Construction Related Theory for Exercise 2.3.51 - 2.3.

52
Draughtsman Civil - Plane table surveying
Instrument used in Plane table surveying
Objectives : At the end of this lesson you shall be able to
• state plane tabling
• name the Instruments and Accessoriees used in plan tabling
• state the construction and and uses of Instruments and Accessories of plane tabling
• explain about Levelling, centering and orientation in plane tabling
• explain the methods of plane tabling.

Plane tabling: Plane tabling is graphical method of

surveying in which field observations and plotting are done
simultaneously on a plane table.

It is most suitable for filling in the various details between

the stations previously fixed by triangulation.

It is commonly used for preparing small scale mapping

or medium size mapping. This type of survey is employed
when great accuracy is not required such as
Topographical surveys.

Instruments used in plane tabling

- Plane table with Tripod

- Alidade
Accessories used in plane tabling
- Spirit level
- Trough compass
- Plumbing fork with plumb-bob & water proofing cover.

Plane Table with Tripod etc: Plane table is made of

well-seasoned good quality teak or pine wood and is
available in different sizes.

- Small: 50cm x 40cm x 1.5cm

- Medium: 50cm x 50cm x 1.5cm
- Large: 75cm x 60cm x 1.5cm

It is mounted on a Tripod in such a way that it can be – Plain Alidade

levelled, rotated about a vertical axis and clamped in any
position. The upper surface of the board must be perfectly
– Telescopic alidade
plane. The tripod is generally of the open frame type and Plain Alidade:Itconsists of a metal or wooden rule with
can be folded (Fig 1) for convenience of transportation. two vanes at the ends. Vanes are hinged and can be
folded on the rule when the alidade is not in use (Fig 2)
Qualities of a Good Plane Table:
One of the vanes known as sight vane is provided with a
- The butterfly nuts which clamp the legs to the clamping narrow slit with three holes, one at the top, one at the
head should not be free. bottom and one in the middle.
- The clamping assembly should fit the plate at the
bottom of the plane table. The other vane which is known as object vane is open
and carries a hair stretched between the top and bottom
The Alidade:The Alidade is a straight edge with some of the slit. With the help of the slit, a definite line of sight
form of sighting device. Two types of alidades are may be established parallel to the ruling edge of the
generally used. alidade. The alidade can be rotated about the point which

56
represents the location of the instrument station on the Telescopic Alidade: It is generally used when it is
sheet so that the line of sight passes through the station required to take inclined sights. The telescope increases
sighted. The two vanes should be perpendicular to the the range and accuracy of the sights. It consists of a
ruler as well as surface of the plane table. The working small telescope with a level tube. A graduated scale is
edge of the alidade is called fiducial edge. mounted on a horizontal axis. The horizontal axis rest
on a A-frame which is supported on a heavy metal ruler.
The plain alidade can be used when the elevations or One side of the ruler is used as working edge. (Fiducial
depressions of the objects are low. edge) along which lines may be drawn. The angles both
elevation and depression can be read on the vertical circle
(Fig 3).

Sprit Level:A spirit level consists of a small metal tube

which contains a small bubble at centre. The Base of
spirit level must be flat so that it can be laid on the table.
When table remains central, the table is truly level (Fig 4)

Trough compass or magnetic compass: A box

compass consists of a magnetic needle pivoted at its
centre freely. It is used for making the direction of the
magnetic meridian on the sheet. So it is also used for
orienting the plane table to magnetic north. Both the
edges of a compass are straight, and bottom surface is
flat. The magnetic needle should be fairly sensitive and
play freely (Fig 5)

Plumbing fork with bob: The fork consists of a hair pin

shaped light metal frame having two arms of equal length,
in which a plum-bob is suspended from the end of the
lower arm (Fig. 6)

Construction: Draughtsman Civil - (NSQF Level - 5): Related Theory for Exercise 2.3.51 - 52 57
The fitting can be places with the upper arm lying on the
top of the table and the lower arm below it, the table being
centered when the plumb-bob hangs freely over the
ground mark and the pointed end of the upper arm
coincides with the equivalent point on the plan.

It is used for centering the table over the point or station

occupied by the plane table when the plotted position of
that point is already known on the sheet. In the begining
of the work it is meant for transferring the ground point
on to the sheet so that the plotted point and the ground
station are in the same vertical line.

