Lab Manual

Surveying

Department of Civil Engineering

1
 LAB MANUAL

Basic knowledge about surveying is required in various areas of civil engineering such as
construction of buildings, roads, railways, bridges dams etc. The surveying is designed to
enhance civil engineering student’s understanding and practical knowledge required and apply
those concepts in practice. The lab manual provides students with different surveying practicals
used in the field. The objective, practical applications, methods, theory, and the equipment
required to perform each experiment are presented. The experimental procedure, data collection,
and presenting the results are explained in detail.

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 List of Experiments

Sr. No. Name of experiments Page No.

1 Measurement of distance by ranging and chaining. 4

2 Locating various objects by chain and cross staff surveying. 7
3 Determination of area of polygon by chain and cross staff survey. 10
4 Measurement of bearings of open traverse with prismatic compass. 14
5 Measurement of bearings of sides of closed traverse with prismatic 19
compass and computation of correct included angle.
6 Determination of elevation of various points with auto level by 24
collimation method and rise & fall method.
7 Measurement of horizontal angles using total station. 26
8 Measurement of the given plot’s surface area. 30
9 Measurement of height of object whose base is inaccessible. 31
10 Locating given building by plain table traversing. 32

11 Measurement of an area of irregular figure by using planimeter. 36

12 Use of GPS in the field to get the location and elevation etc. 37

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 Experiment No. 1

AIM: Measurement of distance by Ranging and Chaining

EQUIPMENT: Chain, Arrows, Tapes, Ranging Rods, Offset Rods, Cross staff or optical
square, Plumb bob, wooden mallet, pegs.
Figure:

THEORY: By the various methods of determining distance the most accurate and
common method is the method of measuring distance with a chain or tape is called
Chaining. For work of ordinary precision, a chain is used. But where great accuracy is
Required a steel tape is invariably used. The term chaining was originally applied to
measure Distance with a chain. The term chaining is used to denote measuring distance
with either chain or tape, In the process of chaining, The survey party consists of a leader
(the surveyor at the forward end of the chain) a follower (the surveyor at the rare end of
the chain and an assistant to establish intermediate points). The accuracy to which
measurement can be made with chain and tape varies with the methods used and
precautions exercised. The precision of chaining. For ordinary work, ranges from 1/1000
to 1/30,000 and precise measurement such as baseline may be of the order of 1000000 in
diameter called links. The end of each link is bent into a loop and connected by means of
three oval rings which afford flexibility to the chain and make it less liable to become
kinked. The ends of chain are provided with brass handles for dragging the chain on the
ground, each with a swivel Joints so that the chain can be turned round without twisting.
The length of the A link is the distance between the centers of the two consecutive middle
rings. The end links include the handles metallic rings indicators of distinctive points of
the Chain to facilitate quick reading of fractions of chain in surveying measurements.
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 RANGING ROD:

The ranging rods are used for marking the positions of Stations conspicuously and for
ranging the lines. Io order to make these visible at a distance, they are painted alternately
black and white, or red and white or red, White, and black successively. The adjustment of
the chain should as far as possible be affected symmetrically on either side of the middle so
as that the position of central tag remains unaltered. In measuring the length of survey line
also called as chain line. It is necessary that the chain should be laid out on the ground in a
straight line between the end station

Procedure: Two men are required for chaining operation; The chain man at the forward end of
chain is called the leader while the other man at the rear end is known as the follower. Duties of
leader & follower

Leader: - 1) To put the chain forward

2) To fix arrows at the end of chain

3) To follow the instruction of the followers.

Follower: - 1) To direct the leader to the line with the ranging rod.

2) To carry the rear end of the chain.

3) To pick up the arrows inserted by the leader.
Chaining:

1) The follower holds the zero handle of the chain against the peg &directs the leader to be in
line of the ranging rod.
2) The leader usually with to arrows drags the chain alone the line.
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3) Using code of signals the follower directs the leader as required to the exactly in the line.
4) The leader then fixes the arrows at the end of chain the process is repeated.

Ranging:
1) Place ranging rods or poles vertically behind each point
2) Stand about 2m behind the ranging rod at the beginning of the line.
3) Direct the person to move the rod to right or left until the three ranging rods appear exactly in the
straight line.
4) Sight only the lower portion of rod to avoid error in non-vertically.
5) After ascertaining that three rods are in a straight line, ask the person to fix up the rod.

RESULT : By Chaining and ranging the total distance is found to be _________

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 Experiment No. 2

AIM: Locating various object by chain and cross staff survey.

APPARATUS: Chain, Ranging rod, Arrows, Cross-staff, Metallic Survey (Tape)

Cross Staff

Open cross staff: - The simplest Type consists of two parts 1) the head 2) the leg.

The head is made of wooden block octagonal or round about 15cm side or diameter an
4cm deep. on it are scribed two lines at right angles to another .At the end of these two
lines are fixed two points of metallic strip having slits made in them .These slits two lines
of sight which are at right angles to one another .The head is fixed on a wooden staff or
pole about 3cm in diameter and 1.2 to 1.5m length .The pole is provided conical metal
shoe so that it can be driven into the ground.

