SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING AND DESIGN

BACHELOR OF QUANTITY SURVEYING (HONS)

QSB 60103 SITE SURVEYING

Fieldwork II Report

Traversing

No.

STUDENT ID

NAME

0323941

Gillian Chong

0327007

Hong Li Vian

0323737

Yeoh Sin Yuen

0320129

Lam Wee Wee

LECTURER: MR. CHAI VOON CHIET

Table of Content
No.

Title

Page No.

1.

Cover page

2.

Table of Contents

3.

Introduction to Traversing

4.

Objectives

5.

Apparatus Used

7-8

6.

Content :
6.1 Case A
6.2 Case B

9-22

7.

Discussion

23

8.

References

24

3-5
6

3.0 Introduction to Traversing

Traversing is that type of survey in which a number of connected survey lines form the
framework and the directions and lengths of the survey lines are measured with the help
of an angle measuring instrument usually a total station or theodolite and a tape or chain
respectively. Traverse networks involve placing survey stations along a line or path of
travel, and then using the previously surveyed points as a base for observing the next
point. This method is used to determine a network of horizontal reference points called
control points which are used as a fixed reference point for other uses. As there are two
types of traversing, which are stated below, for our fieldwork we used the Loop Traverse
method.
There are two types of traverse:
Open traverse:
An Open Traverse is when the lines form a circuit ends elsewhere except starting point.
This means that the lines do not intersect each other or create any loops.

Closed traverse:
Close Traverse is when the lines form a circuit which ends at the starting point. As such,
the errors of measurement are significantly minimized and can give accurate data. This
method is the most preferred method used in the field. In surveying, there are namely two
types of closed traverse, Loop Traverse and Connecting Traverse. A Loop Traverse starts
and ends at the same point, forming a loop. Whilst a Connecting Traverse starts and ends
at points known positions at every end of the traverse.

A direction or angle of the lines can be best described by either its Bearing or Azimuth. Although
the latter is most commonly used as it provides simply identification and is easier to calculate.
Bearings are never greater than 90. They designate the direction of a line by an angle and
quadrant letters. (e.g. N 30 E). Bearings are referenced from north or south and the angle to the
east or west from the north-south meridian. True bearings are based on true north while magnetic
bearings are based on magnetic north.
Azimuths range from 0 to 360, a full circle. They are always measured clockwise from a
reference meridian and are referenced from North. True azimuths are based on true north while
magnetic azimuths are based on magnetic north.

Compass Rule
The compass rule is based on the assumption that all lengths were measured with equal
care and all angles taken with approximately the same precision. It is also assumed that
the errors in measurement are accidental and that the total error in any side of the traverse
is directly proportional to the total length of the traverse.
The compass rule may be stated as follows: the correction to be applied to the latitude or
departure of any course is equal to the total closure of latitude or departure, multiplied by
the ratio of the length of the course to the total length or perimeter of the traverse. These
corrections are given by the following equations.
C1= CL(d/D)
Cd=CD(d/D)
Where:
C1 = correction to be applied to the latitude of any course
Cd = correction to be applied to the departure of any course
CL = total closure in latitude or the algebraic sum of the north and south latitudes
(NL+ED)
CD = total closure in departure or the algebraic sum of the east and west departures
(ED+WD)
d = length of any closure
D= total length or perimeter of the traverse
Transit rule
The method of adjusting a traverse by the transit rule is similar to the method using the
compass rule. The main difference is that with the transit rule the latitude and departure
corrections depend on the length of the latitude and departure of the course respectively
instead of both depending on the length of the course.
Errors in traversing
The errors involved in closed traversing are two kinds:
Linear and Angular
The most satisfactory method of checking the linear measurements consists in chaining each
survey line a second time, preferably in the reverse direction on different dates and by different
parties. The following are checks for the angular work:
Travers by included angles:
The sum of measured interior angles should be equal to (2N-4), where N=number of sides of the
traverse.
If the exterior angles are measured, their sum should be equal to (2N=4)p/2
Travers by definition angles: The algebraic sum of the deflection angles should be equal to 360,
taking the right hand and deflection angles as a positive and left hand angles as negative.
Traversing by direct observation of bearings: The force bearing of the last line should be equal to
its back bearing 180 measured from the initial station.

