Coordinate

Geometry
Fundamentals
2012 Edition

Professor Todd W. Horton, PE, PLS

Engineering Science & Technologies Department
Parkland College
Champaign, Illinois
thorton@[Link]

Coordinate Geometry Fundamentals

Table of Contents
Angles & Directions
Triangle Solutions
Inverse Computations
Traverse Computations
Sideshot Computations
Perpendicular Offset Computations
Intersection Computations
Direction Direction
Distance Distance
Direction Distance
Area by Coordinates Computations
Horizontal Curves
Horizontal Curves Tangent Offset
Horizontal Curves Chord Offset
Vertical Curves

Coordinate Geometry Fundamentals

Page
4-8
9
10-12
13-22
23-25
26-28
29-32
33-36
37-41
42-45
45-51
52-53
54-55
56-60

Angles & Direction

Angle:

the difference in direction of two lines.

Angular units:

Degrees, minutes, and seconds:

1 degree = 1/360 of a circle
1 minute = 1/60 of a degree
1 second = 1/60 of a minute
Grads: 1 grad = 1/400 of a circle or 0 54 00
Radians: 1 radian = of a circle or 57 17 44.8

Perform as many checks on angular data as possible.

Close the horizon when turning angles in the field.

In a closed traverse, compute the sum of the interior angles.

The sum should equal (n-2)*180, where n is the number of interior angles.

Angular adjustments:

Do not express seconds with decimal fractions unless the instrument used reads to
decimal fractions of a second.

Examine field notes for angles with poor closure and for problems with turning
the angles. Apply excess to these angles.

If unable to view field notes or if no apparent error source exists, then apply
excess of equal adjustment to angles with the shortest sides.

Bearings and azimuths:

Bearing: the acute horizontal angle between a reference meridian (north or south) and a line.
Azimuth: the horizontal angle measured from a north meridian clockwise to a line.

Coordinate Geometry Fundamentals

Max. value

Origin

Direction

Letters

Bearing

90

North or South

CW or CCW

Yes

Azimuth

360

North

CW

No

Convert azimuths to bearings

First, determine the proper quadrant letters:
1. For 0 to 90, use NE (quadrant 1 in most software programs).
2. For 90 to 180, use SE (quadrant 2 in most software programs).
3. For 180 to 270, use SW (quadrant 3 in most software programs).
4. For 270 to 360, use NW (quadrant 4 in most software programs).
Then find the numerical value, using the following relationships:
1. NE quadrant: bearing = azimuth
2. SE quadrant: bearing = 180 - azimuth
3. SW quadrant: bearing = azimuth - 180
4. NW quadrant: bearing = 360 - azimuth

Convert from bearing to azimuths

Convert from bearing to azimuths by using these relationships:
1. NE quadrant: azimuth = bearing
2. SE quadrant: azimuth = 180 bearing
3. SW quadrant: azimuth = 180 + bearing
4. NW quadrant: azimuth = 360 - bearing

Reverse Directions
Back azimuth (reverse direction) = azimuth + / - 180
Back bearing (reverse direction) = same numeric value with opposite directions

Coordinate Geometry Fundamentals

Find these directions:

Azimuth

Bearing

Line 0-1
Line 0-2
Line 0-3
Line 4-0

Coordinate Geometry Fundamentals

Compute the interior angles of this closed traverse.

Coordinate Geometry Fundamentals

Traverse loop azimuth computations

1. To compute azimuths in the counterclockwise direction, add the interior angle to the
back azimuth of the previous course.
2. To compute azimuths in the clockwise direction, subtract the interior angle from the
back azimuth of the previous course.

See the Traverse Example Problem for an example of this

computation.

Azimuth computations Practice Problem

Coordinate Geometry Fundamentals

Right Triangle Solutions

a
, cos A b , tan A a
c
c
b
Given Required Solutions
a
a, b
A, B, c tan A , c a 2 b2
b
a
a, c
A, B, b sin A cos B , b c a c a
c
a
a
, c
A, a
B, b, c B = 90 - A, b
tan A
sin A
b
A, b
B, a, c B = 90 - A, a b tan A , c
cos A
A, c
B, a, b B = 90 - A, a c sin A , b c cos A

For angle A, sin A

b
Right Triangle

Oblique Triangle Solutions

Given
c

B
a

C
b

Oblique Triangles
c

B
a

C
b

Sine law:

Required Solutions
a sin B
a sin C
, C = 180 - (A+B), c
b
A, B, a
b, c, C
sin A
sin A
b sin A
a sin C
, C = 180 - (A+B), c
A, a, b
B, c, C sin B
a
sin A
a b tan 1 A B
1
2
tan A B
a, b, C
A, B, c
2
ab
a sin C
, A+B = 180 - C
c
sin A
s bs c ,
1
abc
, sin A
s
2
bc
2
a, b, c
A, B, C
s a s c , C = 180 - (A+B)
1
sin B
2
ac
abc
, area ss a s bs c
s
a, b, c
area
2
bc sin A
area
A, b, c
area
2
2
a sin B sin C
A, B, C, c
area
area
2 sin A

sin A sin B sin C

a
b
c

Coordinate Geometry Fundamentals

Cosine law:

a 2 b2 c2 2bc cos A

Inverse Computations
Given known coordinates of any two points of a system, the distance and direction
between them can be determined.
1.

Determine latitude (N) and departure (E) between the two points.
a. Subtract origin northings and eastings from destination northings and eastings.
b. Be careful to note the sign (+ or -) of each answer.

