CENTRAL LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY

Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering

CENGR1221:SURVEYING
CO4: ANGLES AND DIRECTION (PART 2/2)

MAY A. CABRAL, ABE, MSc

Faculty, Central Luzon State University
 TOPIC OUTLINE
 Measurement of Angles and Direction
 Meridians
 Units of Angular Measurements
 Designation of North Pole
 Direction of a Line
 Bearings
 Azimuth

 Compass
 Magnetic Declination
 Compass surveys
 Adjustment of Open and Close Compass Traverse
 Sources of Error

CENGR1221: Surveying
 COMPASS
• a hand-held instrument for determining the horizontal
direction of a line with reference to the magnetic
meridian
• so constructed to allow a magnetized needle to swing
freely on a pivot at the center of a graduated circle
and point toward magnetic north

FEATURES OF MAGNETIC COMPASS

1. Compass box- horizontal circle with 0-90 degrees graduation
in each quadrant and index marks place at the N and S
marking and the 90-degrees mark at the and W.
2. Line of sight- a fixed line along the index mark on the north Source:https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=http%
3A%2F%2Fwww.ussartf.org%2Fcompass_basics.htm
graduation of the circle. &psig=AOvVaw24o8OEzZBknBMx9kc8RNlr&ust=1619
700612866000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAIQj
3. Magnetic needle- magnetized tempered steel balance at its RxqFwoTCPiJyZj9oPACFQAAAAAdAAAAABAJ

center on a jeweled pivot so that it swings freely in a

horizontal position with an arrow usually marked on the north
end of the needle.
CENGR1221: Surveying
 TYPE OF COMPASS
1. BRUNTON COMPASS
• one of the most versatile and widely used
• combines the main features of a prismatic compass, sighting compass,
hand level, and clinometer.
• can be mounted on a tripod of Jacob staff or just held in one’s hand
• suitable and sufficiently accurate for preliminary and exploratory surveys, Source:https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3
A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FBrunton_compa
engineering-type surveys, and topographic surveys requiring only low ss&psig=AOvVaw3GXdUTIBzs0YFBCc742A0x&ust=1619
701712534000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAIQjRx
degree of precision qFwoTCMjV-Z-BofACFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD

2. LENSATIC COMPASS
• consists of an aluminum case containing magnetic dial balanced
on a pivot, a hinged cover with a sighting wire, a hinged
eyepiece containing a magnifying lens for reading the dial
graduations, and a sighting slot for viewing the distant object
• designed for military use such as in reconnoitering,
determining directions, orientating maps, artillery fire direction Source:https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=http%3A%
control, and other uses where magnetic azimuths are required 2F%2Fwww.land-navigation.com%2Flensatic-
compass.html&psig=AOvVaw1Mr8xmmkI3J8R7WL5AuPiz
&ust=1619701875511000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0
CAIQjRxqFwoTCODPvuqBofACFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD

CENGR1221: Surveying
 TYPE OF COMPASS
3. SURVEYOR COMPASS
• was popularly used earlier for running limited plane surveys of
reasonable accuracy.
• commonly used for forest surveys, in retracing old land survey, and in
geological explorations. Source:https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Ffanyv88.com%3A443%2Fhttps%2Fen
gineeringcivil.org%2Farticles%2Fcompass-surveying-types-
compass-advantages-disadvantages-compass-surveying-
example%2F&psig=AOvVaw1JwtjlV1bVucdaIzbvrx9R&ust=1619755
195568000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAIQjRxqFwoTCMCu5
MLIovACFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD

4. PLAIN POCKET COMPASS

• similar to the surveyor’s compass, except that it has no slight
vanes.
• small hand instrument used for obtaining roughly the bearing
of a line.
• line of sight is established by a combination of a peep sight and
a slotted vane.
• constructed such that when the cover is folded or closed, the
needle is lifted off its pivot and held against the glass cover Spource:https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Ffanyv88.com%3A443%2Fhttps%2Fwww.
brasscompass.com%2Fcomppocket2.htm&psig=AOvVaw1WIW6SP-
n4aIyf8FGWyWD8&ust=1619755276869000&source=images&cd=vfe&ve
d=0CAIQjRxqFwoTCJih7uLIovACFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD

