Plane Table Survey

Definition: Plane table surveying is a graphical method of surveying in which field

observations and plotting are done simultaneously on a drawing sheet mounted on a plane
table.

Main Equipment and Accessories:

1. Plane Table – A flat wooden board used as a drawing surface, mounted on a tripod.

2. Tripod – A three-legged stand that supports the plane table.

3. Alidade – A straight edge with a sighting device used to draw lines and take sightings.

4. Spirit Level – Used to level the table accurately.

5. Plumb Bob – A pointed weight suspended from the plumbing fork to locate the
ground point accurately.

6. U Fork – A U-shaped metal frame used with a plumb bob to center the table over a
survey station

7. Drawing Sheet and Clips – The paper is fixed on the table using clips or thumb tacks
for plotting.

8. Compass – Used to determine the magnetic north direction.

9. Ranging Rods – Poles used to mark survey stations on the ground.

Uses of Plane Table Survey:

• For small area surveys

• In topographic and detail mapping

• For quick and direct plotting in the field

• In reconnaissance and preliminary surveys

• For educational and training purposes

• In archaeological site mapping

Plane Tabling Methods:

The plane table can be used in four ways-

1. Radiation
2. Intersection
3. Traversing
4. Resection

1. Radiation Method: The radiation method is a plane table surveying technique in which
lines (rays) are drawn from a fixed station point to various objects, and distances are
measured and plotted to locate those points.
Uses:
• Suitable for small, open areas.
• Used when all points are visible from a single station.
• Common in detail mapping and quick surveys.

2. Intersection Method: The intersection method is a plane table surveying technique in

which the location of an object is determined by drawing rays to it from two different
known stations.
Uses:
• Useful when distance cannot be measured directly (e.g., across rivers, valleys).
• Suitable for locating inaccessible points.
• Common in topographic and river surveys.

3. Traversing Method: Traversing is a method in plane table surveying where a series of

connected survey lines are measured and plotted one after another to form a
framework. It is used for surveying long and narrow areas.
Types of Traversing Method
Open Traverse – The lines do not return to the starting point.
Uses: roads, railways, pipelines, canals.

Closed Traverse – The lines form a loop or return to the starting point.
Uses: boundary surveys, land plots, construction sites.

4. Resection Method: Resection is a method in plane table surveying used to determine

the location of the instrument station (plane table point) by taking sights to two or
more known points whose positions are already plotted on the map.
Types of Resection Method:
Two-Point Problem – Used when the location is determined by sighting two known
points.
Three-Point Problem – Used when the plane table location is determined by
sighting three known points.
Trial and Error Method (Lehmann’s Method) – A graphical solution for the three-
point problem using successive approximations.
 Prismatic Compass Survey
Definition: Prismatic compass survey is a method of surveying in which bearings (angles) of
survey lines are measured using a prismatic compass and distances are measured with a
chain or tape.

Main Equipment & Accessories:

1. Tripod Stand – A three-legged stand used to hold the compass steady during
observation.

2. Chain / Measuring Tape – Used to measure the horizontal distance between two
survey stations.

3. Ranging Rods – Tall poles (painted in red and white bands) used to mark stations and
help in aligning straight lines.

4. Pegs – Wooden or iron sticks used to mark survey stations or endpoints on the
ground.

5. Arrows – Used to mark the end of each chain or tape length during distance
measurement.

6. Field Book – A small notebook used to record field observations like bearings,
distances, and remarks.

Uses of Prismatic Compass Survey:

• To determine the bearing (direction) between different points on the ground.

• Useful for preliminary surveys in road, railway, canal, and pipeline projects.

• Helps in plotting traverses in inaccessible or forested areas.

• Used in military and navigation purposes to find directions.

• Helps in topographic mapping and locating features like hills, rivers, and roads.

• Suitable for reconnaissance surveys where quick results are needed.

Types of Prismatic Compass Survey:

The plane table can be used in four ways-

1. Radiation
2. Intersection
3. Traversing
1. Radiation Method- In this method, the prismatic compass is set up at a single station.
Bearings and distances to various objects are observed and plotted from this central
point like rays radiating outward.

Uses: Suitable for small areas where all details are visible from one station.
Commonly used in topographical surveys, building layout, gardens, or small fields.

2. Intersection Method- In this method, the position of a point is determined by taking

bearings from two different known stations. The intersection of these bearings gives the
location of the point.

Uses: Used when distance cannot be measured directly. Helpful for locating distant
or inaccessible objects such as hilltops, temples, towers, or trees across rivers.

3. Traversing Method- This method involves moving from one station to another in a series
of connected survey lines. Bearings and distances are recorded at each station using the
compass.

Types:

• Open Traverse – Lines do not return to the starting point (e.g., along roads or
rivers).

• Closed Traverse – Lines form a loop or polygon (e.g., around a plot or field).

