Surveying I Chapter 5: Traversing Principles

CHAPTER FIVE

TRAVERSING PRINCIPLES

Table of contents:
Page No.

5.1. Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………………………73
5.2. Traversing by Compass and Theodolite………………………………………………………..74
5.2.1. Types of Traverse……………………………………………………………………………….74
5.2.2. Compass Traverse………………………………………………………………………………75
5.2.3. Interior Angle Traverse………………………………………………………………………76
5.2.4. Deflection Angle Traverse………………………………………….……………………..78
5.2.5. Angle to the right traverse………………………………………….…………………….80
5.2.6. Azimuth Traverse……………………………………………………………….……………..81
5.2.7. Stadia Traverse…………………………………………….…………….…..……………….81
5.2.8. Plane table and Alidade…………………………….………………...…………………..82
5.3. Traverse Computations……………………………………………….….………..…………….……82
5.4. Sources of Errors and Precision Traversing…………….…………….…….……..……..84
5.5. Checking adjusting traverse…………………………………………….…..……….…………….86
5.6. Computation of Area…………………………………………………………….……….………………89

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Surveying I Chapter 5: Traversing Principles

5.1. Introduction

A traverse consists of a series of straight lines connecting successive points. The

points defining the ends of the traverse lines are called traverse stations or traverse
points.

D
B

A C

Distance along the line between successive traverse points are determined either by
direct measurement using a tape or electronic distance measuring (EDM) equipment,
or by indirect measurement using tachometric methods. At each point where the
traverse changes direction, an angular measurement is taken using a theodolite.

Traverse party: it usually consists of an instrument operator, a head tape man and
rare tape man.

Equipments for the traverse party:-The equipments for the traverse party are
the theodolite, tapes, hand level, leveling staff, ranging pole & plumb bobs, EDM&
reflector, stakes & hubs, tacks, marking crayon, points, walkie talkies, & hammer
etc.

Purpose of traverse: It is a convenient, rapid method for establishing horizontal

control particularly when the lines of sights are short due to heavily built up areas
where triangulation and trilateration are not applicable. The purpose includes:
-Property surveys to locate or establish boundaries;
-Supplementary horizontal control for topographic mapping surveys;
-Location and construction layout surveys for high ways, railway, and other private
and public works;
-Ground control surveys for photogrammetric mapping.

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Surveying I Chapter 5: Traversing Principles

5.2 Traversing by compass and theodolite

5.2.1. Types of traverse

1. Open traverse: It starts at a point of known position and terminates at a point of

unknown position.

X D
B

A C

- It is not possible to check the consistence of angles and distance

measurement.
- To minimize errors, distances can be measured twice, angles turned by
repetition, magnetic bearings observed on all lines and astronomic
observations made periodically (not done in engineering works).

2. Closed traverse:- It originates at a point of known position and close on another

point of known horizontal position .

B D C
X X
D
B
A

A C
Closed loop traverse
Closed link traverse

This type of traverse is preferable to all others since computational checks are
possible which allow detection of systematic errors in both distance and direction.

Traverses also categorized on the method of observing angles.

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Surveying I Chapter 5: Traversing Principles

5.2.2 Compass Traverse

When compasses are used to run traverses, forward and back bearings are observed
from each traverse station and distances are taped. If local attraction exists at any
traverse station, both the forward and back bearings are affected equally. Thus
interior angles computed from forward and back bearings are independent of local
attraction. Since these angles are independent of local attraction, the sum of these
interior angles provides a legitimate indication of the angular error in the traverse.

Assuming that all bearings are of equal precision and non-correlated, this error is
distributed equally among the number of interior angles. Since none of the traverse
lines has an absolute direction that is known to be correct, it is necessary to select a
line affected least by local attraction.

Exercise:

The following are bearings taken on a closed compass traverse. Compute the
interior angle and correct them.

Assuming the observed bearing of XY to be clear of local attraction and adjust the
bearing of all other sides.

