1.

MEASUREMENT OF HORIZONTAL ANGLES BY REPITITION METHOD USING A THEODOLITE

AIM: To measure horizontal angles at a point by the method of repetition.
BASIC CONCEPT: The method of repetition of measuring horizontal angle is used for very accurate work. In this
method the angle is divided into the number of repetitions to get the value of the angle. The method of
repetitions consists in measuring the horizontal angle clockwise by any number of times. Generally six repetitions
are made, out of which half of the repetition are made with the telescope normal and the other half with the
telescope inverted. By this process very accurate measurement of angles can be made.
APPARATUS:
1. Theodolite
2. Tripod
3. Ranging Rods
PROCEDURE:
(i)Let an angle AOB is to be measured. The theodolite is set up over station O. All the temporary adjustments are
made.
(ii)Let the first observation be taken with face left. The lower clamp is tightened and upper clamp is loosened.
(iii)The telescope is turned clockwise such that that the vernier A is set to 0 and vernier B to approximately
180.The upper clamp is then tightened. By operating the tangent screw verniers A and B are set exactly on 0
and 180 respectively.
(iv)The lower clamp is then loosened and the telescope is directed to the object A located at the left. The ranging
rod at A is bisected roughly. The lower clamp is tightened and by operating the tangent screw the ranging rod at
A is accurately bisected.
(v)Keeping the lower clamp at fixed condition, the upper clamp is loosened and the telescope is turned clockwise
by roughly bisecting the ranging rod at B. The upper clamp is fixed and tangent screw is operated to get the
correct bisection of ranging rod at B.
(vi)The readings on vernier A, the angle is noted directly. In the case of vernier B, the angle is obtained by
subtracting the initial reading from the final reading. The readings are tabulated.
(vii)Keeping the verniers unchanged, unclamp the lower plate and turn the telescope in clockwise direction and
the object A is bisected using lower clamp and tangent screw.
(viii)Now the upper clamp is released, and the telescope turned clockwise and the station B is bisected again
using the upper clamp and the tangent screw. The verniers will read now, the twice of the angle.
(ix)The process is repeated (usually three) until the requested repetition is over.
(x)Then the face is changed. Now the telescope will be inverted. The whole procedure is repeated.
(xi)The average of the two values of angles gives the precise value of angle AOB.

Vernier A
Vernier B
Vernier A
Vernier B
Vernier A
Vernier B
Face:Left

A
0
180

Difference

Swing:Clockwise
Mean:

Face:Right
Vernier A
Vernier B
Vernier A
Vernier B
Vernier A
Vernier B

Swing:Clockwise
A
0
180

Difference

Mean:

RESULT: The included angle AOB is measured as:

2. MEASUREMENT OF HORIZONTAL ANGLES BY REITERATION METHOD USING A THEODOLITE

AIM: To measure the horizontal angles at a point by the method of reiteration.
BASIC CONCEPT: In this method several angles subtended at a point are measured successively and finally the
horizon is closed.(Closing the horizon is the process of measuring the angles around a point to obtain a check on
their sum, which should be equal to 360).It is known as direction method or method of series.
APPARATUS:
1.Thedolite
2.Tripod
3.Ranging Rod
PROCEDURE:
(i)The instrument is set at O and initial adjustments are made accurately.
(ii)The vernier is set to zero. The telescope is directed to A and bisected using the lower clamp and tangent screw.
The vernier reading is noted.
(iii)The upper clamp is loosened and the telescope is turned clockwise and the object B is bisected accurately.
Both the verniers are noted and the average value gives the angle AOB>
(iv)Similarly the objects C,D and E are bisected successively and reading both the verniers at every bisection.
(v)Finally the horizon is closed by sighting the ranging rod at A.
(vi)Now the vernier A should read 360.If not, the error is noted, and distributed equally if the error is
small.Otherwise the whole process is repeated.
(vii)It should be noted that the lower clamp remain undisturbed during the revolution of the telescope.
(viii)The face is changed,i.e.the telescope is transited such that it is upside down and is swung through 180
(ix)The vernier is set to 0 or any other degree(say 60)
(x)The horizontal angles are measured in the same manner.
(xi)The mean of the two results is taken as the exact value.
Face:Left
Vernier A
Vernier B
AOB=
BOC=
COD=
=
EOA=
Face:Right
Vernier A
Vernier B
AOB=

