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G E 1 0 : G E N E R A L S U RV E Y I N G I

TAPING ERRORS, TECHNIQUES, AND

CORRECTIONS

LECTURE OUTLINE

 Taping
 Taping Accessories
 Taping Operations
 Taping Errors and Corrections
 Tape not of standard length
 Temperature
 Tension
 Sag
 Slope
 Alignment
• Wind

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TAPING

A B

 involves direct measurement of distances with measuring tape

 consists of stretching a calibrated tape between two points
and reading the distance indicated on the tape
 most common method of measuring or laying out horizontal distances
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TAPING

STEEL TAPE INVAR TAPE

(Nickel-Steel
Alloy; Most
SYNTHETIC TAPE precise)
(Fiberglass)

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CHAINING

Gunter’s Chain
• by Sir Edmund Gunter
(1620)
• 66 ft with 100 links
• 1 link = 0.66ft
= 7.92 inches

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TAPING ACCESSORIES

RANGE POLE

 Made of wood, steel, or aluminum are about 1

inch thick and 6 to 10 feet long
 Marked with alternate 1-ft long red and white
bands that can be used for rough
measurements.
 To mark the line being measured so that the
tape’s alignment can be maintained

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TAPING ACCESSORIES

CHAINING PINS
 Used to mark tape lengths
 Made of number 12 steel wire, sharply
pointed at one end and a round loop at the
other end
 Painted with alternate red and white bands
 Sets of 11 pins carried on a steel ring are
standard

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TAPING ACCESSORIES

PLUMB BOB
 Used to mark direction of exact point
 Measure plumb bob to plumb bob
distance in different elevations
 Should weigh a minimum of 8 oz and
have a fine point

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TAPING ACCESSORIES

CLINOMETER

 For measuring elevation angles

above horizontal
 Measures both incline and decline
in slope

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TAPING ACCESSORIES

WOODEN STAKE

 For marking
purposes especially
in soft soil-based
environment

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TAPING OPERATIONS
BREAKING TAPE
 measurement of shorter distances which are
accumulated to total a full tape length

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TAPING OPERATIONS
SLOPE TAPING
 taped measurements are made directly along the slopes when
the ground is of uniform inclination and fairly smooth

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TAPING ERRORS AND CORRECTIONS

50 m standard tape

50 m - TAPE TOO SHORT

50 m - TAPE TOO LONG

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TAPING ERRORS AND CORRECTIONS

A B

A B
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RULES IN TAPE CORRECTIONS

When a line is measured with a tape that

is “TOO LONG”, corrections are ADDED

A B

50 m standard tape

50 m tape - TOO LONG

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RULES IN TAPE CORRECTIONS

When laying out a length with a tape that is

“TOO LONG”, corrections are SUBTRACTED

A B

50 m standard tape

50 m tape - TOO LONG

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RULES IN TAPE CORRECTIONS

When a line is measured or laid out with a tape

that is “TOO SHORT”, corrections applied are
opposite of 1st and 2nd rules

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RULES IN TAPE CORRECTIONS

TOO
ACTION TOO LONG
SHORT
MEASURE - +
LAYOUT + -

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CORRECTIONS TO TAPE

Tape not of
Temperature Tension Sag
standard length

Slope Alignment Wind

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GENERAL EQUATION

 ML 
CL = ML ± Corr  
 NL 
CL = corrected length of the line to be measured
or laid out
ML = length measured or laid out
Corr = correction per tape length
NL = nominal Length of tape
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TAPE NOT OF STANDARD LENGTH

 Often due to imperfections in their

manufacture, stretching or wear
 Also due to constant use of tapes
becoming worn, kinked, and
improperly repaired when breaks
occurred
 Corrections may vary from few
millimeters or centimeters