THEORY: Cross-Staff is the simplest instrument used for setting out perpendicular i.e., taking
offsets from a chain line. it is easier and quicker method, but not very accurate. if great
accuracy is desired, the work should be carried out by the theodolite.

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8
 Procedure:

1. To find the foot of the perpendicular from the object the cross staff is held approximately

in position and one pair of slits is directed in the direction of the ranging rod fixed at the

forward and the chain line. The observer then looks through the other pair of slits and sees

whether the object is bisected or not. if not, the cross staff is moved to and from till the

necessary bisection is obtained. Before noting down the chainage of the foot of the

perpendicular care must be taken to see that one pair of slits is the direction of chain or

not. While shifting the position of the cross-staff it may get twisted and hence precaution

is necessary.

2. To set a perpendicular to the chain line at a given point one pair of slits is oriented in the

direction of chain line by looking at the ranging rod fixed at the forward and by looking

through the other pair of slits ranging rod is fixed in the direction of the line of sight

provided by this pair.

RESULT: Various perpendicular to the chain line object are created using cross-staff
survey.

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 Experiment No. 3
AIM: Determination of area of given polygon by chain and cross-staff survey.

Equipment: - Two chains 20 m or 30 m, arrows, ranging rods. cross staff or optical

square, plumb bob

THEORY: The object of cross staff survey is to locate the boundaries of field or plot
and to find out its area. In this method a base line in the centre of the area is selected.
Chaining along this line is done and the offsets of the points lying on the boundaries of

Procedure:

The following points should be remembered during the selection of survey stations:

1. The stations should be so selected that the general principle of surveying may be strictly
followed.
2. The stations should be intervisible.
3. The stations should be selected in such a way that well-conditioned triangles may be formed.
4. The base line should be the longest of the main survey lines.
5. The survey lines should be taken through level ground, as far as practicable.
6. The main survey lines should pass close to the boundary line of the area to be surveyed.
7. The survey lines should be taken close to the objects so that they can be located by short
offsets.
8. The tie stations should be suitably selected to fix the directions of adjacent sides.
9. The subsidiary stations should be suitably selected for taking check lines. 10. Stations
should be so selected that obstacles to chaining are avoided as far as possible.
11. The survey lines should not be very close to main roads, as survey work may then be
interrupted by traffic.

1. Single-line Field Book

In this type of field book, a single red line is drawn through the middle of each page. This
line represents the chain line, and the chainages are written on it. The offsets are recorded,
with sketches, to the left or right of the chain line. The recording of the field book is started

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from the last page and continued towards the first page. The main stations are marked by
‘Δ’ and subsidiary stations or tie stations are marked by

2. Field work of chain survey should be carried out according to the following steps:

1. Reconnaissance

Before starting survey work, the surveyor should walk over the whole area to be surveyed
to examine the ground and determine the possible arrangement of framework of survey.
During this investigation, he should examine the intervisibility of the main survey stations.
He should ensure that the whole area is enclosed by main survey lines, and also that it is
possible to form well-conditioned triangles. He should observe various objects and
boundary lines carefully and select the survey lines in such a manner that the objects can be
located by short offsets. The base line should preferably be taken through the centre of the
area and on level ground.

2.Index Sketch

After preliminary inspection of the area, the surveyor should prepare a neat hand sketch
showing the arrangement of the framework and approximate position of the objects. He
should note the names of the stations the sketch maintaining some order (clockwise or
anticlockwise). The field work should be executed according to this index sketch. The
names and sequence of chain lines should be followed as directed in the index sketch. The
‘base line’ should be clearly indicated in the index sketch.

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3.Marking the Stations on the Ground

After reconnaissance, the stations are marked on the ground by wooden pegs. These pegs
are generally 2.5 cm square and 15 cm long and have pointed ends. They are driven into the
ground firmly, and there should be a height of 2.5 cm above the ground. The station point is
marked with a cross so that it can be traced if the wooden peg is removed by somebody.

4.Reference Sketches

To take precautions against station pegs being removed or missed, a reference sketch
should be made for all main stations. It is nothing but a hand sketch of the station showing
at least two measurements from some permanent objects. A third measurement may also be
taken (Fig

5.Taking Measurements of Survey Lines and Noting them in the Field Book
Ranging and chaining is started from the base line, which should be measured carefully.
The magnetic bearings of the base line are measured by prismatic compass. These
measurements are noted in the field book showing the offsets to the left or right according
to their position. Then the other survey lines are ranged and chained maintaining the
sequence of the traverse (i.e, AB, BC, CD, etc.). The offsets and other field records are
noted simultaneously. The check lines and tie lines are also measured and noted at the
proper place. The station marks are preserved carefully until field work is completed.

Conventional Symbols

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 Observation Table; -

Sr. Figure ChainageIn Base line in Offset Mean Area in m2 Remarks

No. m. (m) in (m) offset +Ve -Ve

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

RESULT: Area of polygon by chain & staff method is found to be___________ m2.

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 EXPERIMENT NO. 4

AIM: Measurement of bearings of open traverse with prismatic compass.