A
0
180

A
0
180

Swing:Right
A

Swing:Right
A

BOC=
COD=
=
EOA=

RESULT:
The angles are measured as
AOB=
BOC=
COD=
=
EOA=

3. MEASUREMENT OF VERTICAL ANGLES AND DETERMINATION OF HEIGHT OF AN

OBJECT USING THEODOLITE SURVEY
Aim: To measure the height of the object (building)
APPARATUS
1.Theodolite
2.Tripod
3.Tape
PROCEDURE:
(i)Level the instrument with reference to the plate level
(ii)Keep the altitude level parallel to any two foot screws and bring the bubble central. Rotate the telescope
through 90 till the altitude bubble is on the third screw. Bring the bubble to the centre with the third foot screw.
(iii)Repeat step (ii) till the bubble is central in both the positions.
(iv)Now rotate the instrument through 180. The bubble should remain in the centre of its run, provided it is in
correct adjustment. The vertical axis will then be truly vertical. If not, it needs permanent adjustment.
(v)In the same way, the instrument should be leveled with reference to the altitude bubble.
(vi)The vertical vernier is set to zero exactly by using clamp and tangent screws.
(vii)The bubble of the altitude level is brought to the centre of its run by means of the clip screws. Thus the line of
collimation is made horizontal.
(viii)The distance D is measured by chain or tape or found out by the stadia method.
(ix)The angle of elevation and angle of depression are measured.
(x)A BS reading is taken on the BM. Let it be h1.
(xi)Now h2=D tan and h3=D tan
(xii)Total height H=h2+h3
(xiii)HI=BM+h1.
(xiv)R.L of P=BM+h1+h2
Face:-Left
C

RESULT:
(i)The height of the building is
(ii)The R.L. of the top of the building is

Face:-Right
C

Mean

4. HEIGHTS AND DISTANCES

(SINGLE PLANE METHOD USING THEODOLITE)
AIM:- To find the heights and distance of the object using single plane method, the foot of the object being
inaccessible.
APPARATUS:
1.Thedolite
2.Tripod
3.Levelling Staff
4.Tape
PROCEDURE:
(I)Set up the theodolite at P and level it accurately with respect to the altitude bubble.
(ii)Direct the telescope towards Q and bisect it accurately. Clamp both the plates. Read the vertical angle 1.
(iii)Transit the telescope so that the line of sight is reversed. Mark the second instrument station R on the ground
with the help of ranging rod. Measure the distance RP accurately.
(iv) Repeat steps (ii) and (iii) for both face observations. The mean values should be adopted.
(iv) With the vertical vernier set to zero reading, take the reading on the staff kept at the nearby B.M. Take the
staff reading on B.M.(s1)
(v)Shift the instrument to R and set up the theodolite there. Measure the vertical angle 2 to Q with both face
observations.
(vi)With the vertical vernier set to zero reading, take the reading on the staff kept on B.M(s2).
Instrument
station
P
R

Vertical
angle
1
2

s1= ______

s2=_______

Face:-Left
C

B point is at higher elevation than A

h1=D tan 1
h2=(b+D)tan 2
h1-h2=difference in level of instrument axes=s2-s1=s
s=D tan 1-(b+D)tan 2
s + b tan 2
D=
tan 1 tan 2
h1=D tan 1
R.L of Q=R.L of B.M+s1+h1

Face:-Right
C

Mean

A point is at higher elevation than B

b tan 2 -s
D=
tan 1 tan 2
h1=D tan 1
R.L of Q=R.L of B.M+s1+h1

Q
h1

1
s
S1

A
B

Q'

2
P

S2

h2

RESULT:
(I)The horizontal distance between instrument station P and Q=
(ii)R.L of Q=

Q''