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TAPE NOT OF STANDARD LENGTH

EXAMPLE
The length of line AB measured
with a 50-m tape is 465.285 m.
The tape used is found out to be
ML = 465.285 m NL = 50 m
0.016 m too long. Determine the Corr = 0.016 m
correct length of AB. 465.285
465.285 0.016
A B 50

50 m standard tape
0.016 m 465.285
465.285 0.016
50
TAPE TOO LONG
CL = 465.434 m
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TEMPERATURE

 Change in the length of the tape due to

variations in temperature
 Occurs when measurements are taken
at temperatures above or below the
standard temperature of the tape
 Correction is usually small and
negligible
 Proportional to the number of tape
lengths

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TEMPERATURE

C t = kL(T − Ts )
Ct = Correction due to change in temperature
k = coefficient of linear expansion (steel = 0.0000116/°C)
L = length of line measured
T = temperature of tape at time of measurements
Ts = standard temperature of tape (usually 20 °C)

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TEMPERATURE
A B

EXAMPLE 50 m standard tape

20 °C
A steel tape is known to be 50
m long at 20 °C. The tape was 35 °C TAPE TOO LONG
used to measure a line 532.28 Ct per tape length =
m long at 35 °C. Determine: (0.0000116 / °C ) (50 m) (35 °C – 20 °C)
1. Whether the tape is “too = 0.0087 m
short” or “too long” Ct total = 0.0087 m (532.28 m / 50 m)
2. Ct per tape length = 0.0926 m
3. Ct total CL = 532.28 m + 0.0926 m
4. Corrected length of line = 532.373 m
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TENSION
 Arises whenever the pull applied is
different from the standard tension used
in calibration
 A function of:
 Difference between applied and
standard pulls
 Measured length
 Cross-sectional area of the tape
 Modulus of elasticity of the tape
material

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TENSION

(PM − PS )L
CP =
AE
CP = correction due to incorrect pull applied on the tape (m)
E = modulus of elasticity of the tape material (kg/cm2) or (Pa)
L = length of line measured (m)
PM = pull applied to the tape during measurement (kg)
PS = standard pull applied to the tape (kg)
A = cross-sectional area of the tape (cm2) or (m2)
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TENSION
B
EXAMPLE A

A line was determined to be 5 kg 30 m standard tape

2395.25 m, when measured with
a 30 m steel tape supported 4 kg TAPE TOO SHORT
throughout its length under a (4 kg −5 kg)(30 m)
pull of 4 kg. Tape used is of CP PTL =
(2x106 kg/cm2)(0.03 cm2)
standard length under a pull of 5
kg. Cross sectional area of tape = −0.0005 m
0.03 sq. cm. Modulus of CP total = (-0.0005 m)(2395.25 m / 30 m)
elasticity of tape is 2x106 kg/cm2. = −0.0399 m
Determine the corrected length. CL = 2395.25 m – 0.0399 m
= 2395.210 m
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SAG
 Occurs when tape supports are only at its ends or at the 2
points measured
 Will sag because of its own weight
 Similar to electric or telephone wires which swings loosely
between two posts

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SAG

w 2 L3
CS = 2
24P
CS = correction due to sag (m)
w = weight of tape per unit length (kg/m)
L = interval between supports or unsupported length of tape (m)
P = tension or pull applied on the tape (kg)
Note: The effect of sag always shortens the tape.
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SAG
A B
EXAMPLE 30 m standard tape
A 30-m tape is used with applied TAPE TOO
tension of 50 kg. However, the SHORT
tape is not supported in between. kg 2
(0.14 m ) 30 m 3
If the unit weight of tape is 0.14 CS 30-m = (24) 50 kg 2 = 0.00882 m
kg/m, determine the sag kg 2 3
correction per tape length. If the CS 3.54-m = (0.14 m ) 3.54 m = 1.449 x 10-5 m
2
total length measured is 333.54 (24) 50 kg
m, determine the total sag CS total = (11)(0.00882 m) + (1.449 x 10-5 m)
correction and corrected length. = 0.0970 m
CL = 333.54 m – 0.0970 m = 333.443 m
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SLOPE
When distances are measured along a slope, the equivalent
horizontal distance may correspondingly be determined by
applying an approximate or exact slope correction

d = s − Ch

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SLOPE

d = s − Ch
h2 h2 h4
Ch = Ch = + 3 C h = s (1 − cos θ )
2s 2s 8s
Gentle Slopes Steep Slopes Very Steep Slopes
(<20%) (Between 20% & 30%) (>30%)