Backward
Line Forward bearing
bearing
0
XY S 27 30’E N 27030’W
YC S 45015’ W N 44015’ E
CD N 730 00’ W S 720 15’ W
DE N 120 45’ E S 130 15’ W
EX N 60000’ E S 590 00’ W

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5.2.3 Interior angle traverse:

Interior angle traverse is the one that is employed for closed loop traverse.
Successive stations occupied and back sight is taken to the preceding station with
horizontal circle set zero. The instrument is then turned on its upper motion until the
next station is bisected/sighted and the interior angle is observed. The horizontal
circle reading gives the interior angle in the clockwise direction. Horizontal distances
are determined by stadia and angles should be observed twice by double sighting.

3
A

2
1

Azimuth of a line =back azimuth of preceding line + Clockwise interior angle.

n

In closed figure i (n 2)180

i 1

n is the number of stations

The error of closure can be distributed to all angles equally assuming that all
observations are made with equal precision.
Example:
A clockwise interior angle in a closed traverse is as follows
A= 84058’, B=157038’, C=24037’
D= 1530 14’ , E=1030 54’, F= 139’ 06’ G= 2360 49’
Compute the error of closure and adjust the interior angle.

Solution:

Observed Adjusted
Station Interior Correction interior
angle Angle
0 0
A 84 58’ -0 2’ 84056’
B 157038’ -0 02’ 157036’

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Surveying I Chapter 5: Traversing Principles

C 240 37’ -0 02’ 24 35’

D 1530 14’ -0 02’ 153 12’
0 0
D 103 54’ -0 2’ 103 52’
F 139 006’ -0 02’ 139 04’
0 0
G 236 47’ -0 2’ 236 45’
Sum 9000 14’ 00” 900000’00’
(n-2)1800 9000 00 ‘ 00”
Error of
00 14’00”
closure

Exercise:
Calculate azimuth and bearing of all lines for Azimuth of AB Az AB=315012’

5.2.4 Deflection angle traverses

This method of running traverses is widely employed than the other especially on
open traverses. It is mostly common in location of routes, canals, roads, highways,
pipe lines, etc.

Successive traverse stations are occupied with a theodolite with horizontal circle set
at zero and back sight taken to the preceding station with a telescope reverse. The
telescope is then plunged and the line of sight is directed to the next station, by
turning the instrument about the vertical axis on its upper motion and the deflection
angle is observed. Angles have to be observed by double sighting.

Azimuth of line =Azimuth of preceding line + R R R R

Azimuth of line =Azimuth of preceding line - L

X 4
B D
2
A Y

1 3
C

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Surveying I Chapter 5: Traversing Principles

In the above figure the azimuth of line AX and DY and are used to check the angular
closure for the traverse

0
AXA + 2 + 4- 1- 3-360 =ADY
n n
A1 Ri Li 3600 A2
i 1 i 1

Where A1=Azimuth of starting station

A2=Azimuth of closing station
R= deflection to the right

L= deflection to the left.

The angular error of closure can be computed and the adjustment of the observed
angles is made assuming equal weights for all angles, the error of closure may be
distributed equally among the deflection angles.
Example:

The following are deflection angles observed in a closed loop traverse.

A=850 20’ L; B=100 11’ R; C= 830 32’ L; D= 630 27’ L

E= 340 18’ L; F= 720 56’ L; G= 300 45’ L

Compute the error of closure and adjust the deflection angles assuming that all
observations are made with equal precision.

Solution:

A1=A2 (for closed loop)

For closed loop traverse

Ri Li 3600

For the given traverse

L =370018’ 0
R =10 11”

10011’-370018’=-360007’

360007’-360000’=0.07’

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Surveying I Chapter 5: Traversing Principles

0
Correction per angle= 0 07' 0 0 01'00"
7
This correction angle is added to deflection to the right and subtracted to deflection
to the left.

Station From/To Circle Deflection Correction Corrected

observed angle deflection
A G 0000’
B 85020’ 85020’L -0001’ 85019’
B A 0000’
C 10011’ 10011’R +0001’ 10012’
C B 0000’
D
D C
E
E D
F
F E
G
G F
A

Ri Li 3600

Exercise:
Azimuth of line AB is given as Az AB= 85 024’.Calculate the azimuth and bearing of all
other lines.