CENGR1221: Surveying
 TYPE OF COMPASS
5. PRISMATIC COMPASS
• graduations are found on a rotating card instead of
being on the compass box.
• card moved with the needle since both are fastened
together.
• two short sightings devices are provided and magnetic
bearings are read by means of a prism at the same Source:https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Ffanyv88.com%3A443%2Fhttps%2Fwww.civilknowledges.com%2Fpr
ismatic-compass-surveying-parts-uses%2F&psig=AOvVaw3GE9UElNREB2jW-
instant that the compass is sighted along the line. fhzMF9N&ust=1619758609802000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAIQjRxqFwoTCIjq8pvVovACF
QAAAAAdAAAAABAI

6. FOREST COMPASS
• another type of a pocket compass which is usually made
of aluminum or some metal which does not affect the free
movement and positioning of the magnetic needle.
• may be hand-held or supported on a staff or tripod when
used in the field. Source:https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Ffanyv88.com%3A443%2Fhttps%2Fwww.dreamstime.
com%2Fstock-photo-compass-forest-old-lying-ground-
image50848949&psig=AOvVaw3cBLGSh5PFZTgR-
w2QrvVM&ust=1619758910410000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAIQjRxqFwoT
CKCs16fWovACFQAAAAAdAAAAABAJ
CENGR1221: Surveying
 TYPE OF COMPASS

7. TRANSIT COMPASS
• similar in construction to the surveyor’s
compass.
• This box is mounted on the upper plate
of the transit and often used to check
horizontal angles and directions
measured or laid off during transit
surveys..

CENGR1221: Surveying
 MAGNETIC DECLINATION
• the horizontal angle and direction by which the needle of a compass deflects from the true
meridian at any particular locality .

• Deflection of the needle

may be eastward or
westward of the true
meridian.
• An east declination
occurs if the north end of
the needle is east or true
north.
• It is a west declination if
the north end of the
needle is west of true
north. North end of needle is North end of needle is
east of true north west of true south

CENGR1221: Surveying
 SAMPLE PROBLEM. The magnetic
declination in a locality is 2°30’E.
Determine the true bearing and
true azimuths reckoned from north
and south of the following lines
whose magnetic bearings are
given.
a. AB, N 25°40’ E
b. AC, S 50°12’E
c. AD, S 62° 18’ W

Source: J La Putt, 2010

CENGR1221: Surveying
 a. Determining true bearing and true azimuth of line AB
Given:
d=2°30’E (magnetic declination)
α = 25°40’ (bearing angle of line AB)
Solution:
ρ =d + α = 2°30’ + 25°40’
= 28°10’ (therefore, true bearing of line AB is N28°10’
E)

π = ρ = 28°10’(true azimuth from north of line AB) Source: J La Putt, 2010

= 180° + π =180° + 28°10’

=208°10’ (true azimuth from south of line AB)

CENGR1221: Surveying
 b. Determining true bearing and true azimuth of line AC
Given:
d=2°30’E (magnetic declination)
α = 50°12’ (bearing angle of line AC)

Solution:
ρ = α - d = 50°12’ - 2°30’
= 47°42’ (therefore, true bearing of line AC is S 47°42’ E)
π =180° - ρ = 180° - 47°42’
= 132°18’ (true azimuth from north of line AC)

λ= 180° + π =180° + 132°18’

=312°18’ (true azimuth from south of line AC) Source: J La Putt, 2010

CENGR1221: Surveying
 c. Determining true bearing and true azimuth of line AD
Given:
d=2°30’E (magnetic declination)
α = 62°18’ (bearing angle of line AD)

