Traverse (surveying)

Traverse is a method in the field of surveying to establish control networks. It is also used in geodesy. 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. Traverse networks have many advantages, including:

 Less reconnaissance and organization needed;

While in other systems, which may require the survey to be performed along a rigid polygon shape, the traverse
can change to any shape and thus can accommodate a great deal of different terrains;

Only a few observations need to be taken at each station, whereas in other survey networks a great deal of angular
and linear observations need to be made and considered;

Traverse networks are free of the strength of figure considerations that happen in triangular systems;

Scale error does not add up as the traverse is performed. Azimuth swing errors can also be reduced by increasing
the distance between stations.

The traverse is more accurate than triangulate ration[2] (a combined function of the triangulation and
trilateration practice).

Frequently in surveying engineering and geodetic science, control points (CP) are setting/observing distance and
direction (bearings, angles, azimuths, and elevation). The CP throughout the control network may consist of
monuments, benchmarks, vertical control, etc. There are mainly two types of traverse. Traverse may be either a
closed traverse or an open traverse.

1. Closed traverse: the traverse which either originates from a station and returns to the same
station completing a circuit or runs between two known stations, is called a closed traverse.

2. Open traverse: the traverse which neither returns to its starting station nor closes on any other
known station, is called open traverse.

Diagram of an open traverse

Diagram of a closed traverse

Compound

A compound traverse is where an open traverse is linked at its ends to an existing traverse to form a
closed traverse. The closing line may be defined by coordinates at the end points which have been
determined by previous survey. The difficulty is, where there is linear misclosure, it is not known
whether the error is in the new survey or the previous survey.

Usages

Control point — The primary/base control used for preliminary measurements; it may consist of any
known point capable of establishing accurate control of distance and direction (i.e. coordinates,
elevation, bearings, etc.).

 Starting – The initial starting control point of the traverse.

 Observation – All known control points that are set or observed within the traverse.
 Terminal – The initial ending control point of the traverse; its coordinates are unknown.

Traverse is a method in the field of surveying to establish control networks. It is also used in geodesy.
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.

 What does control point mean?

A critical control point (CCP) is defined as a step which control can be applied and is essential to
prevent or eliminate a food safety hazard or reduce it to an acceptable level.

 What is control densification?

A situation arises when the number and location of control points is not sufficient for the intended
survey. The process of increasing the control points is normally referred to as Densification of Ground
Control.
  What is a route survey?

Route Survey. A route survey supplies the data necessary to determine alignment, grading, and
earthwork quantities for the design and construction of various engineering projects such as roads,
railroads, pipelines, and utilities. When accuracy matters, your choice of land surveying companies
matters.

 Route Survey

A route survey supplies the data necessary to determine alignment, grading, and earthwork quantities
for the design and construction of various engineering projects such as roads, railroads, pipelines, and
utilities.

When accuracy matters, your choice of land surveying companies matters. Whether the project is
public or private, 2 miles or 20, trust the professional land surveyors at Civil Design Inc to provide you
with the most reliable route surveys.

With decades of experience in land surveying, the professionals at CDI are accurate, dependable, and
economical. Contact us today to discuss route surveys or any other land surveying need.

 What does PVI mean in surveying?

PVI STA = Point of Vertical Intersection Survey Station. AD= don't know, probably don't need to know. K=
a measure of the "sharpness" or abruptness of the curve, never had much use for this one. PVC=
beginning of the vertical curve (point of VC) PVI= point of vertical intersection.

 What is reconnaissance in route surveying?

The reconnaissance survey is an extensive study of an entire area that might be used for a road or
airfield. Its purpose is to eliminate those routes or sites which are impractical or unfeasible and to
identify the more promising routes or sites.

 What is the control in a survey?