APPARATUS: Prismatic compass, ranging rod, chain, tape, peg Tripod stand, small

pieces of stones.

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THEORY: The important parts of compass are: -

1) A box with graduated circle.

2) A magnetic needle
3) A line of sight
When the line of sight is pointed to point, the magnetic needle of compass points
towards north (Magnetic meridian). The angle which this line of sight makes with the
magnetic meridian is read on graduated circle.it is known as magnetic bearing of the
line.
There are two types of compasses: -
1) Prismatic compass
2) Surveyor’s compass.

Prismatic Compass: -

Prismatic compass is very valuable instrument. It is usually used for rough survey for
measuring bearing and survey lines. The least count of prismatic compass is 30 min. It
consists of circular box of 10cm-12 cm dia. of nonmagnetic material. pivot is fixed at
the centre of box and is made up of hard steel with a Sharp pivot. graduated aluminum
is attached to the needle. It is graduated in clockwise direction from 00 to 3600.the
figures are written in inverted. Zero Is written at south end and 180 at north end and
270 at the east. Diametrically opposite are fixed to the box. The sighting vane consists
of a hinged metal frame in the centre of which is stretched a vertical Horse hair fine
silk thread of which is stretched a vertical hair. it presses against a lifting pin which lift
the needle of the pivot and holds it against the glass lid. Thus, preventing the wear of
the pivot point to damp the oscillations of the needle when about to take face of the
prism can be folded out the edge of the box when North end is used Sometime the
sighting vanes is provided with a hinge mirror Which can be placed upward or
downwards on the frame and can be also Slided along it is required. The mirror can be
made inclined at any angle so that Objects which are too high or too low can be sighted
directly by reflecting.

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BEARING OF LINES: A bearing of a line is a horizontal angle made by the survey line
with some reference direction or meridian. Meridian may be
1) A true meridian
2) A magnetic meridian
3) An arbitrary or assumed meridian

True meridian: The true geographical meridian passing through a point is a line of
intersection of earth’s surface by a plane containing north south pole and given point.
They are not parallel to each other at different places.
Magnetic meridian: The direction indicates by a free suspended and a properly balanced
magnetic needle Free from all other attractive forces. The direction of magnetic meridian
can be established with the help of Magnetic compass. Arbitrary meridian: Any direction
is assumed to be the Reference meridian to Carry out small survey measured clockwise
from the north point of the reference meridian towards the line right round the circle. The
angle thus measured between the reference meridian and the line is called Whole circle
bearing of the line. Angles measured will have value between 0 to 360 degrees.
Conversion of W.C.B. in R.B
Case WCB between R.B. QUADRANT
1 0 ° TO 90° WCB N-E
2 90° TO -180° 180-WCB S-E
3 180° TO -270° WCB-1800 S-W
4 270° TO 360° 360-WCB N-W

Reduced bearing (R.B): In this system of bearing of a line is measured clockwise or

anticlockwise from north or south direction whichever is nearer to the line towards east or
west. The concept of reduced bearing facilitates computations in traverse surveying.
Conversion of R.B in W.C.B.

Case R.B in quadrant Rule of W.C.B. W.C.B between

1 N-E WCB=R.B 0 ° TO 90°
2 S-E WCB =180-R. B 90° TO -180°
3 S-W WCB =R. B+180 180° TO -270°
4 N-W WCB =360-R. B 270° TO 360°

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The compass may be held in hand but for better results it should be fitted at the top of
tripod having ball and socket arrangement. The adjustment of a compass is done in the
following three steps.

Centering: - The compass fitted over the tripod Is lifted bodily and placed approximately
on the station peg by spreading the leg of a tripod equally, the centre of the compass is
checked by dropping a small piece of stone from the centre of the bottom of the compass
so that it falls on the top of the station peg. A plumb bob may be used to judge the
centering either bt attaching it with a hook providing at the bottom or otherwise by holding
it by hand.

Levelling: - After the compass is centered, it is leveled by means of ball and soket
arrangement so that the graduated circle may swing freely. It can be checked roughly by
placing a round pencil on the top of the compass, when the pencil does not move, that is
roughly the horizontal position.
Focusing the prism: - The prism attached is moved up and down so that grauation on the
graduated circle should become sharp and clear.
LOCAL ATTRACTION:
Sometimes. the magnetic needle does not point towards magnetic North or South. The
reason being that the needle may be under the influence of external attractive forces which
are produced due to magnetic substances Thus the deflection of the needle from its original
position, due to the presence of some magnetic substances is known as local attraction. To
detect local attraction at a particular place, fore and back bearing of each line are taken.
Then difference comes out to be 180° there is no local attraction at either station. On the
other hand of the difference is other than 180°, the presence of iron substance near to the
compass. If the difference remains the local attraction exists at one or both the stations.
Elimination of Local attraction: -

1st method: - In this method, the bearing of the other lines are corrected and calculated on
the basis of the a line which has the difference between its fore bearing and back bearing
equal to 180°. The magnetic of the error is formed due to local attraction by drawing a
sketch of observed and correct bearing of the line at each station. The error will be