Uses: Ideal for large area surveys. Commonly used in road alignment, boundary
surveys, canals, and railway tracks.
 Indian Clinometer
Definition: The Indian Clinometer is a simple surveying instrument used to measure the
angle of elevation or depression of a slope, object, or terrain. It is specially designed for
rough and quick field use in Indian conditions and is commonly used in plane table and
topographic surveys.

Equipment and Accessories:

1. Indian Clinometer– The main instrument used to measure vertical angles (angle of
elevation or depression).

2. Tripod Stand– Used to mount the clinometer for steady observation (not always
required as it’s handheld too).

3. Measuring Tape / Chain– For measuring the horizontal distance from the object
whose height is to be found.

4. Ranging Rods– Used to mark positions or points on the ground.

5. Field Book– A notebook to record angle measurements, distances, and calculated

heights.

6. Plumb Bob– Sometimes used for vertical alignment while taking readings.

Uses of Indian Clinometer:

• To measure the height of trees, towers, poles, or buildings.

• To find the slope or gradient of a land surface.

• Used in topographical surveys for drawing contour lines.

• Helpful in geographical and geological studies to assess natural slopes.

• Used in forestry to estimate the height of tall trees without climbing.

 Dumpy Level
Definition: A Dumpy Level is a precision surveying instrument used to determine the
horizontal line of sight for the purpose of measuring elevations or comparing heights of
different points on the ground. It consists of a telescope mounted on a leveling base and
is widely used in leveling and contouring surveys.

Main Equipments & Accessories:

• Tripod Stand – A stable three-legged stand on which the dumpy level is mounted.

• Levelling Staff – A graduated rod used for taking vertical readings from the line of
sight.

• Plumb Bob – Used for centering the instrument over a survey point.

• Spirit Level – Helps in leveling the instrument accurately.

• Adjusting Screws – For precise leveling and alignment of the instrument.

• Field Book – For recording observations and calculations.

Uses of Dumpy Level:

• To determine the difference in elevation between two or more points.

• For road and railway construction where level surfaces are needed.

• In canal, dam, and drainage projects to maintain proper slope.

• Used in contour surveys to map terrain features.

• Helpful in setting out levels for foundations and other civil structures.

1. Longitudinal Section
Definition: A longitudinal section (or profile leveling) is the process of taking level
readings along a single line at regular intervals to determine the vertical profile
(elevation changes) of the ground.

Uses:

• Highway engineering
• Irrigation canals
• Railway track planning
 • Pipeline installation

2. Spot Height Determination

Definition: A spot height is the measured elevation of a specific point on the ground
above mean sea level (MSL).

Uses:

• Land leveling
• Construction site planning
• Road and canal alignment
• Drainage design
• Earthwork estimation

3. Contour Plan Preparation

Definition: A contour plan (or contour map) is a topographical drawing that shows lines
connecting points of equal elevation.

Uses:

• Drainage
• Irrigation
• Construction
• Estimation
• Visualization
 Abney Level
Definition: An Abney Level is a hand-held surveying instrument used to measure angles of
slope, elevation, or depression.

Main Equipment and Accessories:

1. Abney Level Instrument – main device with a sighting tube, arc scale (graduated in
degrees or percentages), and a bubble level.

2. Measuring Tape or Chain – for measuring horizontal or sloped distances.

3. Field Book and Pencil – to record observations.

4. Ranging Rods – to mark positions or points on the ground.

5. Plumb Bob – to ensure vertical alignment when needed.

Uses of Abney Level:

1. Measuring slope or gradient of land or road.

2. Determining height of trees, poles, buildings, or hills (by trigonometric calculations).

3. Setting out gradients for drainage or canals.

4. Topographic surveys to measure elevation differences.

5. Geological and forest surveys where lightweight instruments are preferred.

6. Preliminary reconnaissance surveys for road and railway construction.

 Sextant
Definition: A sextant is a precision optical instrument used to measure the angle between
two visible objects, most commonly between a celestial object (like the Sun or stars) and the
horizon. It is widely used in navigation and surveying to determine latitude and longitude.

Main Equipment and Accessories:

1. Frame – holds all parts together, usually shaped like a sector of a circle (60° arc).

2. Graduated Arc – marked from 0° to 120°, used for angle measurements.

3. Index Arm – movable arm with a vernier scale or micrometer drum.

4. Telescope – fixed on the frame to help in sighting the object.

5. Index Mirror – attached to the index arm, reflects the image of the celestial body.

6. Horizon Mirror – half-silvered mirror allowing simultaneous view of the horizon and
reflected object.

7. Shades/Filters – for reducing brightness while observing the sun.

8. Micrometer Drum or Vernier Scale – for fine reading of angles.

9. Handle – to hold the instrument steady during observation.

10. Carrying Case – for safe storage and transport.

Uses of Sextant:

1. Navigation at sea – to find position (latitude and longitude) using celestial bodies.

2. Measuring vertical angles – between celestial object and horizon.

3. Used in hydrographic surveys – for angular measurements.

4. Determining angular distance between two landmarks or objects.

5. Checking the accuracy of other instruments by cross-verification.

6. Used in air and space navigation (historically, before GPS).