BMS Institute of Technology & Management Surveying Practice Lab Manual

BMS Institute of Technology and Management

Avalahalli, Doddaballapur Main Road, Yelahanka, Bangalore – 560064
(An Autonomous Institute Affiliated to VTU, Belagavi)

Department of Civil Engineering

Surveying Practice (21CVL48A) LABORATORY MANUAL
IVth Semester B.E. Civil Engineering

Name of the Student :

Branch & Semester :

University Seat No :

Batch Number :

Academic Year :

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BMS Institute of Technology & Management Surveying Practice Lab Manual

Institute Vision

• To emerge as one of the finest technical institutions of higher learning,

to develop engineering professionals who are technically competent,
ethical and environment friendly for betterment of the society.

Institute Mission

• Accomplish stimulating learning environment through high quality

academic instruction, innovation and industry-institute interface.

Department Vision:

• To be an Exemplary Centre, disseminating quality education and

developing technically competent civil engineers with professional
integrity for the betterment of society.

Department Mission:

• Impart technical proficiency through quality education

• Motivate entrepreneurship through enhanced industry-interaction
and skill-based training
• Inculcate human values through outreach activities

Programme Educational Objectives (PEOs)

PEO-1: Lead a successful career by analysing, designing and solving

various problems in the field of Civil Engineering.
PEO-2: Execute projects through team building, communication and
professionalism.
PEO-3: Excel through higher education and research for endured learning.
PEO-4: Provide effective solution for sustainable environmental
development.

Program Specific Outcomes (PSO):

PSO-1: Identify & address the challenges in transportation, sanitation,

waste management, and urban flooding in metropolitan cities.
PSO-2: Provide solutions related to civil engineering-built environment
through a multidisciplinary approach.

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BMS Institute of Technology & Management Surveying Practice Lab Manual

Course Outcomes of Surveying Practice Lab

The student will be able to:

CO1 Work as an individual or as a team and accomplish the experimental and

analytical tasks.
CO2 Analyse and interpret the results obtained from the experiments and draft
the complete report.
CO3 Communicate the significance of the experiments with respect to the ethical
and feasibility components.

Course Content and Lecture Schedule

Sl.No. Name of the Experiment Hours

1 Setting out layout of building plans using survey instruments. 3
2 Marking centre line and markings for column footing. 3
3 To determine the difference in elevation between two points by 3
differential levelling using Dumpy level.
4 To find the difference in elevation between two points situated far 3
apart by using reciprocal levelling.
5 Measurement of horizontal angle using Theodolite by: (i) Method of
Repetition and (ii) Reiteration method.
6 Measurement of distance and area using Plane Table survey by 3
Radiation and Intersection method.
7 Trigonometrical levelling: Single plane method and Double plane 3
method using Theodolite.
8 Setting a simple circular curve: Instrumental method using 3
Theodolite.
9 Determination of the distance between two in-accessible points using 3
Theodolite.
10 Determination of area using Total Station. 3
11 Determination of remote height using Total Station. 3
12 Contour survey using Total Station. 3
13 Lab Internal Exam 3
Total Hours 39

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Learning Objectives:

1. Operate an automatic level to perform differential and profile levelling; properly

record notes; mathematically reduce and check levelling measurements.

2. Effectively communicate with team members during field activities; identify

appropriate safety procedures for personal protection; properly handle and use

measurement instruments.

3. To identify hazardous environments and take measures to insure one’s personal

and team safety.

4. To Measure horizontal, vertical, and zenith angles with a transit, theodolite, total

station.

5. Work as a team member on a surveying party to achieve a common goal of accurate

and timely project completion.

6. Calculate, design and layout horizontal and vertical curves, Understand, interpret,

and prepare: plan, profile, and cross-section drawings, Work with cross-sections

and topographic maps to calculate areas, volumes, and earthwork quantities.

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EXPERIMENT – 1
AIM: “Setting out layout of building plan using survey instruments.”

INSTRUMENTS USED: Pegs, Arrows, Lime, Measuring Tape, and Wooden Mallet.