4.0 Objectives
1. The fieldwork conducted aims to achieve several objectives enlisted in the
following.
2. To allow students in experiencing traverse survey in a correct manner.
3. To allow students to gain experience in handling professional equipments through
fieldwork.
4. To ensure students to be able to identify the errors and complete the adjustments.
5. To enhance students understanding and knowledge in traversing.
6. To allow students to apply theories learned in a hands-on fieldwork.
7. To allow us to have the teamwork while carrying out the fieldwork.
8. To enable us to know the methods to measure horizontal angles between lines.
9. To allow us to have the ability to undertake the site measurements and
calculations.
10. To enable us to know the precautions should be taken while using Theodolite.
11. To allow us to experience and expose to the actual working environment in site such
as working under the hot weather.

4.0 Apparatus used

Theodolite

A theodolite is a precision instrument for measuring angles in the horizontal and vertical planes.
Theodolites are used mainly for surveying applications. A modern theodolite consists of a movable
telescope mounted within two perpendicular axesthe horizontal or trunnion axis, and the vertical
axis. When the telescope is pointed at a target object, the angle of each of these axes can be measured
with great precision, typically few seconds of arc.

Tripod

A surveyor's tripod is a device used to support any one of a number of surveying instruments, such as
theodolites, total stations, levels or transits.

Plumb Bob

A plumb bob or a plummet is a weight, usually with a pointed tip on the bottom which it is suspended
from a string and used as a vertical reference line, or plumb-line. It is essentially the vertical
equivalent of a "water level".

Leveling Rod

A Leveling Rod is a graduated wooden or aluminium rod, used with a leveling instrument to
determine the difference in height between points or heights of points above a datum surface. It
cannot be used without a leveling instrument.

6.0 Field Data

6.1 Case A
6.1.1 Raw data
Stati
on

Height
of
instrum
ent

Stati
on
sight
ed

1.415

D
B

1.340

1.490

B
D

1.320

Stadia reading(m)
Facin
Top
Botto Middl
g
stadi
m
e
a
stadia Stadi
a
L
1.600 1.225
1.41
5
R
1.603 1.228
L
1.520 1.310
R
1.520 1.310
L
1.445 1.235
1.34
0
R
1.450 1.238
L

1.515

1.160

R
L
R
L
R
L

1.518
1.665
1.665
1.602
1.600
1.435

1.165
1.310
1.305
1.382
1.385
1.215

1.438

1.220

1.508

1.508

1.135

1.136

1.49
0

1.32
0

Vertical
angle

Interior
Angle

895120
895120
895900
895920
900140
900140

901620

901640
894340
894400
891840
891920
903900

904000

900720

900800

704320
704120
1114620

1114600

744220
744120
1025040

1024600

6.1.2 Averaged data

Stati
on
A

Height
of
instrum
ent
1.415

1.340

1.490

1.320

Stati
on
sight
ed
D
B
A
C
B
D
C
A

Stadia reading(m)
Top
stadia

Bottom
stadia

Middle
stadia

1.6015
1.5200
1.4475
1.5165
1.6650
1.6010
1.4365
1.5080

1.2265
1.3100
1.2365
1.1625
1.3075
1.3835
1.2175
1.1355

1.415
1.340
1.490
1.320

Vertical
angle

Interior
angle

895120
895910
900140
901630
894350
891900
903930
900740

704220
111
4610
744150
102
4800
9

6.1.3 Transverse computations

Sum of interior angle
= (n-2)(180)
= (4-2)(180)
=3600000

744150

D
102

4800

1114610

B
Station
A

704220
FL
704320

Field angle
FR
704120

Average
704220

Unadjusted field data (not to scale)