Ch = slope correction = s-d

h = Delev between points
s = measured slope distance
d = equivalent horizontal distance
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SLOPE
B -20.60 m
EXAMPLE
30.55 m

Slope distances AB and BC are

measured with lengths 76.52 m and C
84.94 m, respectively. The differences A
in elevation are 30.55 m for points A
and B, and –20.60m for points B and C. HDAB HDBC
Determine the combined slope
correction for line AC assuming slopes (30.55 m)2 (−20.60 m)2
Ch A-B = (2)(76.52 m) Ch B-C = (2)(84.94 m)
are gentle, steep and very steep.
Finally, calculate the corrected = 6.098 m = 2.498 m
horizontal distance AC for each slope
HDAC = 76.52 m – 6.098 m + 84.94 m – 2.498 m
type.
HDAC = 152.864 m (gentle slope)
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SLOPE
B

-20.60 m
EXAMPLE

30.55 m
Slope distances AB and BC are
measured with lengths 76.52 m and C
84.94 m, respectively. The differences A
in elevation are 30.55 m for points A
and B, and –20.60m for points B and C. HDAB HDBC
Determine the combined slope
(30.55 m)2 (30.55 m)4 (−20.60 m)2 (−20.60 m)4
correction for line AC assuming slopes Ch A-B = +
(2)(76.52 m) (8)(76.52 m)3
Ch B-C = +
(2)(84.94 m) (8)(84.94 m)3
are gentle, steep and very steep.
Finally, calculate the corrected = 6.341 m = 2.535 m
horizontal distance AC for each slope HDAC = 76.52 m – 6.341 m + 84.94 m – 2.535 m
type.
HDAC = 152.584 m (steep slope)
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SLOPE
B -20.60 m
EXAMPLE
30.55 m

Slope distances AB and BC are

measured with lengths 76.52 m and θ=14°° 2ʹ8.03" C
θ=23°° 1ʹ 50.89"
84.94 m, respectively. The differences A
in elevation are 30.55 m for points A
and B, and –20.60m for points B and C. HDAB HDBC
Determine the combined slope
correction for line AC assuming slopes Ch A-B = (76.52 m) (1 – cos(23°31ʹ50.89“))
are gentle, steep and very steep. = 6.363 m
Finally, calculate the corrected Ch B-C = (84.94 m) (1 – cos(14°02ʹ 8.03“))
horizontal distance AC for each slope = 2.536 m
HDAC = 76.52 m – 6.363 m + 84.94 m – 2.536 m
type.
HDAC = 152.561 m (very steep slope)
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ALIGNMENT

 Linear error due to inaccuracy in

alignment of a tape
 Similar to the effect of slope
 Easier to control and smaller in
magnitude
 Generally least important among
different tape corrections

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WIND
 Caused by wind blowing
perpendicular to the direction of
taping
 Wind moves the middle and
unsupported portion of the tape to
one side of the line measured
 Similar to the effect of sag but is
usually much less
 Preferable not to undertake any
taping work during windy days