SIGNIFICANCE: ‘Setting out’ is also known as ‘staking out’ or ‘laying out’, setting out in
surveying is the practice of transferring the building design onto the land itself so that
the workers can follow it during construction.
Key points and guide markers are set out to ensure accurate building takes place. Large-
scale projects like developments and high-rise buildings often require multiple setting
out surveys to ensure continuity as the project progresses.
The main reason for setting out (other than to guide the workers as they begin
construction) is to ensure the construction remains within the legal boundary. This
means there will be no legal disputes later on, such as those regarding property
boundaries and rights of access.

Figure 1: Sample Building Plan

PROCEDURE:

1. To start with the setting out of building, first of all a point A is fixed and then line AB
is oriented in the required direction, thus having fixed the direction of the line AB,
two pegs A and B are driven at a distance of 12.25m apart (This distance is calculated
from the plan).
2. Wire nails are driven at the centers of the pegs and again the distance between the

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wire nails is checked and which should be equal to 12.25m. A cord is stretched along
AB and ends are secured to these wire nails at A and B, perpendicular AF’ and BC’ are
set-out.
3. Perpendicular may be set with a tape by 3-4-5 method or theodolite may be used if
the work is important. Along AF’ and BC’, point F and C are fixed at 12.80m and
10.30m from A and B respectively.
4. The perpendiculars are then set at C and F and point D and E are fixed along CD’ and
FE’ at a calculated distance from C and F respectively.
5. The stakes are driven at these point C, D, E, and F and wire nails are driven at the
centers of these stakes. A cord is stretched all along ABCDEF.
6. To check-up the work, the diagonal AE, AD, BF, and BD are actually measured and
these measured values should agree with their corresponding calculated lengths.
Otherwise, the setting out work should be repeated and stakes should be refixed at
their correct positions.
7. After fixing up all the pegs and stretching the cord the corners M, N, P etc. and m, n, p
etc. are to be located. The point A is considered as the origin and the lines etc., and m,
n, p, etc. are calculated with reference to A as origin.
8. For example, co-ordinates of M, N, P are (2,2), (2,10.25), and (10.25,2) respectively
and those for m, n, p are (3.35,3.35), (3.35,8.90), and (8.90,3.35) respectively.
9. With these coordinates, point M, N, P, m, n, p etc., are set and pegs are driven at these
points.
10. The cords are stretched around the wire nails at M, N, P, Q, R, S and m, n, p, r, s
indicating peripheries.
11. The outline of the peripheries are marked with lime spread.
12. Now the lime lines on the ground indicate the trenches for the various walls and the
excavation may be started.
13. If during the progress of the work, the lines marked are disturbed, it may be checked
or reset with help of reference line ABCDEF.

RESULT: The building layout is Set-out for a given Plan of a building. (Attach the
photograph of Set-out layout)

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EXPERIMENT – 2
AIM: “Centre line marking for column footing.”

INSTRUMENTS USED: Pegs, Arrows, Lime powder, Measuring Tape, Mason’s square,
and Plumb Bob.

SIGNIFICANCE: The main reason for marking the center line of column footing (other
than to guide the workers as they begin construction) is to ensure the structural stability
and accuracy with respect to Plan dimensions of a building. This means there will be no
cracks and uneven building dimensions later on while constructing the superstructure.

PROCEDURE:

1. Study the plan of the building and note down the internal dimensions and also the
width of the foundation.
2. Prepare the centre line sketch of the building.
3. Remove any vegetation in the construction site.
4. Setting out a straight line slightly greater than the length of the front wall.
5. The frontage is to be located with respected to other features is site plan such as road
etc., this line will be the centre line of the front wall.
6. Now, mark the two ends of the front wall.
7. Drive two pegs a little away from the ends marked and tied a string accurately.
8. At two ends, set-out perpendicular strings using mason’s square.
9. Stretched strings of the sidewalls and ties with pegs a little beyond the required.
10. Repeat the same for other aside walls.
11. Now, stretched strings through the points C and D indicates the ends of the center
lines of the side wall give a rectangle bounded by strings.
12. This rectangle indicates the centre line of the building.
13. Measuring the four sides of the rectangular and check its accuracy as per the centre
line sketch prepared.
14. Check the angles of the corners.
15. Measure the diagonals and check for its accuracy.
16. If items 11, 12, and 13 are satisfied the rectangle is marked.
17. Mark the width of foundation of wall on ground have the wide on either side of the
centre line marked and apply lime powder to indicate outline of the foundation
trench.