5. HEIGHTS AND DISTANCES

(DOUBLE PLANE METHOD USING THEODOLITE)
AIM:- To find the heights and distance of the object using double plane method, the foot of the object being
inaccessible.
APPARATUS:
1.Thedolite
2.Tripod
3.Levelling Staff
4.Tape
PROCEDURE:
(i)Let P and R be the two instrument stations not in the same vertical plane as that of Q.
(ii)Set up the theodolite at P and level it accurately with respect to the altitude bubble.
(iii)Direct the telescope towards Q and bisect it accurately. Clamp both the plates. Read the vertical angle 1.
(iii)Loosen the upper plate and direct the telescope towards R and note the angle 1.
(iv) Repeat steps (ii) and (iii) for both face observations. The mean values should be adopted.
(iv) With the vertical vernier set to zero reading, take the reading on the staff kept at the nearby B.M. Take the
staff reading on B.M.(s)
(v)Shift the instrument to R and set up the theodolite there. Measure the vertical angle 2 to Q and the horizontal
angle is measured with both face observations.
Instrument
station
P
R

Vertical
angle
1
2

Instrument
station

Horizontal
angle

P
R

RPQ1(1)
PRQ1(2)

s=___________
b sin 2
PQ1=D=
sin(1+2)
b sin 1
RQ1=
sin(1+2)

Face:-Left
C

Face:-Left
A

Face:-Right
C

Face:-Right
A

Mean

Mean
B

h1=D tan 1
R.L. of Q=R.L. of B.M. + s + h1

RESULT:
(I)The horizontal distance between instrument station P and Q=
(ii)R.L of Q=

6. CLOSED TRAVERSE
(Included Angle Method)
AIM : To conduct a traverse and do the closed traverse computations.
APPARATUS:
1.Theodolite
2.Tripod
3.Ranging Rod
Included Angle Method :
This method is most suitable for closed traverse. The traverse may be taken in clockwise or anticlockwise order.
Generally a closed traverse is taken in the anticlockwise direction. In this method the bearing of the initial line is
taken. After this the included angles of the traverse are measured. These angles may be exterior or interior.
Procedure:
(i)The theodolite is set-up and centred over A. The plate bubble is levelled.
(ii)Vernier A is set at 0 and vernier B at 180.The upper clamp is fixed.
(iii)The telescope is oriented along the north line with the help of tubular compass fitted to the instrument. Then
the magnetic bearing of AB is measured.
(iv)Again vernier A is set at 0 and the upper clamp is kept fixed. The lower clamp is loosened and the ranging rod
at E is bisected. Now this clamp is tightened and the upper one is opened.
(v)By turning the telescope clockwise,the ranging rod at B is bisected. The readings on the verniers are noted.
(vi) is obtained in this fashion.
(vii)The face of the instrument is changed and is measured once more. The mean of the two observations
gives the correct value of .
(viii)Similarly the other angles are measured by centring the theodolite at B,C,D and E.
(ix)The arithmetic check is applied as follows:
(2n-4)90=Sum of interior angles.
(x)If
there
is
any
error,
the
error
is
distributed
among
the
angles.

E
D

A
C
B

Face:-Left
Inst at
A
B
C
D
E

Face:-Right
Inst at
A
B
C
D
E

Sight To
E
B
A
C
B
D
C
E
D
A

Sight To
E
B
A
C
B
D
C
E
D
A

Angle
0

Swing: Right
Angle
=

Angle
0

Swing:Right
Angle
=

Result:Thus the closed traverse is conducted and the internal angles are computed.

7. OPEN TRAVERSE
(Deflection Angle Method)
AIM:- To conduct a traverse and do the open traverse computations.
APPARATUS:
1.Theodolite
2.Tripod
3.Ranging Rod
Procedure:
(i) This method is suitable for open traverse and is mostly employed in the survey of rivers, coast lines,
roads, railways,etc.
(ii) Suppose an open traverse starts from A. The following procedure is adopted
(iii) The theodolite is setup at A, and then centred and levelled. After this, the bearing of the line AB is
measured in the usual manner.
(iv) The theodolite is now shifted and centred over B. The plate bubble is levelled and vernier A set at 0.Then
a backsight is taken on A.
(v) The telescope is transited and by turning it clockwise the ranging rod at C is bisected. The vernier
readings are taken.
(vi) Then the deflection angle 1 is determined. It is the average value of the angles obtained from verniers A
and B.
(vii) Similarly the other deflection angles 2 and 3 are measured.
(viii) A field book is prepared in which the deflection angles and offsets are clearly noted.

Diagram:

1
C 2

Result:Thus the open traverse is conducted and the deflection angles are computed.

