1

TRIANGULATION AND
TRILATERATION
1.1 GENERAL
The horizontal positions of points is a network developed to provide accurate control for topographic mapping,
charting lakes, rivers and ocean coast lines, and for the surveys required for the design and construction of
public and private works of large extent. The horizontal positions of the points can be obtained in a number of
different ways in addition to traversing. These methods are triangulation, trilateration, intersection, resection,
and satellite positioning.
The method of surveying called triangulation is based on the trigonometric proposition that if one side
and three angles of a triangle are known, the remaining sides can be computed. Furthermore, if the direction of
one side is known, the directions of the remaining sides
can be determined. A triangulation system consists of
a series of joined or overlapping triangles in which an
occasional side is measured and remaining sides are
calculated from angles measured at the vertices of the
triangles. The vertices of the triangles are known as
triangulation stations. The side of the triangle whose
length is predetermined, is called the base line. The
lines of triangulation system form a network that ties
together all the triangulation stations (Fig. 1.1).
Fig. 1.1 Triangulation network

A trilateration system also consists of a series of joined or overlapping triangles. However, for trilateration
the lengths of all the sides of the triangle are measured and few directions or angles are measured to establish
azimuth. Trilateration has become feasible with the development of electronic distance measuring (EDM)
equipment which has made possible the measurement of all lengths with high order of accuracy under almost
all field conditions.
A combined triangulation and trilateration system consists of a network of triangles in which all the
angles and all the lengths are measured. Such a combined system represents the strongest network for
creating horizontal control.
Since a triangulation or trilateration system covers very large area, the curvature of the earth has to be
taken into account. These surveys are, therefore, invariably geodetic. Triangulation surveys were first carried
out by Snell, a Dutchman, in 1615.
Field procedures for the establishment of trilateration station are similar to the procedures used for
triangulation, and therefore, henceforth in this chapter the term triangulation will only be used.

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1.2 PRINCIPLE OF TRIANGULATION

Figure 1.2 shows two interconnected triangles ABC and BCD. All the angles in both the triangles, and the
length L of the side AB, have been measured.
Also the azimuth q of AB has been measured at the
triangulation station A, whose coordinates (XA, YA), are known.
The objective is to determine the coordinates of the
triangulation stations B, C, and D by the method of
triangulation. Let us first calculate the lengths of all the lines.
By sine rule in ABC , we have
AB
BC
CA
=
=
sin 3
sin 1 sin 2
We have
AB = L = lAB
Fig. 1.2 Principle of triangulation
L sin 1
= l BC
or
BC =
sin 3
L sin 2
= lCA
and
CA =
sin 3
Now the side BC being known in BCD , by sine rule, we have
BC
CD
BD
=
=
sin 6
sin 4 sin 5

We have

BC =

L sin 1
= l BC
sin 3

L sin 1 sin 4
= lCD

CD =
sin 3 sin 6
L sin 1 sin 5
= l BD

and
BD =
sin 3 sin 6
Let us now calculate the azimuths of all the lines.
Azimuth of AB = = AB
Azimuth of AC = + 1 = AC
Azimuth of BC = + 180 2 = BC
Azimuth of BD = + 180 ( 2 + 4) = BD
Azimuth of CD = 2 + 5 = CD
From the known lengths of the sides and the azimuths, the consecutive coordinates can be computed as
below.
Latitude of AB = l AB cos AB = L AB
Departure of AB = l AB sin AB = D AB
Latitude of AC = l AC cos AC = L AC
Departure of AC = l AC sin AC = D AC