1114900

1114620

1114610

744220

744120

744150

1024600

1025000

1024800

SUM

3595820

Total angular error

=360-3595820
=00140
Error per angle
=00140/4
=00025

10

Station

Field angles

Correction

A
B
C
D
SUM

704220
1114610
744150
1024800

+00025
+00025
+00025
+00025

Adjusted
angles
704345
1114635
744215
1024225
3600000

6.1.4 Computation of horizontal distance between survey points

D = K x s x cos2 () +C+ cos
D =Horizontal distance between survey point and instrument
K=Constant given by the manufacturer of the theodolite=100
= vertical angle of telescope from the horizontal line when capturing the stadia readings

C = Addictive factor given by the manufacturer of the theodolite= 0

6.1.4.1 Fieldwork data

Stati
on

Height
of
instrum
ent

Stati
on
sight
ed

Top stadia

Bottom
stadia

1.415

1.6015

1.2265

895120

1.5200

1.1310

895910

1.4475

1.2365

900140

1.5165

1.1625

901630

1.6650

1.3075

894350

1.6010

1.3835

891900

1.4365

1.2175

903930

1.5080

1.1355

900740

1.340

1.490

1.320

Stadia reading(m)

Vertical
angle

Angle of
elevation
/
Depressi
on
+00084
0
+00005
0
000140
001630
+00161
0
+00410
0
003930
000740

6.1.4.2 Averaged horizontal distance between survey points

Stati
ons

Horizontal distance (m)

A-D

100x(1.6015-1.2265)xcos2(00840)+0xcos(00840)=

Averaged
horizontal
distance (m)
37.3748
11

D-A
A-B
B-A
B-C
C-B
D-C
C-D

37.4998
100x(1.5080-1.1355)xcos2(-00740)+0xcos(00740)= 37.2498
100x(1.5200-1.1310)xcos2(00050)+0xcos(00050)=
21.0000
100x(1.4475-1.2365)xcos2(-00140)+0xcos(00140)= 21.1000
100x(1.5165-1.1625)xcos2(-01630)+0xcos(01630)= 35.3992
100x(1.6650-1.3075)xcos2(01610)+0xcos(01610)=
35.7492
100x(1.4365-1.2175)xcos2(-03930)+0xcos(03930)= 21.8971
100x(1.6010-1.3835)xcos2(04100)+0xcos(04100)=
21.7469

21.0500

35.5742

21.8220

Bearing,

AB
BC
N 704245 W
22920 W

12

CD
DA
S 771135 E
00000 W

6.1.5 Computation latitude and departure

Stati
on

Bearing,

Length,
L(m)

Cosine(c
os)

Sine
(sin)

Latitud
e
(Lcos)

Depart
ure
(Lsin)

N 704245
W

21.0500

0.3303

0.9439

+
6.9528

19.8691

N 22920 W

35.5742

0.9991

0.0434

+
35.5421

- 1.5439

S 771135 E

21.8220

0.2217

0.9751

- 4.8379

+
21.2786

S 00000 W

37.3748

1.000

37.3748

-0

A
Perimeter(P)=115.8210m

Sum of latitudes, y
= + 0.2822
Sum of departure, x = - 0.1344

6.1.6 Error of closure and accuracy check

13

EC= (y)2+( x)2

=( 0.2822)2+(- 0.1344)2
= 0.3125
Accuracy check
=1: (P/EC)
=1: ( 115.8210/0.3125)
= 1 : 370.544

* For every or each land surveying, there will be a typical accuracy, which is ( 1 :
3000 ).
Thus, our accuracy does not reach target, so is unacceptable. However, we will
continue to do the calculation with the readings we got this time and get the one
more set of readings by measuring again.

6.1.7 Adjustment of course latitudes and departures

6.1.7.1 The compass rule
Correction=-[y] x L/P
or
=-[x] x L/P
y =Error in latitude
x=Error in departure
L= length of particular course
P= perimeter of total length of traverse

Station

Length, L(m)