8. EVALUATION OF CONSTANTS OF A TACHEOMETER

AIM: To evaluate the tacheometric constants of a tacheometer.
BASIC CONCEPT: The principle of stadia tacheometry is based on the principle of isosceles triangles. As per this
property of isosceles triangles the ratio of the distance of the base from the apex and the length of the base is
always constant.
FORMULA: D=KS+C
APPARATUS:
(i)Tacheometer
(ii)Tripod
(iii)Levelling staff
(iv)Tape
(v)Peg
Procedure
(i)Set the instrument station at O and temporary adjustments are made.
(ii)From the instrument stations two pegs are driven into the ground at 5m,20m distances and are named as P
and Q. The staff intercepts at P and Q are noted.
(iii)Solving two equations, the multiplying constant K and additive constant C are computed.
Instrument at

Distance

Sight to

D1=
D2=

P
Q

CALCULATION:
(I)D1=KS1+C1
(II)D2=KS2+C2
D1S2-D2S1
C=
S2-S1
D1-D2
K=
S1-S2

Face:-Left
Top Hair Bottom Hair

Face:-Right
Top Hair
Bottom Hair

Staff
Intercept
s1=
s2=

RESULT:
The constants of the given tacheometer are determined and they are found to be
(i)Multiplying Constant K=
(ii)Additive Constant C=

9. AREA OF A POLYGON
AIM: To find the area of the polygon
APPARATUS:
1.Tacheometer
2.Tripod
3.Ranging Rod
4.Tape
PROCEDURE:
1. Set up the tacheometer at 0.
2. Now the horizontal angles AOB, , , , are measured.
3. Measure the distance OA,OB,OC,OD,OE with the help of a tape.
4. The area of the individual triangle is (ab sin C)/2 and the individual areas are added to obtain the area of the
polygon.
Diagram:

E
O

Result:
The area of the polygon is

10. TANGENTIAL TACHEOMETRY

AIM: To find the distance and RL of given field points from the given station by the method of tangential
tacheometry.
BASIC CONCEPT:
In this method stadia hairs are not used to bisect the staff for observations. Two vanes at a constant distance
apart are fixed on the staff. Each vane is bisected by the cross-hairs and the staff reading and vertical angle
corresponding to each vanes are recorded.
APPARATUS:
1. Tacheometer
2. Tripod
3. Levelling Staff
NOTATIONS:
P=Position of the instrument
R,S,T=Staff station
M=Position of instrument axis
A,B=Position of top vane and bottom vane
S=distance between the vanes-staff intercept
1=Angle of elevation corresponding to A
2=Angle of elevation corresponding to B
D=Horizontal distance between P and R,S,T ie..MR,MS,MT
V=Vertical intercept between the lower vane and the horizontal line of sight
h=Height of the instrument=MP
r=Height of the lower vane above the foot of the staff
PROCEDURE:
1. Let R,S,T be the three fixed points on the ground.
2. Set up the instrument at P.
3. Sight the staff placed at each of these points and find out the staff intercepts(S).
4. Note the vertical angles to the top vane and the bottom of the field points.
5. Repeat the steps 3 and 4 for another point, and determine S and vertical angle for other points also.
Instrument
station
P

Staff
Station
R
S
T

Top Hair Bottom Hair Staff

Reading Reading
Intercept

(i) Both angles are angles of elevation:

s
D=
tan 1 tan 2
V=D tan 2
Elevation of R = (Elevation of station P + h) + V r.

A
B

s
r

Q
V

a1

a2
Q'

Tangential Method:-Both Angles are angles of elevation

(ii) Both angles are angles of depression:

s
D=
tan 2 tan 1
V=D tan 2
Elevation of S = (Elevation of station P + h) - V r.

Q'

a1

a2

V
s

B r
Q

D
Tangential Method:-Both Angles are angles of depression
(iii)One Angle of Elevation and other of Depression:
s
D=
tan 1 + tan 2
V=D tan 2
Elevation of T = (Elevation of station P + h) - V r.