or

Latitude of

BD = l BD cos BD = LBD

Departure of BD = l BD sin BD = LBD

Triangulation and Trilateration

Latitude of CD = lCD cos CD = LCD

Departure of CD = lCD sin CD = DCD
The desired coordinates of the triangulation stations B, C, and D are as follows :
X-coordinate of B, XB = X A + D AB
Y-coordinate of B, YB = YB + L AB
X-coordinate of C, XC = X A + D AC
Y-coordinate of C, YC = YA + L AC
X-coordinate of D, XD = X B + DBD
Y-coordinate of D, YD = YB + LBD
It would be found that the length of side can be computed more than once following different routes,
and therefore, to achieve a better accuracy, the mean of the computed lengths of a side is to be considered.
1.3 OBJECTIVE OF TRIANGULATION SURVEYS
The main objective of triangulation or trilateration surveys is to provide a number of stations whose relative
and absolute positions, horizontal as well as vertical, are accurately established. More detailed location or
engineering survey are then carried out from these stations.
The triangulation surveys are carried out
(i) to establish accurate control for plane and geodetic surveys of large areas, by terrestrial methods,
(ii) to establish accurate control for photogrammetric surveys of large areas,
(iii) to assist in the determination of the size and shape of the earth by making observations for
latitude, longitude and gravity, and
(iv) to determine accurate locations of points in engineering works such as:
(a) Fixing centre line and abutments of long bridges over large rivers.
(b) Fixing centre line, terminal points, and shafts for long tunnels.
(c) Transferring the control points across wide sea channels, large water bodies, etc.
(d) Detection of crustal movements, etc.
(e) Finding the direction of the movement of clouds.
1.4

CLASSIFICATION OF TRIANGULATION SYSTEM

Based on the extent and purpose of the survey, and consequently on the degree of accuracy desired,
triangulation surveys are classified as first-order or primary, second-order or secondary, and third-order or
tertiary. First-order triangulation is used to determine the shape and size of the earth or to cover a vast area
like a whole country with control points to which a second-order triangulation system can be connected. A
second-order triangulation system consists of a network within a first-order triangulation. It is used to cover
areas of the order of a region, small country, or province. A third-order triangulation is a framework fixed within
and connected to a second-order triangulation system. It serves the purpose of furnishing the immediate
control for detailed engineering and location surveys.

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The general specifications for the three types of triangulation systems are presented in Table 1.1.
Table 1.1 Triangulation system
S.No.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

8.
9.

Characteristics

First-order
triangulation

Second-order
triangulation

Third-order
triangulation

Length of base lines

Lengths of sides
Average triangular error (after
correction for spherical excess)
Maximum station closure
Actual error of base
Probable error of base

8 to 12 km
16 to 150 km
less than 1"

2 to 5 km
10 to 25 km
3"

100 to 500 m
2 to 10 km
12"

not more than 3"

1 in 50,000
1 in 10,00,000

8"
1 in 25,000
1 in 500,000

15"
1 in 10,000
1 in 250,000

Discrepancy between two

measures (k is distance in
kilometre)
Probable error of the
computed distances
Probable error in
astronomical azimuth

5 k mm

10 k mm

25 k mm

1 in 50,000 to
1 in 250,000
0.5"

1 in 20,000 to
1 in 50,000
5"

1 in 5,000 to
1 in 20,000
10"

1.5 TRIANGULATION FIGURES AND LAYOUTS

The basic figures used in triangulation networks are the triangle, braced or geodetic quadrilateral, and the
polygon with a central station (Fig. 1.3).

Fig. 1.3 Basic triangulation figures

The triangles in a triangulation system can be arranged in a number of ways. Some of the commonly
used arrangements, also called layouts, are as follows:
1. Single chain of triangles
2. Double chain of triangles
3. Braced quadrilaterals
4. Centered triangles and polygons
5. A combination of above systems.
1.5.1 Single chain of triangles
When the control points are required to be established in a narrow strip of terrain such as a valley
between ridges, a layout consisting of single chain of triangles is generally used as shown in Fig. 1.4. This
system is rapid and economical due to its simplicity of sighting only four other stations, and does not involve
observations of long diagonals. On the other hand, simple triangles of a triangulation system provide only
one route through which distances can be computed, and hence, this system does not provide any check on
the accuracy of observations. Check base lines and astronomical observations for azimuths have to be
provided at frequent intervals to avoid excessive accumulation of errors in this layout.