Northing Easting
Destination Point 2
N2
E2
- Origin
Point 1
- N1
- E1
N
E

E 2 .

2.

Determine length using c

3.

Determine reference direction: north or south.

E
Determine local angle using tan 1
.
N
Determine line direction.

4.
5.

Coordinate Geometry Fundamentals

10

Inverse Example Problem

Inverse from Point J to Point H.
Point J

N 3913.66

E 2207.65

Point H

N 4692.08

E 5909.33

Step 1
Point

Northing

Easting

Destination

4692.08

5909.33

- Origin

- 3913.66

- 2207.65

+ 778.42
N

+ 3701.68
E

Note that both N and E are both positive, thus line JH lies in the northeast quadrant.
Step 2
HD

778.42

3701.68 2 3782.64 ft

Step 3
Since line JH lies in the northeast quadrant, the reference direction is North.
Step 4
3701.68
tan 1
7807'28"
778.42

This is the local angle relative to North.

Step 5
North

00000

+ local angle

+780728

Line direction

780728

Solution:

Line JH, azimuth 780728, length 3782.64 ft.

Coordinate Geometry Fundamentals

11

Inverse Practice Problem

Inverse from Point 1 to Point 3.

Coordinate Geometry Fundamentals

Point

Northing

Easting

5046.79

6323.23

5615.27

6304.67

12

Traverse Computations
This computation process is dependent on these conditions.

The traverse is a closed loop traverse.

The traverse was measured in a counter-clockwise direction, allowing direct
measurement to the right of interior angles.
The traverse angular closure is within acceptable limits for the accuracy standards
required.
A starting azimuth is known or will be assumed.
A starting coordinate is known or will be assumed.

1. Find the angular closure error.

a. Sum the measured interior angles of the traverse.
b. Compute the theoretical sum of interior angles using the following equation.
angles (n 2)180 where n equals the number of traverse angles (sides).

c. Subtract the theoretical sum of interior angles from the measured sum of interior
angles. This difference is the angular error in the traverse.
2. Adjust the interior traverse angles.
a. Find the total angular correction. The total angular correction equals the
angular error but is opposite in sign.
b. Divide the total angular correction by the number of traverse angles. This
result will be the correction to each individual traverse loop interior angle.
Example:
For a six-sided traverse loop with a -18 error, the correction will be:
- ( -18 / 6 angles ) = + 3 correction per angle
c. Add this correction to each interior angle.
3. Compute the traverse leg azimuths.

To compute azimuths in the counterclockwise direction, add the interior angle to

the back azimuth of the previous course.

Coordinate Geometry Fundamentals

13

To compute azimuths in the clockwise direction, subtract the interior angle from
the back azimuth of the previous course.

4. Compute the latitude (N) and departure (E) for each traverse leg.
N HD(cos Az )
E HD(sin Az )

Latitude:
Departure:
where

N equals the change in Northing (latitude)

E equals the change in Easting (departure)
HD equals the measured horizontal distance along the traverse leg
Az equals the computed azimuth of the traverse leg
a. Find errors in latitude and departure, Elat and Edep.
The sum of the latitude and departure columns should be fairly close to 0.00 feet.
b. Find the linear error, Elin. This is the positional closure error of the traverse.
Elin ( Elat Edep )
2

c. Compute the relative error, Erel, in the traverse and check it against the
appropriate standard.

E rel

1
L

Elin

where L equals the total length of the traverse legs

Express the Erel result as a fraction with a numerator of 1.

Round the denominator to the nearest 1000.
This error ratio is the indicator of positional error.
d. If the positional error is acceptable, continue computing the traverse. If the
error is excessive, recheck all your computations. If your computations are error
free, your field work may need to be remeasured.
e. Compute the corrections for latitude and departure.
Balancing Methods:
Least Squares: Based on the theory of probability. Linear and angular
adjustments are made simultaneously. Hand methods are long and complex thus
not often used. Computer applications are commonly used for this procedure.

Coordinate Geometry Fundamentals

14

Crandall Method: Used when larger random error exists in distance.

Directional adjustments from balancing are held fixed and distances are balanced
by a weighted least squares procedure.
Transit Rule: Used when larger errors occur in distance than in direction.
Seldom used today.
Compass Rule: (Bowditch Rule) Used when accuracy of angles and distances
are equal. Most commonly used method today.
For the Compass Rule, corrections are defined as follows.
HD
Clat
Elat
L

HD
C dep
E dep
L

where
Clat equals the latitude correction for a traverse leg
Cdep equals the departure correction for a traverse leg
HD equals the measured horizontal distance along the traverse leg
L equals the total length of the traverse legs
The sum of all latitude corrections Clat should equal and be opposite in sign to Elat.
The sum of all departure corrections Cdep should equal and be opposite in sign to Edep.
f. For each traverse leg, add the latitude (departure) and the latitude
(departure) correction to produce the balanced latitude (departure).
g. Sum the balanced latitudes and sum balanced departures. Each sum should
equal zero since all errors have been corrected.
5. Compute traverse point coordinates.
a. Starting at a point of known or assumed coordinates, add the latitude and
departure of the next traverse leg to the starting coordinate to find the next
point coordinates.
b. Using the newly computed coordinate as a new starting point, add the next
latitude and departure to find the next point coordinates.
c. Repeat this process until all latitudes and departures have been properly
applied.
d. When all is complete, the ending coordinates should match the starting
coordinates.