5.2.5 Angle to the right traverse

This method can be used in open, closed, or closed loop traverses. Successive
theodolite stations are occupied and back sight is taken to the preceding station with
the horizontal circle set zero. Then foresight is taken on the next station using the

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Surveying I Chapter 5: Traversing Principles

upper motion in the clockwise direction. The reading gives the angle to the right at
the station and angles should be observed by double sighting.
Azimuth a line= Back azimuth of preceding line + angle to the right.

1 3

3 4 Error of closure
1
4
2
A1 X 1 2 3 4 (4 1)180 A4Y

X 2 Y

The condition of closure can be expressed by

A1 + 1+ 2+ ----- n-(n-1)180-A2=0

Where A1&A2 are Azimuths of the starting and closing stations.

n=no of traverse stations (exclusive of fixed stations).

Any misclosure can be distributed equally to all angles assuming equal precision.

Exercise:
Try the above example in 5.2.4 (Deflection angle traverse.)

5.2.6. Azimuth traverse

This method is used extensively on topographic and other surveys where a large
number of details are located by angular and linear measurements from the traverse
stations. Successive stations are occupied, beginning with the line of known or
assumed azimuth. At each station the theodolite is oriented by setting the horizontal
circle index to read the back azimuth (fore ward azimuth 1800) of the preceding
line, and then back sighting to the preceding traverse station. The instrument is then
turned on the upper motion, and a foresight on the following traverse station is
taken. The reading indicated by the horizontal circle on the clockwise circle is the
azimuth of the forward line.

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Surveying I Chapter 5: Traversing Principles

Any angular error of closure of a traverse becomes evident by the difference

between initial and final observations taken along the first line.

5.2.7 Stadia traverse

In stadia traverse the horizontal distance between traverse station is determined by

stadia method. The stadia traverse is sufficiently accurate and considerably more
rapid and economical than corresponding surveys made with theodolite and tape. Its
advantage is that elevations can be determined concurrently with horizontal position.

L1= distance BC observed at station B

L2= distance BC observed at station C
L1 L2
So LBC
2

5.2.8 Plane table and alidade

Traversing with the plane table involves the same principle as running a traverse
with a theodolite. Successive plane table and alidade stations are occupied, the table
is oriented and back sight on the preceding station is taken. A fore sight is then
taken to the next station and its location is plotted on the plane table sheet.
Distances and difference in elevations are determine by stadia using the alidade and
scaled off on the paper. Check lines can also provided for checking the consistency.

5.3 Traverse Computations:

Field operation for traverses yields angles or directions and distance for a set of lines
connecting a series of traverse stations. Angles can be checked for error of closure
and corrected so that preliminary corrected values can be computed. And observed
distances can be reduced to equivalent horizontal distanced. The preliminary
directions and reduced distances are suitable for use in traverse computations, which
are performed in a plane rectangular coordinate system.

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Computation with plane coordinates by considering the figure below.

Y
xj xij
xij
Aj
j

yij Aj yij
dij djk
yi

i k

yi yk

X
xk

Let the reduced horizontal distance of traverse lines ij and jk be d ij and djk
respectively, and Ai and Aj be the azimuths of ij and jk. Let Xij and Yij be the
departure & latitude.

Xij= dij sin Ai = departure

Yij = dij cos Ai =latitude

If the coordinates of i are xi and yi

So, the coordinates of j are:
Xj=xi+xij ; yj= yi+yij
Xk=xj+xjk ; yk=yj-yjk
=xi+xij+xik ; =yi+yij-yjk
xjk =djk sin Aj yjk=djk cos Aj
Note: the signs of azimuth functions

N
IV
Sin - I
Cos + Sin +
Cos +
W E
III II sin+
Sin - Cos -
Cos -

S
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Surveying I Chapter 5: Traversing Principles

If the coordinates for the two ends of a traverse line are given, distance between two
ends can be determined as:

dij =[(xj-xi)2+(yj-yi)2]1/2

The azimuth of line ij from north and south is

1 xj xi 1 xi xj
Aij tan Asij tan
yj yi yi yj

After coordinates for all the traverse points (all the departure and latitudes) for all
lines have been computed, a check is necessary on the accuracy of the observations
and the validity of calculations. In a closed traverse, the algebraic sum of the
departures should equal the difference between the x- coordinates at the beginning
and ending stations of the traverse. Similarly, the algebraic sum of the latitudes
should equal the difference between the y coordinates at the beginning and ending
stations.