RESULT: The column footing marking is done for the given layout. (Attach the
photograph of the same).

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EXPERIMENT – 3
AIM: “To determine the difference in elevation between two points by differential
levelling using Dumpy level.”

INSTRUMENTS USED: Dumpy level, Tripod, and Levelling staff.

Figure 2: Dumpy Level

SIGNIFICANCE: It is the method of levelling to determine the elevation of points located

at some distance apart or determine the elevation difference between two points or
establish benchmarks. The method is used in order to find the difference in elevations
between two points:
(i) If they are far apart.
(ii) If the difference in elevation between two points is too great.
(iii) If there are obstacles intervening.

Figure 3: Differential Levelling

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PROCEDURE:

1. The Dumpy level is set on the ground at station A and initial levelling is done with the
help of eye judgement and later fine tuning is made using screws of Dumpy level to
bring the bubble exactly at the center of the tube.
2. Elimination of Parallax error by adjusting eyepiece and object screw.
3. The first reading is taken on the temporary benchmark of known elevation as the back
sight (BS).
4. The intermediate sights (IS) are taken for selected points.
5. Lastly, the fore sight (FS) is taken for the last point.
6. Change point is selected if necessary to shift the instrument station.
7. Readings are entered into the level book and reduced levels are calculated using
Height of Instrument (HI) method and Rise and fall method.
8. Arithmetic Check is applied to verify the correctness of readings taken using BS-FS =
Last RL – First RL.
9. The difference of Reduced Level (RL) of given points will give the difference in
elevation.

OBSERVATIONS:

Height of Instrument Method:

Station BS IS FS HI RL Remark

Arithmetic Check: BS-FS = Last RL – First RL

Rise and Fall Method:

Station BS IS FS Rise Fall RL Remark

Arithmetic Check: BS-FS = Last RL – First RL

RESULT: The difference in elevation is ______________.

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EXPERIMENT – 4
AIM: “To find the difference in elevation between two points situated far apart by using
reciprocal levelling.”

INSTRUMENTS USED: Dumpy level, Tripod, Levelling staff, Chain, Measuring Tape, and
Arrows (Pegs).

SIGNIFICANCE: When it is not possible to locate the levelling instrument in between the
intervisible points, reciprocal levelling is performed. This case appears in the case of
ponds or rivers etc. In the case of reciprocal levelling, the instrument is set nearer to the
1st station and sighted towards the 2nd station.

Figure 4: Reciprocal Levelling

PROCEDURE:

1. Let A and B be the points on the opposite banks of a lake. Drive pegs at A and B.
2. Set the instrument near to Station A and take the readings A and B on the staff
held at A and B respectively.
3. Shift the instrument near to Station B and take the readings A1 and B1 on the staffs
held at A and B respectively.
4. Determine the correct difference of elevations between A and B.
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5. The correct difference of levels is equal to the mean of the two apparent
differences of levels.
6. Calculations for collimation error:

(𝐴𝐴1−𝐵𝐵1)+(𝐴𝐴−𝐵𝐵)
H=
2

RESULT: The difference in elevation between two points using Reciprocal levelling is
______________.

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EXPERIMENT – 5
AIM: “Measurement of horizontal angle using Theodolite by: (i) Method of Repetition
and (ii) Reiteration method.”

INSTRUMENTS USED: Theodolite with tripod, Ranging rods, and Arrows (Pegs)

Figure 5: Theodolite

SIGNIFICANCE: The repetition method is used to improve precision and accuracy of

measurements of horizontal angles. The same angle is measured multiple times, with the
survey instrument rotated so that systematic errors tend to cancel. The arithmetic mean
of these observations gives true value of an angle.

Method of reiteration for measurement of horizontal angle is usually adopted in case

several angles of well distributed points/ objects are to be measured from the same
instrument station with high precision. In this method, angles are measured successively
starting from a point termed as initial station.