17
 negative when the observed bearing is less than the corrected one and the correction will
be positive and vice versa. If however, there is no such line in which the difference of fore
bearing and back bearing is equal to 180°, the correction should be made from the mean
value of the bearing of that line in which the difference between the fore and the back
bearing is the least. If the bearings are observed in quadrantal system, the correction
should be applied in proper direction by drawing a neat sketch roughly.
2nd Method: - This method is more general as the bearing at a station locally affected
may be incorrect but include angles calculated from these bearing will be correct since the
amount of the error will be the same for all the bearing observed from that station. Thus,
starting from the unaffected line and using these included angles the correct bearing of all
other lines can be calculated.
1) Four ranging rods are fixed at different points i.e. A, B, C, D, E etc. such that it should
be mutually visible and may be measured easily.
2) Measure the distance between them.
3) At point A the prismatic compass is set on the tripod Stand, centering, and leveling is then
properly done.
4) The ranging rod at B is ranged through sighting slits and objective vane attached with
horse hair and reading on prismatic compass is noted down.
5) it is fore bearing of line AB. Then the prismatic compass is fixed at B and ranging rod at
A are sighted. and reading is taken as back bearing of AB.
6) Repeat the same procedure at the stations C, D etc.

Observation Table

Sr. no F.B. B. B. Correct F.B. Correct B. B.

Line
A AB
AD
B
BC
BA
C
CD
CB
D DA
DC

RESULT: The prismatic compass is studied and bearing of lines of traverse are observed
are written in tabular form above.

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 EXPERIMENT NO. 5

AIM: Measurement of bearings of sides of closed traverse with prismatic compass and
computation of correct included angle.

APPARATUS: Prismatic compass, ranging rod, chain, tape, peg Tripod stand, small

pieces of stones.

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THEORY: The important parts of compass are: -
1. A box with graduated circle.
2. A magnetic needle
3. A line of sight
When the line of sight is pointed to point, the magnetic needle of compass points
towards north (Magnetic meridian). The angle which this line of sight makes with the
magnetic meridian is read on graduated circle.it is known as magnetic bearing of the
line.
There are two types of compasses: -
1. Prismatic compass
2. Surveyor’s compass.
1. Prismatic Compass: -
Prismatic compass is very valuable instrument. It is usually used for rough survey for
measuring bearing and survey lines. The least count of prismatic compass is 30 min.
It consists of circular box of 10cm-12 cm dia. of nonmagnetic material. pivot is fixed
at the centre of box and is made up of hard steel with a Sharp pivot. graduated
aluminum is attached to the needle. It is graduated in clockwise direction from 00 to
3600.the figures are written in inverted. Zero Is written at south end and 180 at north
end and 270 at the east. Diametrically opposite are fixed to the box. The sighting vane
consists of a hinged metal frame in the centre of which is stretched a vertical Horse
hair fine silk thread of which is stretched a vertical hair. it presses against a lifting pin
which lift the needle of the pivot and holds it against the glass lid. Thus, preventing
the wear of the pivot point to damp the oscillations of the needle when about to take
face of the prism can be folded out the edge of the box when North end is used
Sometime the sighting vanes is provided with a hinge mirror Which can be placed
upward or downwards on the frame and can be also sided along it is required. The
mirror can be made inclined at any angle so that Objects which are too high or too
low can be sighted directly by reflecting.
BEARING OF LINES: A bearing of a line is a horizontal angle made by the survey
line with some reference direction or meridian. Meridian may be
1) A true meridian
2) A magnetic meridian
3) An arbitrary or assumed meridian

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True meridian: The true geographical meridian passing through a point is a line of
intersection of earth’s surface by a plane containing north south pole and given point. They
are not parallel to each other at different places.

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 Magnetic meridian: The direction indicates by a free suspended and a properly
balanced magnetic needle Free from all other attractive forces. The direction of
magnetic meridian can be established with the help of Magnetic compass. Arbitrary
meridian: Any direction is assumed to be the Reference meridian to Carry out small
survey measured clockwise from the north point of the reference meridian towards the
line right round the circle. The angle thus measured between the reference meridian
and the line is called Whole circle bearing of the line. Angles measured will have
value between 0 to 360 degrees.
Conversion of W.C.B. in R.B
Case WCB between R.B. QUADRANT
1 0 ° TO 90° WCB N-E
2 90° TO -180° 180-WCB S-E

3 180° TO -270° WCB-1800 S-W

4 270° TO 360° 360-WCB N-W

Reduced bearing (R.B): In this system of bearing of a line is measured clockwise or

anticlockwise from north or south direction whichever is nearer to the line towards east or
west. The concept of reduced bearing facilitates computations in traverse surveying.
Conversion of R.B in W.C.B.
Case R.B in quadrant Rule of W.C.B. W.C.B between
1 N-E WCB=R.B 0 ° TO 90°
2 S-E WCB =180-R. B 90° TO -180°
3 S-W WCB =R. B+180 180° TO -270°
4 N-W WCB =360-R. B 270° TO 360°

The compass may be held in hand but for better results it should be fitted at the top of
tripod having ball and socket arrangement. The adjustment of a compass is done in the
following three steps.
Centering: - The compass fitted over the tripod Is lifted bodily and placed approximately
on the station peg by spreading the leg of a tripod equally, the centre of the compass is
checked by dropping a small piece of stone from the centre of the bottom of the compass
so that it falls on the top of the station peg. A plumb bob may be used to judge the

22
centering either bt attaching it with a hook providing at the bottom or otherwise by holding
it by hand.