Setting up the plane Table

The setting up the plane table involves three operations.

1 Levelling the plane Table Orienting the plane table: It is the process of putting
2 Centering the plane Table the plane table in to some fixed direction so that the line
representing a particular direction on the plan is parallel
3 Orienting the plane Table. to the direction on the ground. Orientation is necessary
Levelling the plane Table: In this operration, the table when more than one instrument station is to be used. If
top is made truly horizontal. For rough and small scale orientation is not done, the table will not be parallel to
works, levelling of table can be done by eye estimation, itself at different positions resulting in an overall distortion
and for large scale works levelling of table can be done of the map. The process of centering and orientation
by using spirit level. The levelling is specially important are dependent on each other. For orientation, the table
in hilly terrain where some of the control points are will have to be rotated about its vertical axis, thus
situated at the higher level and some other at lower level disturbing the centering.
(Fig 7).
Orientation by back sighting (Fig 9)

The table is set up on the station B and it is represented

as ‘b’ on the paper which is plotted by means of a line ab
from the back station A. Now, the orientation is bringing
ba on the paper over. BA on the ground. Placing of alided
on ba, turn the table till the station ‘A’ is bisected. The
clamp the load in this position.

Orientation by magnetic needle

For orientated the table at any station other than the first
station, but the trough compass on the meridian already
drawn on the paper at the first station and turn the table
till the ends of the needle are opposite the zeros of the
scale towards north – south direction. At this position
clamp the board. This is the quick method but unsuitable
Centering the plane Table: In this operation, the for magnetic area.
location of the plane table station, on the paper is brought
exactly vertically above the ground station position. For
rough works exact centering of the station is not
necessary but for large scale maps and accurate works
exact centering is required . (Fig 8)

58 Construction: Draughtsman Civil - (NSQF Level - 5): Related Theory for Exercise 2.3.51 - 52
Method of plane table survey
Objectives : At the end of this lesson you shall be able to
• methods of plane table survey
• radiation method of plane table survey
• intersection method of plane table survey.

The following arethe four methods of plane table survey.

Note: This method is suitable for the survey
of small areas which can be commanded from
• Radiation
single station.
• Intersection
·It is also useful in combination with other methods for
• Traversing
surveying details within a tape length from the station.
• Resection
Intersection Method:
Radiation Method
• In this method of the positions of the points are fixed
The Plane table is set up at only one station and various on the sheet by the intersection of the rays drawn
points are located by radiating lines drawn from the from two instrument stations.
instrument station to each of the points and plotting to
• The line joining these two stations are termed as base
scale along the ray drawn with the distance measured
line.
from the station to the point sighted.
• This is the only linear measurement taken in the field.
(Fig 1)
• It is largely employed for locating details and for
locating the points to be used subsequently as
instrument stations.
• It is also used for plotting the distant and inaccessible
objects, broken boundaries, river etc.
• It is more suitable for surveying hilly country where it
is not possible to measure the horizontal distances,
difficult to measure the horizontal distances.

Procedure (Fig 2)

• Select a point P such that all the points to be located

are visible from the point.
• Set up and level the table at P and clamp it.
• Select a point ‘p’ on the sheet and make it vertically
above ‘P’ on the ground by the use of ‘U’ frame.
• The point ‘p’ represents on the sheet as the station
‘P’ on the ground.
• Mark the direction of the magnetic meridian with the
trough compass in the top corner of the sheet.
• With the alidade touching ‘p’ sight the various points
A, B, C, D and E etc to be located and draw radial
lines towards them along the fiducial edge of the
alidade.
• Select two points A and B on the ground, so that all
• Measure the radial distance PA, PB, PC, PD and PE
points to be plotted are visible from both the station.
with the tape.
• Set up and level the plane table at station A and mark
• Plot the distance to scale along the corresponding
a suitable point ‘a’ on the paper, so that it is vertically
rays. Join the points a, b, c, d, e on the sheet.
above the instrument station A on the ground.
• Mark the direction of magnetic meridian on the top
corner of the sheet by means of a trough compass.

