the C and k, will be the Tacheometric Constants.
Practical Applications:
1. Usually the constants C and k are supplied by the manufacturer of the instrument. But in order
to check the correctness of the values supplied by the manufacturer or to detect any change in
the values of the constants, they are to be determined very often in the field.

20

CE6413- Survey Practical II - Lab Manual

30

20

10

TACHEOMETRIC CONSTANTS

Inst. at

Staff
station

Horizontal
distance

Stadia hair readings

Top

10m

10m

10m

Result:
Tacheometric additive constant C =
Tacheometric Multiplying Constant k =

21

Middle

Bottom

Stadia
intercept

CE6413- Survey Practical II - Lab Manual

Ex.No: 9
Date:
STADIA TACHEOMETRY - DETERMINATION OF
THE GRADIENT OF THE LINE
Aim:
To determine the gradient of the line joining two staff stations ( P and Q).
Instruments Required:
Tacheometer, Levelling Staff.
Given: R.L. of Bench Mark = 100.000
Procedure:
1. Set up the instrument approximately between the given objects and do the initial
adjustments.
2. Take horizontal angles, vertical angles, stadia readings in both the faces and
swings.
Calculation:

Case: I - When the observed vertical angle is at an angle of elevation

V= the vertical distance from the instrument axis to the point C.
h = Axial hair reading; h = H.I of instrument axis
V = D tan

D = kS cos 2 C cos where k is the multiplication and C is the additive constant.

R.L. of Q = R.L. of H.I. + V - h
Where,
R.L. of H.I. = Elevation of B.M + Back sight (h)

22

CE6413- Survey Practical II - Lab Manual

Case II - When the observed vertical angle is at an angle of depression.

R.L. of Q = R.L. of H.I. - V h

Case: III - When the observed vertical angle is zero.

R.L. of Q = R.L. of H.I. - h
D2 = D12 + D22 2D1D2 cos

Practical Applications:
1. This method is suitable for preparing contour maps, location surveys of roads, railways,
irrigation canals, reservoir projects and topographic surveys, where degree of accuracy
needed is not more.
2. Though it is not a accurate method, it is quick and rapid method hence economical.

DETERMINATION OF THE GRADIENT OF THE LINE

Inst at
O

Sight
to

Face : Right
Stadia hair
reading

Top Mid
Bot

Swing : Right
Vertical angle
Horizontal angle
C
D
Mean
A
B
Mean
'
"
' " ' " ' " ' " ' "

P
Q
Face : Right

Swing : Right

P
Q
Result:
The gradient of the line joining A and B =

23

CE6413- Survey Practical II - Lab Manual

Ex.No: 10
Date:
SUBTENSE BAR - GRADIENT JOINING INSTRUMENT STATION AND
TARGET OF SUBTENSE BAR
Aim:
To determine the gradient of the line joining the instrument station and left target of a
subtense bar.
Instruments required:
Subtense bar, theodolite, arrow, pegs, levelling staff and tape.
Given: R.L. of B.M. = 100.000m
Procedure:
1. Set up the theodolite on the line which is fixed by viewing through sight vane of
alidade of the subtense bar.
2. Sight apex of the left target of the subtense bar and note down the vertical angle
by keeping the horizontal angle as zero.
3. Sight the apex of the other target and note down vertical and horizontal angles.
4. Note down the B.M. reading
5. Measure the height of the instrument with the help of a tape.
Calculation:
L = Left target of subtense bar
R = Right target of subtense bar
O = Instrument (Theodolite) station
= Horizontal angle subtended by two targets
S = B.M. reading axial bar reading
Distance between instrument station and subtense bar (D) is given by
D = S cot /2
ho = height of target with reference to H.I.
H = D tan where = Vertical angle
R.L. of Left target L = R.L. of B.M. + ho + H
R.L. of the instrument station = R.L. of the H.I. - Instrument height
Vo = R.L. of left target - R.L. of Instrument station
Gradient =

V0
D

24

CE6413- Survey Practical II - Lab Manual

GRADIENT BETWEEN INSTRUMENT STATION AND

LEFT TARGET OF A SUBTENSE BAR

Horizontal angle
Inst
at

Sight
to

'

B
"

'

Vertical angle

Mean
"

'

C
"

'

D
"

'

BM
readin
g

Mean
"

'

"

Left
target

Right
target
Right
target

Left
target
L

Vo

ho
+100.000 m

Practical Applications:
1. Subtense bar is used for the measurements of comparatively short lines in a traverse.
2. It is used for measuring horizontal distances, in the areas where direct chaining becomes
difficult due to undulations or other obstructions and where accuracy required is not much
high.