Levelling: - After the compass is centered, it is leveled by means of ball and socket
arrangement so that the graduated circle may swing freely. It can be checked roughly by
placing a round pencil on the top of the compass, when the pencil does not move, that is
roughly the horizontal position.
Focusing the prism: - The prism attached is moved up and down so that graduation on the
graduated circle should become sharp and clear.
LOCAL ATTRACTION:
Sometimes. the magnetic needle does not point towards magnetic North or South. The
reason being that the needle may be under the influence of external attractive forces which
are produced due to magnetic substances Thus the deflection of the needle from its original
position, due to the presence of some magnetic substances is known as local attraction. To
detect local attraction at a particular place, fore and back bearing of each line are taken.
Then difference comes out to be 180° there is no local attraction at either station. On the
other hand of the difference is other than 180°, the presence of iron substance near to the
compass. If the difference remains the local attraction exists at one or both the stations.

Elimination of Local attraction: -

1st method: - In this method, the bearing of the other lines is corrected and calculated
based on a line which has the difference between its fore bearing and back bearing equal
to 180°. The magnetic of the error is formed due to local attraction by drawing a sketch of
observed and correct bearing of the line at each station. The error will be negative when
the observed bearing is less than the corrected one and the correction will be positive and
vice versa. If however, there is no such line in which the difference of fore bearing and
back bearing is equal to 180°, the correction should be made from the mean value of the
bearing of that line in which the difference between the fore and the back bearing is the
least. If the bearings are observed in quadrantal system, the correction should be applied in
proper direction by drawing a neat sketch roughly.
2nd Method: - This method is more general as the bearing at a station locally affected
may be incorrect but include angles calculated from these bearing will be correct since the
amount of the error will be the same for all the bearing observed from that station. Thus,
starting from the unaffected line and using these included angles the correct bearing of all

23
 other lines can be calculated.
Note: - The sum of the internal included angles must be equal to (2n-4) right angles where

n = number of sides of a closed traverse.

7) Four ranging rods are fixed at different points i.e. A, B, C, D, E etc. such that it should
be mutually visible and may be measured easily.
8) Measure the distance between them.
9) At point A the prismatic compass is set on the tripod Stand, centering, and leveling is then
properly done.
10) The ranging rod at B is ranged through sighting slits and objective vane attached with
horse hair and reading on prismatic compass is noted down.
11) it is fore bearing of line AB. Then the prismatic compass is fixed at B and ranging rod
at A are sighted. and reading is taken as back bearing of AB.
12) Repeat the same procedure at the stations C, D etc.

Observation Table
Sr.no Line ObservedF.B. Observed B.B. Correct F.B. Correct B.B. Included angle

A AB
AD
B
BC
BA
C
CD
CB
D DA
DC

SAMPLE CALCULATION: - Error = observed bearing –corrected bearing

Check =(2n-4) x900

RESULT: The prismatic compass is studied and bearing of lines of traverse are
Observed, the correction due to local attraction at affected station is done and
corrected bearings are written in tabular form table.

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 EXPERIMENT NO. 6
AIM: Determination of elevation of various points with auto level by collimation plane
method and rise & fall method.

Apparatus: Auto level, leveling staff, tripod stand, arrows, pegs.

Theory:

An automatic level, also known as dumpy level or builder’s auto level, is a laser
marking, optical measuring device used to establish a horizontal plane. The
instrument can be used for small scale such as residential building construction
to a big civil engineering project. Due to its wide ranges of use, this instrument
has become very popular among professionals. The term automatic level can also
refer to digital and laser levels that use different technologies to ensure the
accurate levelling operation, which is very important in a construction project.
There are various types of auto levels available in the market, each one designed
for a specific job type.
Procedure:
1. Let A and B the two points and they are too for apart. The position of each set up of
level should be so selected that the staff kept on the two points is visible through the
telescope.
2. Let O1, O2, O3 be the positions of the level to be setup. Choose the change points
1,2 etc. on a stable ground so that the position of the level should be midway
between the two staff reading to avoid error due to imperfect adjustment of the level.
3. Now setup the level at O1 take the reading on the staff kept vertically on A with
bubble central. This will be a back sight and R.L of the A is to assume or say known.
Record these values in the same line in the level book.
4. Now select the position of C.P (1) so that the distance of it from O1 is approximately
equal to that O1A
5. With the bubble in the centre take the reading of the staff held vertically over the
change point. This will be a fore sight and book this value in the level book on the
next line in the column provided.
6. Now shift the level to O2 and set up it there carefully, with the bubble in the centre
take reading on the staff kept vertically as the fore sight over C.P(1). This will be a

25
 back sight, book it in the same line as the fore sight already recorded in the column
provided.
7. Select another CP (2) on the stable ground as before so that station O2 is
approximately midway between C.P (1) and C.P(2).
8. With the bubble central, take the reading on the staff kept vertically over the
CP2.This will be fore sight and book it in the level book page in next line.
9. Repeat the process until the point B.M reached. The last reading will be a foresight
10. Complete the remakes column also. Apply the arithmetical check

Observation table:

Stations B.S. I.S. F. S H.I. R.L. Remarks

B.S.= Back sight, I.S = Intermediate sight, F.S = Fore sight, H.I. = Height of Instrument, R.L
= Reduce level.