Corrections
Latitudes

Departure
14

- 0.0513

+ 0.0244

- 0.0867

+ 0.0413

- 0.0531

+ 0.0253

- 0.0911

+ 0.0434

- 0.2822

+ 0.1344

21.0500
B
35.5742
C
21.8220
D
37.3748
Total

115.8210

6.1.7.2 Compass rule corrections to latitude & departure

Station

Unadjusted
Latitude Departure

Corrections
Latitude
Departur
e

Adjusted
Latitude
Departur
e

A
+
6.9528

- 19.8691

- 0.0513

+ 0.0244

+ 6.9015

19.8447

+
35.5421

- 1.5439

- 0.0867

+ 0.0413

+
35.4554

- 1.5026

- 4.8379

+ 21.2786

- 0.0531

+ 0.0253

- 4.8910

+
21.3039

37.3748

-0

- 0.0911

+ 0.0434

- 37.4659

+0.0434

+
0.2822

- 0.1344

A
Total

- 0.2822
+ 0.1344
Check

0.000
0.000
Check

6.1.8 Computation of station coordinates

Computation of station coordinates
N2= N1+Lat1-2
E2= E1+Dep1-2
N1= y-coordinate of station 1
N2= y-coordinate of station 2
E1= x-coordinate of station 1
E2= x-coordinate of station 2
15

Lat

= Latitude of course 1-2

1-2

Given that station A is assumed with the coordinate of (1000, 1000)

Station

N coordinate
(latitude)

E Coordinate
(Departure)

+ 6.9015

- 19.8447

+ 35.4554

- 1.5026

A
B
C
- 4.8910

+ 21.3039

- 37.4659

+0.0434

D
A

N Coordinate
Latitude
100.0000

E Coordinate
Departure
100.0000

106.9015

80.1553

142.3569

78.6527

137.4659

99.9566

100.0000

100.0000

Assume the coordinate at station A is (100.000, 100.000)

16

6.2 Case B

6.2.1 Raw data

Stati
on

Height
of
instrum
ent

Stati
on
sight
ed

1.215

1.310

1.470

1.330

Stadia reading(m)
Facin
Top
Botto
Middl
g
stadi
m
e
a
stadia Stadi
a
L
1.40
1.028 1.215
0
R
1.40
1.025
0
L
1.32
1.112
2
R
1.31
1.100
0
L
1.41
1.205 1.310
3
R
1.41
1.200
6
L
1.48
1.132
4
R
1.48
1.137
7
L
1.64
1.290 1.470
2
R
1.64
1.292
5
L
1.57
1.364
8
R
1.58
1.365
2
L
1.44
1.225 1.330
3
R
1.44
1.220
0
L
1.50
1.138
7
R
1.51
1.142
4

Vertical
angle

Interior
Angle

895100

702920

895040
895900

702920

900040
900120

111472
0

900120
901640

111494
0

901640
894340

744400

894320
891800

744520

891840
903900

102534
0

903940
900820

102480
0

900800

6.2.2 Averaged data

Stati
on

Height
of

Stati
on

Stadia reading(m)
Top

Bottom

Middle

Vertical
Angle

Interior
Angle
17

instrum
ent
1.215

1.310

1.470

1.330

sight
ed
D
B
A
C
B
D
C
A

stadia

stadia

stadia

1.4000
1.3160
1.4145
1.4855
1.6435
1.5800
1.4415
1.5105

1.0265
1.1060
1.2025
1.1345
1.2910
1.3645
1.2225
1.1400

1.215
1.310
1.470
1.330

895050
895950
900120
901640
894330
891820
903920
900810

702920
1114830
744440
1025050

18

6.2.3 Transverse computations

Sum of interior angle
= (n-2)(180)
= (4-2)(180)
=3600000
C
744440

D
10250 50

1114830
B
702920
Unadjusted field data (not

to scale)
Station

Field angle

FL
702920

FR
702920

Average
702920

1114940

1114720

1114830

744520

744400

1024800

1025340

SUM

744440
1025050
3595320

Computation of angular error and angles adjustment

Total angular error
=360-3595320
=00640
Error per angle
=00640/4
=00140

19

Station

Field angles

Correction

A
B
C
D
SUM

702920
1114830
744440
1025050
3595320

+00140
+00140
+00140
+00140

Adjusted
angles
703100
1115010
744620
1025230
3600000

6.2.4 Computation of horizontal distance between survey points

D = K x s x cos2 () +C+ cos
D =Horizontal distance between survey point and instrument
K=Constant given by the manufacturer of the theodolite=100
= vertical angle of telescope from the horizontal line when capturing the stadia readings