Result:
The gradient of the line joining the instrument station and left target =

25

CE6413- Survey Practical II - Lab Manual

Ex.No: 11
Date:
SUBTENSE BAR - GRADIENT JOINING STAFF STATION AND
TARGET OF SUBTENSE BAR
Aim:
To determine the gradient of the line joining the staff station and left target of subtense bar.
Instruments required:
Theodolite, staff, arrow and subtense bar
Given:
R.L. of the B.M = 100.000 m
Procedure:
1. Set up the instrument over the line which is fixed by viewing through the sight
vane of the alidade of the subtense bar.
2. Note down the hair readings at staff station at BM by setting the vertical angle
and horizontal angle to zero.
3. Sight the apex of the left target of the subtense bar and note down the horizontal
angle between the staff and left target.( 1 ). Also note the vertical angle ( 1 )
4. Sight the other target and note down the vertical and horizontal angles ( 2 ) and
( 2 )
SB = 2m

h1
P
+100.000

S
D

D1

26

Vo

CE6413- Survey Practical II - Lab Manual

Calculation:

SB = 2m

D = kS + C (Assume k = 100 and C = 0)

S is the staff intercept.
From triangle L1 SR1,

sin

2 SB 2

2
D1

From triangle PL1 S,

PL1

D1

SP 2 SL21 2 SP SL1 cos 1

V
= SL1 tan
R.L. of left target = R.L. of BM +h1 + h

Gradient of L1 PL1 =

V
R.L. of L1 R.L. of P
= o
Horizontaldistance between PL1
PL1

GRADIENT BETWEEN STAFF STATION AND LEFT TARGET OF A SUBTENSE BAR

Face : Left

Swing : Right

Horizontal angle
Inst at

Sight
to

'

B
"

'

Vertical angle
Mean

"

'

C
"

'

D
"

'

Mean
"

'

Staff
(P)
Left
target
Right
target
Face : Right

Swing : Left

Staff
(P)
Left
target
Right
target

Result:
Gradient of line joining left target of subtense bar and foot of the levelling staff (P) =

27

BM
readin
g
"

CE6413- Survey Practical II - Lab Manual

Ex.No: 12
Date:

SETTING OUT OF FOUNDATION

Aim:
To mark the centre line of foundation for the given building drawing.
General Introduction:
The process of marking on the site the intended lines of the foundation of a building is called
Setting out. This operation implies the transfer of the details of foundation from the
drawings to the actual size for forming the foundations.
Tools / Materials Required:
1. Theodolite
2. Tripod
3. A measuring tape
4. A masons square
5. A roll of string
6. Steel / wooden pegs
7. A little quantity of lime powder
Procedure:
1. Study the given plan of the building and note down the internal dimension
between walls and width of foundation. Then prepare a centre line sketch of the
building.
2. Remove any vegetation in the construction site. Set-out a straight line slightly
greater than the length of the front wall of the room. This line will be the centre
line of the front wall.
3. Now mark the two ends A and B of the centre line of the front wall using
theodolite. Then drive two pegs a little away from the ends marked and tie the
string accurately.
4. At the two end points A and B set-out perpendicular strings using theodolite and
stretch them. Mark the end points C and D for the side walls at the given distance
from B and A respectively.
5. Drive two pegs a little away from the point C and D and tie the string correctly,
repeat the process for the other side (rear) wall and cross wall, if any.
6. Measure the four sides of the rectangle and check its accuracy as per the centre
line sketch. Also check the diagonals.
7. Then erect the centre line pillars (reference stakes)1 meter beyond the
foundation trench (usually 200mm square) and the top surface level with the
plinth level. The permanent mark made on the centre line pillars is used for
reference. (see figure)
8. Mark on the ground the width of the foundation of the walls, choosing half the
width of foundation on either side of the centre line. Apply lime powder to indicate
the outline of the foundation trench.

28

CE6413- Survey Practical II - Lab Manual

Setting out of a foundation

Practical Applications:
1. Setting out of foundation marks is a must before starting any civil engineering projects.
2. On completion of the estimates from the approved plan, excavation for the foundations is
required to be made on the ground. To minimize the cost of digging foundation trenches, it is
very necessary to define the outlines of excavation stakes accurately.

Inference:
The marking of the centre line and foundation trench line were done for the given plan.