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CORRECTIONS COMBINED
Rear tapeman and head tapeman measured slope AB Elev = 45.10 m
(gentle slope) of length 1435.30 m using a 50 m tape B
of standard length that has a weight per unit length
of 0.05 kg/m with a cross-sectional area of 0.04 cm2.
It has a modulus of elasticity of 2.10 x 106 kg/cm2.
The tape is of standard length under a pull of 5.5 kg A
when supported throughout its length and a Elev = 32.75 m HDAB=?
temperature of 20˚C. At the time of measurement,
the pull was 8 kg and the temperature observed was
18˚C. Elevations of point A and point B were 32.75 m 50 m tape
and 45.1 m, respectively. Assuming coefficient of
linear expansion of tape is 0.0000116 /˚C. Determine OTHERS
the following:
MEASURED STANDARD w = 0.05 kg/m
a. Total correction of measured length
b. Corrected slope distance T = 18˚C T = 20˚C A = 0.04 cm2
c. Horizontal distance AB P = 8 kg P = 5.5 kg E = 2.10 x 106 kg/cm2
K = 0.0000116 /˚C
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CORRECTIONS COMBINED
Rear tapeman and head tapeman measured TEMPERATURE
slope AB (gentle slope) of length 1435.30 m using
a 50 m tape of standard length that has a weight Ct= kL (Tm - Ts)
of 0.05 kg/m with a cross-sectional area of 0.04
cm2. It has a modulus of elasticity of 2.10 x 106 Ct, TOTAL=
kg/cm2. The tape is of standard length under a (0.0000116 / °C ) (1435.50 m) (18 °C – 20 °C)
pull of 5.5 kg when supported throughout its
length and a temperature of 20˚C. At the time of -0.03329896 m
measurement, the pull was 8 kg and the TENSION
temperature observed was 18 ˚C. Elevations of
point A and point B were 32.75 m and 45.1 m, (Pm−Ps)(L)
respectively. Assuming coefficient of linear CP=
AE
expansion of tape is 0.0000116 /˚C. Determine
the following: (8 kg −5.5 kg)(1435.50 m)
CP, TOTAL=
a. Total correction of measured length (0.04 cm2)(2.10 x 106 kg/cm2)
b. Corrected slope distance
c. Horizontal distance AB 0.0427172619 m
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CORRECTIONS COMBINED
Rear tapeman and head tapeman measured
slope AB (gentle slope) of length 1435.30 m using
a 50 m tape of standard length that has a weight SAG

w2 L3
of 0.05 kg/m with a cross-sectional area of 0.04
cm2. It has a modulus of elasticity of 2.10 x 106
CS =
kg/cm2. The tape is of standard length under a
pull of 5.5 kg when supported throughout its 24P2
length and a temperature of 20˚C. At the time of
measurement, the pull was 8 kg and the CS, TOTAL=
kg 2 kg
temperature observed was 18˚C. Elevations of (0.05 m ) 50 m 3 (0.05 m )2 35.30 m 3
point A and point B were 32.75 m and 45.1 m, (28)+
respectively. Assuming coefficient of linear (24) 8 kg 2 (24) 8 kg 2
expansion of tape is 0.0000116 /˚C. Determine
the following: 5.76820797 m
a. Total correction of measured length
b. Corrected slope distance
c. Horizontal distance AB
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CORRECTIONS COMBINED
Rear tapeman and head tapeman measured
slope AB (gentle slope) of length 1435.30 m using
a 50 m tape of standard length that has a weight CORRECTED SLOPE DISTANCE
of 0.05 kg/m with a cross-sectional area of 0.04
cm2. It has a modulus of elasticity of 2.10 x 106
kg/cm2. The tape is of standard length under a SDcorr = -0.03329896 m + 0.0427172619 m
pull of 5.5 kg when supported throughout its -5.76820797 m
length and a temperature of 20˚C. At the time of
measurement, the pull was 8 kg and the -5.758789968 m
temperature observed was 18˚C. Elevations of
point A and point B were 32.75 m and 45.1 m, SDcorr =
respectively. Assuming coefficient of linear 1435.30 m - 5.758789968 m
expansion of tape is 0.0000116 /˚C. Determine
the following: 1429.54121 m
a. Total correction of measured length
b. Corrected slope distance
c. Horizontal distance AB
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CORRECTIONS COMBINED
Rear tapeman and head tapeman measured Elev = 45.10 m
slope AB (gentle slope) of length 1435.30 m using
B
a 50 m tape of standard length that has a weight
of 0.05 kg/m with a cross-sectional area of 0.04
cm2. It has a modulus of elasticity of 2.10 x 106
kg/cm2. The tape is of standard length under a A
pull of 5.5 kg when supported throughout its Elev = 32.75 m HDAB=?
length and a temperature of 20˚C. At the time of
measurement, the pull was 8 kg and the SLOPE
temperature observed was 18˚C. Elevations of
point A and point B were 32.75 m and 45.1 m, h2 (45.10 m −32.75 m)2
Ch = Ch = 2(1429.54121 m )
respectively. Assuming coefficient of linear 2s
expansion of tape is 0.0000116 /˚C. Determine
the following: 0.05334555078 m
a. Total correction of measured length HD = 1429.54121 m − 0.05334555078 m
b. Corrected slope distance
c. Horizontal distance AB 1429.488 m
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CORRECTIONS COMBINED
The taped slope distance of a line is 99.812 meters using a 100 m steel tape weighing 2 kg at standard pull of 10
kg and temperature of 32°C. The difference in elevation between the end points is 45 centimeters. The tape is
exactly 100 m at temperature of 28°C and standard pull of 10 kg. If the coefficient of expansion is 0.0000118 /°C
and a pull is 10 kg was applied, supported at 25 m interval during the measurement, find the corrected
horizontal distance.