RESULT: The difference of level between the point be equal to R.L of the last point
minus the R.L at the B.M is found to be --

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 EXPERIMENT NO. 7

AIM: Measurement of horizontal angles using total station.

APPARATUS: Total station, Prism, Tripod, tape etc.
THEORY: Until recently, transits and theodolites were the most used surveying instruments
for angle measurements. But total station instrument accomplishes all the tasks much more
efficiently than transits and theodolites. In addition, it can also observe distance accurately and
quickly. Furthermore, it can make computations with the angle and distance measurements
and display the result. It is used for all types of surveys. Total station instruments combine
three basic components into one integral unit:
• An electronic distance measurement (EDM).
• An electronic angle measuring component.
• A computer or microprocessor.
Handling and Setting Up

• For most surveys, prior to observing distances and angles the instrument must first be carefully
set up over a specific point.
• The set up process is mostly accomplished with the following steps:
1. Adjust the position of the tripod legs by lifting and moving the tripod as a
whole until the point is roughly centred beneath the tripod head (by dropping a
stone or using a plumb bob).
2. Firmly place the legs of the tripod in the ground.
3. Roughly centre the tribrach levelling screws on their posts.
4. Mount the tribrach approximately in the middle of the tripod head to permit
maximum translations in step (9) in any directions.

PROCEDURE:
• Properly focus the optical plummet on the point,
• Manipulate the levelling screws to aim the intersection of cross hairs of the optical
plummet telescope at the point below,
• Centre the bull’s eye bubble by adjusting the lengths of the tripod extension legs,
• Level the instrument using the plate bubble and levelling screws, and
• If necessary, loosen the tribrach screw and translate the instrument (do not rotate
it) to carefully centre the plummet cross hair on the point.

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• Repeat step (8) and (9) until precise levelling and centering are accomplished.
Set up Procedure:

• To level a total station instrument, the telescope is rotated to place the axis of the level
vial parallel to the line through any two levelling screws, as the line through A and B
in Figure(a).
• The bubble is centred by turning these two screws, then rotated 90°, as shown
Figure(b), and centred again using the third screw (C) only.
• The process is repeated and carefully checked to ensure that the bubble remains
centered.

• To measure a horizontal angle JIK, the instrument is first set up and centered over
station I and levelled.
• Then a backsight is taken on station J. This is accomplished by:
• Releasing the horizontal and vertical locks,
• Turning the telescope in the approximate direction of J,
• Clamping both locks,
• Making a precise pointing, and
• Setting up the horizontal angle as 0°00‘00“.

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 Measuring Horizontal Angles Repetition Method

• The horizontal motion is then unlocked, and the telescope turned clockwise toward
point K to make the foresight.
• The value of the horizontal angle will automatically appear in the display.
• To eliminate instrumental errors and increase precision, angle measurements
should be repeated an equal number of times in each of the direct and reversed
modes, and the average taken.

Measuring Horizontal Angles Direction Method

• As an alternative to repetition method, the direction method is used to measure

horizontal angles.
• This method is particularly efficient when multiple angles are being measured at a
station.

• Final values for the two angles are taken as the averages of the four angles in
column (6).
• Examples two angles a and b (37° 30‘28“and 36° 43‘14“) measured respectively.
• Note that in this procedure, the multiple reading increase the precisions of the
angles.

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Repetition No. Station Reading Reading Mean Angle
Sighted Direct Reverse
1
2
3
4
5

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 EXPERIMENT NO. 8

AIM: Measurement of the given plot’s surface area.

APPARATUS: Total station and prism with other accessories.

THEORY: The computation of areas and volumes are often required in civil engineering
practice. One of primary aims of land surveying is to determine the area of land under survey
which is usually the property of an individual or institution. In plane surveying the team area
refers to the orthogonal projection of ground on a horizontal plane, not actual the ground
surface.
PROCEDURE:

1. Make a quick ‘eye ball’ plan view sketch of the map area in the field book. This will be
an important reference to which you later will append information. In plane
surveying the term ‘area’ refers to the orthogonal projection of ground on a
horizontal plane, not actual the ground surface.
2. Select a suitable location and setup instrument and do all necessary stationery
adjustments.
3. Allocate the soft key from menu.
4. Press to begin surface area calculation.
i. Sight the first point on the line enclosing the area.
ii. Press [OBS] to begin observation. The measured values are displayed. The function
requires each point to be observed individually before area calculation is
performed.
iii. When [REC] is present registered co-ordinates can be recalled and used in
subsequent measurement.
iv. Press [OK] to enter the values of the point.
5. Repeat step 4 until all the points have been measured. Points on the enclosed area are
observed in a clock-wise or counter clock-wise direction.
6. After all the points which are necessary to calculate the surface area have been
observed press [CALC] to display calculated area.
7. Press [OK] to quit area calculation and return to [MEAS] mode.