M
h

a1

a2

P
D

Tangential Method:-One Angle of elevation and the other of depression

RESULT:
The distance and R.L of given points are found to be =

Q'
BV
r
Q

11.STADIA TACHEOMETRY
AIM: To find the distance and RL of given field points from the given station by the method of stadia
tacheometry.
BASIC CONCEPT:
It is the most prevalent method for tacheometric surveying. In this method, the telescope of the theodolite is
equipped with two additional cross hairs, one above and the other below the main horizontal hair at equal
distance. These additional cross hairs are known as stadia hairs. This is also known as tacheometer.
APPARATUS:
1. Tacheometer
2. Tripod
3. Levelling Staff
PROCEDURE:
1. Let P and Q be the two points on the sloping ground.
2. Set up the theodolite at the point M.
3. Place the leveling staff over the point N and hold it upright.
4. Sight the staff placed at the point and observe the vertical angle () and also the staff intercept (s) which is the
difference between the top hair reading and the bottom hair reading.

Instrume
nt station

Staff
Station

Top
Hair
Reading

Middle
Hair
Reading

Bottom
Hair
Reading

Staff
Interce
pt(s)

HD

VD

CALCULATION:
Horizontal distance between M and N=HD=ks(cos )2 + C cos
Vertical distance between M and N=VD=HD tan
R.L of Point N=R.L of M+H.I+VD-Middle Hair Reading.

RESULT:
The distance and R.L of given points are found to be =

12. SUBTENSE BAR METHOD

AIM:To measure the distance and elevation on sloping ground by subtense bar.
BASIC CONCEPT: The principle of subtense method is just the reverse of the stadia principle. Here the staff
intercept S forms the fixed base and the tacheometric angle changes according with the staff position.
APPARATUS:
1. Theodolite
2. Tripod
3. Ranging Rod
PROCEDURE:
1. Let P and Q be the two points on the sloping ground.
2. Set up the theodolite at the point P.
3. Place the subtense bar at Q such that the subtense bar is perpendicular to the line of sight.
4. Note the horizontal angle between the ends of bar A & B from the instrument station().
5. Also record the vertical angle of the midpoint of the bar C().
CALCULATION:
(i)
(ii)

Distance between P & Q = (D)= S/2 cot (/2) x cos

Where S=3m (normally) is bar distance (AB)
R.L of Q= R.L of P +H.I+h-height of the subtense bar.
Where h=S/2 cot (/2)xsin

RESULT:
(i)Distance between P and Q=
(ii)R.L of Q=

13. TANGENTIAL CONTOURING (RADIAL)

Aim: To prepare the contour plan for the given area by radial method using tacheometer.
BASIC CONCEPT: A tacheometer is a thedolite fitted with stadia diaphragm so that staff reading against all the
three hairs may be taken. The staff intercepts which is vertical distance between the top and bottom hair of the
staff image is determined. After determining the staff intercept there is no need to measure the horizontal
distance, since the tacheometer gives both the horizontal and vertical distances.
APPARATUS:
(i)Tacheometer
(ii)Tripod
(iii)Levelling Staff
PROCEDURE:
(i)Set the instrument at a convenient place.
(ii)Set the zero reading on horizontal.
(iii)Sight the staff and determine the staff reading. Note the vertical angle .
(iv)On each radial line, readings may be taken on leveling staff kept at different points. The point must be so
chosen that approximate vertical difference in elevation between two consective points is less than the contour
interval.
(v)Set up another angle on horizontal scale and repeat the steps (iii)&(iv)
Radial Position

Top Reading
Middle Reading
Bottom Reading
Staff Intercept
Vertical Reading
D= ks(cos )2 + C cos
V= D tan

RESULT: The contour plan for the given area is plotted.

14. Determination of horizontal distance between two inaccessible points and also the difference in R.L
between the the top of those two points.
Aim:To determine the horizontal distance between two inaccessible points and also the difference in R.L
between the the top of those two points.
APPARATUS:
(i)Tacheometer
(ii)Tripod
(iii)Levelling Staff
PROCEDURE:
(i)Select a base line AB = b m approximately parallel to PQ.
(ii)Set up the instrument over station A and do all temporary adjustments and a ranging rod at B.
(iii)Keep Face left and swing right..
(iv)Loose the upper clamp .Bring the vernier A to 0.Loose the lower clamp and bisect the top point P. Note down
the vertical angle 1.
(v)Loose the upper clamp and bisect the top point Q. Note the angles in vernier A and B.
(vi)Bisect the ranging rod at B and note the angles in vernier A and B.
(vii)Similarly do the experiment by keeping face right and swing right.
(viii)Keep a common Bench Mark for stations A and B say Q and note the staff middle hair reading by keeping
the telescope vertical angle at 0.
(ix)Similarly do the experiment by keeping the instrument at B and the ranging rod at A.