= (0.0000118 / °C ) (99.812 m) (32 ° C – 28 ° C)

TEMPERATURE = 0.0047111264 m
2 kg 2
) 25 m 3
2 kg 2 3
( ( ) 24.812 m Note:
SAG =3* 100 m 100 m
2 2 2kg/100m is the weight
25-M SUPPORT (24) 10 kg (24) 10 kg
per unit length
= 0.01035835736 m
TOTAL CORRECTION FOR = + 0.0047111264 m - 0.01035835736 m
SLOPE DISTANCE
= - 0.05647230959 m
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CORRECTIONS COMBINED
The taped slope distance of a line is 99.812 meters using a 100 m steel tape weighing 2 kg at standard pull of 10
kg and temperature of 32°C. The difference in elevation between the end points is 45 centimeters. The tape is
exactly 100 m at temperature of 28°C and standard pull of 10 kg. If the coefficient of expansion is 0.0000118 /°C
and a pull is 10 kg was applied, supported at 25 m interval during the measurement, find the corrected
horizontal distance.

CORRECTED SLOPE = 99.812 m - 0.05647230959 m

DISTANCE = 99.80635277 m
(0.45 m)2
SLOPE = 2 (99.80635277 m)
CORRECTION
= - 0.001014464482 m
HORIZONTAL DISTANCE = 99.80635277 m - 0.001014464482 m
= 99.8053383 m
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COMBINED CORRECTIONS
For combined corrections:
• Identify all errors present (tape not standard length, temperature, tension, sag, and
slope)
• Compute total correction per error type (do not include slope)
• Apply dimensional analysis. Breakdown units to base SI units (ex. Newton = kg *
m/s2. Make sure that remaining unit is meter.
• Use gravitational acceleration of 9.81 m/s2 if necessary.
• Add all total corrections of all errors present (except slope)
• If the problem involves slope, add the total correction to measured slope distance =
corrected slope distance
• Compute for slope correction
• Subtract slope correction to corrected slope distance = Horizontal Distance

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REFERENCES

 Davis, R.E., et. al (1981). Surveying: Theory and Practice. USA: McGraw-Hill, Inc.
 La Putt, J.P. (2007). Elementary Surveying. Philippines: National Book Store.

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2/3/2025
GE 10: GENERAL SURVEYING I | UP DEPARTMENT OF GEODETIC ENGINEERING 48

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