29

CE6413- Survey Practical II - Lab Manual

Ex.No: 13
Date:
SETTING OUT SIMPLE CIRCULAR CURVE - RANKINE'S METHOD
Aim:
To set out the simple curve by single theodolite method.
Instruments required:
Theodolite, Ranging rods, chain, arrows and pegs
Principle:
Deflection angle:
The angle between the back tangent and the chord joining the point of commencement of
the curve and the other point on the curve
Procedure:
1. Prepare a table of deflection angles for the first subchord, normal chord and last
subchord.
2. Set up a theodolite over T1. Direct the telescope to bisect the point of
intersection(B), with both plates clamped to zero.
3. Release the vernier plate and set angle 1 on the vernier using
4. Point the zero end of the tape at T1 and an arrow held at a distance C1 along it
and swing the tape around T1 till the arrow is bisected by the cross hairs to fix
point A.
5. Set the deflection angle .
where, 2 = 1718.9 x C2/R min., so the line of sight is along T1B
6. With zero end of the tape pinned at A and an arrow held at distance AB = C2
along it and swing the tape around A till the arrow is bisected by the cross hairs
thus fixing the point B.
7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 till the last point T2 is reached.
Check:
The last point so located must coincide
with the point of tangency (T2) fixed
independently by measurements from the
point of intersection.
Practical Applications:
1. This method gives accurate setting out
and is generally used for setting out
important highway & railway curves.
2. Both tape & theodolite are used for
making
linear
&
angular
measurements.

Result:
The given simple curve is thus set out.

30

CE6413- Survey Practical II - Lab Manual

Ex.No: 14
Date:
SETTING OUT SIMPLE CIRCULAR CURVE- TWO THEODOLITE METHOD
Aim:
To set out the simple curve by two theodolite method.
Instruments Required:
Two Theodolites and Ranging rods.
Principle: The angle between the target and the chord is equal to the angle which that
chord subtends in opposite segment.
Given: Chainage of the curve, angle of intersection and Radius of curve (R).
Procedure:
1. Prepare a table of deflection angle for the first sub chord, Normal chord and last
sub chord .
2. Set up one theodolite over T1 and another over T2 .
3. Direct the instrument at T1 to the ranging rod at the point of intersection B and
bisect it.
4. Direct the instrument at T2 to the first target point T1 and bisect it.
5. Set the verniers of both the theodolites to read zero.
6. Set the first deflection angle (1) on both theodolites so that the telescopes are in
the direction of T1D and T2D respectively.
7. Move the ranging rod until it is bisected by the cross hairs of both the theodolites
to locate the point D on the curve .
8. Set the second value of deflection angle ( ) on both the theodolites and repeat
the step 7 above to get the location of E.
9. Continue the process for obtaining the locations of other points in a similar
manner.

31

CE6413- Survey Practical II - Lab Manual

Calculation:
Given:
Chainage at B, R,
BT1
= BT2 = R tan /2
T1T2 = 2R sin /2
Length of curve T1T2 = R

180

Chainage at T1
= Chainage at B T1B
Chainage at T2
= Chainage at T1 + T1T2
Divide the length of the curve into normal Chords(30m) and subchord (C1,C2)
Deflection angles:
First subchord = 1718.9
Normal chord = 1718.9
Last subchord = 1718.9

Practical Applications:
1. Since each point is fixed independently of the others, this method is done in the field, when
more accuracy is required.
2. An error is setting out one point is not carried right through the curve as in the rankines
method.

Result:
The given simple curve is thus set out.

32

CE6413- Survey Practical II - Lab Manual

Ex.No: 15
Date:
SETTING OUT OF TRANSITION CURVE
Aim:
To set out a transition curve.
Instruments required:
Theodoloite, Ranging rods, Arrows.
General:
A transition or earment curve is a curve of varying radius introduced between a straight and
a circular curve or between two branches of a compound curve or reverse curve.
Characteristics of a transition curve:
In the figure,
Tv = Original target
Bv = the shift tangent parallel to the original tangent
S = BA = shift of the circular curve
L = length of the transition curve
D = end of the transition curve and beginning of the circular curve
DD1 = tangent to both the transition and the circular curve at D.
DB = extended portion of the circular curve (or the redundant circular curve).
Y = D2D =offset of the junction point D.
X = TD2 = the coordinate of the junction point D
R = radius of the circular curve
s = the spiral angle
OB = perpendicular to the shift tangent B
A = point of intersection of the perpendicular OB with the original tangent
DE = line perpendicular to OA
Since the tangent DD1 makes an angle s with the original tangent, BOD = s
Now, BD = Rs
= RL / 2R
since s = L/2R
= L/2
When CD is very nearly equal to BD, CD = L/2
Hence the shift AB bisects the transition curve at C.
Again
S = BA
=FA EB
= Y (OB-OE)