Triangulation and Trilateration

Fig. 1.4 Single of triangles

1.5.2 Double chain of triangles

A layout of double chain of triangles is shown in Fig. 1.5. This arrangement is used for covering the
larger width of a belt. This system also has disadvantages of single chain of triangles system.

Fig. 1.5 Double chain of triangles

1.5.3 Braced quadrilaterals

A triangulation system consisting of figures containing four corner stations and observed diagonals
shown in Fig. 1.6, is known as a layout of braced quadrilaterals. In fact, braced quadrilateral consists of
overlapping triangles. This system is treated to be the strongest and the best arrangement of triangles, and it
provides a means of computing the lengths of the sides using different combinations of sides and angles.
Most of the triangulation systems use this arrangement.

Fig. 1.6 Braced quadrilaterals

1.5.4 Centered triangles and polygons

A triangulation system which consists of figures containing interior stations in triangle and polygon as
shown in Fig. 1.7, is known as centered triangles and polygons.

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Fig. 1.7 Centered triangles and polygons

This layout in a triangulation system is generally used when vast area in all directions is required to be
covered. The centered figures generally are quadrilaterals, pentagons, or hexagons with central stations.
Though this system provides checks on the accuracy of the work, generally it is not as strong as the braced
quadrilateral arrangement. Moreover, the progress of work is quite slow due to the fact that more settings of
the instrument are required.
1.5.5 A combination of all above systems
Sometimes a combination of above systems may be used which may be according to the shape of the
area and the accuracy requirements.
1.6 LAYOUT OF PRIMARY TRIANGULATION FOR LARGE COUNTRIES
The following two types of frameworks of primary triangulation are provided for a large country to cover the
entire area.
1. Grid iron system
2. Central system.

1.6.1 Grid iron system

In this system, the primary triangulation
is laid in series of chains of triangles, which
usually runs roughly along meridians (northsouth) and along perpendiculars to the
meridians (east-west), throughout the country
(Fig. 1.8). The distance between two such
chains may vary from 150 to 250 km. The area
between the parallel and perpendicular series
of primary triangulation, are filled by the
secondary and tertiary triangulation systems.
Grid iron system has been adopted in India
and other countries like Austria, Spain, France,
etc.
Fig. 1.8 Grid iron system of triangulation

Triangulation and Trilateration

1.6.2 Central system

In this system, the whole area is covered by a network of primary triangulation extending in all directions
from the initial triangulation figure ABC, which is generally laid at the centre of the country (Fig. 1.9).
This system is generally used for the survey of an area of moderate extent. It has been adopted in United
Kingdom and various other countries.

Fig. 1.9 Central system of triangulation

1.7

CRITERIA FOR SELECTION OF THE LAYOUT OF TRIANGLES

The under mentioned points should be considered while deciding and selecting a suitable layout of triangles.
1. Simple triangles should be preferably equilateral.
2. Braced quadrilaterals should be preferably approximate squares.
3. Centered polygons should be regular.
4. The arrangement should be such that the computations can be done through two or more
independent routes.
5. The arrangement should be such that at least one route, and preferably two routes form wellconditioned triangles.
6. No angle of the figure, opposite a known side should be small, whichever end of the series is used
for computation.
7. Angles of simple triangles should not be less than 45, and in the case of quadrilaterals, no angle
should be less than 30. In the case of centered polygons, no angle should be less than 40.
8. The sides of the figures should be of comparable lengths. Very long lines and very short lines
should be avoided.
9. The layout should be such that it requires least work to achieve maximum progress.
10. As far as possible, complex figures should not involve more than 12 conditions.
It may be noted that if a very small angle of a triangle does not fall opposite the known side it does not
affect the accuracy of triangulation.