Solution:
ρ = d + α = 2°30’ + 62°18’
=64°48’ (therefore, true beating of line AD is S 64°48’ W)

π =180° + ρ = 180° + 64°48’

= 244°48’ (true azimuth from north of line AD) Source: J La Putt, 2010

λ= ρ =64°48’ (true azimuth from south of line AD

CENGR1221: Surveying
VARIATIONS IN MAGNETIC DECLINATION
1. DAILY VARIATION
• also called diurnal variation, is an oscillation of the compass needle through a
cycle from its mean position over 24-hour period.
• periodic in character.
• extreme eastern position of the needle usually occurs early in the morning and
the extreme western pointing occurring just about after noon time.
• the amount of this variation ranges from a fraction of a minute to about 15 minutes
at different places.

2. ANNUAL VARIATION
• another form of periodic swing taken by the magnetic meridian with respect to
the true meridian.
• usually amounts to only less than 1 minute of arc and thus considered negligible.

CENGR1221: Surveying
VARIATIONS IN MAGNETIC DECLINATION

3. SECULAR VARIATION
• a slow gradual, but unexplainable shift in the position of the earth’s magnetic
meridian over a regular cycle.

4. IRREGULAR VARIATION
• an uncertain in character and cannot be predicted as to amount or occurrence.
• at high altitudes they usually amount to a degree or more
• most likely to occur during magnetic storms and disturbances associated with
sun spots, and when auroral displays occur.

CENGR1221: Surveying
USE OF COMPASS
• To obtain the magnetic bearing of a line by
means of a compass, the observer sets up the
instrument at one end of the line.
• The compass is held level and the needle
screw is released to allow the needle to swing
freely about its pivot point.
• A sight is then taken on a point at the other
end of the line.
• When needle comes to rest, the magnetic
bearing is read by noting where the north end
of the needle points on the graduated scale of
the compass box.
• It will be noted that the needle of the compass
normally always points toward magnetic north
as the compass box and sights are rotated
Source: J La Putt, 2010

CENGR1221: Surveying
LOCAL ATTRACTION

• any deviation of the magnetic

needle of a compass from its
normal pointing toward magnetic
north
• Local attraction at a particular point
may be constant, or may vary
depending upon surrounding
magnetic influences.
• Also, it is not likely to be the same
at one point as at another, even
though the points are only a short
distance apart.
Source: J La Putt, 2010

CENGR1221: Surveying
 MAGNETIC DIP
• characteristics phenomenon of the compass
needle to be attracted downward from the
horizontal plane due to the earth’s magnetic line of
force.
• if view in a horizontal projection, the lines of force
defines the magnetic meridian
• in elevation, these lines are inclined downward
toward the north in the northern hemisphere and
Source: J La Putt, 2010
also downward toward the south in the southern
hemisphere
• the lines are only horizontal at points about
halfway between the magnetic poles such as at
and near the equator.
• from the halfway point toward the poles, magnetic
line of force become increasingly steep, and at the
poles they are practically vertical.
Source:https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Ffanyv88.com%3A443%2Fhttps%2Fwww.pinterest.com%2Fpin%2F3524
77108305557543%2F&psig=AOvVaw2fXZ68wHQybCmKQy_BRzaQ&ust=1619765080602000&source=i
mages&cd=vfe&ved=0CAIQjRxqFwoTCOiopajtovACFQAAAAAdAAAAABAJ

CENGR1221: Surveying
AGBE0223: Surveying
 COMPASS SURVEYS
1. Traverse -a series of lines connecting successive points
whose lengths and direction have been determined from
field measurements.
2. Traversing - process of measuring the length and
directions of the lines of a traverse for the purpose of
locating the position of certain points

3. Traverse station- any temporary or permanent point of reference over which

the instrument is et up and usually marked by a peg or a hub driven flush with the
ground and identified by consecutive letters or numbers as the survey
progresses.
4. Traverse line - lines connecting traverse stations and whose lengths and
directions are determined.