Figure 6: Repetition Method Figure 7: Reiteration Methods

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PROCEDURE for Repetition Method: (Fig. 6)

1. Theodolite is set at an instrument station (O) exactly and all the temporary
adjustments are done. Vertical circle is placed left to the observer (face-left
observation).
2. Vernier A is set to Zero with the help of upper clamp screw and tangent screws.
Readings of Vernier A and B are noted.
3. Upper clamp is clamped. Lower clamp is loosened and the telescope is turned towards
“A”. Lower clamp is clamped and the point “A” is bisected exactly using tangent
screws.
4. Both the vernier A and B are read and noted (Must be equal to 0° and 180°
respectively).
5. Upper clamp is unclamped and the telescope is turned clockwise and “B” is bisected.
6. Upper clamp is clamped and “B” is bisected exactly using tangent screws. Both the
verniers are read.
7. Mean of the readings will provide an approximate internal angle of AOB.
8. The reading of vernier A gives directly the angle AOB and 180° is subtracted by the
reading of vernier B. The mean value of two readings gives the angle AOB with one
face.
9. Lower clamp is unclamped and the telescope is turned anticlockwise to sight A again.
10. Lower clamp is clamped and A is bisected exactly using tangent screws.
11. Upper clamp is loosened and the telescope is turned clockwise and B is bisected.
12. Upper clamp is clamped and B is bisected exactly using tangent screws. The vernier
now read twice the value of angle AOB.
13. Previous steps (9, 10, 11, & 12) are repeated once again to get the thrice value of angle
AOB.
14. Finally obtained reading is divided by 3 to get the mean value of angle AOB.
15. The face is changed and the whole process is repeated. (Face-right observations).
16. Average value of two horizontal angles obtained with face-left and face-right
observations is determined.

PROCEDURE for Reiteration Method: (Fig. 7)

1. Theodolite is set at an instrument station (O) exactly and all the temporary
adjustments are done. Vertical circle is placed left to the observer (Face-left
observation).
2. Vernier A is set to Zero with the help of upper clamp screw and tangent screws.
Readings of Vernier A and B are noted.
3. Upper clamp is clamped. Lower clamp is loosened and the telescope is turned towards
“P”. Lower clamp is clamped and the point “P” is bisected exactly using tangent
screws.
4. Upper clamp is loosened and the telescope is turned clockwise to bisect R.
5. Lower clamp is clamped and R is bisected exactly using tangent screws. Both the
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verniers are read and noted.

6. The same procedure is repeated for all other points.
7. The face is changed and all the above steps are repeated. (Face-right observations).
8. Reading from Q is subtracted by reading R to get internal angle QOR. Reading from R
is subtracted by reading S to get internal angle ROS.
9. The same procedure is followed to get readings of all other internal angles.

OBSERVATIONS:

Measurement of Horizontal Angle (Repetition or Reiteration Method)

Face: Swing: Face: Swing:

Average
Instrument Sight
Horizontal
Station to Horizontal Horizontal
A B Mean A B Mean angle
angle angle

° ′ ″ ° ′ ″ ° ′ ″ ° ′ ″ ° ′ ″ ° ′ ″ ° ′ ″ ° ′ ″ ° ′ ″

RESULTS: The horizontal angle measured at O between A and B. i.e AOB by Repetition
Method:

With face-left :
With face-right:
Average : ______________.

The horizontal angle between the points:

Face-left Face-right
POQ = POQ =
QOR = QOR =
ROS = ROS =
SOP = SOP =

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EXPERIMENT – 6
AIM: “Measurement of distance and area using Plane Table survey by Radiation and
Intersection method.”

INSTRUMENTS USED: Plane Table with tripod and Accessories, Measuring Tape,
Ranging rods, Arrows (Pegs), Drawing sheets, and Drawing clips.

Figure 8: Plane Table with Accessories

SIGNIFICANCE: The radiation method of plane table surveying is suitable for locating
objects which are within a single tape length (from the location of plane table). The
method is convenient if telescopic or digital alidade is used. Otherwise, it is effective
when associated with tacheometer or EDM for measurement of horizontal distance.

The intersection is one of the methods of plane table surveying which is used for platting
the positions of objects on the drawings. In this method, the plane table is shifted to a
known distance in a particular direction marked on the ground and the line of sight is
drawn to make an intersection of the radial lines already drawn from the first setup of
the instrument.

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Figure 9: Intersection Method Figure 10: Radiation Methods

PROCEDURE for Radiation Method: (Fig. 10)

1. In this method the instrument is setup at a station and rays are drawn to various
stations which are to be plotted.
2. The distances are cut to a suitable scale after actual measurements.
3. A station O is selected such that all other stations A, B, C, and D are accessible and
visible from O (Fig 10). North – South direction is plotted.
4. The plane table is setup at O. The alidade is placed at “o‟ and rays are drawn from “o‟
to the stations A, B, C, D and the distances oa, ob, oc, and od are cut to the chosen scale.
5. Finally join a, b, c, and d.