Construction: Draughtsman Civil - (NSQF LEvel -5): Related Theory for Exercise 2.3.51 - 52 59
• With the alidade touches on the point ‘a’ sight the • Orient the table by placing the alidade along ‘ba’
station B and other points 1,2,3 etc to be located and turning the table till the line of sight stricks ‘A’ and
draw rays towards them. clamp it.
• Make the respective lines by letter b, 1,2,3 etc to avoid • With the alidade pivoted on ‘b’ draw rays sighting
confusion. towards the same objects (ie) 1,2,3,4 etc.
• Measure the base line AB with a steel tape or chain • The intersections of these rays with the respective
cut off distance ‘ab’ to scale along the ray from ‘a’ B. rays from “a” determine the positions of the object
1,2,3,4 on the sheets.
• This is the position ‘b’on the sheet of the station ‘B’
on the ground.
• Shift the instrument and set it up and level at ‘B’ such
that the point ‘b’ is exactly above the point B on
theground.

Traversing method of plane table survey

Objectives : At the end of this lesson you shall be able to
• state traverse method of plane table survey
• conduct traverse method of plane table survey.

Traversing • Measure the distance AB and Scale off ‘ab’. Thus

fixing of the position of ‘b’ on the sheet which
• This is main method of plane tabling and similar to represents the station ‘B’ on the ground.
that of compass or Theodolite traversing.
• Locate the near by details by offsets taken in the usual
manner or by radiation and distant objects by
• It is used for running survey lines of a closed traverse
intersection method.
or open traverse.
• Shift the table and set it up at ‘B’ with ’b’ over ‘B’ and
• The details may be located by offsets taken in the
orient it by placing the alidade along ba, turning the
usual manner (i.e.) by the radiation or by inter section
table till the line of sight strikes ‘A’ and then clamp it.
method of plane tabling.
• With the alidade touching ‘b’ sight ‘C’ draw a ray.
Procedure
• Measure the line BC and cut off ‘bc’ to scale.
• Select the traverse station A, B, C, D etc. on the • Locate the surrounding details are taken before in
ground. station ‘B’.
• Set up the table over one of them say ‘A’ select a • Proceed similar to the other stations, in each case
point ‘a’ suitably on the sheet. Level and centre the orienting by a back sight before taking the forward
table over ‘A’. sight until all the remaining stations are plotted.
• Mark the direction of the magnetic meridian on the
Check
top corner to the sheet by means of the trough
compass.
• Intermediate checks should be taken wherever
• With the alidade touching ‘a’ sight ‘B’ and draw a ray. possible. If ‘A’ is visible from C, the work done, up to
‘C’ can be checked by sighting ‘A’ with the alidade
touching ‘C’ and noting if the edge touches ‘a’ similarly
other check lines DB, EC etc can be used to the check
the work.
• When no other stations are visible from the station
occupied, take some well-defined object such as
corner of a building which has been previously fixed
on the sheet and it should be used to check the work.

60 Construction: Draughtsman Civil - (NSQF): Related Theory for Exercise 2.3.51 - 52

Resection method of plane table survey
Objective : At the end of this lesson you shall be able to
• state the resection method of plane table survey

Resection Method • With the alidade touching ‘b’ sight the station ‘C’ which
is to be plotted by resection and draw a ray.
• It is used for locating the station points only.
• Estimate the distance BC by judgement only and
• The main feature of resection is that the point plotted move the point ’C’ and along a ray to represent the
on the sheet is the station occupied by the plane table. approximate position of ‘C’
• After stations are fixed the details are taken by • Shift the table and set it up with C, on the ground
radiation or intersection, or sometimes both. point ‘C’.
• Select a base line AB on the ground. • Orient the table by taking back sight on ‘B’ and clamp
it.
• Measure the distance accurately and then plot ‘ab’
in a convenient position. • With the alidade pivoted on ‘a’ sight the station ‘A’
and draw a ray.
• Set up and level the table at ‘B’ so that ‘b’ lies vertically
above B and orient the table by placing the alidade • The point of intersection of this ray and that previously
along ‘ab’ and turning the table till ‘A’ is bisected and drawn from ‘b’ gives the required point ‘C’ (i.e.) true
then clamp it. position of ‘C’.
• It necessary locate the other station in the above
manner. It is also know as back ray method.

Construction: Draughtsman Civil - (NSQF Level 5): Related Theory for Exercise 2.3.51 - 52 61
Locate and plot new building by two point and three point problem
Objectives : At the end of this lesson you shall be able to
• define about resection
• state two and three point problem
• describe Lehman’s rule
• list out the errors in plane tabling
• describe the advantages and disadvantages.