CENGR1221: Surveying
 TYPES COMPASS SURVEYS
1. Open Compass Traverse
•it consist of series of lines known lengths and magnetic
bearings which are continuous but do not return to the
starting point or close upon a point of known position.
•usually run for preliminary or exploratory purposes as in
route surveys. Source:https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Ffanyv88.com%3A443%2Fhttps%2Fwww.slideshare.net%2FFa
rahSham%2Fsite-surveying-
transversing&psig=AOvVaw2OLHauEaIRuxJu7BvJDrkT&ust=1619768042996000&source=ima
•generally avoided since they offer no way of checking ges&cd=vfe&ved=0CAIQjRxqFwoTCJiluKn4ovACFQAAAAAdAAAAABAg

the field measurements for errors and mistakes.

2. Close Compass Traverse

• consist of series of lines of known length and magnetic
bearings which forms a close loops, or begin and end at
points whose position have been fixed by other surveys of
higher precision.
• provides checks on the measured angles and distances
• they are used extensively in construction surveys,
establishment of control for triangular work, as well as in
property and topographic surveys. Source:https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Ffanyv88.com%3A443%2Fhttp%2Fcryptome.org%2Fcartome%2FFM3-
34%2FChapter6.htm&psig=AOvVaw2OLHauEaIRuxJu7BvJDrkT&ust=1619768042996000&source=imag
es&cd=vfe&ved=0CAIQjRxqFwoTCJiluKn4ovACFQAAAAAdAAAAABAr

CENGR1221: Surveying
 ADJUSTMENT OF AN OPEN TRAVERSE
• Discrepancies in compass traverse may be due to errors of observation of local attraction.
• When adjusting an open traverse there are two important steps to perform:
 determine which among the traverse line is free from local attraction,
 perform the adjustments of successive lines by starting from either end of the
selected line.

• The unaffected line is referred to as the “best line” and it is assumed that there is no local
attraction anywhere on this line.
• Also, forward and back bearings taken at either end of the line are accepted as correct.
• An important principle to remember is that at any station the angle between the forward and
back lines can be computed from the observed bearings taken from the station regardless of
whether or not the needle is affected.
• If two or more non-adjoining lines appear to be free from local attraction, only one of these
lines is arbitrary chosen as the best line and adjustment of succeeding lines originate from it

CENGR1221: Surveying
 ILLUSTRATIVE SAMPLE
• For a particular open compass traverse the following are the
observation made on each line: AB , Fwd Brg= S 40°E, Back Brg
=N41°W; BC, Fwd Brg= N 68°E, Back Brg =S68°W; CD, Fwd Brg= N
35°E, Back Brg =S37°W; and DE, Fwd Brg= S 43°E, Back Brg =N42°W
• Since the forward and back bearings of BC are in agreement, it is
assumed that stations B and C are both free from local attraction and
BC is considered as the “best line”. Hence the correct back bearing
of CD is N35°E and the correct back bearing of AB is N41°W. The
angle at D is computed from the observed bearings of line DC and
DE is 37°+43°=80°; and this value of the angle is correct regardless of
local attraction. Therefore the adjusted forward bearings of DE is 80°-
35° or S45°E.

CENGR1221: Surveying
Illustrative Sample. Given in the tabulation below are the observed forward and
back bearings of an open compass traverse. Plot the traverse and adjust the
forward and back bearings of each course.. Tabulate answers and show
accompanying computations.
OBSERVED BEARINGS
LINE LENGTH
Forward Back
AB 400.63m N25°45’E S25°40’W
BC 450.22 S 20°30’ E N 20°25’W
CD 500.89 S35°30’W N35°30’E
DE 640.46 S75°30’E N75°25’W
EF 545.41 N58°50’E S58°15’W
FG 700.05 N22°05’E S21°55’W
 Solution: (The solution for this problem is best determined by isolating and
analyzing each station of the traverse)

1. Adjustment of line DE
a. Isolating station D and solving for θd
Given:
αdc=N35°30’E (observed bearing of DC)
αde=S75°30’E (observed bearing of DE)
θd= 180°-(αdc + αde)
= 180°-( 35°30’+ 75°30’)
= 69°00’ (correct value of the included angle
at station D, regardless of local attraction)

Source: J La Putt, 2010

CENGR1221: Surveying
 )

b. Solving for the adjusted bearing of lines DE and ED.

