1.

0 INTRODUCTION

A traverse survey is a framework consists of some of the connecting lines, the lengths, the
directions of which are measured by using several methods. For example, the step method and
can be measured with the help of some chain or measuring tape. The connecting lines running
between some points on the ground are called as traverse station.

In other words, traverse survey is performed to measure the distance between two stations and
the angle between the lines. It is including the measuring processes of the horizontal angle and
horizontal distance. The two dimension coordinate (x , y) can be issued based on the measured
data. Traverse survey has been used to form the controlled points that can be used for another
project.

Furthermore, when the lines of the circuit end at the starting point, the survey is termed as closed
traversed. This traverse starts with the known point and end with the other known point is called
as chains traverse. Traverse also can start and end at the same point and it is known as a polygon.
The aim of this traverse is to get the accuracy of the measurement (angle error and the ratio of
the distance error) can be detected.

Other than that, when the lines of the circuit end at other point, the survey is termed as open
traverse. The traverse starts with known point and ends with the other unknown point. The
accuracy of the measurement is hard to obtain by using this method. Some of the specific
procedures are needed to be followed so that the errors can be reduced.

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2.0 OBJECTIVES

 To obtain the values of angle and distance of some specific traverse station.
 To make a traverse survey, reduce the field data, and plot the results graphically.
 To mastering on how to use the surveying’s instruments.
 To get experiences in surveying.
 To learn on how to work in a group properly.

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3.0 Theory

In survey, traverse is defined as the field operation of measuring the lengths and
direction of a series of straight lines connecting a series of points on the earth. Each of these
straight lines is called a traverse line, and each point is called a traverse station.
Traverse stations are commonly marked with wooden pegs, stake, nail or iron pipe.

Traverse line are measured using total station. Traversing need to start from reference datum
(coordinate, bearing and distance are known). At each traverse station, a horizontal angle is
measured and used to determine the bearing of the next traverse line. These measurements are
used to compute the relative horizontal position of each unknown traverse station. The main
purposes of traverse are:
 Property surveys to locate and establish boundaries
 Supplementary horizontal control for topographic mapping surveys
 Location and construction layout surveys for highways, railways, and other
private or public works
A total station is an electronic / optical instrument used in modern surveying. The total station is
an electronic theodolite integrated with an electronic distance meter (EDM) to read distances
from the instrument to a particular point. A theodolite is an instrument for measuring both
horizontal and vertical angles. A traverse framework can be OPEN or CLOSED traverse; start at
known point and ends at another known point or the same point.

TYPES OF TRAVERSE
a) Open traverse

b) Closed traverse

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HOW TO MEASURE LATITUDE AND DEPARTURE:
Latitude: the angular distance of a place north or south of the earth's equator, or of a celestial
object north or south of the celestial equator
Departure: the angular distance of a place east or west of the earth's equator, or of a celestial
object east or west of the celestial equator

Where,
Definite Distance between stations
Definite Distance between traverse

Type of measurement:
a) Bowdish Method
b) Transit Method

a) Bowdish Method
Corrections are proportional to the distance of traversing lines

b) Transit Method

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How to measure linear misclosure:

CALCULATING TRAVERSE AREA:

a) DMD (Double Meridian Distance) Calculations
b) Coordinating Calculations

a) DMD (Double Meridian Distance) Calculations:

We start at point A in the example traverse and begin computing meridian distances, we begin to
see a pattern develop:

All those 1/2's. By removing them, we would be computing Double Meridian Distances
(DMDs).

Notice that the DMD of the last line is the same as the departure of that line except with an
opposite math sign. That's the math check.

Multiplying each line's DMD by its latitude and summing the results, we wind up
with double the area.

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b) Area by Coordinates

Cross multiply the coordinates and sum the products

Using X,Y cords Using N,E coords

The units of the cross products are square linear units - if coordinates are in ft., cross products are
sq. ft. Area is half the difference of the sums

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4.0 INSTRUMENT

1. Total station
Total station is an instrument to measure horizontal distance and horizontal angle. It can
be levelled by using the bubble at the total station to get an accurate reading. There are
two versions of the total stations that have been used by us which were the old version of
the total station and the new version of the total station. It may be a different a bit, but the
function of the total stations are same.

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2. Tripods
Used to support the total station or prisms. It used as the platform to support the weight of
the instruments and maintaining the stability of the instruments.

3. Prisms
Used to reflecting the wave that given by the total station to get the actual reading.

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4. Nails
Used to mark the station at the road that cannot using the wooden peg.

5. Hammer
Used as a tool to plant the thumbtack above the tar. Hammer also is a useful tool to plant
the wooden peg in the ground easily.

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6. Wooden pegs
Used to mark the station at the ground. If it’s planted on the ground, it won’t get off
easily and can be used for many times. The wooden pegs will be very useful when doing
levelling by using the total station.

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5.0 PROCEDURE

Traverse is a method in the field of surveying to establish control networks. It is also used
geodesy. Traverse networks involve placing survey stations along a line or path of travel, and
then using previously surveyed points as a base for observing the next point.

Figure: Example of the traverse stations.

Each point on a traverse is called a traverse station and there were marked well on the ground at
each point with ground marker (peg) before the surveying started.