Resection Method Fig 2 shows A, B and C are three well defined objects a,
b and c their plotted positions on the plan. P is the
The process of determining the location of the station instrument station and ‘p’ is its required position the plan.
points occupied by the plane table, by means of drawing
back rays from the stations whose locations have already
been plotted on the sheet is called resection.

This method consists of drawing rays from known points

whose locations are already available on the sheet. The
intersection of these rays will be at a point if the orientation
of the table was correct before rays are drawn. The
problem, therefore, lies in orienting the table at the
unknown occupies station.
The three points problem may be solved
It may be solved by any one of the following methods.
1 By mechanical method (Tracing paper method)
1 Two-point problem
2 By graphical method (Bessel’s method)
2 Three point problem
3 By trial and Error method
Two-point problem: The two-point problem consist in
establishing the position of the instrument station on the Mechanical or Tracing Paper Method: In this method
plan by making sights towards two well defined objects a tracing paper is used over the drawing sheet in which
which are visible from the instrument station and whose the plotted positions of (a, b and C) the known objects
positions have already been plotted on the plan. (A, B and C) are drawn. The back rays are drawn on the
tracing paper by sighting the known objects. The
In Fig 1, A and B are the well-defined objects, ‘a’ and ‘b’ intersection of the above three rays will give instrument
their plotted positions on the plan. position on the tracing sheet. By unfastening and
adjusting the tracing paper over the plotted positions of
the object on the drawing sheet will give the new
instrument position of the station occupied by the plane
table.

Graphical or Bessel’s method: In this method any two

of three known object points and its plotted positions on
the drawing sheet are taken for solving the problem.

Mechanical Method

It is also called as tracing paper method.

• Set up the plane table at ‘T’

‘C’ is the instrument station and ‘c’ is its required position • Orient the table as nearly in its proper position using
on the plan. ‘P’ is the helping station to find out the by trough compass and clamp the board.
instrument station which is to be occupied by the plane • Put the tracing paper over the plane table sheet and
table. ‘R’ is the position of Ranging rod. select a point ‘t’, on the tracing paper approximately
representing the station point ‘T’ (Fig 3)
Three-point problem:Three point problem consists in
establishing the position of the instrument station on the • With the help of alidade touching on t1 (pivoted on
plan by making sights towards three well defined objects t1) sight the station points A, B and C and draw rays
which are visible from the instrument station and whose towards them.
positions have already been plotted on the plan.

62 Construction: Draughtsman Civil - (NSQF Level - 5): Related Theory for Exercise 2.3.51 - 52
• Unfasten the tracing paper and move it over on the
plane table sheet, till the three rays are simultaneously
pass through a, b and c. Prick the point t1 on the
drawing sheet with fine needle point. The obtained
point it is the required point ‘T’ (Fig 3)

• Remove the tracing paper.

• Unclamp the plane table and orient by placing the
alidade ta and turning the board till the station ‘A’ is
bisected.
• For a check, sight the station points B and C with the
help of alidade centered on b and c, and draw the
rays.

These rays must pass through T if the work is correct. If

not, a small triangle error is formed and this may be
eliminated by trial and error method.

Bessel’s Method

It is the simplest graphical method and is commonly used.

Set up and level the plane table at the instrument station

at ‘T’.