Horizontal and vertical control are developed to create a framework around which other surveys can be
adjusted. These control surveys are used for accurate mapping projects in the construction of
underground utility systems, roadways, power lines, tunnels, and many other high precision projects.
 What is horizontal and vertical control?
 Horizontal and Vertical Control Surveys. Field surveying activities typically begin with the
establishment of horizontal and vertical control points. ... Survey control can be established
using either Global Positioning Systems technology or by conventional methods.
 What is a control point in survey?
Traverse is a method in the field of surveying to establish control networks. It is also used in
geodesy. 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.
 What is horizontal control?
Horizontal control surveys. A typical construction project is developed and planned in the
context of coordinates. It is usual and convenient that such coordinates are derived from a
network of control points. These points are established by a control survey and are up to tens of
kilometers apart.
 What is the vertical of control?
A vertical control survey is performed for accurately determining the orthometric height
(elevation) of permanent monuments to be used as bench marks for lower quality leveling.
Spirit leveling is the usual method of carrying elevations across the country from “sea level”
tidal gauges.
 What is the purpose of a traverse survey?
Traverse is a method in the field of surveying to establish control networks. It is also used in
geodesy. 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.
 Establishing Horizontal Control
Identify and mark a number of key fixed points that will serve as control (reference) for all
subsequent surveying. These might be points located on the boundary of the area to be mapped,
points of maximum or minimum elevation, significant features, etc.. At least 3 points should be
clearly visible from each point. Consider the visibility (e.g. background) of each control point
and its susceptibility to disturbance, since they will remain for the duration of the survey or
longer.
Establish the baseline, an accurately measured distance between 2 control points. The baseline
should occupy fairly level ground (< 5º). Measure the baseline distance to the nearest 10 mm
using a 50 m tape. If the distance is greater then 50 m mark the tape lengths with survey pins.
Measure the baseline length in both directions. If the 2 measurements differ by more than 50
mm repeat both measurements, otherwise use the mean of the two distances. Measure the
vertical angle between control points, so that the surface length can be reduced to a horizontal
distance.
  What is a control point in construction?
Construction surveying or building surveying (otherwise known as "staking", "stake-out", "lay-
out", "setting-out" or "BS") is to stake out reference points and markers that will guide the
construction of new structures such as roads or buildings.
 Station the tripod over a control point.
Mount the transit (theodolite) on the tripod. Slide the transit laterally until it is positioned
directly over the control point as viewed through the optical plummet. Turn the 3 leveling
screws unit the bubbles are centered in the 2 orthogonal spirit levels.

 Release the upper set screw. Rotate the telescope about the vertical axis until the 0 mark
on the vernier scale is aligned with the proper magnetic declination on the outer
horizontal scale. Small adjustments can be made by tightening the set screw and using
the tangent screw. Tighten the upper set screw and release the lower set screw. Release
the magnetic needle and rotate the telescope about the vertical axis until the needle is
suspended in the centre of its housing. Tighten the lower set screw. The telescope is now
oriented in a magnetic north-south direction and the reading on the horizontal scale
should be the magnetic declination. Thus all readings on the horizontal scale will now
be in degrees east of true north
 Record the horizontal angle to each of the control points visible from the instrument
station. Sight on a stadia rod or ranging pole. The focusing screw is mounted on the
outside of the standard not housing the vertical circle. The focusing ring for the cross
hairs is located on the eyepiece. Rotate the telescope clockwise and close the round of
observations by repeating the measurement on the first target. If the 1st and last
readings differ by < 15 ", use the mean value. If they differ by > 15 ", the round of
measurements should be repeated.
 Rotate the telescope about its vertical axis by 1800. The telescope set screw is adjacent
to the telescope. The tangent screw for fine adjustment of the inclination of the
telescope in located on the standard with the focusing screw. Conduct another round of
angle measurements according to instruction 6. The face-left and face-right angles can
be averaged unless they differ by > 15", in which case, all the horizontal angle
observations must be repeated.
Move the transit and repeat instructions 3-8 until horizontal angles have been established
between all control points.