Instru
ment
at

Sight
to

Face:Left
A
B

P
Q
B
A
P
Q

Swing:Right
Mean Horizontal
Angle

Face:Right
A

Mean

Swing:Right
Horizontal
Angle

PAQ =
QAB =
=
PBQ =
1(At station A by focusing P)=
2(At station B by focusing Q)=
s1=(Staff reading on BM at station A)=
s2=(Staff reading on BM at station B)=
= PAQ + QAB
QBA = + PBQ
Bearing of Line PA=0(Assumed)
Bearing of line AP=180
Bearing of Line AB=180+PAB
Bearing of line BA=Bearing of line AB-180
Bearing of line BQ=Bearing of line BA+ ABQ
Sine Rule

PBA

=
APB
APB = 180 - -
PA= ___m.
AB=___ m

QAB

=
AQB

AQB = 180 - -
QB=____ m

Line
PA
AB
BQ

Bearing

Lat =0
Lat Pa + Lat AB + Lat BQ + Lat QP =0
Lat QP= ______

Latitude=L cos

Departure=L sin

 Dep =0
Dep PA + Dep AB + Dep BQ + Dep QP= 0
Dep QP=_______
Length of the line PQ=2 + 2
R.L of point P = R.L of BM + s1 + PA tan 1
R.L of point Q=R.L of BM + s2 + BQ tan 2
Difference in elevation between P and Q = R.l of point P R.L of point Q

RESULT:
(i)The distance PQ=
(ii)Difference in R.L between P and Q=

15.SETTING OUT A SIMPLE CIRCULAR CURVE

(SINGLE THEODOLITE METHOD)(OR)
(RANKINES METHOD OF TANGENTIAL (OR DEFLECTION) ANGLES)
AIM:To trace out a simple circular curve using single theodolite method
BASIC CONCEPT: A curve connecting two intersecting straights have a constant radius all through is known as
simple circular curve. It is tangential to the two straights at the joining ends. In this curve means locating various
points at equal and convenient distances along the length of the curve.
APPARATUS:
(i)Theodolite
(ii)Tripod
(iii)20 m chain
(iv)Ranging Rod
(v)Arrows
PROCEDURE:
(i)Set the thedolite at the point of curve(T1).With both plates clamped to zero, direct the theodolite to bisect the
point of intersection (V).The line of sight is thus in the direction of the rear tangent.
(ii)Release the vernier plate and set the angle 1 on the vernier. The line of sight is thus directed along chord T1A.
(iii)With the zero end of the tape pointed at T1 and an arrow held at a distance T1A=c along it,swing the tape
around T1 till the arrow is bisected by the cross hairs. Thus the first point A is fixed.
(iv)Set the second deflection angle 2 on the vernier so that the line of sight is directed along T1B.
(v)With the zero end of the tape pinned at A, and an arrow held at distance AB=C along it,swing the tape around
A till the arrow is bisected by the croos hairs,thus fixing the point B.
(vi)Repeat steps (iv) and (v) till the last point T2 is reached.
CALCULATION:
(I)For chord of 20 m length,
20:2R = D:360
R=1146/D metres
Where R=Radius of the curve
D=Degree of the curve
(ii)Length of the curve

l=180
(or)
l=

20

l=length of the curve

=Intersection angle or the external deflection angle

1=1= 40

2=1+2 = 40 +

Where 1,2,.n=Total tangential angles or the deflection angles to the points.

1,2,.n=The tangential angles

RESULT:
A simple circular curve has been set using the calculation data on the field using single theodolite method.