33

CE6413- Survey Practical II - Lab Manual

= Y R(1-coss)
= Y 2R sin2 s/2
2
= Y 2R s /4
where s is small.
But EA = DD2 Y =

s
S

L3
L2

6 PL 6R

L
2R

L2
2R L

6R
4 2R

L2 L2

6R 8R
L2
S
24R

34

CE6413- Survey Practical II - Lab Manual

Procedure:
1. Calculate the spiral angle s by the equation s = L/2R radians
2. Calculate the shift S of the circular cure by the relation S = L2 / 24R
3. Calculate the total length of the tangent depending whether it is a spiral or cubic
parabola.
For the true spiral, the total tangent length = (R + S) tan

L
S
1

2 2 5R

For the cubic spiral, the total tangent length = (R + S) tan

L
S
1

2 2 5R

For the cubic parabola, the total tangent length

= (R + S) tan

S
L
1
R S tan
2 5R
2 2

4.
5.

Calculate the length of the circular curve.

From the chainage of PI, subtract the length of the tangent to get the chainage of the
point T.
6. To the chainage of T1 add the length of the transition curve to get the chainage of the
junction point (D) of the transition curve with the circular curve.
7. Determine the chainage of the other junction point (D) of the circular arc with the
transition curve by adding the length of the curve to the chainage of D.
8. Determine the chainage of the point T by adding the length L of the transition curve to
the chainage of D.
9. If it is required to peg the points on through chainages, calculate the length of the subchords and full-chords of the transition curves and the circular curve. The peg internal
for the transition curve may be 10 metres, while that for the circular curve, it may be 20
metres.
10. If the curves are to be set out by a theodolite, calculate the deflection angles for the
transition curve from the expression =

35

573l 2
minutes and the deflection angles
RL

CE6413- Survey Practical II - Lab Manual

(referred to the tangent at D) for the circular curve from the expression,
S = 1719

C
minutes.
R

The total tangential angles N for the circular curve must be equal to ( - 2s).

Practical Applications:
1. Transition curves are designed in the field in order to accomplish gradually the transition from
the tangent to the circular curve so that the curvature is increased gradually from zero to a
specified value.
2. To provide a medium for the gradual introduction or change of the required super-elevation.

Result:
Thus the setting out of transition curve is done.

36

CE6413- Survey Practical II - Lab Manual

Ex.No: 16
Date:
FIELD OBSERVATION AND CALCULATION OF AZIMUTH
Reference mark:
In determining the azimuth of a star or the heavenly body it is necessary to have a reference
mark (R.M.) or a referring object (R.O.). The reference mark may be a triangulation
station, or it may consist of a long tern or an electric light placed in a box or behind a screen
in which a small circular aperture is cut to admit light t the observer. Sometimes a narrow
vertical split is cut instead of a circular hole. For daytime observation the face of the screen
is painted with stripes, or a target is painted on the side of the box towards the observer.
The size of the apertures depends upon the distance of the mark from the instrument (9mm
at a distance of 1 km). The reference embark should be, wherever possible, about 1
km away in order to obviate the necessity of refocusing the telescope in bisecting the mark
after bisection the star. It should be situated that the line of sight is well above the ground to
minimize the error due to lateral refraction.

Observations for Azimuth in the field:

When determining the azimuth of a survey line, the process consists in (i) measuring the
horizontal angle between the reference mark and the heavenly (or celestial) body, and (ii)
determining the azimuth of the celestial body. The azimuth of the reference mark may there
be calculate from the measured angle and the calculated azimuth of the celestial body. The
azimuth of a survey line may then be obtained by measuring the horizontal angle between
the mark and the line and combining it with the azimuth of the mark. Alternatively, if the
reference mark is the other end of the survey line, the azimuth of the line may be
determined by measuring the horizontal angel between the line and celestial body and
combining it with the azimuth of the celestial body. There are several methods of
determining the azimuth of a line. But in practice, reference is given to such methods which
will permit face left and face right observation to be taken in order to eliminate instrument al
errors, and which will also observation to be made at any time and with the required
precision. It is advisable to select a close circumpolar star, since such a star changes very
slowly in azimuth in a given length of time.
Aim:
To find the angle between the observed meridian and the vertical circle through the body.
General:
The required altitude and the horizontal angles are those to the suns centre. Hence the
hairs should be set tangential to the two limbs simultaneously. The opposite limbs are then
observed by changing the face as shown in figure.

