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Contents page No
1. Introduction
2. Objective
3. Instrument required
4. Procedures
5. Result
6. Computations
7. Table
8. conclusion
9. Recommendation
10.Reference
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Introduction
A traverse consists of a series of straight lines connecting successive points. The points
defining the ends of the traverse lines are called traverse stations or traverse points. Distance
between successive stations can be measured directly with a tape or indirectly with Stadia or
EDM.
Angular measurements or change in direction of lines are observed by a transit or theodolite.
A traverse party is composed of instrument operator; two tape men and a recorder.
Equipments used: - theodolite or transit, leveling rod, steel tape, ranging poles, EDM, and
supporting equipment, plumb bob, stakes and hubs, tacks, axe or hammer, taping pins,
notebook, marking crayon, paint, walkie-talkies, special nails, chisels etc.
Traverse is a convenient and rapid method of establishing horizontal control. It is particularly
useful in densely built-up areas and heavily forested regions where lengths of sight are short
and triangulation and trilateration cannot be run comfortably.
Traverses are used for two general purposes
1. For surveying details: -the traverse work provides a system of control points which can be
plotted accurately on the map. Positions of natural and artificial features are located on the
ground relative to the network and these details are plotted on the map by referencing to the
traverse lines and stations.
2. For setting out: - positions of roads, buildings, property lines, and other new constructions
can be established by referencing to a network of traverse lines. The surveyor can then set out
in order to locate the actual position on the ground.
(Hub-traverse station marking peg driven flush with the ground with a tack driven in its top to
make the exact point of reference)
(Stake- extends above ground and driven slopping so that its tip is over the hub. It carries the
number and letter of the traverse station over which it stands.)

Types of traverse
There are two general classes of traverse: the open traverse and the closed traverse.
An open traverse originates at a point of known position and closes at another point whose
location is not known. No computational checks are possible to check the quality of the work.
To minimize errors distances are observed twice, angles are observed by repetition, magnetic
bearings are observed for all lines and astronomic observations are made periodically. This
type of traverse is applied in mine surveys.
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A closed traverse originates on a point of known position and closes on the same point
(closed loop traverse) or on another point of known position (closed link traverse)
computational checks can be applied to a closed traverse to check the quality of the survey.

Fig 1 (a) open traverse (b) closed link traverse (c)closed loop
traverse
Traverses can be categorized as interior angle traverse, deflection angle traverse, angle to the
right traverse, azimuth traverse, compass traverse, stadia traverse, or plane table traverse
based on the method used in laying out the traverse lines.
1. Deflection angle traverse
This method of running traverses is widely employed than the other especially on open
traverses. It is mostly common in location of routes, canals, roads, highways, pipe lines, etc.

Azimuth of line =Azimuth of preceding line+ R

Azimuth of line = Azimuth of preceding line- L
In the above figure the azimuth of line AX and DY and are used to check the angular closure
for the traverse.
AXA+2+4-1-3-360=ADY

Where:
Al=Azimuth of starting station
A2=Azimuth of closing station
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R= deflection to the right

L = deflection to the left
The angular error of closure can be computed and the adjustment of the observed angles is
made assuming equal degrees of precision in observation, the error of closure may be
distributed equally among the deflection angles.
Interior Angle Traverse
Interior angle traverse is the one that is employed for closed loop traverse. Successive
stations occupied and back sight is taken to the preceding station. The instrument is then
turned on its upper motion until the next station is bisected/ sighted and the interior angle is
observed. The horizontal circle reading gives the interior angle in the clockwise direction.
Horizontal distances are determined by stadia and angles should be observed twice by double
centering.

Azimuth of a line =back azimuth of preceding line +Clockwise interior angle.

Angular closure Check
For closed loop traverse,

n- is the number of stations or sides of a polygon

Compass traverse
When compasses are used to run traverses, forward and back beatings are observed from each
traverse station and distances are taped. If local attraction exists at any traverse station, both
the forward and back bearings are affected equally. Thus, interior angles computed from
forward and back bearings are independent of local attraction. Since these angles are
independent of local attraction, the sum of these interior angles provides a legitimate
indication of the angular error in the traverse. Assuming that all bearings are of equal
precision and non-correlated, this error is distributed equally among the number of interior
angles. Since none of the traverse lines has an absolute direction that is known to be correct,
it is necessary to select a line affected least by local attraction.

