Traverse Survey

A series of intervisible points

1
 Traverse Types
1. A closed polygonal traverse starts and
finishes on the same known point.
2. A closed link traverse joins two known
points.
3. An open traverse starts on a known
point and finishes on an unknown
point.

2
Closed Polygonal Traverse
2
4
N
3

1 Known Start and

5
6 3
 Link Traverse
Known
Finish Point
N 2
4

1
Known
Start Point 4
 Open Traverse
Unknown
Finish Point
N 2
4

1 3

Known
Start Point 5
 Coordinate Calculation
• The start coordinates must be known
• The start orientation must be known

2 4
N

3
1
Known Start Point
6
 Total Station Traversing
• A Total Station can calculate coordinates
and WCB’s on the fly
• The method eliminates calculation, but the
instrument must be checked for adjustment
at the start of the survey

7
 Closing Errors
If the traverse misclosure is greater than
is desirable, there are two choices: -

1. Adjust the survey

8
 Adjustment
• There are various methods used to adjust
surveys
• No method will improve the accuracy of the
observations but only the consistency of the
geometry
• Adjustment can generate a false confidence in
the quality of a survey

9
 Repeat the Survey
This is the recommended choice as no
amount of statistical manipulation can
improve poor observations

10
THE END

11
Slide 1
• This procedure is used to extend survey control beyond existing known points.

Slide 2
The first two types can be easily checked for observational accuracy.

• The open traverse is a dangerous activity that should be avoided if at all

Slide 3
• A closed traverse that starts and finishes on the same known point forms a
polygon.
• If the polygon has n sides, then n sides and n angles are measured.
• The sum of the internal angles is 2(n-4) right angles.
• The sum of the external angles is 2(n+4) right angles.
• This is a quick and definitive check on the accuracy of the angles that have
been measured.
• To check the distances it is necessary to calculate coordinates of all points on
the traverse.
• Obviously the calculated coordinates of the finish point should be same as the
start coordinates plus or minus an acceptable tolerance.
• The orientation at point 1 must also be known.

Slide 4
• The calculated coordinates of the finish point should be same as the known
coordinates of the finish plus or minus an acceptable tolerance.

Slide 5
• Mistakes in calculation or observation are not detectable in this type of
traverse.
• Think very carefully before you use this method.

Slide 6
• Whole circle bearing, (WCB), of 1 to 2 must be known.
• WCB (2 to 3) = WCB (1 to 2) – 180 degrees + clockwise angle at 2.
• WCB (3 to 4) = WCB (2 to 3) – 180 degrees + clockwise angle at 3.
• Etc. etc.
• X (2)=X (1)+distance (1 to 2)*SIN (WCB (1 to 2))
• Y (2)=Y (1)+distance (1 to 2)*COS (WCB (1 to 2))
• Etc. etc.

Slide 10
• It is a good idea to repeat the survey anyway in order to eliminate the,
(admittedly unlikely), possibility of compensating errors.