Coordinate Geometry Fundamentals

15

American Congress On Surveying And Mapping

Minimum Angle, Distance And Closure Requirements For Survey Measurements
Which Control Land Boundaries For ALTA/ACSM Land Title Surveys
(Note 1)

Dir. Reading
of
Instrument

Instrument
Reading
Estimated

Number
of Observations Per
Station
(Note 4)

Spread From
Mean of
D&R
Not To
Exceed
(Note 5)

Angle
Closure
Where
N=No. of
Stations
Not To
Exceed

(Note 2)

(Note 3)

20" <1'> 10"

5" <0.1'> N.A.

2 D&R

5"<0.1'> 5"

10" N

Linear
Closure

Distance
Measurement

Minimum
Length of
Measurements

(Note 6)

(Note 7)

(Notes 8,
9, 10)

EDM or
Doubletape
with Steel
Tape

(8) 81m,
(9) 153m,
(10) 20m

1:15,000

Note (1) All requirements of each class must be satisfied in order to qualify for that particular class of
survey. The use of a more precise instrument
does not change the other requirements, such as number of angles turned, etc.
Note (2) Instrument must have a direct reading of at least the amount specified (not an estimated reading),
i.e.: 20" = Micrometer reading theodolite,
<1'> = Scale reading theodolite, 10" = Electronic reading theodolite.
Note (3) Instrument must have the capability of allowing an estimated reading below the direct reading to
the specified reading.
Note (4) D & R means the Direct and Reverse positions of the instrument telescope, i.e., Urban Surveys
require that two angles in the direct and two
angles in the reverse position to be measured and meaned.
Note (5) Any angle measured that exceeds the specified amount from the mean must be rejected and the set
of angles re-measured.
Note (6) Ratio of closure after angles are balanced and closure calculated.
Note (7) All distance measurements must be made with a properly calibrated EDM or Steel tape, applying
atmospheric, temperature, sag, tension,
slope, scale factor and sea level corrections as necessary.
Note (8) EDM having an error of 5 mm, independent of distance measured (Manufacturer's specifications).
Note (9) EDM having an error of 10 mm, independent of distance measured (Manufacturer's
specifications).
Note (10) Calibrated steel tape.
Excerpted from MINIMUM STANDARD DETAIL REQUIREMENTS for ALTA/ACSM LAND
TITLE SURVEYS as adopted by American Land Title Association
American Congress on Surveying and Mapping and National Society of Professional Surveyors,1999
[Link]

Coordinate Geometry Fundamentals

16

Traverse Example Problem

Find the coordinates of points R, S, T and P.
Adjust the angles, balance the traverse, and compute coordinates for this traverse.
Vertex
Q
P
N

Angle
75 01 24"

Line

Distance

Direction

QP

1170.73

N 76 32 44 E

PN

458.39

NM

339.25

ML

868.95

LQ

428.09

Position
5000.00, 5000.00

41 19 20"
251 04 40"

54 06 24"

118 27 52"

Coordinate Geometry Fundamentals

17

Adjust interior angles:

Field measured
angle
75 01 24

+0 0 04

Adjusted
angle
75 01 28

41 19 20

+0 0 04

41 19 24

251 04 40

+0 0 04

251 04 44

54 06 24

+0 0 04

54 06 28

118 27 52

+0 0 04

118 27 56

Sum

539 59 40

Vertex

adjustment

540 00 00

- 540
error

-0 0 20
-(- 20) / 5 angles = +4 / angle
adjustment

Traverse loop azimuth computations:

3. To compute azimuths in the counterclockwise direction, add the interior angle to the
back azimuth of the previous course.
4. To compute azimuths in the clockwise direction, subtract the interior angle from the
back azimuth of the previous course.

Coordinate Geometry Fundamentals

18

Azimuth computations:
76 32 44

azimuth QP

This is the starting direction.

+ 180
256 32 44

back azimuth QP

+ 41 19 24

interior angle P

297 52 08

azimuth PN

- 180
117 52 08

back azimuth PN

+ 251 04 44

interior angle N

368 56 52
- 360
8 56 52

azimuth NM

+ 180
188 56 52

back azimuth NM

+ 54 06 28

interior angle M

243 03 20

azimuth ML

- 180
63 03 20

back azimuth ML

+ 118 27 56

interior angle L

181 31 16

azimuth LQ

- 180
1 31 16

back azimuth LQ

+ 75 01 28

interior angle Q

76 32 44

azimuth QP

Coordinate Geometry Fundamentals

This was the last remaining unknown azimuth.

Use the adjusted closing traverse angle to
check your computations.

OK: This checks with the starting value.

19

Coordinate Geometry Fundamentals

20

Traverse Practice Problem

Adjust the angles, balance the traverse, and compute coordinates for this traverse.

Vertex

Angle

87 53 02

189 29 34

78 48 29

118 22 27

E
F

Line Distance

Direction

Position
N 2000.00, E 4000.00

AB

186.63

BC

206.92

CD

198.15

DE

187.93

EF

214.57

FA

201.51

S 42 15 33 E

140 41 31
104 45 08

Coordinate Geometry Fundamentals

21

Coordinate Geometry Fundamentals

22

Sideshot Computations
Sideshot positions should be computed relative to balanced traverse coordinates.
1. Find the backsight azimuth (see Inverse Computations).
2. Compute the foresight azimuth.
3. Find the latitude and departure of the
foresight line.
4. Compute the foresight point coordinates.

Adjusted traverse courses

Line Distance

Azimuth

QP

1170.67

7632'48"

PN

458.40

29751'57"

NM

339.24

856'44"

ML

869.00

24303'18"

LQ

428.10

18131'25"

Coordinate Geometry Fundamentals

To find the distance and azimuth between the adjusted

points, you must inverse between them.
Notice how these values differ from the corrected values
in the computation sheet above.