C = Addictive factor given by the manufacturer of the theodolite= 0

6.2.4.1 Fieldwork data

Stati
on

Height
of
instrum
ent

Stati
on
sight
ed

Top stadia

Bottom
stadia

1.215

1.4000

1.0265

895050

1.3160

1.1060

895950

1.4145

1.2025

900120

1.4855

1.1345

901640

1.6435

1.2910

894330

1.5800

1.3645

891820

1.4415

1.2225

903920

1.5105

1.1400

900810

1.310

1.470

1.330

Stadia reading(m)

Vertical
angle

Angle of
elevation
/
Depressi
on
+00091
0
+00001
0
000120
001640
+00163
0
+00414
0
003920
000810

6.2.4.2 Averaged horizontal distance between survey points

Stati
ons
A-D

Horizontal distance (m)

100x(1.4000-1.0265)xcos2(000910)

Averaged
horizontal
distance (m)
37.1997
20

D-A
A-B
B-A
B-C
C-B
D-C
C-D

+0xcos(000910)= 37.3497
100x(1.5105-1.1400)xcos2(-000810)+0xcos(000810)=37.0498
100x(1.3160-1.1060)xcos2(000010)
+0xcos(000010)=20.9999
100x(1.4145-1.2025)xcos2(-000120)+0xcos(000120)=21.1999
100x(1.4855-1.1345)xcos2(-001640)+0xcos(001640)=35.0992
100x(1.6435-1.2910)xcos2(+001630)
+0xcos(+001630)=35.2492
100x(1.4415-1.2225)xcos2(-003920)+0xcos(003920)=21.8971
100x(1.5800-1.3645)xcos2(+004140)
+0xcos(+004140)=21.5468

21.0999

35.1975

21.7220

Bearing,

AB
BC
S 703100 E
22110 E

21

CD
N 770730 W

DA
N 0

22

6.2.5 Computation latitude and departure

Stati
on

Bearing,

Lengt
h,
L(m)

Cosine(cos
)

Sine
(sin)

Latitude
(Lcos)

Depart
ure
(Lsin)

S 703100
E

21.099
9

0.3335

0.9427

-7.0368

+19.890
9

S 22110 E

35.197
5

0.9992

0.0411

-35.1693

+1.4466

N 770730
W

21.722
0

0.2228

0.9749

+4.8395

-21.1755

N 0

37.199
7

+37.1997

-0

-0.1669

0.1620

A
Perimeter(P)=115.2187m

Sum of latitudes,y=0.1669
Sum of
departure,x=0.1620

6.2.6 Error of closure and accuracy check

EC= (y)2+( x)2
=(-0.1669)2+(0.1620)2
=0.23263
Accuracy check
=1: (P/EC)
=1: (115.2187/0.2326)
=1: 495.351

* For every or each land surveying, there will be a typical accuracy, which is ( 1 :
3000 ).
Thus, our accuracy does not reach target, so is unacceptable.
* Although the accuracy of our readings still not exceeding the accuracy for
typical land surveying,
our results had slightly improved compared to the first reading taken.

23

6.2.7 Adjustment of course latitudes and departures

6.2.7.1 The compass rule
Correction=-[y] x L/P
or
=-[x] x L/P
y =Error in latitude
x=Error in departure
L= length of particular course
P= perimeter of total length of traverse

Station

Length, L(m)

A
21.0999
B
35.1975
C
21.7220
D
37.1997
Perimeter,P= 115.2187m

Corrections
Latitudes
-(0.1669/115.2187)x21.0
999
=+0.0306
-(0.1669/115.2187)x35.1
975
=+0.0510
-(0.1669/115.2187)x21.7
220
=+0.0314
-(0.1669/115.2187)x37.1
997
=+0.0539
+0.1669

Departure
(0.1620/115.2187)x21.0
999
=-0.0297
(0.1620/115.2187)x35.1
975
=-0.0495
(0.1620/115.2187)x21.7
220
=-0.0305
(0.1620/115.2187)x37.1
997
=-0.0523
-0.1620