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1.8 WELL-CONDITIONED TRIANGLES

The accuracy of a triangulation system is greatly affected by the arrangement of triangles in the layout, and
the magnitude of the angles in individual triangles. The triangles of such a shape, in which any error in angular
measurement has a minimum effect upon the computed lengths, is known as well-conditioned triangle.
In any triangle of a triangulation system, the length of one
side is generally obtained from computation of the adjacent triangle.
The error in the other two sides if any, will affect the sides of the
triangles whose computation is based upon their values. Due to
accumulated errors, entire triangulation system is thus affected
thereafter. To ensure that two sides of any triangle are equally
affected, these should, therefore, be equal in length. This condition
suggests that all the triangles must, therefore, be isoceles.
Let us consider an isosceles triangle ABC whose one side
AB is of known length (Fig. 1.10). Let A, B, and C be the three
angles of the triangle and a, b, and c are the three sides opposite to
Fig. 1.10 Triangle in a triangulation system
the angles, respectively.
As the triangle is isosceles, let the sides a and b be equal.
Applying sine rule to ABC , we have
a
c
=
... (1.1)
sin A
sin C
sin A
or
a =c
... (1.2)
sin C
If an error of A in the angle A, and C in angle C introduce the errors a1 and a 2 , respectively, in the
side a, then differentiating Eq. (1.2) partially, we get
cos A A
... (1.3)
a1 = c
sin C
sin A cos C C
a 2 = c
and
... (1.4)
sin 2 C
Dividing Eq. (1.3) by Eq. (1.2), we get
a1
= A cot A
... (1.5)
a
Dividing Eq. (1.4) by Eq. (1.2), we get
a 2
= C cot C
... (1.6)
a
If A = C = , is the probable error in the angles, then the probable errors in the side a are

But
or
Therefore
From Eq. (1.7), we find that, if

a
= cot 2 A + cot 2 C
a
C = 180 (A + B)
= 180 2A,
A being equal to B.
a
= cot 2 A + cot 2 2 A
a
a
is to be minimum, (cot2A + cot2 2A) should be a minimum.
a

... (1.7)

Triangulation and Trilateration

Differentiating cotA + cos 2A with respect to A, and equating to zero, we have

4 cos4A + 2 cosA 1 = 0
...(1.8)
Solving Eq. (1.8), for cos A, we get
A = 5614' (approximately)
Hence, the best shape of an isoceles triangle is that triangle whose base angles are 5614' each.
However, from practical considerations, an equilateral triangle may be treated as a well-conditional triangle. In
actual practice, the triangles having an angle less than 30 or more than 120 should not be considered.
1.9 STRENGTH OF FIGURE
The strength of figure is a factor to be considered in establishing a triangulation system to maintain the
computations within a desired degree of precision. It plays also an important role in deciding the layout of a
triangulation system.
The U.S. Coast and Geodetic Surveys has developed a convenient method of evaluating the strength of
a triangulation figure. It is based on the fact that computations in triangulation involve use of angles of
triangle and length of one known side. The other two sides are computed by sine law. For a given change in
the angles, the sine of small angles change more rapidly than those of large angles. This suggests that smaller
angles less than 30 should not be used in the computation of triangulation. If, due to unavoidable
circumstances, angles less than 30 are used, then it must be ensured that this is not opposite the side whose
length is required to be computed for carrying forward the triangulation series.
The expression given by the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Surveys for evaluation of the strength of figure,
is for the square of the probable error (L) that would occur in the sixth place of the logarithm of any side, if the
computations are carried from a known side through a single chain of triangles after the net has been adjusted
for the side and angle conditions. The expression for L is
4
d R
... (1.9)
3
where d is the probable error of an observed direction in seconds of arc, and R is a term which represents the
shape of figure. It is given by

L =

R =

DC
(2A + A B + 2B )
D

... (1.10)

where
D = the number of directions observed excluding the known side of the figure,
A , B , C = the difference per second in the sixth place of logarithm of the sine of the distance angles A, B
and C, respectively. (Distance angle is the angle in a triangle opposite to a side), and
C = the number of geometric conditions for side and angle to be satisfied in each figure. It is given
by
C = (n' S' + 1) + (n 2S + 3)
... (1.11)
where
n = the total number of lines including the known side in a figure,
n' = the number of lines observed in both directions including the known side,
S = the total number of stations, and
S' = the number of stations occupied.