SURVEYING
Surveying is the art of determining the relative positions of different objects on the surface of the earth
by measuring the horizontal distances between them, and by preparing a map to any suitable scale.
Thus, in discipline, the measurements are taken only in the horizontal plane.
1.Object
2.Uses
3.Principles
 Object of surveying
The aim of surveying is to prepare a map to show the relative positions of the objects on the surface of
the earth. The map is drawn to some suitable scale. It shows the natural features of a country, such as
towns, villages, roads, railways, rivers, etc. Maps also include details of different engineering works,
such as roads, railways, irrigation canals, etc.
 Uses of surveying
Surveying may be used for the following various applications:
 To prepare a topographical map which shows the hills, valleys, rivers, villages, towns, forests,
etc. of a country.
 To prepare a cadastral map showing the boundaries of fields, houses and other properties.
 To prepare an engineering map which shows the details of engineering works such as roads,
railways, reservoirs, irrigation canals, etc.
 To prepare a military map showing the road and railway communications with different parts
of a country. Such a map also shows the different strategic points important for the defence of a
country.
 To prepare a contour map to determine the capacity of a reservoir and to find the best possible
route for roads, railways, etc.
 To prepare a geological map showing areas including underground resources.
 To prepare an archaeological map including places where ancient relics exist.

 General Principles of surveying

 The general principles of surveying are:

 To work from the whole to the part

 To locate a new station by at least two measurements (linear or angular) from fixed reference
points.
According to the first principle, the whole area is first enclosed by main stations (i.e. Controlling
stations) and main survey lines (i.e. controlling lines). The area is then divided into a number of parts by
forming well conditioned triangles. A nearly equilateral triangle is considered to be the best well-
conditioned triangle.The main survey lines are measured very accurately with a standard chain. Then
the sides of the triangles are measured. The purpose of this process of working is to prevent
accumulation of error. During the procedure, if there is any error in the measurement of any side of a
triangle, then it will not affect the whole work. The error can always be detected and eliminated.
According to the second principle, the new stations should always be fixed by at least two
measurements (linear or angular) from fixed reference points. Linear measurements refer to horizontal
distances measured by chain or tape. Angular measurements refer to the magnetic bearing or horizontal
angle taken by a prismatic compass or theodolite.

In chain surveying, the positions of main stations and directions of main survey lines are fixed by tie
lines and check lines.
 Bearing :

The horizontal angle between the reference meridian and the survey line is termed as bearing of the
survey line.

 Magnetic Bearing:
The magnetic needle of the compass always points towards the magnetic north-south (N-S) direction
indicating earth’s magnetic axis. Since this direction is same at all the places on the earth’s surface, it is
universally used as the reference direction. The angle made by survey line in a clockwise direction with
reference to magnetic N-S line is termed as magnetic bearing of the line. The value of magnetic bearing
ranges from 0 o to 360o .

 True Bearing:
The geographical north of earth is different from the magnetic north. Hence, the angle which the survey
line makes with the true geographical north is termed as true bearing of the survey line.
 Arbitrary Bearing:
It is the horizontal angle which a survey line makes with any arbitrary meridian, which is any
convenient direction towards a permanent and prominent mark or signal, such as a church spire or top
of a chimney. Such bearings are used to determine the relative position of line in a small area.

 Whole Circle Bearing (WCB):

The complete circle of angular measurement starts with north as 0 o and ends at north at 360o . The
bearing of line directly obtained by magnetic needle ranging from 0 o to 360 o is called whole circle
bearing .

 Reduced Bearing (RB):

The more convenient way to comprehend the direction of a survey line is to represent the bearing on a
quadrantal system. The angle is measured with respect to N–S line towards east or west as shown in
Figure 3.1(b). The relationship between WCB and RB is shown in Figure 3.1(c).

 Fore Bearing (FB):

The angle measured in the direction of survey line from starting survey station to the next station is
called fore bearing. In Figure 3.1(d), if the bearing of line AB is measured from A towards B, it is known
as forward bearing or fore bearing.

 Back Bearing (BB):

It is the bearing of the survey line taken from the forward survey station to the preceding station from
which the fore bearing was taken earlier. In Figure , if the bearing of same line AB is measured from B
towards A, it is known as backward bearing or back bearing.

(c) Relationship between WCB and RB