37

CE6413- Survey Practical II - Lab Manual

Procedure:
1. Set the instrument over the station mark and leveling very accurately.
2. Clamp both the plates to zero and sight the reference mark (RM).
3. Turn to the sun and observe and altitude and horizontal angle with the sun in quadrant 1
of the cross hair system.
4. The motion in the azimuth is slow and the vertical hair is kept in contact by the upper
tangent screw, the sun being allowed to make contact with the horizontal hair the line of
observation is also noted.
5. Using two tangential screw as quickly as possible, bring the sun in to the quadrant 3 of
the cross hairs and again read the horizontal and vertical angles. Observe also the
chronometer time.
6. Turn the RM. Reverse the face and take another side to RM.
7. Take two more observations of the sun precisely in the same way as in steps 3 and 4
above, but this time with the sun is quadrant 2 and 4. Note the time of each observations.
8. Finally bisect the RM to see that the reading is zero.
During the above four observations (two with face left and two with face right)
One set of observations will be therefore, as under:

Point
Sighted

Position of the Sun

RM

Readings
Horizontal reading to RM on
face left
Horizontal & Vertical readings
to the sun on face left

Sun

Sun

RM

Apparent right and upper limbs of the sun

touches vertical and horizontal wires.
Change face and swing the transit to get the sun in the field of view
Horizontal and Vertical
readings to the sun on face
right

Apparent left and lower limbs of the sun

touches vertical and horizontal wires.

Horizontal reading to RM on
face right.

Practical Application:
1. To find the True meridian of a survey line, determination of the azimuth of the line is
necessary.

Result:
Azimuth of the given line =
Note: For calculation of azimuth, refer standard text book.

38

CE6413- Survey Practical II - Lab Manual

Face : Left

Swing : Left

Horizontal angle
Ins
t at

Sight to

'

B
''

'

Vertical angle
Included
angle

Mean
''

'

''

'

D
''

Mean
''

'

''

Ref

Face : Right
S

'

Attitude Bubble

Swing : Right

Ref

39

Time
H

CE6413- Survey Practical II - Lab Manual

Ex.No: 17
Date:
STUDY OF ELECTRONIC TOTAL STATION
General:
A total station is an electronic/optical instrument used in modern surveying. The total station
is an electronic theodolite (transit) integrated with an electronic distance meter (EDM) to
read distances from the instrument to a particular point. Some models include internal
electronic data storage to record distance, horizontal angle, and vertical angle measured,
while other models are equipped to write these measurements to an external data collector,
which is a hand-held computer.
Angles and distances are measured from the total station to points under survey, and
the coordinates (X, Y, and Z or northing, easting and elevation) of surveyed points relative to
the total station position are calculated using trigonometry and triangulation.
Data can be downloaded from the total station to a computer and application software used
to compute results and generate a map of the surveyed
area.
Most modern total station instruments measure angles
by means of electro-optical scanning of extremely
precise digital bar-codes etched on rotating glass
cylinders or discs within the instrument. The best quality
total stations are capable of measuring angles to 0.5
arc-second. Inexpensive "construction grade" total
stations can generally measure angles to 5 or 10 arcseconds.
Measurement of distance is accomplished with a
modulated microwave or infrared carrier
signal,
generated by a small solid-state emitter within the
instrument's optical path, and reflected by a prism
reflector or the object under survey. The modulation
pattern in the returning signal is read and interpreted by
the computer in the total station. The distance is
determined by emitting and receiving multiple
frequencies, and determining the integer number
of wavelengths to the target for each frequency.

Total Station (Courtesy:Leica)

Most total stations use purpose-built glass Porro prism reflectors for the EDM signal. A
typical total station can measure distances with an accuracy of about 1.5 millimetres + 2
parts per million over a distance of up to 1,500 metres.
Reflectorless total stations can measure distances to any object that is reasonably light in
color, to a few hundred meters.
Robotic total stations allow the operator to control the instrument from a distance via
remote control. This eliminates the need for an assistant staff member as the operator holds
the reflector and controls the total station from the observed point.

40

CE6413- Survey Practical II - Lab Manual

Smart Stations (Total station fitted with GPS)

With Smart Station you dont need to worry about control points, traverses and resections.
Just set up wherever its convenient, touch the GPS key and let the Smart Antenna do the
rest. RTK determines the position to centimeter accuracy within a few seconds at ranges up
to 50 km from a reference station. With Smart Station youre ready to go in the shortest
possible time; fix the position with GNSS/GPS and then survey with the total station.
GNSS/GPS -Integrated Total Station
With the entire software in the total station, all TPS and GNSS/GPS operations are
controlled via the TPS keyboard. All data are stored in the same database on the same
Compact Flash card. All measurement, status and other information are displayed on the
TPS screen. The TPS plug-in battery also powers the GNSS/GPS Smart Antenna and RTK
communication device. All components combine perfectly. Everything is integrated into one
compact unit no need for cables, external battery, data logger etc.

Smart Station (Cortesy:Leica)

41