23

Sideshot Example Problem

Find the coordinates of point 1 given the field measurements shown here.
Occ BS
Pt
Pt
P
Q

FS
Pt
1

Horiz Angle

Horiz Distance

Comment

244 08 38

291.53 ft

IR FND IN O&C SURF

Step 1
Backsight direction:

Destination Q
- Origin
P

Northing

Easting

5000.00
- 5272.36
- 272.36

5000.00
- 6138.54
- 1138.54

Local angle:
1138.54
tan 1
7632'47"
272.36
1800000 + 763247 = 2563247
backsight azimuth

Step 2
Backsight azimuth

2563247

Angle RT to FS Pt

+ 244 08 38
500 41 25
- 360 00 00
140 41 25

Foresight azimuth

Step 3
Latitude:
N 291.53(cos14041'25") 225.57

Departure:

E 291.53(sin14041'25") 184.69
Step 4

P
Lat / Dep
FS Pt 1

Northing

Easting

5272.36

6138.54

+(-225.57)

+184.69

5046.79

6323.23

Solution: Point 1 = N 5046.79, E 6323.23

Coordinate Geometry Fundamentals

24

Sideshot Practice Problem

Find the coordinates of point 3 given the field measurements shown here.
Occ BS
Pt
Pt
P
Q

FS
Pt
1

Horiz Angle

Horiz Distance

Comment

244 08 38

291.53 ft

IR FND IN O&C SURF

240 42 36

258.67 ft

S. FACE WOOD FENCE POST

282 45 42

558.20 ft

IR/CAP FND 6 DEEP, ILS 2006

283 07 40

569.98 ft

N. FACE WOOD CORNER POST

285 37 47

143.35 ft

IR/CAP FND 12 DEEP, ILS 2006

282 18 38

165.57 ft

W. FACE WOOD FENCE POST

Coordinate Geometry Fundamentals

25

Perpendicular Offset
Computations
An application of inverse calculations

Given a Point 3 of known coordinates (N3, E3)and a line 1-2 whose endpoint coordinates
(N1, E1 and N2, E2) are known, the perpendicular offset of the point from the line can be
determined. Stationing along the line to the point can also be found.
1. Inverse between the end points of the line 1-2.
2. Inverse between point 1 and the offset point 3.
3. Find the interior angle, , between lines 1-3 and 1-2.
4. Find the perpendicular offset and direction.

offset HD1 3 sin

5. Find the station from Point 1 along the line.

station HD1 3 cos

Coordinate Geometry Fundamentals

26

Perpendicular Offset Example Problem

What is the perpendicular offset and station of point 76 relative to line 80 - 83?
Point 76
N 3256.82
E 2296.66

Point 80
N 3534.01
E 1709.58
Point

Northing

Easting

Destination

83

3144.89

2523.41

- Origin

80

- 3534.01

- 1709.58

- 389.12
N

+ 813.83
E

Step 1
Line 80-83
inverse

Point 83
N 3144.89
E 2523.41

Since N is negative and E is positive, line 80-83 lies in the southeast quadrant.
Reference direction is South (azimuth=1800000).
HD

389.12

813.832 902.07 ft

South

1800000

+ local angle

+(-642645)

Line direction

1153315

HD

277.19

Line 80-83,
azimuth 1153315,
length 902.07 ft.

Point

Northing

Easting

Destination

76

3256.82

2296.66

- Origin

80

- 3534.01

- 1709.58

- 277.19
N

+ 587.08
E

Step 2
Line 80-76
inverse

813.83
tan 1
6426'45"
389.12

587.082 649.23 ft

South

1800000

+ local angle

+(-644332)

Line direction

1151628

Coordinate Geometry Fundamentals

587.08
tan 1
6443'32"
277.19

Line 80-76,
azimuth 1151628,
length 649.23 ft.

27

Step 3

Close inspection of these directions shows that

Point 76 falls to the left of line 80-83.

Line 80-83

1153315

- Line 80-76

-1151628

Interior angle

01647

Step 4

offset HD1 3 sin 649.23(sin 016'47) 3.17 ft

Step 5

station HD1 3 cos 649.23(cos 016'47") 649.22 ft

Solution:
Point 76 falls 3.17 ft LEFT of line 80-83, 649.22 ft along the line from Point 80.

Perpendicular Offset Practice Problem

Find the perpendicular offset and station of Point K relative to line JL.
Point J
N 2537.19
E 1774.94

Point K
N 2423.58
E 2223.41

Coordinate Geometry Fundamentals

Point L
N 2399.34
E 2445.15

28

Intersection Computations
3 types of intersections:

Solution method:

1. Direction Direction
2. Distance Distance
3. Direction Distance

Sine law
Cosine law
Sine law

B
a

C
b

Sine law:

sin A sin B sin C

a
b
c

Cosine law:

a 2 b2 c2 2bc cos A

Direction Direction Intersection

Find the coordinates of Point C given known coordinates at Points A & B and two lines
of known direction.

1. Inverse line AB.

2. Compute the interior angles at A, B, and C.
3. Compute the length of line AC (or line BC) using the Sine Law.
4. Find the latitude and departure of line AC (or line BC).
5. Compute the coordinates of Point C.

Coordinate Geometry Fundamentals

29

Direction Direction Intersection

Example Problem
Find the coordinates of Point C given
known coordinates at Points A & B and
two lines of known direction.