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Result: The area of given plot is ____________________ (m2)

EXPERIMENT NO. 9

AIM: To determine height of object whose base is inaccessible.

APPARATUS: Total station, tripod and prism with other accessories.

PROCEDURE:

1. Select the suitable location and setup instrument and do all necessary adjustment.
2. Allocate the [REM] soft key from menu.
3. Press the REM to begin the calculation of height.
4. Sight the telescope to base point of target object and press [MEA] and then [REM].
5. Then move the telescope vertically and sight the telescope to the target top point and then
lock the telescope. Press stop to stop measurement. The measured distance data displayed.
6. Press [ESC] to finish and return to [MEA] mode screen.

RESULT: The height of given building is ________________

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 EXPERIMENT NO. 10

AIM: Locating given building by plane table surveying (One full size drawing sheet) .

APPARATUS: 1) The Plane table with tripod,2) Alidade,3) Trough compass 4) Sprit
level ,5) Plumbing fork or U-frame,6)Plumb bob,7) Tape ,chain,pegs,ranging
rods,wooden mallet etc.

THEORY: Plane table surveying: the system of surveying in which field observation
and plotting work i.e. both are done simultaneously is called plane table surveying.

The plane Table:- The drawing board made of well seasoned wood such as teak or pine
which is used for the purpose of plotting is called plane table.It is available in sizes
500x400x15mm,600x5000x15mm and 750x600x20mm.The top surface of board is
perfectly plane and to the underneath it is fitted with a leveling head or ball and socket
arrangement. The table is mounted on a tripod by means of a central screw with a wing
nut or in such a manner so that the board can be revoled, leveled and clamped in any
position. seasoned) rule 40cm to 60cm long, 3cmto5cm wide and fitted with two vanes at
the ends is called an alidade.

The beveled graduated edge is known as the fiducial edge. Such an alidade is known as
plain alidade.

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 Trough Compass:

The compass which is used to mark the direction of the magnetic meridian on the plane table is
called trough compass. It consists of a long narrow rectangular non magnetic metallic box 8cm
to 15 cm long, 3cm to 5cm wide and 2cm to 3cm high on the covered with a glass cover. it the
centre of the box is provided a magnetic needle with a agate stone mounted on the sharp steel
pivot. At the end the through compass graduated scales are with zero degree at the centre and
up to 5° on either side of the zero line. A counter weight is also used for North end of the needle
to represent North and is also used for balancing the dip of the needle.

Sprit Level:- A small sprit level circular or rectangular is required for seeing if the table is
properly level. The level must have flat base so that it can be placed on the table. Plumbing fork
or U-frame :- The plumbing fork to which is attached a plumb bob ,used for centering the plane
table over the station occupied by the plane table. it is also meant for transforming the ground
point on to sheet so that both the points should be in the same vertical line
It consists of two light metal arms as shown in fig. approximately of equal lengths. A hook for
suspending a plumb bob is provided at the lower arm immediately below the end point of the
upper arm. The upper arm is placed on the plane table while the lower arm with a plumb bob is
moved below the table for centering over the ground station mark,thus in the exact position the
pointed end of the upper arm will give the corresponding position on the paper.

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details are located on the sheet, the method is known as radiation method

In this method the rays are drawn from the instrument station to the point to be located, then
the distances are measured from the instruments station to the point and the position of the
each point is plotted on the sheet using a suitable scale. The method is most suited for surveying
small areas which can be controlled by single setting. It can also be used in combination with
other method. This method can be applied for locating distant points if the distances are
obtained tacheometrically with the help of the telescope alidade.

PROCEDURE: -

1) Select two points L and M in such a way so that all the points to be plotted are visible from
35
them. Now set the table at station, point L in such a position so that the sheet should cover all
the points. Level the table and clamp it.
2) Draw the north line in the top corner of sheet by means of trough compass
3) Now transfer the position of station point L on the sheet as ‘l’ with the help of plumbing
fork so that it is vertically above the instrument station.
4) With the alidade pivoted about ‘l’ sight the ranging rod fixed at station point M and draw
the line in the direction of M. Now measure the distance LM by means of the tape and cut off
lm to some suitable scale along the ray drawn toward M; thus, fixing the position of ‘m’ on
the sheet corresponding to station point M on the ground. The line lm is called the base line.
5) With the alidade touching the point ’l’ sight the objects in the field such as A, B, C, D, E
etc. as shown in figure and draw the rays towards them. The corresponding to above details.
6) Now shift the table to the station point M and approximately set it in the line with ML. Set
it up so that the point ‘m’ is vertically above the station point ‘M’ and level it.
7) Orient the table roughly by compass, then finally by placing the alidade along ml and
bisecting the ranging rod fixed at station point ‘L’ i.e by back sighting ‘L’. Clamp the table in
this position. 8) With the alidade centered at m sight the same object in the field such as A, B,
C, D, E etc; and draw rays. The intersection of these rays with the respective rays from l
locate the object A,B,C,D,E etc; as a ,b,c,d,e etc; on the sheet.

