Professional Documents
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Specifications for
triangulation,
traversing and levelling
SVY 501 Adjustment computations II
The accuracy of surveying measurements should be consistent with the purpose of the
survey. When evaluating the techniques to be used and accuracies desired, the surveyor
must evaluate the limits of the errors of the equipment involved, the procedures to be
followed, and the error propagation. These evaluations should be firmly based on past
experience or written guidance. It is important to remember in this evaluation that the best
survey is the one that provides the data at the required accuracy levels, without wasting
manpower, time, and money.
Horizontal Controls
Horizontal control standards. The horizontal point closure is determined by dividing the
linear distance misclosure of the survey into the overall circuit length of a traverse, loop, or
network line/circuit. When independent directions or angles are observed, as on a
conventional survey (i.e., traverse, triangulation), these angular misclosures may optionally
be distributed before assessing positional misclosure.
General.
Primary horizontal control (Third Order Class I or higher) is established to serve as a
basic framework for large mapping projects, to establish new horizontal control in a
remote area, or to further densify existing horizontal control in an area.
Traversing
A survey traverse is defined as the measurement of the lengths and directions of a series of
straight lines connecting a series of points on the earth. Points connected by the lines of
traverse are known as traverse stations. The measurements of the lengths and directions
are used to compute the relative horizontal positions of these stations. Traversing is used for
establishing basic area control surveys where observation of horizontal directions and
distances between traverse stations, and elevations of the stations, must be determined.
Astronomic observations and GPS surveys are made along a traverse at prescribed intervals
to control the azimuth of the traverse. The interval and type of astronomic observation will
depend upon the order of accuracy required and the traverse methods used.
First Order
Second Order
Third Order
Fourth Order
Manufacturer instructions for operation of the EDM or total station should be followed.
When using an EDM or total station, a minimum of two readings will be made before moving
to the next occupation point. All readings should agree within the resolution of the
instrument or 0.001 foot of the original reading. Determination of angles should be made
immediately after distance determination. Special care should be taken with the type of
sights used for angle measurement—fixed rigid sights should be used, not hand held targets
Each year and whenever the difference between direct and reverse readings of the
theodolite depart from 180° by more than 30", the instrument should be adjusted for
collimation error. Readjustment of the cross hairs and the level bubble should be done
whenever their maladjustments affect the instrument reading by the amount of the least
count.
All electronic distance measuring devices should be serviced regularly and checked
frequently over lines of known distances. The National Geodetic Survey has established
specific calibration base lines for this purpose. EDM instruments should be calibrated
annually, and frequency checks made semi annually.
Field Procedures
Theodolite observations for first-order and second-order, class I surveys may be made only
at night. Electronic distance measurements need a record at both ends of the line of wet and
dry bulb temperatures to ±1oC, and barometric pressure to ±5 mm of mercury. The
theodolite, EDM, and targets should be centred to within 1 mm over the survey mark or
eccentric point.
Computational specifications
Triangulation
Triangulation consists of a series of connected triangles which adjoin or overlap each other,
angles being measured from determined fixed stations. Triangulation reduces the number of
measures that need to be taped and for this reason is often a preferred method of survey.
When practicable, all triangulation networks will originate from and tie into existing
coordinate control of equal or higher accuracy than the work to be performed. An exception
to this would be when performing triangulation across a river or some obstacle as part of a
chained traverse. In this case, a local baseline should be set. Triangulation surveys should
have adequate redundancy and are usually adjusted using least squares methods.
Field Procedures
Theodolite observations for first-order and second-order class I surveys may only be made at
night. Reciprocal vertical angles should be observed at times of best atmospheric conditions
(between noon and late afternoon) for all orders of accuracy. Electronic distance
measurements need a record at both ends of the line of wet and dry bulb temperatures to
±1°C, and barometric pressure to ±5 mm of mercury. The theodolite and targets should be
centred to within 1 mm over the survey mark or eccentric point.
Computational Specifications
Vertical Controls
Vertical control is established to provide a basic framework for large mapping projects, to
establish new vertical control in remote areas, or to further densify existing vertical control
in an area. The purpose of vertical control surveys is to establish elevations at convenient
points over the project area. These established points (benchmarks) can then serve as
points of departure and closure for levelling operations and as reference benchmarks during
subsequent construction work.
Levelling
New surveys are required to tie to existing network bench marks at the beginning and end of
the levelling line. These network bench marks must have an order (and class) equivalent to
or better than the intended order (and class) of the new survey. First-order surveys are
required to perform check connections to a minimum of six bench marks, three at each end.
All other surveys require a minimum of four check connections, two at each end. However, if
the survey is run parallel to existing control, then the following table specifies the maximum
spacing of extra connections between the survey and the control. At least, one extra
connection should always be made.
INSTRUMENTATION:
Calibration procedures
FIELD PROCEDURES:
Double – run levelling may always be used, but single-run levelling done with the double
simultaneous procedure may be used only where it can be evaluated by loop closures.
References
US Army Corps of Engineers, Engineering and Design, Geodetic and Control Surveying,
Engineer Manual.
http://www.ngs.noaa.gov/FGCS/tech_pub/1984-stds-specs-geodetic-control-
networks.htm
http://www.icmsurveysystems.com/surveying_techniques.htm