Turn the table till the station ‘P’ is sighted. i.e. (P is towards
P)
As for the checking purpose, centre the alidade on r and
Clamp the plane table. bisect ‘R’ and draw ray. This ray Rr should pass through
P if the work is correct.
The alidade is touching r and sight φ and draw a ray rφ
By trial and error method: From the above three
(Fig.4 A) methods trial and error method is quick and accurate
method. It is also known as triangle of error method.
Fig 4. B The position of the instrument station occupied by the
plane table on the drawing sheet is found by Trial and
Unclamp the plane table. Put the alidade along rp and
Error method.
turn the plane table till R Station R is bisected. i.e(r is
towards R) In this method the plane table is set up infront of the
known object positions A,B and C with the plotted
The clamp the plane table. The alidade touching on P
positions as ‘a’,’b’ and ‘c’ on the sheet. The table is roughly
and sight Q and draw a ray PQ intersecting the previous
oriented by using compass or by eye judgement. Using
ray rQ in the point at d.
the alidade and sight the objects through the plotted
points respectively and draw back rays. Because of
Fig. ( 4 C)
rough orientation the rays will not pass through a single
point but will form a small triangle known as triangle error.
Put the alidade along dq, turn the plane table till Q is
sighted and clamp the table. This is the correction
By repeated trials, this triangle is eliminated so that the
orientation e.e (P must lie on dq and also PQ and Rr.
three rays Aa, Bb and Cc pass through one point, which
is the required point (p). The position of point (p) is
Put the alidade on P Sight P and draw a ray. This ray will
estimated from the triangle of error by the application of
intersecting the ray dq in p which is the instrument station
Lehmann’s Rules.
P.
Construction: Draughtsman Civil - (NSQF Level -5): Related Theory for Exercise 2.3.51 - 52 63
 – It follows from the above two rules that if the
The triangle formed by joining the ground instrument station ‘P’ lies outside the great triangle
points A, B and C is called the great triangle. ‘ABC’, the triangle of error falls outside ‘abc’ and the
The circle passing through these points is required point ‘p’ is outside the triangle of error.
called as the great circle. (Fig5 (ii) and (iii)
Lehmann’s Rules – Similarly if the station P lies with in the great triangle
‘ABC’ the triangle of error falls inside the triangle ‘abc’
– The distance of the point ‘P’ from each of the rays, and the point ‘p’ must within the triangle of error
Aa,Bb and Cc is in proportion to the distance of A, B (Fig 5 (i)
and C from ‘p’ respectively.
The above rules surface for the solution of the problem,
– When looking in the direction of each of the distant yet two more rules are given for assistance:
points A, B and C the point ‘p’ will be found on the
same side of the three rays Aa, Bb and Cc i.e. it is – When the station - point ‘p’ is outside the great circle,
either to the left or to the right of each of the three the point’ p’ is always on the same side of the ray
rays. (Fig 5 (ii) drawn to the most distant point as the intersection (e)
of other two rays. (Fig 5(ii).
– When the station point’ P’ is outside the great triangle
‘ABC’ but inside the greatcircle i.e. within one of the
three segments of the great circle, formed by the sides
of the great triangles, the ray drawn towards the
middle point lies between the point p and the
intersection (e) of the other two rays (Fig 5 (iii).

Errors in plane tabling

The common sources of error in plane tabling are,

1 Instrumental Error
2 Errors or manipulation and sighting
3 Errors of plotting.

Instrumental Error

– The top surface of the board not being a perfect plane

– The edge of the alidade not being a straight line.
– The sights of the alidade not being perpendicular to
its base.
– The fittings of table and tripod being loose.
– Error due to defective trough compass.

Errors of manipulation and sighting

– The board not being horizontal

– The table not being accurately centered
– The table not being properly clamped
– The objects not being correctly sighted.
– The alidade not being correctly centered on the station
point on the sheet.
– The rays not being accurately drawn through the
station point.
– The table not being correctly oriented.

64 Construction: Draughtsman Civil - (NSQF Level -5): Related Theory for Exercise 2.3.51 - 52
Errors of Plotting Test

– By using the good quality of paper and stretching it • Set up and level the plane table over a station.
correctly on the board.
• Bringing the bubble in the central position by placing
– By taking care in drawing and in the use of scales. of a spirit level on the table.

Advantages and Disadvantages of plane table • Turn the table through 180º and check the bubble in
surveying central or not.
• Then place the spirit level at 90º to the previous
Advantages position and check the bubble in the central and
repeat.
– It is the most rapid method.
• If the bubble in central on reverse to the vertical axis
– Field notes are not required, hence the mistakes in of the instrument. Therefore, the adjustment is
booking is eliminated. correct.
– The angles and linear measurement are not observed
since they are obtained graphically. Adjustment

– As plotting is done directly in the field; there is no • If the bubble is not central position, the apparent error
chances of omitting necessary measurements. (half of the error) by packing between the underside
– The amount of office work is less. of the board.

– Checking of plotted details can be done easily on the • Repeat the same process till the buddle in central
spot itself. after reversal in each case.

– The principles of intersection and resection are iii The Fiducial edge (or) ruling edge of the alidade
conveniently used to avoid computation. should be a straight line.
– It is less costly than other types of surveys.
Test
– No great skill is required.
• Select any two points on the drawing sheet at a
Disadvantages distance equal to length of the alidade.