Step 1

Line AB
inverse

Point

Northing

Easting

Destination

5724.36

6198.05

- Origin

- 6490.66

- 6828.53

- 766.30
N

- 630.48
E

Since both N and E are negative, line AB lies in the southwest quadrant. Reference
direction is South (azimuth=1800000).
630.48
HD 766.302 630.482 992.33 ft
tan 1
3926'46"
766.30
South

1800000

+ local angle

+392646

Line direction

2192646

Coordinate Geometry Fundamentals

Line AB,
azimuth 2192646,
length 992.33 ft.

30

Step 2

Side AC

2705904

Side AB
Angle A

- 2192646
513218

Side BC

3585645

Side AC

- 2705904

Angle C

875741

Side AB

2192646
+ 1800000

Step 3

Side BC

- 3585645

Angle B

403001

Angle A

513218

Angle C

+ 875741

Angle B

+ 403001

Check = OK

992.33
BC

sin 8757'41" sin 5132'18"

1800000

BC = 777.51 ft
Step 4

Latitude:

N 777.51(cos 35856'45") 777.38 ft

Departure:

E 777.51(sin 35856'45") 14.30 ft

Step 5
Northing

Easting

Point B

5724.36

6198.05

Lat / Dep

+777.38

+(-14.30)

Point C

6501.74

6183.75

Solution: Point C = N 6501.74, E 6183.75

Coordinate Geometry Fundamentals

31

Direction Direction Intersection

Practice Problem

Find the coordinates of Point C given

known coordinates at Points A & B and
two lines of known direction.

Coordinate Geometry Fundamentals

32

Distance Distance Intersection

Find the coordinates of Point C given known coordinates at Points A & B and two lines
of known length.

1. Inverse line AB.

2. Compute the interior angle A using the Law of Cosines.
3. Compute the azimuth of line AC on the appropriate side (left or right) of line AB.
4. Find the latitude and departure of line AC.
5. Compute the coordinates of Point C.

Coordinate Geometry Fundamentals

33

Distance Distance Intersection

Example Problem
Find the coordinates of Point C given known coordinates at Points A & B and two lines
of known length.

Step 1

Point

Northing

Easting

Destination

6338.33

8704.38

- Origin

- 6334.43

- 7910.57

+ 3.90
N

+ 793.81
E

Line AB
inverse

Since both N and E are positive, line AB lies in the northeast quadrant. Local angle
equals azimuth in the northeast quadrant.
793.81
HD 3.902 793.812 793.82 ft
tan 1
8943'07"
3.90

North

00000

+ local angle

+894307

Line direction

894307

Coordinate Geometry Fundamentals

Line AB,
azimuth 894307,
length 793.82 ft.

34

Step 2

a 2 b2 c2 2bc cos A

a 2 b2 c2

A cos 1

2
bc

842.302 742.302 793.822

6624'24"
A cos 1
2(742.30)793.82

Step 3
Side AB

894307

Angle A

- 662424

Side AC

231843

Step 4

Latitude:

N 742.30(cos 2318'43") 681.70 ft

Departure:

E 742.30(sin 2318'43") 293.76 ft

Step 5
Northing

Easting

Point A

6334.43

7910.57

Lat / Dep

+681.70

+293.76

Point C

7016.13

8204.33

Solution: Point C = N 7016.13, E 8204.33

Coordinate Geometry Fundamentals

35

Distance Distance Intersection

Practice Problem
Find the coordinates of Point C given known coordinates at Points A & B and two lines
of known length.

Coordinate Geometry Fundamentals

36

Direction Distance Intersection

Find the coordinates of Point C given known coordinates at Points A & B and one line of
known length R and one line of known direction.

1. Inverse line AB.

2. Compute the interior angle B.
3. Using Angle B, distance AC,
and distance AB, find Angle C
using the Sine Law.
4. Using Angles B & C,
compute Angle A and the
azimuth of line AC.
5. Find the latitude and
departure of line AC.
6. Compute the coordinates of
Point C.

Direction Distance Intersection Conditions

Evaluate R and Angle B to determine possible number of solutions.
Angle B acute

Angle B right

Angle B obtuse

R < AB

0-2 solutions
(see note next page)

0 solutions

0 solutions

R = AB

1 solution
(isosceles)

0 solutions

0 solutions

R > AB

1 solution

1 solution

1 solution

Coordinate Geometry Fundamentals

37

Note:
For acute Angle B and R < AB, three conditions may occur.

O solutions:
R is less than the minimum
(perpendicular) distance to line BC.

1 solution:
R equals the minimum (perpendicular)
distance to line BC.

2 solutions:
R is greater than the minimum
(perpendicular) distance to line BC.

Coordinate Geometry Fundamentals

38

Direction Distance Intersection

Example Problem
Find the coordinates of Point C given known coordinates at Points A & B and one line of
known length R and one line of known direction.

Step 1

Point

Northing

Easting

Destination

7386.35

4810.28

- Origin

- 7739.51

- 3809.65

- 353.16
N

+ 1000.63
E

Line BA
inverse

Since N is negative and E is positive, line BA lies in the southeast quadrant.

Reference direction is South (azimuth=1800000).
1000.63
HD 353.162 1000.632 1061.12 ft tan 1
7033'36"
353.16
South

1800000

+ local angle

-703336

Line direction

1092624

Coordinate Geometry Fundamentals

Line BA,
azimuth 1092624,
length 1061.12 ft.

