Traversing and Traverse

Computations
 Traversing

The process of measuring the lengths and directions of the lines of a traverse for the purpose of locating the
position of certain points.
Traverse – a series of consecutive lines whose ends have been marked in the field and whose lengths and
directions have been determined from observations.
2 Kinds of Traverse
1. OPEN TRAVERSE. A traverse is said to be open traverse when the traverse starts at one point and
terminates at another point. It is suitable for surveying of roads, coastal lines, etc.
2. CLOSED TRAVERSE. A traverse is said to be closed traverse when the traverse formed a closed circuit. In
this case, both starting and terminating points of the traverse coincide with each other. It is suitable for the
survey of boundaries of ponds, sports grounds, forests, etc.
Definition of Terms

Traverse Station– Any temporary or permanent point of reference over which the instrument is set up. It is
usually marked by a peg, or a hub driven flush with the ground and identified by consecutive letters or
numbers as the survey progresses. Traverse stations are sometimes called angle points because an angle is
usually measured at such stations.
Traverse Lines – Are lines connecting traverse stations and whose lengths and directions are determined.
Methods of Traversing

Chain Traversing – Chain traversing is done by taking linear measurements only. Hence, chain or tape is
enough for chain traversing. The angle between the adjacent traverse lines is measured using the chain angles
concept. Chain traversing is performed in areas such as ponds etc. where it is difficult to adopt triangulation.
Compass Traversing – In the case of compass traversing, both linear and angular measurements of traverse
lines are taken by using chain and prismatic compass respectively.
Theodolite Traversing – In the case of theodolite traversing, the linear measurements are done by using
chain or stadia method and angular measurements are done by theodolite.
Plane Table Traversing – In the case of plane table traversing, the measuring and plotting of the traverse on
the paper are done simultaneously.
 Traversing Computations

1. Adjusting angles or directions to fixed geometric conditions,

2. Determining preliminary azimuths (or bearings) of the traverse lines

3. Calculating departures and latitudes and adjusting them for misclosure

DEPARTURE of a course is its orthographic projection on the east-west axis of the
survey, (+)eastings &(–)westings
𝑫𝑬𝑷 =𝑳 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝜽
LATITUDE of a course is its orthographic projection on the north-south axis of the
survey, (+)northing&(–)southing
𝑳𝑨𝑻 =𝑳 𝒄𝒐𝒔𝜽
2. Computing rectangular coordinates of the traverse stations

3. Calculating the lengths and azimuths (or bearings) of the traverse lines after adjustment.
Sample Setup

Find the Linear Error of Closure, Relative Precision, and then correct Lengths and Bearings.
Course Azimuth fr. N L (m) Bearing Dep Lat Corr Dep Corr Lat Adj Dep Adj Lat
AB 126°55’17” 647.25 S53°04‘43”E +517.45 -388.82 0.005 0.018 +517.44 -388.84
BC 178°18’58” 203.03 S1°41‘02”E +5.97 -202.94 0.002 0.006 +5.96 -202.95
CD 15°31’54” 720.35 N15°31’54”E +192.89 +694.05 0.006 0.020 +192.88 +694.02
DE 284°35’20” 610.24 N75°24‘40”W -590.57 +153.70 0.005 0.017 -590.57 +153.69
EA 206°09’42” 285.13 S26°09‘42”W -125.72 -255.92 0.002 0.008 -125.72 -255.93
2466 + 0.02 + 0.07 0.02 0.07 0 0
Dep = L sin 𝜽
Rec (L,angle)
Lat = L cos 𝜽

LEC = 0.0728
Sample Setup

Course Azimuth fr. N L (m) Bearing Adj Dep Adj Lat Adj L (m) Adj Bearing
AB 126°55’17” 647.25 S53°04‘43”E +517.44 -388.84 647.26 S53°04‘35”E
BC 178°18’58” 203.03 S1°41‘02”E +5.96 -202.95 203.04 S1°40’56”E
CD 15°31’54” 720.35 N15°31’54”E +192.88 +694.02 720.33 N15°31’53”E
DE 284°35’20” 610.24 N75°24‘40”W -590.57 +153.69 610.24 N75°24‘46”W
EA 206°09’42” 285.13 S26°09‘42”W -125.72 -255.93 285.14 S26°09‘42”W
2466 0 0
Pol(Adj Lat, Adj Dep)