Lecture 2 (Linear Measurement)

LINEAR MEASUREMENTS
Linear measurements can be made by any one of the following methods depending on the
accuracy desired, and this in turn depends on the purpose for which the measurement is intended
1. Pacing: The process of pacing consists in counting the number of steps or paces in a required
distance. The length of an individual’s pace must first be determined multiplied by the
number of paces gives the value of the required distance. Distances obtained by this method
are sufficiently accurate for reconnaissance, small scale mapping, preliminary surveys in
route surveying and checking tape measurements.
2 paces or double steps = 1 stride
The number of paces can be counted by tally or pedometer if measuring over a long distance.
The pedometer is attached to one leg and registers the number of paces as one moves along.
Accuracy: 1/50 to 1/100 for short distance measurements
2. Odometer:
A type of measuring wheel on a vehicle; the
number of revolutions registered by the odometer
can then be multiplied by the circumference of the
wheel to get the distance. Its suitable for some
preliminary surveys in route location work.
Accuracy: 1/200
3. Taping: Most common method of measuring lengths in surveying. Steel tapes are most
commonly used .It is available in lengths varying from 15m to 100m.Taping under properly
controlled condition can yield an accuracy of 1/3000 to 1/10,000. Taping and chaining are
used interchangeably.
4. Tacheometry (Stadia method): Offers a rapid indirect means of determining distances. It is
used extensively and is particularly useful in topographic surveying. The telescope of the
transit is equipped with two horizontal hairs, one above and the other an equal distance below
the horizontal cross hair. The distance from the instrument to a given point is indicated by the
intercept between the stadia hairs as shown on a graduated rod (e.g. a leveling staff) held
vertically at the point. Distance from telescope to rod is found by proportional relationships
in similar triangles. An accuracy of 1/500 to 1/10,000. The method is quite rapid and
sufficiently accurate for many types of surveying operations.
5. Substense Bar: Angle subtended by a known distance between endmarks on a horizontal bar
(e.g. substense bar) is read on a precise theodolite or transit as shown in Fig. 1. Horizontal
distance between the bar and the theodolite is calculated from trigonometry.
1
The distance, SD, between the
transit./theodolite and subtense bar is
computed using Equation 1.
Equation -1
Fig. 1: Substense bar operation

Note: the substense bar is set on a tripod and aligned perpendicular to the line by means of a
sighting device.
Accuracy: 1/5,000 to 1/10,000
6. Electronic Distance Measurement (EDM): Basically, the process consists in determining the
time required for an induced wave (light or electromagnetic waves) to reach a reflector and
return to the sender. Automatic equipment (or automation) converts the time interval to
distance. Measurement of long distances is easy and fast across inaccessible terrain.
Examples DM 502, DM 503 (light wave), Electrotape (radiowave). They have high degree of
accuracy and are effectively used for long distances for modern surveying operations.
Accuracy: 1/105
Corrections to Linear Measurement: -

The following corrections are to be applied to the linear measurements where such accuracy is
required.
(i) Pull correction,
(ii) Atmospheric condition correction
(iii) Standard length correction
2
(iv) Sag correction
(v) Slope correction
UNITS OF MEASUREMENTS
1. Lengths:
1 km = 1000 m 1.6 km = 1 mile
1 m = 100 cm
0.3048 m = 1 ft
1 m = 3.280839895ft
2. Area:
1 km2 = 1,000,000 m2 = 100 hectares (ha)
1 ha = 10,000 m2 = 100 m x 100 m
0.4047 (0.40468564224) ha = 1 acre
1 hectare = 2.471053815 acres
3. Volume:
Cubic metre (m3)
4. Angles:
The S.I. unit of angle is the radian (rad). However, most surveying instruments measure in
degrees, minutes and seconds and some European countries use the gon (g), formerly the
grad, as a unit of anmgle.
1 circumference = 2 π rad = 360o = 400g
Questions
1. An area of 76800 m2in the University main campus was represented to cover 3072 mm 2 of a
drawing paper, what was the scale used for plotting the area.
2. A plan plotted to a scale of 1:1000 was found to have shrunk causing a line plotted 256 mm
long to now measure 253 mm. An area measured on the plan was found to be 278 mm 2. What
is the true area on the ground.

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LINEAR MEASUREMENTS

Fig. 1: Substense bar operation

Corrections to Linear Measurement: -

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