Angle to the right traverse

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This method can be used in open, closed, or dosed loop traverses. Successive theodolite
stations are occupied and back sight is taken to the preceding station with the A vernier set
zero. Then foresight is taken on the next station using the upper motion in the clockwise
direction. The reading gives the angle to the right at the station and angles should be observed
by double sighting.
Azimuth of a line= Back azimuth of preceding line + angle to the right

Generally, the condition of closure can be expressed by

A1+1+2+3+…+n - (n-1)180-A2=0
Where: A1 and A2 are Azimuths of the starting and ending lines
n=number of traverse stations (exclusive of fixed stations)
Any misclosure can be distributed equally to all angles assuming equal precision

Azimuth traverse
This method is used extensively on topographic and other surveys where a large number of
details are located by angular and linear measurements from the traverse stations. Successive
stations are occupied, beginning with the line of known or assumed azimuth. At each station
the theodolite is oriented by setting the horizontal circle index to read the back azimuth
(forward azimuth ± 180) of the preceding line, and then back sighting to the preceding
traverse Station. The instrument is then turned on the upper motion, and a foresight on the
following traverse station is taken. The reading indicated by the A vernier on the clockwise
circle is the azimuth of the forward line.
Any angular error of closure of a traverse becomes evident by the difference between initial
and final observations Taken along the first line

Stadia traverse
In stadia traverse the horizontal distance between traverse stations is determined by stadia
method. The stadia traverse is sufficiently accurate and considerably more rapid and
economical than corresponding surveys made with theodolite and tape. Its advantage is that
elevations can be determined concurrently with horizontal position.
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OBJECTIVE
To determine horizontal control points
Making closed traverse
To measure interior angle
To measure azimuth angle
To determine departure and latitude
To measure horizontal distance
To calculate coordinates of the points
To adjust error and misclosure
To plot sample traverse station
To compute area

Instrument required
Theodolite
theodolite is an instrument designed for measuring angular measurements. It is one of the
most precise instruments available for the angular measurements in the market. You’ll know
Theodolite parts and functions here.
Besides the measurements of angles, it may also be used for prolonging the survey lines,
establishing grades, locating points on a line, determining the differences in level, etc.
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How To Use a Theodolite

The exact process for using this instrument depends on the type and model. However, the
general process remains the same:
1. Mark the survey points with a nail or stake.
2. Set up the tripod so that the instrument is at eye level. The center should be directly
over the stake. Once positioned, secure the tripod legs.
3. Level the theodolite by adjusting the legs to ensure the instrument is completely
leveled.
4. Measure the distance from the theodolite to the ground.
5. Ensure the eyepiece is focused correctly and the axes are centered.
6. Take sightings and record measurements.

How To Read an Angle

To read the vertical axis using the device, you need to take your zero point that should be
looking forward at exactly zero degrees elevation from the device. Then, angle the sight and
record the angle between these two points. In many cases, you will also need to measure the
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angle below the zero point as well.

Additionally, you can capture the horizontal angle in essentially the same way. The only
difference is that it is measure as the device rotates around its center point rather than the
scope pivoting.
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Telescope
A telescope is a focusing instrument which has object piece at one end and eye piece at the
other end. It rotates about horizontal axis in vertical plane. The graduations are up to an
accuracy of 20’.
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Vertical Circle
It is a graduated circle rigidly connected to the trunnion axis of the telescope, and it rotates
with the telescope. Vertical angles are measured on a vertical circle.
The figure indicates a vertical circle and telescope. The circle is divided into four quadrants
each quadrant being numbered from 0° to 90°.
When the telescope is in a horizontal position, 0° – 0° on the vertical circle remains on the
horizontal axis, and 90° – 90° on the vertical circle remains on the vertical axis.

Index Frame
It is also called as t-frame or vernier frame. It consists two arms vertical and horizontal.
Vertical arm helps to lock the telescope at desired level and horizontal arm is useful to take
the measurements of vertical angles.
The Standards
The standards are the frames which supports telescope and allow it to rotate about vertical
axis. Generally, these are in letter A-shape. So, standards are also called as A-frame.
The Upper Plate
This is also called as vernier plate. The top surface of upper plate gives support to the
standards. It also consists an upper clamping screw with respect to tangents screw which
helps to fixing it to the lower plate. When the upper clamping screw is tightened both upper
and lower plates are attached and moved together with some relative motion because of upper
tangent screw. The upper [late also consists two verniers with magnifiers which are arranged
diagonally. It is attached tow inner spindle.
The Lower Plate
This is also called as scale plate. Because it contains a scale on which 0 to 360 readings are
graduated. It is attached to the outer spindle and consists lower clamping screw. If lower
clamp screw is loosened and upper clamp screw is tightened, both plates can rotate together.
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Similarly, if lower clamping screw is tightened and upper clamp is loosened then, only upper
plate is movable and lower plate is fixed with tribrach plate.
The Leveling Head
The leveling head contains two parallel triangular plates called as tribrach plates. The upper
one is known as upper tribrach plate and is used to level the upper plate and telescope with
the help of leveling screws provided at its three ends. The lower one is called as lower
tribrach plate and is attached to the tripod stand.
The Shifting Head
Shifting head also contains two parallel plates which are moved one over the other with in
small area. Shifting head lies below the lower plate. It is useful to centering the whole
instrument over the station.
Plate Level
Plate levels are carried by the upper plate which are right angles to each other with one of
them is parallel to trunnion axis. These plate levels help the telescope to settle in exact
vertical position.
Tripod
Tripod is nothing but a stand on which theodolite is mounted. It should place in such a way
that theodolite should be in exact leveled position. The tripod has legs with steel shoes at
their ends. These hold the ground strongly without any movement when placed. Tripod has
an external screw which helps to attach the theodolite by tribrach plate in fixed position.
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Plumb Bob
Plumb bob is tool having a cone shaped weight attached to a long thread. The weight is
hanged using thread from the center of tripod stand and centering of theodolite is done