PROCEDURE for Intersection Method: (Fig. 9)

1. In this method, two stations are so selected that all the other stations to be plotted
are visible from these. The line joining these two stations is called Base Line. The
length of this line is measured very accurately.
2. Rays are drawn from these stations to the stations to be plotted. The intersection of
the rays from the two stations gives the position of the station to be plotted on the
drawing sheet.
3. Let A and B be the two accessible stations (Fig 9), such that A and B can be suitably
plotted.
4. C is the station to be plotted by intersection. The plane table is placed at A. North –
South direction is plotted.
5. The ground station A is transferred as “a‟ onto the drawing sheet. With the alidade
centered at “a‟.
6. Station B is sighted. A ray aB is drawn and is cut as “ab‟ to a suitable scale.
7. With the alidade at “a‟, C is also sighted and a ray aC is drawn.
8. The table is now shifted to B and is setup. The alidade is placed at “b‟ and C is sighted.
9. A ray bC is drawn. The intersection of the two rays gives the position of C as “c‟ on the
plane table.

RESULTS: Given area is plotted on paper by Radiation and Intersection methods of

Plane Table Survey. (Attach the Drawing sheets).
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EXPERIMENT – 7
AIM: “Trigonometrical levelling: Single plane method and Double plane method using
Theodolite.”

INSTRUMENTS USED: Theodolite with tripod, Levelling staff, Ranging rod, and
Measuring Tape.

SIGNIFICANCE: Trigonometric levelling is an indirect method of levelling in which the

relative elevation of various points are determined from vertical angle and horizontal
distance measured with a theodolite and tape/chain/tacheometer respectively. It is not
as accurate as direct levelling but can be used for topographic work or where direct
levelling is not possible. This technique of levelling work is usual to find a RL of any point
which has elevation very high/low. In these techniques after setting the instrument at
any location, first back sight reading is taken then angle of elevation is measured to the
target.

Figure 11: Single Plane Method

PROCEDURE for Single Plane Method:

1. Let the base B of any structure (like: tower, Chimney, etc) is accessible and the
horizontal distance D between the instrument station A and the base B can be
measured using a tape.
2. Let Q be the top of structure whose elevation is to be calculated.
3. Setup the theodolite at station point A. Take a back sight (BS) reading on benchmark
and determine the height of instrument (HI).
4. If the line of collimation intersects the structure at Q then the distance PQ’ is same as
the horizontal distance D.
5. Sight the top of the chimney or tower and measure the angle of elevation θ.
6. In the triangle PQQ’, QQ’ = D tan θ
Therefore, h = D tan θ.
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7. RL of the top of the structure = RL of BM + s + D tan θ.

Figure 12: Double Plane Method

PROCEDURE for Double Plane Method:

1. The instrument stations A and B are not in the same vertical plane and assume point
C is the top point of the object.
2. Setup the instrument at station point A and measure the vertical angle ∠DAC = θA,
measure the horizontal angle ∠CAB = αA.
3. Setup the instrument at station point B and measure the vertical angle ∠EBC = θB,
measure the horizontal angle ∠CBA = αB.
4. From triangle ACD on vertical plane: CD = AD tan θA
h1 = D1 tan θA …………………… (1) {Unknown is h1, D1}
From triangle BCE on vertical plane: CE = BE tan θB
h2 = D2 tan θB ………………….… (2) {Unknown is h2, D2}
From triangle ABC on horizontal plane {Unknown is h2, D2}
{Unknown is D1, D2, & αC (αB = 180 - αB - αB)}
For D1, D2
𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 α 𝐴𝐴 𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 α𝐵𝐵 𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 α𝐶𝐶
= = … … … … … … … . (3)
𝐷𝐷2 𝐷𝐷1 𝑑𝑑
5. D1 & D2 is calculated by equation (3) and to find the value of h1, substitute the value
of D1 in equation (1). Same procedure to find the value of h2, substitute the value of
D2 in equation (2).
6. RL of C = RL of BM + hA + h1
hA = staff reading at BM when the instrument is at A

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for checking purpose:

RL of C = RL of BM + hB + h2
hB = staff reading at BM when the instrument is at B

RESULTS: 1) RL of the top of the structure by single plane method is: _______________.
2) RL of the top of the structure by double plane method is: _______________.