Given:
α'dc=N35°30’E (correct bearing of DC, the best line)
θd= 69°00’
α’de=180°- (αdc + θd)
= 180°-( 35°30’+ 69°00’)
= 75°30’ or S75°30’ E(adjusted bearing of DE)
Also, α'ed= N 75°30’ W (adjusted bearing of ED
which is opposite the adjusted bearing of DE Source: J La Putt, 2010

CENGR1221: Surveying
 2. Adjustment of line EF ) )
a. Isolating station E and solving for θe
Given:
αed=N75°25’W (observed bearing of ED)
αef= N58°50’E (observed bearing of EF)
θe= αed + αef
= 75°25’ + 58°50’
= 134°15’ (correct value of the included angle at
station E, regardless of local attraction
Source: J La Putt, 2010

b. Solving for the adjusted bearing of lines EF and FE

Given:
α'ed=N75°30’W(adjusted bearing of ED)
θe= 134°15’
α’ef= θe - α'ed = 134°15’ - 75°30’
= 58°45’ or N58°45’ E (adjusted bearing of EF)
Also, α'fe= S58°45’ W (adjusted bearing of FE which is opposite
the adjusted bearing of EF) Source: J La Putt, 2010

CENGR1221: Surveying
3. Adjustment of line FG
a. Isolating station E and solving for θf
Given:
αfg=N22°05’E (observed bearing of FG)
αfe= S58°15’W (observed bearing of FE)
θf= 180° + αfg )- αfe
= (180° + 22°05’) - 58°15’)
= 143°50’ (correct value of the included angle at station F,
regardless of local attraction)
Source: J La Putt, 2010

b. Solving for the adjusted bearing of lines FG and GF

Given:
α'fe=S58°45’W (adjusted bearing of FE)
θf= 143°50’
α’fg= α'fe + θf – 180 °
= 58°45’ + 143°50’ - 180 °
= 22°35’ or N22°35’ E (adjusted bearing of FG)
Also, α'gf= S 22°35’ W (adjusted bearing of GF which is opposite the
adjusted bearing of FG Source: J La Putt, 2010
 4. Adjustment of line BC
a. Isolating station C and solving for θc
Given:
αcd=S35°30’W (observed bearing of CD)
αcb= N20°25’W (observed bearing of CB)
θc= 180° - (αcb + αcd)
= 180° - ( 20°25’ + 35°30’)
= 124°05’ (correct value of the included angle at station C,
regardless of local attraction) Source: J La Putt, 2010

b. Solving for the adjusted bearing of lines CB and BC

Given:
α'cd=S35°30’W (correct bearing of CD, the best line)
θc= 124°05’
α’cb= 180 ° - (θc + α'cd )
= 180 ° - (124°05’ + 35°30’)
= 20°25’ or N20°25’ W (adjusted bearing of CB)
Also, α'bc= S 20°25’ E (adjusted bearing of BC which is opposite the
adjusted bearing of CB) Source: J La Putt, 2010