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 EXPERIMENT NO. 11

AIM: Measurement of an area of irregular figure by using planimeter.

APPARATUS:

Digital planimeter, rulers

THEORY:
There are two methods applied measuring areas of irregular figures: These methods are:
1. by measuring ordinates.
2. by the use of an instrument called planimeter
The planimeter is generally accepted as the most accurate instrument used in measuring the
area of irregular figures. A digital planimeter has a tracer moved about the boundaries of
figures whose areas are to be measured. When the tracing of the entire boundaries is
completed the magnitude of the area, maybe read from the display.

PROCEDURE:
Measure the areas of the following figures using the digital planimeter. Paste the paper on a
smooth lever surface and carefully set the planimeter by placing the tracer approximately at
the center of the drawing. Then place the roller in position, which will make it at 90o with the
main body. Trace the outline of the drawing with the tracer lens. Repeat the procedure two or
three items. If inconvenient or irregular movement occur, adjust the position of the roller in
order to get a smoother tracer. For selection of units, press unit-1 which will provide selection
from the metric system (example CM2, MM2, or IN2, FT2) Note that the gate numeral display

37
is not a gained area display but a pulse count display only. The measured are display can be
obtained only after pressing “ave” key.

EXPERIMENT NO. 12

AIM: Use of GPS in the field to get the location and elevation etc.
APPARATUS:
THEORY: The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a U.S. government satellite-based
navigation system that currently consists of at least 24 operational satellites. GPS works in
any weather conditions, anywhere in the world, 24 hours a day, with no subscription fees
or setup charges. The U.S. Department of Defense (USDOD) originally put the satellites
into orbit for military use, but they were made available for civilian use in the 1980s.
How GPS works ?
GPS satellites circle the Earth twice a day in a precise orbit. Each satellite transmits a
unique signal and orbital parameters that allow GPS devices to decode and compute the
precise location of the satellite. GPS receivers use this information and trilateration to
calculate a user's exact location. Essentially, the GPS receiver measures the distance to
each satellite by the amount of time it takes to receive a transmitted signal. With distance
measurements from a few more satellites, the receiver can determine a user's position and
display it electronically to measure your running route, map a golf course, find a way
home or adventure anywhere.

Satellite Settings
Select Setup > System > Satellite.

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NOTE: Some settings may not be available for all device models.
Satellite System: Sets the satellite system to GPS only, multiple satellite systems, or Demo
Mode (GPS off).
WAAS/EGNOS: Enables the system to use Wide Area Augmentation System/European
Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (WAAS/EGNOS) data.
Multi-Band: Enables the use of multi-band systems on the GPSMAP 66sr device.
NOTE: Multi-band systems use multiple frequency bands and allow for more consistent
track logs and
improved positioning when using the device in challenging environments.
GPS and Other Satellite Systems
Using GPS and another satellite system together offers increased performance in
challenging environments and faster position acquisition than using GPS only. However,
using multiple systems can reduce battery life more quickly than using GPS only.
Your device can use these Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). Multi-band systems
use multiple frequency bands and allow for more consistent track logs, improved
positioning, improved multi-path errors, and fewer atmospheric errors when using the
device in challenging environments. Some satellite systems may not be available for all
device models.
NOTE: You can view satellite locations and available satellite systems on the satellite page
(Satellite Page, page 29).
GPS: A satellite constellation built by the United States.
GPS multi-band: A satellite constellation built by the United States, using the enhanced L5
signal.
GLONASS: A satellite constellation built by Russia.
GALILEO: A satellite constellation built by the European Space Agency.
GALILEO multi-band: A satellite constellation built by the European Space Agency,
using the enhanced L5 signal.
QZSS multi-band: A satellite constellation built by Japan, using the enhanced L5 signal.
IRNSS (NavIC): A satellite constellation built by India, using the enhanced L5 signal.
Serial Interface Settings
Select Setup > System > Interface.

39
 Garmin Spanner: Allows you to use the device USB port with most NMEA 0183-compliant
mapping programs by creating a virtual serial port.
Garmin Serial: Sets the device to use a Garmin proprietary format to exchange waypoint,
route, and track data with a computer.
NMEA In/Out: Sets the device to use standard NMEA 0183 output and input.
Text Out: Provides simple ASCII text output of location and velocity information.
MTP: Sets the device to use Media Transfer Protocol (MTP) to access the file system on the
device instead of mass storage mode.

Changing the Page Sequence

1 Select Setup > Menus > Page Sequence > Edit Page Sequence.
2 Select a page.
3 Select an option:
• To move the page up or down in the list, select Move.
• To add a new page to the page sequence, select Insert, and select a category.
• To remove a page from the page sequence, select Remove.

TIP: You can select PAGE to view the page sequence.

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