39

Step 2

Side BC

1923850

Side CB

- 1800000
123850

Side BA
Side BC
Angle B

1092624
- 123850
964734

Step 3
1377.86
1061.12

sin 9647'34"
sin C

C = 495254

Step 4
Sum of angles

1800000

Angle B

- 964734

Angle C

- 495254

Angle A

+ 331932

Angle A

331932

Side AC

3224556

Step 5

Side BA

1092624
+ 1800000

Latitude:

N 1377.86(cos 32245'56") 1097.01ft

Departure:

E 1377.86(sin 32245'56") 833.71ft

Step 6

Point A
Lat / Dep
Point C

Northing

Easting

7386.35

4810.28

+1097.01

+(-833.71)

8483.36

3976.57

Solution: Point C = N 8483.36, E 3976.57

Coordinate Geometry Fundamentals

40

Direction Distance Intersection

Practice Problem
Find the coordinates of Point C given known coordinates at Points A & B and one line of
known length R and one line of known direction.

Coordinate Geometry Fundamentals

41

Area by Coordinates
Computations

Given a closed figure defined by points of known coordinates (Nx, Ex), the figure area
can be determined by cross-multiplication of the coordinate pairs.

1. List point coordinates in sequence around the area to be calculated.

2. Cross-multiply coordinate pairs to find Northings.

N1 * E2 ( N 2 * E3 ) ( N 3 * E4 ) ...( N x * E1 ) Northings
3. Cross-multiply coordinate pairs to find Eastings.

E1 * N 2 ( E2 * N 3 ) ( E3 * N 4 ) ...( E x * N1 ) Eastings
4. Calculate the area.

Northings Eastings
2

Coordinate Geometry Fundamentals

Area

42

Area by Coordinates
Example Problem
Find the area of the figure defined by Points 1 6.
Step 1
Point

Northing

Easting

10000.0000

5000.0000

10326.7981

5356.3614

9938.7277

5298.7122

9448.9156

4560.3990

9854.7405

4760.8417

10070.8565

4583.9559

10000.0000

5000.0000

Step 2

N1 * E2 ( N 2 * E3 ) ( N 3 * E4 ) ...( N x * E1 ) Northings = 294,119,678.8 ft2

Step 3

E1 * N 2 ( E2 * N 3 ) ( E3 * N 4 ) ...( E x * N1 ) Eastings = 293,663,353.6 ft2

Step 4

Northings Eastings
2

Area

456,325.2 ft 2
= 228,162.6 ft2
2

228,162.6 ft 2
5.24 acres
43,560 ft 2 / acre

Solution: Area = 5.24 acres

Coordinate Geometry Fundamentals

43

Area by Coordinates
Practice Problem
Find the area of the figure defined by Points 1 6.

Coordinate Geometry Fundamentals

44

Horizontal Curves
Any 2 known parts will
completely describe a
curve.

= Central Angle

= Radius

= Tangent Distance

= Degree of Curvature

= External Distance

= Middle Ordinate

= Chord Length

= Curve (arc) length

PC

= Point of Curvature

PI

= Point of Intersection

PT

= Point of Tangency

Coordinate Geometry Fundamentals

5729.577951
R

L 100

D L
100

L 2R

T R tan

C 2T cos

M R1 cos 2

360

C 2 R sin

tan
2
4

E R
1
cos 2

45

Circular Curve Example Problem

Given:

PI Station 107+67.90

= 11 00 00

D = 2 30 00

Calculate all other curve parameters.

Radius
R=5729.58 / D
R=5729.58 / 2 30 00
R=2291.83 ft

Deflection for 100 ft arc

100 ft arc = D / 2
100 ft arc = 2 30 00 / 2
100 ft arc = 1 15 00

Tangent Distance
T=R (tan /2)
T=2291.83 (tan 11 00 00/2)
T=220.68 ft

Deflection for 50 ft arc

50 ft arc = D / 4
50 ft arc = 2 30 00 / 4
50 ft arc = 0 37 30

Length of Curve
L=100 (/D)
L=100 (11 00 00/2 30 00)
L=440.00 ft

Deflection for 25 ft arc

25 ft arc = D / 8
25 ft arc = 2 30 00 / 8
25 ft arc = 0 18 45

External Distance
E=T (tan /4)
E=220.68 (tan 11 00 00/4)
E=10.60 ft

Deflection for 1 ft arc

1 ft arc = D / 200
1 ft arc = 2 30 00 / 200
1 ft arc = 0 00 45

PC Station
Chord Length 100 ft arc
PC = PI Station Tangent Distance
100 arc = 2R (sin deflection angle)
PC = 107+67.90 220.68
100 arc = 2 (2291.83) sin 1 15 00
PC = 105+47.22
100 arc = 99.99 ft
PT Station
PT = PC Station + Curve Length
PC = 105+47.22 + 440.00
PC = 109+87.22

Chord Length 50 ft arc

50 arc = 2R (sin deflection angle)
50 arc = 2 (2291.83) sin 0 37 30
50 arc = 50.00 ft

Calculate the deflection for the first station from P.C. or any odd station along the curve.
1. Take the distance from the last point with a known deflection to the station you are
calculating.
2. Multiply this distance by the deflection of a 1 foot arc (D/200); this will give you the
deflection between these two points.
Example: Find the deflection angle at Sta 108+55.
(108+55 105+47.22) = 307.78

Coordinate Geometry Fundamentals

307.78 * (0 0 45) = 3 50 50

46

Field Book for Circular Curve

Dist.

Chord
Dist

Defl.
Angle

Total
Defl.