CENGR1221: Surveying
 5. Adjustment of line AB
a. Isolating station B and solving for θb
Given:
αba=S25°40’W (observed bearing of BA)
αbc=S20°30’E (observed bearing of BC)
θb= αba + αbc = 25°40’ + 20°30’
= 46°10’ (correct value of the included angle at station B, regardless
of local attraction) Source: J La Putt, 2010

b. Solving for the adjusted bearing of lines BA and AB

Given:
α’bc=S20°25’E (adjusted bearing of BC)
θb= 46°10’
α’ba = θb - α’bc = 46°10’ - 20°25’
= 25°45’ or S25°45’ W (adjusted bearing of BA)
Also, α'ba= N25°45’ E (adjusted bearing of AB which is opposite the
adjusted bearing of BA
Source: J La Putt, 2010

CENGR1221: Surveying
 6. Tabulated adjusted traverse data

LINE LENGTH ADJUSTED BEARINGS

FORWARD BACKWARD

AB 400.63m N25°45’E S25°45’W

BC 450.22 S 20°25’ E N 20°25’W
CD 500.89 S35°30’W N35°30’E
DE 640.46 S75°30’E N75°30’W
EF 545.41 N58°45’E S58°45’W
FG 700.05 N22°35’E S22°35’W

CENGR1221: Surveying
 ADJUSTMENT OF AN CLOSE TRAVERSE
•similar to the adjustment of an open compass traverse except that in the close traverse the effects of
observational errors are considered. The following are the important steps performed during the
adjustment:
(a) computing and adjusting the interior angles,
(b) selecting the best line of the line in the traverse which is unaffected by local attraction
(c) adjusting the observed bearings of successive lines.
•Each interior angles is computed from the observed bearings of the back and forward line at each
traverse station.
•The computed interior angles, when summed up, should be equal to (n-2)180° , in which n is the number
of sides or interior angles in traverse. However, there is always be some amount of inconsistency due to
errors of observation or the effects of local attraction.
•When adjusting the interior angles, the correction to be applied to each angle must first be ascertain.
•The correction is determine by dividing the total error of closure by number of interior angles in the
traverse.
•If the sum of the computed angles is less than (n-2)180°, the correction is added to each interior angles to
determine the adjusted angle at each station.
• However if the same sum is greater than (n-2)180°, the correction is correspondingly subtracted from
each computed interior angles.

CENGR1221: Surveying
 SAMPLE FIELD
NOTES FOR
CLOSED
COMPASS
TRAVERSE

Source: J La Putt, 2010

CENGR1221: Surveying
 PRECISION OF COMPASS READINGS
•It must first of all be clearly that the compass is not an instrument of
precision.
•When using a magnetic compass, precise work should not be
attempted nor expected.
•The compass is not recommended for laying out direction with the
type of precision required in most modern engineering
constructions.
•A magnetic compass is designed to be used only for ordinary
surveys requiring low accuracy and precision.

CENGR1221: Surveying
 Illustrative Sample. The following are observed
bearings of a closed compass traverse. Compute
the interior angles and correct them for
observational errors. Assuming the observed
bearings of line AB (“best line”) to be correct,
adjust the bearings of the remaining sides.

LINE LENGTH ADJUSTED BEARINGS

FORWARD BACKWARD
AB 46.50m S30°40’W N30°40’E
BC 75.15 S 83°50’E N 84°30’W
CD 117.35 N02°00’W S02°15’E
DE 74.92 S 89°30W Due East
EA 60.25 S 28°50E N 28°00’W Source: J La Putt, 2010

CENGR1221: Surveying
 Solution:
1. Solving for the interior angles
a. At station A
αae= N28°00’W (observed bearing of AE)
αab= S30°40’W (observed bearing of AB)
θa= 180° + αae + αab
= 180° + 28°00’ + 30°40’
=238°40’ (interior angle at A)
Source: J La Putt, 2010

b. At station B
αba= N30°40’E (observed bearing of BA)
αbc= S83°50’E (observed bearing of BC)
θb= 180° - (αba + αbc)
= 180° -( 30°40’ + 83°50’)
=65°30’ (interior angle at B)
Source: J La Putt, 2010