In a closed loop traverse, the algebraic sum of the latitudes and the algebraic sum of
the departures each must equal zero.

For a traverse containing n stations starting at i=1 and ending at station i=n, the
foregoing conditions can be expressed as follows.

n 1 n 1
Xn X1 xi, i 1 departures
i 1 i 1
n 1 n 1
Yn Y1 yi, i 1 latitudes
i 1 i 1

The amounts by which the above equation will fail to be satisfied are called simply
closures. The closure correction in departure d x and dy, which are of opposite signs to
errors, are:
n 1
dx Xn X1 Xi , i 1
i 1
n 1
dy Yn Y1 Yi , i 1
i 1

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And for closed loop traverse dx=- departures and dy=- latitudes.

5.4 Sources of errors and precision of traversing

When traversing, errors may arise in the following measurements.

a. Linear measurements: Errors in linear measurement are those as

systematic, and random errors. These errors in linear measurements
should by corrected considering its type.
b. Angular measurements: There are two main sources of errors in the
measurement of the traverse angle.

i) Observational errors:

Due to lateral refraction, haze and wind the line of sight may not be truly
straight. It is there fore important to keep the line of sight 1m above
ground on hot sunny days. In wind and haze no need to attempt at
accurate readings.
If the signal is too large it is not possible to bisect accurately, and if the
signal is not plumbed vertically above the station mark, wrong direction
will be observed. There fore try and always observe directly on the station
mark. If this is not possible, sight to a plumb-bob or accurately plumbed
target or signal; never sight to a hand held ranging rod.
Errors can arise in mis reading and mis booking observations of the
vernier or micrometer, so always check that the reading booked appears
on the instrument.

ii) Instrumental errors.

Error in the adjustment of the theodolite. Always observe on both faces of

the theodolite when measuring horizontal and vertical angles.
The theodolite must be properly leveled before observations are made. So
that ensure the plate bubble remains in the same position in its tube when
the theodolite is rotated through 360 .

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Surveying I Chapter 5: Traversing Principles

Ensure that the theodolite is stable with the legs firmly planted in solid
ground and that the tripod adjusting screws are properly tightened.
The theodolite must be properly centered over the station mark with an
optical plummet or plumbing rod.
If the horizontal circle is moved between observations the reduced angles
will be in error. This can occur for any of the following reasons.

i) Screwing the theodolite too loosely to the tripod head.

ii) Omitting to secure the movable head.
iii) Omitting to clamp the lower plate.
iv) Using the lower tangent screw instead of the upper tangent screw.
v) Moving the orientation screw on single-axis theodolites.

5.5 Checking and adjusting traverse.

Traverse adjustment should be applied before the results of the traverse are usable
for determining areas or coordinates for publishing the data, or for computing lines
to be located from the traverse stations, to make the traverse mathematically
consistent. The closure in latitudes and departures must be adjusted out.

5.5.1 The compass rule.

Consider a traverse station i,

xi =correction to Xi
yi = correction to Yi
Xt =total closure correction of the traverse in the X coordinate.
Yt =total closure correction of the traverse in the Y coordinate.
Li =distance from station i to the next station.
L =total length of traverse

dxt= (Xn-X1)- departure

dyt = (Yn-Y1)- latitude

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Surveying I Chapter 5: Traversing Principles

Li Li
Then the corrections are xi dX t .and yi dYt
L L
Alternatively, corrections may be applied to the departure and latitudes prior to
calculating coordinates

dij dij
xij dxt and yij dyt
L L
xij and yij are respective corrections to the departure and latitude of line ij which
has a length of dij.

Example:

In a closed traverse the distance between traverse stations and the deflection angle
are as hereunder. Compute the error of closure and adjust the traverse using
compass rule.