16. SETTING OUT A SIMPLE CIRCULAR CURVE

(DOUBLE THEODOLITE METHOD)
AIM:To trace out a simple circular curve using double theodolite method
APPARATUS:
(i)Theodolite
(ii)Tripod
(iii)20 m chain
(iv)Ranging Rod
(v)Arrows
PROCEDURE:
(i)Set up one transit at P.C (T1) and the other at P.T.(T2)
(ii)Clamp both the plates of each transit to zero reading.
(iii)With the zeo reading, direct the line of sight of the transit at T1 towards V. Similarly, direct the line of sight of
the other transit at T2 towards T1 when the reading is zero. Both the transits are thus correctly oriented.
(iv)Set the reading of each of the transits to the deflection angle(B1) for the first point A. The line of sight of both
the theodlites are thus directly towards A along T1A and T2A respectively.
(v)Move a ranging rod or an arrow in such a way that it is bisected simultaneously by cross hairs of both the
instruments. Thus point A is fixed.
(vi)To fix the second point C,set reading B2 on both the instruments and bisect the ranging rod.
(vii)Repeat steps (4) and (5) for location of all the points.
The method is expensive since two instruments and two surveyors are required.However this method is most
accurate since each point is fixed independently of the others.An error in setting out one point is not carried right
through the curve as in the method of tangential angles.
CALCULATION:
(I)For chord of 20 m length,
20:2R = D:360
R=1146/D metres
Where R=Radius of the curve
D=Degree of the curve
(ii)Length of the curve

l=180
(or)
l=

20

l=length of the curve

B=Intersection angle or the external deflection angle

1=1= 40

B2=B1+2 = 40 +

Where B1,B2,.Bn=Total tangential angles or the deflection angles to the points.

1,2,.n=The tangential angles

B1A

B2

C
B1

T1

B2
T2

RESULT:
A simple circular curve has been set using the calculation data on the field using double theodolite method.

17. SETTING OUT A TRANSITION CURVE

Problem:-A road bend which deflects 80 is to be designed for a maximum speed of 100 km per hour, a maximum
centrifugal ratio of and a maximum rate to the change of acceleration of 30 cm/sec 3, the curve consisting of a
circular arc combined with two cubic spirals. Calculate(a) the radius of the circular arc, (b) the requisite length of
transition (c) the total length of the composite curve, and (d) the chainages of the beginning and end of transition
curve, and of the junctions of the transition curves with the circular arc if the chainage of the P.I is 42862 metres.
Aim:-To set out the given transition curve and the circular curve
Introduction:A transition or easement curve is a curve of varying radius introduced between a straight and a circular curve, or
between two branches of a compound curve or reverse curve.
The functions of a transition curve are:(i) To accomplish gradually the transition from the tangent to the circular curve, so that the curvature is increased
gradually from zero to a specified value.
(ii) To provide a medium for the gradual introduction or change of the required super elevation.
Apparatus:
(i) Theodolite
(ii)Tripod
(iii)Ranging Rod
(iv)Arrows
Calculation:
V=100 kmph
100x1000
6060

v=

= 27.78 m/sec.
2

Centrifugal ratio = = 4 (given)

4 2

R=

4(27.78)2
9.81

= 314.68 315 m

The length of the transition curve is given by

3

(27.78)3

L= = 0.3 315 = 226.9 m 227 m

s = 2 radians = 1719

min = 1719

227
315

= 203848

Central angle for the circular curve c = - 2s

= 80 - 411736 = 38 42 24
Length of the circular curve =

c
180

3153842 24"
180

= 212.8 m

Total length of the composite curve= 212.8 + (2x227) = 666.8 m

Shift

(227)2

s = 24 = 24(315) = 6.82 m

Total tangent length =(R+s)tan + 2 = (315 + 6.82) tan 80 +

Chainage of P.I
Deduct tangent length
Chainage of T1
Add length of transition curve
Chainage of junction
Add length of circular curve
Chainage of the other junction
Add length of transition
Chainage of T2

= 42862.0
= 1938.6
= 40923.4
= 227.0
= 41150.4
= 212.8
= 41363.2
= 227.0
= 41590.2

Diagram:

Formula:
(i)The deflection angles for the transition curve

227
2

= 1938.6 m

573 2

minutes

= 1719 minutes
Procedure:
(i)Locate the tangent point T by measuring back the tangent length from the P.I(V). Similarly, locate the other
tangent point T by measuring along the forward tangent the length from the P.I.
(ii)Set the theodolite at T and direct the line of sight towards V when the reading is zero.
(iii)Release the vernier plate and set the vernier to the first deflection angle (1) thus directing the line of sight to
the first peg on the transition curve.
(iv)With the zero end of the tape pinned at T, swing the length of the tape equal to the length of the first chord
till the arrow held at that distance along the tape is bisected by the line of sight. The first peg is thus fixed.
(v)Set the angle 2 on the circle so that the line of sight is directed to the second point. With the zero of the tape
pinned at T hold an arrow at a distance equal to the length of the second chord and swing it till bisected by the
line of sight, thus fixing the second point.
(vi)Repeat the procedure until the last point D is set out. For every point, the chord distance is measured from
the point T and not from the previous point as is done in a circular curve. Check the position of D by measuring
2

the offset DD2=6 = 4s.

(vii)To set out the circular curve, shift the theodolite to the junction point D. To orient the theodolite with
reference to the common tangent DD1 , direct the line of sight towards DT with the reading equal to
2

(360-3 ) for a right hand curve. Since DTV = 3 DD1V=3 , we have D1DT=3 . When the theodolite is
2

rotated in azimuth by an angle 3 ( till zero reading is obtained on the circle), the line of sight will be directed
along DD1. On transiting the theodolite now, the line of sight is directed along the tangent D1D with reference to
which the deflection angles of the circular curve have been calculated.
(viii)When the line of sight is thus correctly oriented, the reading on the circle will be zero. To locate the first peg
on the circular curve, the first deflection angle 1 is set out on the curve as usual.
(ix)Set out the circular curve in the usual way till the junction point D is reached, the position of which may be
checked by measuring the offset (=4s) to the second tangent at the point.
(x)Set out the other transition curve from T as before.

Result:
Thus the transition curve and the circular curve is set out.

18. AZIMUTH BY THE EX-MERIDIAN OBSERVATION ON THE SUN

General :
The required altitude and the horizontal angles are those to the suns centre. Hence the hairs should be set
tangential to the two limbs simultaneously. The opposite limbs are then observed by changing the face as shown
in figure.

1.
2.
3.

4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Procedure :
Set the instrument over the station mark and leveling very accurately.
Clamp both the plates to zero and sight the reference mark (RM).
Turn to the sun and observe and altitude and horizontal angle with the sun in quadrant 1 of the cross hair system.
The motion in the azimuth is slow and the vertical hair is kept in contact by the upper tangent screw, the sun
being allowed to make contact with the horizontal hair the line of observation is also noted.
Using two tangential screw as quickly as possible, bring the sun in to the quadrant 3 of the cross hairs and again
read the horizontal and vertical angles. Observe also the chronometer time.
Turn to the RM. Reverse the face and take another side to RM.
Take two more observations of the sun precisely in the same way as in steps 3 and 4 above, but this time with the
sun is quadrant 2 and 4. Note the time of each observations.
Finally bisect the RM to see that the reading is zero.
During the above four observations (two with face left and two with face right)
The declination is taken for the corresponding date and the latitude is taken for the corresponding place.
Diagram:

Quadrant 1

Quadrant 2

Quadrant 3

Quadrant 4

Calculation:
The azimuth (A) can be calculated by one of the following expressions :
1
2

sin A =

sin().sin()
he
sin .sin
1
2

where s = (p+c+z)
where c=co-latitude=90-

following expressions:-

p=co-declination=90-
z=Corrected co-altitude of star=90-
Correction for refraction:
Correction for refraction (in seconds) = 58 cot
Correction for refraction is always subtractive.
Correction for Parallax:
Correction for parallax= +8.8 cos
Where = Observed Altitude
Correction for parallax is always additive.
Face:Left
Inst Sight
at
to
O
RM
Sun
Sun

Ver A

0 0

Ver B

180 0

Mean

0 0

Swing:Right
Ver C
Ver D

Mean

Note

1st Quadrant
3rd Quadrant

Horizontal Angle (1)

Observed altitude()

Face:Right
Inst Sight
at
to
O
RM
Sun
Sun

Swing:Right
Ver C
Ver D

Ver A

0 0

Ver B

180 0

Horizontal Angle (1)

Result:(i)Azimuth of the sun=

(ii)Azimuth of the reference meridian=

Mean

0 0

Mean

Note

2nd Quadrant
4th Quadrant

Observed altitude()