– The absence of field notes is sometimes inconvenient, • Join these two points along the edge of the with fine
if the survey is to be replotted to a different scale. line.

– It is not used for large scale surveys and accurate • Reverse the alidade (End for end)
work. • Place the alidade at the end points and draw a line.
– The instrument is heavy and having many • If the two lines are in inner line the alidade is a
accessories, being loose are likely to be lost corrected one.
– In rainy season and cold wind affect the progress of
survey. Adjustment

– This survey cannot be done in dense wooded areas. If not, correct the edge by filling and again testing.
– Only day time can be availed for field and plotting
works when comparing other types of surveying. iv The axes of the spirit levels mounted on the
alidade should be parallel to the base of the
Testing and adjustment of plane table alidade.

i The board Test

The upper surface of the board should a perfect plane. • Place the alidade on the table.
• Bring the bubble of one of the levels of the alidade in
Test and adjustment central by means of foot screws of the table.

• Check the straight edge in all the directions. • Mark this position of the alidade.

• If the surface of the board is not perfectly plane, • Lift and reverse the alidade into 180º and replace it
remove the parts by sand papering or by planning. with in the mark.
• If the bubble is in central the adjustment is correct.
ii The surface of the board should be perpendicular
to the vertical axis of the instrument.

Construction: Draughtsman Civil - (NSQF Level - 5): Related Theory for Exercise 2.3.51 - 52 65
Adjustment 3 The vertical circle must zero when the line of sight is
horizontal.
• If the bubble is not in central, bring the bubble in
4 The axis of the telescope level should be parallel to
central by adjusting the half the error by means of
the line of sight.
level tube and other half by foot screws.
• Repeat the same procedure till the bubble is in centre. General instructions while surveying plane table:
• The same way test and adjust the second level tube.
The following points are kept in mind while plane table:
v The sight vanes of the alidade should be
The stations on the ground should be marked A, B, C, D
perpendicular to the base of the alidade.
etc to be denoted by corresponding small letters a,b,c,d
etc. when plotting on the sheet.
Test
• The plane table should be turned, only on orientation.
In case of plain alidade
After orientation the board is clamped in position.
• Suspend a plumb line at a distance from the • While sighting objects, the table should be clamped
instrument. in position. Only the alidade should be moved on the
table to bisect the objects.
• Place the alidade on the levelled table. Observe the
sighting slit and vertical hair of the object vane appear • The working edge of the alidade (fiducially edge) must
parallel to the plumb line. touching the plotted station point on the sheet while
sights are observed.
Adjustment
• It is advisable the alidade should be centred on the
• If they are not in parallel to the plumb line, adjust by same side of the station pin throughout the survey.
tilting of the base of the sights. (sometimes packings keep the alidade on the left of station pin is more
of the base of the sights also) idled.
• The drawing should be cleaned as for as possible.
In case of telescopic alidade:
The plane table is always placed in every
Adjustment station which is parallel to the position
occupied at the first station, which is called
1 The line of collimation should be perpendicular to the as the principle of plane table.
horizontal axis of the telescope.
Always orientation by back sighting is
2 The horizontal axis must be parallel to the base of preferred it is most reliable than magnetic
the alidade. needle method.

Inking, finishing , colouring and tracing of plane table map

Objectives : At the end of this lesson you shall be able to
• explain about colouring of surveying symbols
• explain the importance of tracing
• state the technique/order of tracing a drawing
• state the different types of reproduction of drawings.

Colouring: The chain lines are drawn with dash and dot – Before commencing colouring clean the drawing
in crimson lake with 6 mm circles in red at the ends to
thoroughly with a piece of soft cloth.
denote stations. The outline of the existing surface
features is shown in black while new works are – Mix all colours light and not too dark.
distinguished in red, railway lines, pipe railings, contours
are shown prussian blue, the centre lines are shown with – If a large surface is to be coloured first moister the
dash and dot in black, the dimensional lines are shown surface with the help of a sponage or brush and take
with continuous lines at centre in crimson lake with off any super fluous moisture by placing a piece of
extremitres with black arrows. blotting paper over the moisture surface.

Erasing an ink line should be avoided as far as possible. – Colouring commence from the top left hand corner
In colouring following points should be in mind. of the surface working from left to right and down
wards.