105+47.22

105+50

2.78

2.78

0 02 05

0 02 05

106+00

50

50.00

0 37 30

0 39 35

106+50

50

50.00

0 37 30

1 17 05

107+00

50

50.00

0 37 30

1 54 35

107+50

50

50.00

0 37 30

2 32 05

108+00

50

50.00

0 37 30

3 09 35

108+50

50

50.00

0 37 30

3 47 05

109+00

50

50.00

0 37 30

4 24 35

109+50

50

50.00

0 37 30

5 02 05

109+87.22

37.22

37.22

0 27 55

5 30 00

Sta.

105+00

Calc by KAB 7-20-93

= 11 00 00

P.C.

P.T.

Check by AN 7-21-93

D = 2 30 00

Deflection Angles
Chord Length
100 ft arc
= D / 2 = 2 30 00 / 2
100 arc
= 1 15 00
50 ft arc
= D / 4 = 2 30 00 / 4
= 0 37 30
50 arc
1 ft arc
= D / 200 = 2 30 00 / 200
= 0 00 45

= 2R (sin deflection angle)

= 2 (2291.83) sin 1 15 00
= 99.99 ft
= 2R (sin deflection angle)
= 2 (2291.83) sin 0 37 30
= 50.00 ft

P.T. (Note: Total deflection should equal /2)

Coordinate Geometry Fundamentals

47

Circular Curve Practice Problem

Given a circular horizontal curve with a central angle of 29 42 00 and a radius of
700 feet, find the tangent length and the arc length.

Solution:
Delta Angle = 2942'00"
Degree of Curvature = 811'06"
Radius = 700.00 ft
Circular Curve Length = 362.85 ft
Tangent Distance = 185.60 ft
Circular Curve Long Chord = 358.81 ft
Middle Ordinate = 23.38 ft
External = 24.19 ft

Coordinate Geometry Fundamentals

48

Circular Curve Practice Problem

Given a curve to the right with PI at 10+71.78, T = 375.60 ft, R = 1150.00 ft, compute chord
and deflection data for all even 100 ft stations within the curve.

Coordinate Geometry Fundamentals

49

Solutions:
Delta Angle = 3610'30"
Degree of Curvature = 458'56"
Radius = 1,150.00 ft
Circular Curve Length = 726.08 ft
Tangent Distance = 375.60 ft
Circular Curve Long Chord = 714.08 ft
Middle Ordinate = 56.83 ft
External = 59.78 ft
PI Stationing = 10+71.78

Incremental chord solution:

Station

Chord

14+22.26 PT
14+00.00
13+00.00
12+00.00
11+00.00
10+00.00
9+00.00
8+00.00
7+00.00
6+96.18 PC

22.26
99.97
99.97
99.97
99.97
99.97
99.97
99.97
3.82

Deflection
Increment
033'16"
229'28"
229'28"
229'28"
229'28"
229'28"
229'28"
229'28"
005'43"

Deflection
Angle
1805'15"
1731'59"
1502'31"
1233'03"
1003'35"
734'07"
504'39"
235'11"
005'43"

Deflection
Increment
033'16"
229'28"
229'28"
229'28"
229'28"
229'28"
229'28"
229'28"
005'43"

Deflection
Angle
1805'15"
1731'59"
1502'31"
1233'03"
1003'35"
734'07"
504'39"
235'11"
005'43"

Total chord solution:

Station

Chord

14+22.26 PT
14+00.00
13+00.00
12+00.00
11+00.00
10+00.00
9+00.00
8+00.00
7+00.00
6+96.18 PC

714.08
692.89
596.91
499.80
401.75
302.94
203.55
103.79
3.82

Coordinate Geometry Fundamentals

50

Circular Curve Practice Problem

This curve cannot be staked entirely from the PC. While occupying the PC, you can only
stake up through Station 46+00.00 due to an obstruction that prevents you from seeing
the remainder of the points. What can you do?
= 3823'06"
D = 425'40"
R = 1,294.00 ft
L = 866.91 ft
T = 450.43 ft
LC = 850.79 ft
M = 71.92 ft
E = 76.15 ft
PI Stationing = 47+16.26

Coordinate Geometry Fundamentals

Station
Chord Defl. Increment Defl. Angle
51+32.74 PT 32.74
043'29"
1911'33"
51+00.00
99.98
212'50"
1828'04"
50+00.00
99.98
212'50"
1615'14"
49+00.00
99.98
212'50"
1402'24"
48+00.00
99.98
212'50"
1149'34"
47+00.00
99.98
212'50"
936'44"
46+00.00
99.98
212'50"
723'54"
45+00.00
99.98
212'50"
511'03"
44+00.00
99.98
212'50"
258'13"
43+00.00
34.17
045'23"
045'23"
42+65.83 PC
Incremental chord solution

51

Horizontal Curve Layout Tangent Offset

Y R R2 X 2

R = curve radius
X = Distance along tangent to set out point
Y = Offset from tangent

Tangent Offset Example Problem

Given R = 40 feet, find offsets from the tangent to the curve at 2 foot increments along
the tangent.
Y R R2 X 2

X (feet)
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20

Y (feet)
0
0.05
0.20
0.45
0.81
1.27
1.84
2.53
3.34
4.28
5.36

Coordinate Geometry Fundamentals

X (feet)

Y (feet)

22
24
26
28
30
32
34
36
38
40

6.59
8.00
9.60
11.43
13.54
16.00
18.93
22.56
27.51
40.00

52

Tangent Offset Practice Problem

Given R = 75 feet, find offset Y at 5 foot increments along the tangent. In addition, find
the offset at X = 67.5 feet and at X = 72.5 feet.