CENGR1221: Surveying
 e. At station E
αed= Due East (observed bearing of ED)
αea= S28°50’E (observed bearing of EA)
θe= 180° - (αed + αea)
= 180° - (90°00’ + 28°50’)
=61°10’ (interior angle at E)

Source: J La Putt, 2010

CENGR1221: Surveying
 2. Adjusting the interior angles:
Suma = θa + θb + θc + θd + θe
= 238°40’ + 65°30’ + 84°30’+ 91°45’+ 61°10’
= 539°35’ (sum of interior angles)
The sum of the interior angles of a polygon 5 sides should be equal to:
Sumb= (n-2)180° where : n is the number of sides
= (5-2)180°
= 540°
θ= Sumb – Suma= 540° - 539°35’
= 25’ (error of closure)
Corr= e/n =25’/5 = 05’ (correction per interior angle)

Since sum is less than Sumb , the correction is added to each interior angle to determine the
adjusted interior angle at each station, therefore:
θ'a = θa + corr = 238°40’ + 05’ = 238°45’
θ'b = θb + corr = 65°30’ + 05’ = 65°35’
θ'c = θc + corr = 82°30’+ 05’ = 82°35’
θ'd = θd + corr = 91°45’+ 05’ = 91°50’
θ'e = θe + corr = 61°10’+ 05’ = 61°15’

CENGR1221: Surveying
 3. Solving for the adjusted bearings
a. Adjustment of lines BC and CD (Note: the adjustment is started
from either end of the best line)
θ'b = 65°35’ (adjusted interior angle at B)
α’ba= N30°40,E (correct bearing of BA, the best line)
α’bc = 180° - (α’ba + θ'b )= 180° - (30°40’ +65°35’)
= 83°45’ or S 83°45’ E (adjusted bearing of BC)

Also; α’cb = N 83°45’ W (adjusted bearing of CB which is opposite

the adjusted bearing of BC)
Source: J La Putt, 2010

b. Adjustment of lines CD and DC

θ'c = 82°35’ (adjusted interior angle at C)
α’cb= N83°45,E (adjusted bearing of CB)
α’cd = α’cb - θ'c = 83°45 - 82°35’
= 01°10’ or N 01°10’ W (adjusted bearing of CD)

Also; α’dc = S01°10’ E (adjusted bearing of DC which is opposite the

adjusted bearing of CD)
Source: J La Putt, 2010

CENGR1221: Surveying
 c. Adjustment of lines DE and ED
θ'd = 91°50’ (adjusted interior angle at D)
α’dc= S01°10’,E (adjusted bearing of DC)
α’de = 180°+ (α’dc - θ'd) =180°+ (01°10’- 91°50’)
= 89°20’ or N 89°20’ W (adjusted bearing of DE)

Also; α’ed = S89°20’ E (adjusted bearing of ED which is

opposite the adjusted bearing of DE)
Source: J La Putt, 2010

d. Adjustment of lines EA and AE

θ'e = 61°15’ (adjusted interior angle at E)
α’ed = S89°20’ E (adjusted bearing of ED)
α’ed = α’ed - θ'e =89°20’ - 61°15’
= 28°05’ or S 28°05’ E (adjusted bearing of EA)

Also; α’ae =N 28°05’ W (adjusted bearing of AE which is opposite the

adjusted bearing of EA)
Source: J La Putt, 2010

CENGR1221: Surveying
 4. Solution check: The forward bearings of the line AB is
computed from the adjusted bearing of AE and the
adjusted interior angle at station A. If the same forward
and back bearings are determined, the adjustment of the
traverse was done correctly.
α’ae = N 28°05’ W (adjusted bearing of AE)
θ'a = 238°45’ (adjusted interior angle at A)
α’ab = θ'a - (180° + α’ae)
= 238°45’ - (180° + 28°05’) Source: J La Putt, 2010
= 30°40’ or S 30°40’ W (adjusted bearing of AB)
Also; α’ae =N 30°40’ E (adjusted bearing of BA which is
opposite the adjusted bearing of AB)
Since the computed bearing of lines AB and BA are the
same as the given bearing of the best line, the preceding
computations are all assumed to be correct