AXA=170024’
ADY=80038’

Line Distance (m) Deflection angle Azimuth

AB 225.94 A 102 34’L 67050’
BC 143.39 B 85055’R 153045’
CD 188.47 C 150 47’L 2058’
=557.80 D 78020’R

Solution:

Using the formula

0
A1+ R- L-360 =A2
170024’+164015’-253021’-3600=81018’ 80038’

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Surveying I Chapter 5: Traversing Principles

Error of closure 81018’-80038’=0040’00’

0
Correction per angle= 0 40 '00" 0010 '00"
4
Station Correction Correct deflection angle Azimuth
A +0010’ 102044’ 67040’
B -0010’ 85045’ 153025’
C +0010’ 150057’ 2028’
D -0010’ 78010’

Traverse Computation

Departure Latitude Coordinates ,m

Station Distance Azimuth
X Y X Y

A 100 100
0
B 225.94 67 40’ 208.992 85.856 308.992 185.856
C 143.39 153025’ 64.167 -128.231 373.159 57.625
0
D 188.47 2 28’ 8.111 188.295 381.27 245.920

=145.92 [382.0] [245.0]

=281.27
282.0 145.0
XD XA , YD YA
0.73 0.92
Adjustment of coordinates by the compass rule
Station Distance Corrections Adjusted
coordinates,m
xi yi X Y
A 100 100
B 225.94 0.296 -0.373 309.288 185.483
C 143.39 0.483 -0.609 373.642 56.016
D 188.47 0.730 -0.920 382.0 245.0

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 Surveying I Chapter 5: Traversing Principles

Adjusted distance and Azimuth

Station Adjusted DAB=[(XB-XA)2+(YB-YA)2]1/2
Distance Azimuth
A DAB=[(309.288-100)2+(185.483-100)2]1/2

B 226.073 67046’52.36” =226. 073m

C 143.684 153023’31.1” AAB=tan-1

XB XA
D 188.170 2032’44.75” YB YA

=tan-1
309.288 100 =67046’57.36’’
185.483 100

5.6 Computation of Area

Area computation is one of the primary objective of land survey. A closed traverse is
run, in which the lines of the traverse are made to coincide with property lines as
possible. The length and bearings of all straight boundary lines are determined either
directly or by computation.

In ordinary land surveying, the area of a tract of land is taken as its projection up on
a horizontal plane, and it is not the actual area of the surface of land. For precise
determination of the area of a large tract, such as state or nation, the area is taken
as the projection of the tract up on the earth’s spheroidal surface to mean sea level.

Methods of determining area:

1. The area of the tract may be obtained by use of the planimeter from a map or
plan. It may also be calculated by dividing the tract in to triangles and
rectangles, scaling the dimensions of these figures, and computing their areas
mathematically.

2. Area by triangles.

It is computation of areas individually mathematically by dividing the track in to

triangles.
If length of two sides and included angle of any triangle are known,

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Surveying I Chapter 5: Traversing Principles

B
c
a
A
b C

1
area ab sin c
2
If lengths of the three sides of any triangle are given,
area s s a (s b)(s c)
1
S a b c
2
3. Area by coordinates:

When the points defining the corners of a tract of land are coordinated with
respect to some arbitrarily chosen coordinate axes or are given in a regional
system, these coordinates are useful not only in finding the lengths and
bearings of the boundaries but also in calculating the area of the tract. The
calculation involves finding the areas of trapezoids formed by projecting the line
up on a parallel at right angle to this.
Considering the figure under here

b 2
X2

a X1 1
c X3
c 3
X5 5
e
Y1 Y2
d 4 Y3
X4 Y5
Y4

a’ b’ e’ d’ c’

Area 12345= area 23cb+area 34dc-area 45fd-area 15fa-area 12bc

1 1 1
Area= X2 X 3 Y2 Y3 X3 X 4 Y3 Y4 _ X4 X 5 Y5 Y4
2 2 2
1 1
X1 X 5 Y1 Y5 X2 X 1 Y2 Y1
2 2

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Surveying I Chapter 5: Traversing Principles

Rearranging the above eqn.