For the computation of the quantity ( 2A + A B + 2B ) in Eq. (1.10) , Table 1.2 may be used.
In any triangulation system more than one routes are possible for various stations. The strength of
figure decided by the factor R alone determines the most appropriate route to adopt the best shaped triangulation
net route. If the computed value of R is less, the strength of figure is more and vice versa.

Higher Surveying

10

Table 1.2 Values of 2A + A B + 2B

10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90
0
10
12
14
16
18

428
359
315
284
262

359
295
253
225
204

253
214 187
187 162 143
168 143 126 113

20
22
24
26
28

245
232
221
213
206

189
177
167
160
153

153
142
134
126
120

130
119
111
104
99

30
35
40
45

199
188
179
172

148
137
129
124

115
106
99
93

94
85
79
74

79
71
65
60

50
55
60
65

167
162
159
155

119
115
112
109

89
86
83
80

70
67
64
62

70
75
80
85

152
150
147
145

106
104
102
100

78
76
74
73

60
58
57
55

90 143

113 100
103 91
95 83
89 77
83 72

91
81
74
68
63

74
67 61
61 56 51
57 51 47

43

68
60
54
50

59
52
47
43

53
46
41
37

48
41
36
32

43
37
32
28

40
33
29
25

33
27 23
23 19 16
20 16 13 11

57
54
51
49

47
44
42
40

39
37
35
33

34
32
30
28

29
27
25
24

26
24
22
21

23
21
19
18

18
16
14
13

48
46
45
43

38
37
36
34

32
30
29
28

27
25
24
23

23
21
20
19

19
18
17
16

17
16
15
14

12
11
10
10

9
8
7
7

98 71 54 42

33

27 22 19 16

13

14 11
12 10
11 9
10 7

9
8
7
6

8
7
5
5

5
4
4

4
3

7
6
5
5

5
4
4
3

4
3
3
2

3
2
2
2

2
2
1
1

2
1
1
1

1
1
1
0

1
0
0

0
0

0
0
0
1

0
0
0

0
0

95
100
105
110

140
138
136
134

96
95
93
91

70
68
67
65

53
51
50
49

41
40
39
38

32
31
30
30

26
25
25
24

22
21
20
19

18
17
17
16

15
14
14
13

13
12
12
11

9
8
8
7

6
6
5
5

4
4
4
3

3
3
2
2

2
2
2
2

1
1
1
1

1
1
1
1

115
120
125
130

132
129
127
125

89
88
86
84

64
62
61
59

48
46
45
44

37
36
35
34

29
28
27
26

23
22
22
21

19
18
18
17

15
15
14
14

13
12
12
12

11
10
10
10

7
7
7
7

5
5
5
5

3
3
4
4

2
2
3
3

2
2
2

1
1

135
140
145
150

122
119
116
112

82
80
77
75

58
56
55
54

43
42
41
40

33
32
32
32

26
26
25
26

21
20
21
21

17
17
17
18

14
14
15
16

12
12
13
15

10
10
11
13

7
8
9

5
6

152
154
156
158
160

111
110
108
107
107

75
74
74
74
74

53
53
54
54
56

40
41
42
43
45

32
33
34
35
38

26
27
28
30
33

22 19 17 16
23 21 19
25 22
27

162
164
166
168
170

107
109
113
122
143

76 59 48 42
79 63 54
86 71
98