66 Construction: Draughtsman Civil - (NSQF Level - 5): Related Theory for Exercise 2.3.51 - 52
The following colours are used for the features shown The tracing cloth is made of thin transparent muslin fabric
(cotton) or plastic to provide a good and smooth surface
against them.
for inking purposes. It is taken rough side of the cloth
for ink work. Dust the surface with French chalk before
No. Features Colours inking job. The tracing cloth is costlier than the paper. It
is available in roll and also in standard size of sheets.
1 Road metalled, Bridge Burnt sienna
2 Road, unmetalled, Burnt timber Technique of Tracing / Order of tracing
Barren land Tracing in inking requires more attention to a
3 Buildings Bench draughtsman/surveyor. Only the black ink (Indian ink
Crimson lake water proof) should be used for reproduction purpose.
Inking should be done in the following order.
4 Cultivated land, trees H green
5 Compound wall Indigo – Full line circles and arcs starting from smallest
6 Water Border edged – Circles and arcs
with prussian
blue. – Dotted circles and arcs starting from the smallest.
– Regular curved lines and small arcs
– Straight full lines verticals, horizontal and then inclined
Importance of tracing:The drawings which are prepared
in the drawing office cannot be used directly in the site – Straight dotted lines verticals, horizontal and then
as they may be gets spoiled and also there will not be inclined
any copies for the future reference such as: – Centre lines

– cannot be prepared another one, which is time – Extension and dimension lines
consuming at the cost of labour. – Arrow heads and dimensions
– any modification needed cannot be carried out without – Section lines
original.
– Notes Titles (Guidelines may be drawn with pencil)
– only one copy is not sufficient enough as in shop floor,
the drawing has to be handled by many persons like – Border
Craftsman/ Technician / Supervisors.
Duplication / Printing or drawings: The production of
Hence the drawings are traced on a transparent material. more number of copies of the original drawings needed.
Several economical process have been devised for
– Tracing Paper reproducing originals. Now -a-days different methods of
reproduction are available. The following are the different
– Tracing Cloth reproducing process.
The correct surface for pencil work is always the inner
surface. Blue Printing Process: The blue printing process is the
simplest one of reproduction of drawings, drawn by
The tracing is drawn by pencil or black ink (water proof) tracing. It is nothing but of photographic process in which
with the crowquill pen/ ruling pen /Rotaring drawings pen. the tracing is the negative. The prints are done by
As crow quill and ruling pen are outdated, rotary pens of exposing the sensitized papers up on which the tracing
various sizes are employed for tracing the drawing. is kept in close surface contact and expose to the sunlight
or electric light. The fixture used for this purpose is known
The sizes of rotating pens are 1.2,1.0,0.8,0.6,0.5, 0.4, a sun frame withstand.
0.3, 0.2, 0.1 (all in mm indicates the thickness of line)
Fig 1a, b & c shows the sun frame, sun frame rotary type
The tracing is used like positive or negative for and water tray.
reproduction of photo prints. The standard of tracing
paper is designated by their density i.e. weight per square Fig 2 Folding drum type printing machine used for blue
meter. It comes in rolls and in A4 & A3 Sheets. Generally, printing and for ammonia printing process. In this
for tracing purpose 90 gsm is used. Pencil lines may be process of blue printing, the base of blue print is blue
erased with rubber and for ink lines blade, erasing knife and drawing lines are white in colour. After exposing in
or glass erasers may be used. the light paper is washed in clean water and dried in
shade. For washing water tray is used.
Tracing cloth: In some drawing tracing cloth is also
used, for preserving the tracing drawing for several years.

Construction: Draughtsman Civil - (NSQF Level - 5): Related Theory for Exercise 2.3.51 - 52 67
Ammonia Process: It is also similar to the blue printing
method. In this ammonia sensitized paper is used. The
paper is exposed in the same way of blue printing and
after exposing, the paper is developed in the ammonia
fumes raised from liquid ammonia. Chemical action
takesplace in the ammonia chamber, (Fig 3a, 3b & 3c)
due to ammonia fumes. In this the background of the
print is white and the lines are blue.

Now-a-days ammonia prints are widely used in the work

sites and for building plans.

68 Construction: Draughtsman Civil - (NSQF Level - 5): Related Theory for Exercise 2.3.51 - 52