2 area y1 x2 x5 y2 x3 x1 y3 x4 x2 y4 x5 x3 y5 x1 x4
The general formula for any polygon having n stations

2 area y1 x2 xn y2 x3 x1 ....... yn 1 xn xn 2 yn ( x1 xn 1 ) or

2 area x1 y2 yn x2 y3 y1 ....... xn 1 yn yn 2 xn y1 yn 1

The area of tract can also be computed by using

y1 y2 y3 y y
.......... .......... . n 1
x1 x2 x3 xn x1
2 area y1 x2 y2 x3 y3 xn yn x1 x1 y2 x2 y3 x3 yn xn y1
4. Area by double meridian distance and latitudes:

After the adjustment of latitude and departure of traverse lines in a given traverse it
is possible to compute the area enclosed by the traverse. The method by which the
adjusted departures and latitudes are used to compute the area is called double
meridian distance method.

A reference meridian is assumed to pass through the most westerly point of the
survey; the double meridian distance of the lines are computed; and double the
areas of the trapezoids or triangles formed by orthographically projecting the several
traverse lines up on the meridian are computed. The algebraic sum of these double
areas is double the area within the traverse. The meridian distance of a point is the
total departure or perpendicular distance from the reference meridian and the
meridian distance of a straight line is the meridian distance of its mid point. The
double meridian distance of a straight line is the sum of the meridian distances of the
two extremities.
N
Meridian distance of B M.D.B =bB
Meridian distance of C M.D.C =cC
b B

Double meridian distance of AB=0+ bB

A Double meridian distance of BC= MD@B+MD@C
=bB+cC
C
DMD of line =DMD of preceding line + departure of
c preceding line + departure of the line.

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D
d

The length of the orthographic projection of a line up on the meridian is the latitude
of the line.
The double area of the triangle or trapezoidal formed by projecting a given line up on
the meridian is:
Double area=DMD* latitude

In computing double area algebraic signs should be taken in to account.

Example:
For a traverse 123456 the adjusted distance and azimuths are given as
below.Coordinate of 1(0.0, 0.0)

Adjusted Adjusted
Line Distance Azimuth Departure Latitudes
0
12 405.18 106 19’45” +388.84 -113.92
0
23 336.59 57 54’01” +285.13 +178.86
34 325.18 335028’43” -134.96 +295.85
0
45 212.92 219 28’33” -135.41 -164.31
0
56 252.21 266 55’30” -251.85 -13.53
61 237.69 219040’28” -151.75 -182.95

Compute the area in the traverse by using all methods.

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Surveying I Chapter 5: Traversing Principles

Solution:
Computation of area Station Coordinate, m

1. Area by triangle 4 X Y

6 1 0 0

5 4 2 388.84 -113.92
3 673.97 64.94
1 3 3 4 539.01 306.79
1 2
5 403.4 196.48
6 151.75 182.95
2
1 0 0

D62 (X 6 X 2 )2 (Y6 Y2 ) 2
2 2
151.75 388.84 (182.95) ( 113.92)
379.93m
2 2
D52 403.4 388.84 196.48 ( 113.92)
310.74m

2 2
D53 403.4 673.97 196.48 64.94
300.85m
Using the formula. Area s s a s b s c
a b c
S
2

For triangle 1, 405.18 237.69 379.73

S 511.4
2

area 126 511.4(511.4 405.18)(511.4 237.69)(511.4 379.93)

2
44212.20m

379.93 252.21 310.74

For triangle 2, S 471.44
2
area 256 471.44(471.44 379.93)(471.44 310.74)471.44 252.21)
38985.71m 2
310.74 300.85 336.59
For triangle 3, S 474.09
2

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Surveying I Chapter 5: Traversing Principles

area 235 479.09(479.09 310.74)(474.09 300.85)(474.09 336.59

42950.22m 2
300.85 325.18 212.92
For triangle 4, S 419.48
2

area 345 419.48(419.48 300.85)(419.48 325.18)(419.48 212.92

31133.78m2
Total area of traverse =a1+a2+a3+a4

=44212.20+38985.71+42950.22+31133.78
= 157,281.91m2
2. Area by coordinate method.
Using the general formula
2 area=Y1(X2-Xn)+Y2(X3-X1)+….+Yn-1(Xn-Xn-2)+Yn(X1-Xn-1).
=0 (388.84-151.75) +-113.92(673.97-0) +64.94(539.01-388.84)
+360.79(403.4-673.97) +196.48(151.75-539.01) +182.95(0-403.4).
2 area =-314536.45
Area= 157268.22m2

3. Area by DMD and latitude

Assume the meridian passes through the westerly corner of the traverse i.e
station 1.