CENGR1221: Surveying
 COMPUTED ADJUSTED ADJUSTED
STA INTERIOR CORR INTERIOR LINE BEARINGS
ANGLES ANGLES FORWARD BACK
A 238°40’ +05’ 238°45’ AB S30°40’W N30°40’E
B 65°30’ +05’ 65°35’ BC S 83°45’E N 83°45’W
C 82°30’ +05’ 82°35’ CD N01°10’W S01°10’E
D 91°45’ +05’ 91°50’ DE N 89°20W S 89°20W
E 61°10’ +05’ 61°15’ EA S 28°05E N 28°05’W
SUMS 539°35’ + 25’ 540°00’

CENGR1221: Surveying
 SOURCES OF ERROR IN COMPASS WORK
1. BENT NEEDLE- when a magnetic compass with a bent needle is used, all observed bearings
will have a constant error. Either end of the needle will read higher or a lower than the correct
value.

2. BENT PIVOT – a variable systematic error is introduced when a magnetic compass has a bent
pivot, The magnitude of the error will depend upon the direction in which the sight is made. The
error can be eliminated by reading both ends of the needle and averaging the two values observed. A
bent pivot may be straightened by hand or a pair of fliers.

3. SLUGGISH NEEDLE- when the magnetism of the needle is weak, it tends to lag and move in
sluggish manner. This lag produces a random error since the needle is not likely to come to rest
exactly on the magnetic meridian. A weak needle may be remagnetized by drawing its ends over a
bar of magnet from the center to the ends of the magnet.

4. PLANE OF SIGHT NOT VERTICAL- when observing the direction of a line, the line of sight
may be steeply inclined if the sight vanes are bent. The correct alignment of the vanes may be
tested by aligning it with plumb line when the compass is leveled.

CENGR1221: Surveying
 SOURCES OF ERROR IN COMPASS WORK
5. ELECTRICALLY CHARGE COMPASS BOX- The glass cover of the compass box becomes
slightly charges with electricity when its surface is rubbed. It attracts the magnetic needle and
causes it to stick. Touching the glass cover with a moistened finger will remove static electricity

6.LOCAL ATTRACTION- the correct pointing of the magnetic needle toward magnetic north is
usually affected by different forms of local attraction such as power transmission lines, items made
of iron or steel, underground ore deposits and etc. Compass direction should always be observed
at both ends of any line to detect local attraction and to be able to make the necessary corrections
or adjustments.

7. MAGNETIC VARIATION- systematic errors in compass surveys are caused by daily, annual,
secular or irregular variation in magnetic declination.

8.ERRORS IN READING THE NEEDLE- usually the source of most accidental errors in
compass work is due to the inability of the observer to determine exactly the point on the
graduated circle where the needle comes to rest.

CENGR1221: Surveying
 MISTAKES IN COMPASS WORK
1. Reading the wrong end of magnetic needle

2. Failing to observe the reverse bearing or azimuths line of traverse

3. Not releasing the needle completely and not allowing it to swing

freely about the pivot.

4. Misreading the quadrant letters when taking a bearing near the

cardinal point of the compass. For example, a bearing of N15°25’W, is
misread as N15°25’E.
5. Bearing letters are not change when using the reversed bearing of a
line.
CENGR1221: Surveying
 MISTAKES IN COMPASS WORK

6.Setting off the magnetic declination on the wrong side of north.

7. Failing to adjust the observed traverse angles prior to calculating

bearings or azimuth of traverse line.

8. Mixing or interchanging the recording of azimuth from north and

south, magnetic and true bearings, clockwise and counterclockwise
angles or forward and back bearings.

9.Selecting a line for referencing arbitrary directions which may be

difficult to locate later.

CENGR1221: Surveying