6.2.7.2 Compass rule corrections to latitude & departure

Station

Unadjusted
Latitude Departure

Corrections
Latitude
Departur
e

Adjusted
Latitude
Departur
e
24

A
-7.0368

+19.8909

+0.0306

-0.0297

-7.0062

+19.861
2

35.1693

+1.4466

+0.0510

-0.0495

-35.1183

+1.3971

+4.8395

-21.1755

+0.0314

-0.0305

+4.8709

-21.2060

+37.199
7

-0

+0.0539

-0.0523

+37.253
6

-0.0523

-0.1669

+0.1620

+0.1669
-0.1620
Check

C
D

A
=

0.000

0.000
Check

6.2.8 Computation of station coordinates

Computation of station coordinates
N2= N1+Lat1-2
E2= E1+Dep1-2
N1= y-coordinate of station 1
N2= y-coordinate of station 2
E1= x-coordinate of station 1
E2= x-coordinate of station 2
Lat

= Latitude of course 1-2

1-2

Given that station A is assumed with the coordinate of (100, 100)

Statio
n
A

N coordinate
(latitude)

E coordinate
(departure)

-7.0062

+19.8612

-35.1183

+1.3971

+4.8709

-21.2060

B
C
D
+37.2536
A

N Coordinate
Latitude
100.0000

E Coordinate
Departure
100.0000

92.9938

119.8612

57.8755

121.2583

62.7464

100.0523

100.0000

100.0000

-0.0523

Assume the coordinate at station A is (100.000, 100.000)

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7.0 Discussion
The fieldwork that we had completed is done using a closed loop traverse method. The site of
our fieldwork was at Taylors University Lakeside Campus Staff Carpark. We used the
Theodolite, Tripod, Leveling Rod, and Plumb Bob to get our measurements. Our tasks for the
fieldwork were to measure the horizontal and vertical angles, distances as well as latitudes
and departures of those four points which were marked as point A, B, C, and D.
Thr ough the course of our fieldwork, we came across some challenges which were to
balance the bubble inside the spirit level to get an accurate reading. It took quite a long time
for us to adjust the Theodolite because it is very hard to stabilize the instrument. With the
guidance from the lecturer, we were able to operate and use Theodolite effectively and also
take the necessary safety precautions when doing our fieldwork. Fortunately, we were a wellknit team and we fairly delegated our tasks amongst each other so that we could obtain better
results.
At the end of the day, even though we tried our very best, we couldnt obtain the acceptable
accuracy required. After doing all the calculation, we came to know that even the tiny
difference in the readings can cause the final readings to become inaccurate. At last, we found
out that there are many reasons that can cause the error to occur.
1. Mistakes occur due to carelessness of user:a. Parallax error
b. Miscalculation in the transverse computation
c. Forces applied to the instruments while taking readings
d. Improper alignment of instrument at the centre point of the desired station
e. Error in reading the scale and recording data
f. Leveling rod is not perpendicular to the ground
2. Random error
a. Instrument defects
b. Refraction that causes bending of sight line
3. Systematic error
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a. Expansion of leveling staff due to temperature changes

b. Scale division of the instrument not precise
There are few precautions that we can take note of to improve the accuracy.
a. Adjust the instrument precisely to ensure that the bubbles are within the circular level
and plate level.
b. Ensure that the desired station is properly and clearly marked on the surveyed land.
c. Before taking readings, lock the telescope by using the clamp and footscrew so that it
stays in place.
d. Make sure the method of calculations is correct.
e. Take at least two sets of readings and get the average.
In summary, this fieldwork has taught us practically how to properly use the equipment
provided and calculate the readings obtained. Although the project was tiring and the weather
was not ideal, we really appreciated the knowledge gained from this fieldwork.

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8.0 References
http://surfcivil.blogspot.my/2010/05/traverse-surveying.html
https://sites.google.com/site/civilengineeringwebsite/what-we-believe
Photos of our group members:

Yeoh Sin Yuen

Lam Wee Wee

Hong Li Vian

Gillian Chong
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