4
d

e 6
5
f
a 1
c 3

b
2

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Surveying I Chapter 5: Traversing Principles

DMD of line=DMD of preceding line+ departure of preceding line +

departure of the line.

Line Departure DMD Latitudes Double Area

+388.84 388.84 -113.92 -44296.65

23 +285.13 1062.81 +178.86 +190094.20
34 -134.96 1212.98 +295.85 +358860.13
45 -135.41 942.61 -164.31 -154880.25
56 251.85 555.35 -13.53 -7513.89
61 -151.75 151.75 -182.95 -27762.66

Double area =548954.33

-234453.45
=314500.88
Area of tract =314500.88/2 =157250.44m2

Area of tract with irregular or curved boundaries

When the boundary of a tract of land follows some irregular or curved line, such
as a stream or road, it is necessary to run a traverse in some convenient location
near the boundary and to locate the boundary by offsets from the traverse line.
Offsets are taken at changing points of an irregular boundary from the near by
traverse line, and when the boundary is a gradual curve, offsets are taken at
regular intervals.

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Surveying I Chapter 5: Traversing Principles

If the offsets are taken sufficiently close together, the error involved in
considering the boundary as straight between offsets is small as compared with
the inaccuracies of the measured offsets. So, the areas between offsets are of
trapezoidal shapes and irregular areas can be calculated by the trapezoidal rule.

**Area by trapezoidal rule

h1 h2 D h2 h3 D hn 1 hn D
Area ...
2 n 1 2 n 1 2 n 1

If offsets are taken at equal interval

h3 h4 h5
h2 h6
h1 h7

A D B

D h1 h2 h2 h3 h3 ..... hn 1 hn 1 hn
n 1 2
Dh1 hn
h2 h3 ...hn 1
n 1 2 2

D
If d interval, n=-number of offsets.
n 1
h1 hn
Area d h2 h3 ...hn 1
2 2

**Area by Simpson’s one-third rule.

Simpson’s one-third rule is applied directly for odd number of offsets.

Area between line AB and curved line DFC

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Surveying I Chapter 5: Traversing Principles

h1 h3 h1 h3 2
2d h2 2d
2 2 3
d
h1 4h2 h3
3
Area for the next two intervals
d
Area h3 4h4 h5
3
The summation of these partial areas for (n-1) intervals, n being on odd number
representing the number of offsets, is

d
area h1 hn 2(h3 h5 ... hn 2 ) 4(h2 h4 ... hn 1 )
3
Exercise:

The following offsets are taken at equal interval of 5 m, and offsets between the
traverse line and an irregular boundary is as below. Calculate the area bounded
between the traverse line and an irregular boundary by using both methods.

Distance,m 0 8 16 24 32 40 48 56 64
Offsets,m 2.9 3.8 17.9 12.7 20.2 11.4 25.7 23.3 20.9

**Area by coordinate rule

When offsets are taken at irregular intervals, the area of each figure between
pairs of adjacent offsets may be computed and the values are added. The
coordinate rule for irregular spacing of offsets can be applied by the relation;
twice the area can be calculated if each offset is multiplied by the distance to the
preceding offset plus the distance to the following offset.

2 Area=h1d1+h2 (d1+d2)+h3(d2+d3)+h4(d3+d4)+h5(d4+d5)+h6(d5+d6)+h7d6

The general formula

2 Area=h1x d1+h2 (d1+d2)+…+hn-1(dn-2+dn-1)+hn x dn-1.

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 Surveying I Chapter 5: Traversing Principles

Exercise:
Try the above exercise!