Theodolite Uses as follows,

 To measure horizontal angles accurately.
 To measure vertical angles accurately.
 To decide true north by astronomical observations.
 To know the difference in elevation of two points.
 To measure the height of the building, tower, and depth of a valley.
 To measure the distance between two points.
 For the alignment of road, railway. bridges, dams, canals, etc. on the ground.
 For the alignment of the tunnel on the ground.
 For survey works of mining.
 To measure slopes.
 To prolong (extend) a survey line.
 To measure deflection angle between two lines.
 For tachometer survey.
 For triangulation survey.
 To prepare topographic maps.
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2, Ranging rod
A ranging rod (or range rod) is a surveying instrument used for marking the position of
stations, and for sightings of those stations, as well as for ranging straight lines. Initially
these were made of light, thin and straight bamboo, or of well-seasoned wood such
as teak, pine or deodar. They were shod with iron at the bottom and surmounted with a
flag about 250 mm square in size. Nowadays they are made of wood, metal or fiberglass.
The rods are usually about 30 mm in diameter and 2 m or 3 m long, painted with
alternating bands, such as red and white, red and yellow, or black and white, in lengths of
200 mm (i.e., one link length of metric chain), 500 mm, or one foot. These colors are used
so that the rod can be properly sighted in case of long distance or bad weather. Ranging
rods of greater length, e.g., 3 to 6 m, are called ranging or range poles, and are used for
very long survey lines.

3. A Level Staff
A level staff, also called levelling rod, is a graduated wooden or aluminum rod, used with a
levelling instrument to determine the difference in height between points or heights of points
above a vertical datum. When used for stadia metric range finding, the level staff is called a
stadia rod.
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Procedures
Putting the tripod together
1. The tripod legs were properly lengthened.
2. The tripod was positioned roughly over the survey site.

Putting the Total Station Together

1. A tripod leg was firmly planted in the earth.
2. The other two legs were to hold and move the total station to roughly center it by
using a plumb-bob to locate the ground mark.
3. Level the circular bubble by adjusting the length of one tripod leg at a time while the
other two remain stationary.
4. The complete station was rotated until the plate bubble in all positions was centered.
5. Loosen the tripod screw and slowly rotate the total station until it is perfectly
centered on the survey point.
6. 6. Steps (4) and (5) were repeated once more.

Calculate the horizontal angle

1. Loosen the vertical and horizontal clamps, then use the peep sight on the instrument's
top to find the prism's approximate direction.
2. Tighten the clamps on both sides.
3. Rotate the telescope's focusing ring until the image of the prism sharpens in the field
of view.
4. Align the prism with the reticle by turning the vertical and horizontal fine motion
screws. Each fine motion screw should be adjusted clockwise for the final time.
5. Repeat steps 1–4 on the second prism.
6. Take note of the current angle displayed on the screen. The angle formed by the first
and second stations.

Measures distance between stations

1. Setting up a tripod at station and installing the instrument on the tripod are the first
steps in measuring distances between stations. Then, in the center of the tripod, we
hang the plumb-bob, making sure that it is pointing towards the point of the cross
mark on peg 1.
2. At station 2, we then set up a prism. Similarly, the tripod suspends a plumb-bob from
the target. Make sure the plumb-bob is pointing directly towards the peg's center.
3. Remove the vertical and horizontal clamps and use the peep sight on the instrument's
top to determine the prism’s approximate direction. Tighten the clamps on both sides.
4. Rotate the telescope's focusing ring until the image of the prism sharpens in the field
of view.
5. Align the prism with the reticle by turning the vertical and horizontal fine motion
screws. Each fine motion screw should be adjusted clockwise for the final time.
6. Select the distance measuring mode from the drop-down menu
7. We repeat the technique until all five distances have been measured.
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Raw data