Coordinate Geometry Fundamentals

53

Horizontal Curve Layout Chord Offset

Y R2 X 2 R2 C
2

Y = Offset from chord

X = Distance from chord midpoint to set out point

R = curve radius

C = Chord length

Chord Offset Example Problem

Given R = 636.62 feet and C = 100.00 feet, find offsets from the chord to the curve at
5 foot increments along the tangent.

Y R2 X 2 R2 C
2

X (feet)
0
5
10
15
20
25

Y (feet)
1.97
1.95
1.89
1.79
1.65
1.48

Coordinate Geometry Fundamentals

X (feet)

Y (feet)

30
35
40
45
50

1.26
1.00
0.71
0.37
0.00

54

Chord Offset Practice Problem

Given R = 20 feet and C = 28.28 feet ( = 90), find offsets at increments of C/8.

Coordinate Geometry Fundamentals

55

Vertical Curves
Two major methods of computation: Tangent offset & Equation of Parabola.
Information Needed:

Grade or slope on each side of curve.

Elevation and station of PVI.
Curve length (Horizontal distance PVC - PVT)

Typical Vertical Curve Diagram:

Tangent Offset Method:

Procedure:
1. Compute the elevation of the PVC and PVT.
2. Compute elevation of Chord midpoint.
3. Compute offset to curve at midpoint.
4. Determine total number of stations covered.
5. Determine tangent elevations at stations.
6. Compute curve offset at stations.
7. Combine data and determine vertical curve elevations.

Equation Of Parabola Method:

Equation: r = g2 g1 / L

r = change in grade per station

g1 = initial grade
g2 = final grade
L = length of curve in stations

Procedure:
1. Compute PVC and PVT elevations.
2. Calculate total change in grade/station.
3. Insert data to chart and compute final curve elevations.

Coordinate Geometry Fundamentals

56

Tangent Offset Vertical Curve Example Problem

PVC Station & Elevation

50+00 400 = 46+00 Station

550.97 + (400 * 6.0%) = 574.97 elevation

PVT Station & Elevation

50+00 + 400 = 54+00 Station

550.97 + (400 * 2.0%) = 558.97 elevation

Elevation of chord at midpoint:

(574.97 558.97) / 2 = 566.97

Offset to curve at midpoint:

(566.97 550.97) / 2 = 8.00

4 stations each side

46+00 50+00:
50+00 54+00:

Determine Curve Offset:

47+00 & 53+00:
48+00 & 52+00:
49+00 & 51+00:

(1/4)2 * 8.00 = 0.50

(1/2)2 * 8.00 = 2.00
(3/4)2 * 8.00 = 4.50

Subtract 6.00 / station

Add 2.00 / station

Compute tangent elevations & vertical curve elevations:

47+00:
574.97 6.00 =
568.97 + 0.50 =
48+00:
568.97 6.00 =
562.97 + 2.00 =
49+00:
562.97 6.00 =
556.97 + 4.50 =
50+00:
556.97 6.00 =
550.97 + 8.00 =
51+00:
550.97 + 2.00 =
552.97 + 4.50 =
52+00:
552.97 + 2.00 =
554.97 + 2.00 =
53+00:
554.97 + 2.00 =
556.97 + 0.50 =
54+00:
556.97 + 2.00 =

Coordinate Geometry Fundamentals

569.47 VC elev.
564.97 VC elev.
561.47 VC elev.
558.97 VC elev.
557.47 VC elev.
556.97 VC elev.
557.47 VC elev.
558.97 PVT elev.

57

Equation Of Parabola Vertical Curve

Example Problem

PVC Station and Elevation:

50+00 400 = 46+00 PVC Station

550.97 + (400 X 6.0%) = 574.97 elevation

PVT Station and Elevation:

50+00 + 400 = 54+00 PVT Station

550.97 + (400 X 2.0%) = 558.97 elevation

Total change in grade / station (r):

r = 2.0 (-6.0) / 8 = 1.00%

VC Elev. = PVC Elev. + g1X + r/2 X2

Station

X2

r/2X2

g1X

PVC Elev.

VC Elev.

PVC 46+00

574.97

574.97

47+00

0.5

-6.0

574.97

569.47

48+00

2.0

-12.0

574.97

564.97

49+00

4.5

-18.0

574.97

561.47

PVI 50+00

16

8.0

-24.0

574.97

558.97

51+00

25

12.5

-30.0

574.97

557.47

52+00

36

18.0

-36.0

574.97

556.97

53+00

49

24.5

-42.0

574.97

557.47

PVT 54+00

64

32.0

-48.0

574.97

558.97

Coordinate Geometry Fundamentals

58

Station and Elevation of Low/High Point

(Based on the Equation of Parabola Method)
The lowest point on a sag vertical curve or the highest point on a crest vertical curve lies at a
distance X stations (X * 100 ft) from the PVC of the curve.

g1
r

Substitute this value of X into the equation below to find the elevation of the high point or low
point.
VC Elev. = PVC Elev. + g1X + r/2 X2

Low/High Point Example Problem

g1
r

6.0
6
1.0

Distance = X*100 ft = 6 * 100 ft = 600 ft

46+00 + 600ft =
VC Elev. =

52+00 low point station

PVC Elev. + g1X + r/2 X2

574.97 + (-6.0)*6 + (1.0/2)*62 =

Coordinate Geometry Fundamentals

556.97 low point elevation

59

Vertical Curve Practice Problem

Given the following vertical curve data, compute the elevations of the curve summit and
even full stations (that is, 100 ft stations).
PVI at 19+00, elevation 723.86
LVC = 500 ft
g1 = +2.5%
g2 = -1.0%

Coordinate Geometry Fundamentals

60