Coordinates of unoccupied point

Some times it is not possible to set the instrument up over points like top of
building etc. So, in order to determine the coordinates of points, spur lines or ties
lines must be run from the traverse to these points. In the figure below, the
boundaries if a parcel of land are defined by an iron pipe, a nail in a tree and two
fence posts. The only corner that can be occupied is the one marked by the iron
pipe. The problem is to determine the lengths and bearings of the property lines.

It will be assumed that the coordinates of the iron pipe at point A and the bearing
of the line AB are known. The procedure is then as follows:

1. Measure the lengths of the traverse sides AB, BC, CD and DA, and also the
lengths of the three tie lines BP, CR, and DS.
2. Measure the angles in the traverse ABCD, and also the angles between
traverse lines and the tie lines to P, R, and S, a shown in the figure.
3. Adjust the angles in the traverse ABCD, and compute the bearings of lies BC,
CD and DA based on the known bearing of the one AB.
4. Balance the traverse ABCD.
5. Compute the coordinates of points B, C, and D.
6. Determine the bearings of the lines BC, CD, and DA based on the coordinates
computed in (5).
7. Compute the bearing of the tie lies from the bearings computed in (5) and the
measured angles.
8. Compute the latitudes and departures of the tie lines.
9. Compute the coordinates of the unoccupied stations from the coordinates of
traverse stations B, C, and D and the latitudes and departures of the lines BP,
CR, and DS, respectively.

When the coordinates of P, R, and S have been computed, the bearings and lengths of the
boundary lines may be computed.

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 Surveying I Chapter 5: Traversing Principles

Example:

The following adjusted coordinates of stations A, B, C and D of traverse are given.

Additionally, unadjusted deflection angles and unadjusted lengths of supr lines are
recorded determine the lengths and bearings of the boundary lines AP, PR, RS and SA.

Station Adjusted
Coordinate
Y X
A 1000.00 1000.00
B 1279.68 1018.13
C 1197.70 735.31
D 1015.45 713.45
A 1000.00 1000.00

Station From To Def-angle Line Length, m

A - - -
B A P 69008’L BP 40.15
C B R 128002’R CR 64.24
0
D C S 124 30’L DS 24.80
Solution:

From the adjusted coordinate of the traverse the azimuth of line AB, BC, CD, DA can
be computed
1018.13 1000
For line AB tan AN AAB 3 0 42'32.25"
1279.68 1000
735.31 1018.13
For line BC tan AN ABC 253050'5.7"
1197.70 11279.68
713.45 735.310
For line CD tan AN ACD 186050'22"
1015.45 1197.70

For line DA tan AN=

1000 713.45
ADA 930 5'10.5
1000 1015.45

Computation of Azimuth of tie lines

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Surveying I Chapter 5: Traversing Principles

Line Azimuth Line Azimuth Line Azimuth

AB 3042’32.25’’ BC 253050’5. 7’’ CD 186050’22.8’’
363042’32.25’’ +<C +12802’00’’ -<D -124030’00’’
-<B -6908’00’’ CR 381052’5.7’’
BP 294034’32.25’’ CR 21052’5.7’’ DS 62020’22.8’’
BP N65025’27.75’’W CR N21052’5.7’’E DS N62020’22.8’’E

Computation of coordinates of boundary corners.

Coordinates
Station Length Bearing Latitude Departure
X Y
B 1018.13 1279.68
40.15 N65025’27.75’’W 16.70 -36.51
P *981.62 1296.38
C 735.31 1197.70
64.24 N21052’5.7’’E 59.62 23.93
R *759.24 1257.32
D 713.45 1015.45
29.80 N62020’22.8’’E 13.83 26.39
S *739.84 1029.28

From adjusted coordinates azimuth and distance of property lines can be computed.

For line AP tan AAP = 981.61 1000 =-3032’55.15’’+360000’00’’ =356027’4.85’’

1296.38 1000

Distance AP=[(981.62-1000)2+(1296.38-1000)2]1/2 =296.95

Adjusted distance and azimuth

Line Distance, m Azimuth
AP 296.95 365027’4.85’’
PR 225.78 260002’20’’
RS 228.86 184051’50’’
SA 261.80 96025’20’’

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Surveying I Chapter 5: Traversing Principles

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