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EXPERIMENT – 8
AIM: “Setting a simple circular curve: Instrumental method using Theodolite.”

INSTRUMENTS USED: Theodolites with tripod, Ranging rods, Arrows, Measuring Tape,
and Chain.

SIGNIFICANCE: Curves are generally horizontal or vertical bends that are usually used
on highways and railways when it is necessary to change the alignment of the route.
When two points are located at different levels, it becomes necessary to give a curve.

This curve usually helps to connect the points lying at different levels in such a way that
the vehicles moving on that route could move with ease, safety, and comfort. A proper
alignment or a curve can provide smoother movement of vehicles from one point to
another, located at different levels.

A curve is introduced at the intersection of two straights to effect a gradual change in

the direction. This change in direction may be in a horizontal plane or a vertical plane.
So the curve is provided to the route according to its direction, i.e. either in a vertical
plane or in a horizontal plane respectively.

Figure 13: Simple Curve

PROCEDURE:

1. Locate the tangent points T1 and T2 and find out their intersection point.
2. Calculate the lengths of first and last sub-chords and the total deflection angles for all
points on the curve.
3. Setup and level the theodolite at the first tangent point (T1).
4. Set the vernier A of the horizontal circle to zero and direct the telescope to the ranging
rod at the intersection point B and bisect it.
5. Loosen the vernier plate and set the vernier A to the first deflection angle Δ1, the
telescope is thus directed along T1D. Then along this line, measure T1D equal in length
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to the first sub-chord, thus fixing the first point D on the curve.
6. Loosen the upper clamp and set the vernier A to the second deflection angle Δ2, the
line of sight is now directed along T1E.
7. Hold the zero end of the chain at D and swing the other end until the arrow held at
that end is bisected by the line of sight, thus fixing the second point (E) on the curve.
8. Continue the process until the end of the curve is reached.
9. The end point thus located must coincide with the previously located point (T2). If
not, the distance between them is the closing error.
10. If closing error is within the permissible limit, only the last few pegs may be adjusted;
otherwise, the curve should be set-out again.

Figure 14: Simple Curve Setting Procedure

RESULTS: Simple curve setting is done. Attach the photograph of the set-out curve.

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EXPERIMENT – 9
AIM: “Determination of the distance between two in-accessible points using
Theodolite.”

INSTRUMENTS USED: Theodolite with tripod, Levelling staff, Ranging rod, and
Measuring Tape.

SIGNIFICANCE: Trigonometric levelling is an indirect method of levelling in which the

relative elevation of various points are determined from vertical angle and horizontal
distance measured with a theodolite and tape/chain/tacheometer respectively. It is not
as accurate as direct levelling but can be used for topographic work or where direct
levelling is not possible. This technique of levelling work is usual to find a RL of any point
which has elevation very high/low. In these techniques after setting the instrument at
any location, first back sight reading is taken then angle of elevation is measured to the
target.

Figure 15: In-accessible

PROCEDURE:

1. When the base of any structure (like: tower, Chimney, etc) is in-accessible and the
horizontal distance D between the instrument station B and the base of the structure.
Also, the horizontal distance B between the instrument station A and Instrument
station B.
2. Let C be the top of structure whose elevation is to be calculated.
3. Setup the theodolite at station point A. Take a back sight (BS) reading on benchmark
and determine the height of instrument (HI).
4. Sight the top of the chimney or tower and measure the angle of elevation θA.
5. Setup the theodolite at station point B. Take a back sight (BS) reading on benchmark
and determine the height of instrument (HI).
6. Sight the top of the chimney or tower and measure the angle of elevation θB.

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7. From triangle ACE, CE = AE tan θA

Therefore, (V+S) = (B+D) tan θA ……………. (1)
8. From triangle BCD, CD = BD tan θB
Therefore, V = D tan θB …………………….…… (2)
9. In equation 1 & 2, V & D are unknown. There are two equation and two unknown so
we calculate the value of V & D by solving the equation.
10. The RL of top of the structure = RL of BM + hB + V
11. Cross check: RL of top of the structure = RL of BM + hA + S + V
12. The distance between two in-accessible points computed for station A and B are
(B+D) and D respectively.

RESULTS: 1) RL of the top of the structure is: _______________.

2) Distance between station A and base of the structure is ____________.
3) Distance between station B and base of the structure is ____________.

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EXPERIMENT – 10
AIM: “1) Determination of area using Total Station.”
“2) Determination of remote height using Total Station.”
“3) Contour survey using Total Station.”

INSTRUMENTS USED: Total station with tripod and Prism staff.

Figure 16: Total Station

SIGNIFICANCE: Total stations are mainly used by land surveyors and civil engineers,
either to record features as in topographic surveying or to set out features (such as roads,
houses or boundaries). They are also used by archaeologists to record excavations and
by police, crime scene investigators, private accident re-constructionists and insurance
companies to take measurements of scenes.

PROCEDURE for Area Determination:

1. For measuring the area, the instrument should know the coordinates of the point on
which it is setup and the instrument should also know our reference coordinate
directions (i.e. which direction corresponds to Northing/Easting).
2. This is achieved by the process of orientation. There are several methods of orienting
a Total Station, here we will use the backsight coordinate method.
3. Orientation:
a. After setting up the instrument on a known station, turn the instrument on and
go to coordinate measurement mode.
b. Select Occ. Orientation (Occupied Station Orientation) and enter the Northing
(No), Easting (Eo), and Elevation (Zo) of the occupied point.
c. Also enter a name for the station point and the height of instrument above the
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station (HI or INS.HT).

d. Select the Backsight Coordinate (NEZ) option and enter the coordinates of known
point on which we are going to take the backsight and press OK.
e. Sight the known point through the telescope and put it in the crosshairs
accurately and press “YES”.
Note: We can target the point on the ground or a prism above the point. It doesn’t
make a difference because this operation is not dependant on Elevation.
f. The total station is now oriented.
4. Once the total station is oriented, select the OBSERVATION option.
5. Place a prism on the remote point keeping the staff of the prism as vertically erect as
possible.
6. Check the height of Prism/Reflector and enter the value in total station (HR or R.HT).
7. Target the prism and press the MEAS (measure) function key.
8. The total station will display coordinates of the unknown point and will allow us to
enter a name for this point.
9. Repeat the procedure for boundary of the area to be determined.
10. Finally press on end survey button to store the data in to the memory of total station.

PROCEDURE for Remote Height Determination:

1. For measuring the coordinates of a remote point, the instrument should know the
coordinates of the point on which it is setup and the instrument should also know our
reference coordinate directions (i.e. which direction corresponds to
Northing/Easting).
2. This is achieved by the process of orientation. There are several methods of orienting
a Total Station, here we will use the backsight coordinate method.
3. Orientation: as discussed above.
4. Once the total station is oriented, select the OBSERVATION option.
5. Place a prism on the remote point keeping the staff of the prism as vertically erect as
possible.
6. Check the height of Prism/Reflector and enter the value in total station (HR or R.HT).
7. Target the prism and press the MEAS (measure) function key.
8. The total station will display coordinates of the unknown point and will allow us to
enter a name for this point.
9. You can note down the coordinates or record them in the total station.

PROCEDURE for Contour Survey:

1. For measuring the contours, the instrument should know the coordinates of the point
on which it is setup and the instrument should also know our reference coordinate
directions (i.e. which direction corresponds to Northing/Easting).
2. This is achieved by the process of orientation. There are several methods of orienting
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BMS Institute of Technology & Management Surveying Practice Lab Manual

a Total Station, here we will use the backsight coordinate method.

3. Orientation: as discussed above.
4. Once the total station is oriented, select the OBSERVATION option.
5. Place a prism on the remote point keeping the staff of the prism as vertically erect as
possible.
6. Check the height of Prism/Reflector and enter the value in total station (HR or R.HT).
7. Target the prism and press the MEAS (measure) function key.
8. The above procedure should be repeated till all the points of a terrain are captured
(Aprox. 300 points). After each measurement you should store the data captured.
9. Finally press on end survey button to store the data in to the memory of total station.

RESULTS: Total station survey is completed. Extract all the data from total station and
export .dwg files to AutoCAD.

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