1. Traverse station were marked around the given area to the surveyed where each station
were at least 25m away from each other.
2. At station 1 and 3, prism pole were setup centered and leveled. At point 2, a total station
was setup, leveled and centered as normal.
3. Horizontal angle at 2 were measured and recorded as well as distance 2-1 and 2-3.
4. Prism at station 1 moved to station 4 while total station at station 2 and prism at station 3
were interchanged place.
5. Horizontal angle at 3 were measured and recorded as well as distance 3-2 and 3-4
6. Prism at station 2 moved to station 1 while total station at station 3 and prism at station 4
were interchanged place.
7. Horizontal angle at 4 were measured and recorded as well as distance 4-3 and 4-1
8. Prism at station 3 moved to station 2 while total station at 4 and prism at station 1
interchanged place.
9. Horizontal angle at 1 were measured and recorded as well as distance 1-4 and 1-2

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7.0 DATA ANALYSIS

7.1 TRAVERSE
Calculation for average
Station 3 from 2

=
Station 4 from 3

=
Station 1 from 4

Station 2 from 1

Correction for definite bearing

=

From station 2 to station 3

=
From station 3 to station 4

From station 4 to station 1

From station 1 to station 2

To find definite distance

Datum from pc

Station 3 from 2
15
Station 4 from 3

Station 1 from 4

Station 2 from 1

Total distance

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7.2 LATIT AND DIPAT

7.2.1 BOWDISH METHOD

Find latit
1-2 =
2-3 =
3-4 =
4-1 =

Total positive latit – total negative latit

Find dipat
1-2 =
2-3 =
3-4 =
4-1 =

Total positive dipat - total negative dipat

Correction for Latit

1-2 =

2-3 =

3-4 =

4-1 =

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Correction for dipat

1-2 =

2-3 =

3-4 =

4-1 =

Two Times Latit

1-2 = 17.144
2-3 = 17.144 + 17.144 + 29.004
= 63.292
3-4 = 63.292 + 29.004 + -23.856
= 68.440
4-1 = 68.440 + -23.856 + -22.293
= 22.991

Two Times Dipat

1-2 = -21.971
2-3 = -21.971 + -21.971 + 10.933
= -33.009
3-4 = -33.009 + 10.933 + 22.643
= 0.567
4-1 = 0.567 + 22.643 + -11.606
= 11.604

Two Times Latit x Dipat

1-2 = 17.144 × -21.971
= -376.671
2-3 = 63.292 × 10.933
= 691.971
3-4 = 68.440 × 22.643
= 1549.687
4-1 = 22.291 × -11.606
= -258.709

Two Times Dipat × Latit

1-2 = -21.971 × 17.144
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 = -376.671
2-3 = -33.009 × 29.004
= -957.393
3-4 = 0.567 × -23.856
= -13.526
4-1 = 11.604 × -22.293
= -258.688

Find coordinate north/south

1-2 =
2-3 =
3-4 =
4-1 =

Find coordinate east/west

1-2 =
2-3 =
3-4 =
4-1 =

Area: Two Times Latit × Dipat and Two Times Dipat × Latit Method
Two Times Latit × Dipat
= -376.671 + 691.971 + 1549.687 + -258.709
= 1606.278
Two Times Dipat × Latit
= -376.671 + -957.393 + -13.526 + -258.688
= -1606.278
Area

=
= 1606.278

Area: Coordinate Method

North/West
= 1000.00 × 978.029 + 1017.144 × 988.962 + 1046.148 × 1011.605 + 1022.292 × 999.99
= 4064516.089
East/West
= 1000.00 × 1017.144 + 978.029 × 1046.148 + 988.962 × 1022.292 + 1011.605 × 999.999
= 4062919.012
Area

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=
= 798.539

Linear Misclosure

Ratio

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7.2.2 TRANSIT METHOD
Latit +/-
1-2 = 27.868 cos (307’ 57’ 46’)
= 17.143 (+)
2-3 = 30.995 cos (20’29’20’)
= 29.003 (+)
3-4 = 32.891 cos (136’ 29’ 44’)
= 23.857 (-)
4-1 = 25.134 cos (207’ 30’ 0’)

Correction for Latit

1-2 =
= 0.001 (+)

2-3 =
= 0.002 (+)

3-4 =
= 0.001 (-)

4-1 =
= 0.001 (-)

Correction for Dipat

1-2 =
=0

2-3 =
=0

3-4 =
=0

4-1 =
=0

Correction for Latit

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1-2 = 17.143 + 0.001
= + 17.144
2-3 = 29.003 + 0.002
= + 29.005
3-4 = 23.857 – 0.001
= - 23.856
4-1 = 22.294 – 0.001
=22.293

Correction for Dipat

1-2 = 21.971 – 0
= -21.971
2-3 = 10.933 + 0
= 10.933
3-4 = 22.643 + 0
= 22.643
4-1 = 11.606 – 0
= -11.606

Two Times Latit

1-2 = 17.144
2-3 = 17.144 + 17.144 + 29.005
= 63.293
3-4 = 63.293 + 29.005 + -23.856
= 68.442
4-1 = 68.442 + -23.856 + -22.293
= 22.293

Two Times Dipat

1-2 = -21.971
2-3 = -21.971 + -21.971 + 10.933
= -33.009
3-4 = -33.009 + 10.933 + 22.643
= 0.567
4-1 = 0.567 + 22.643 + -11.606
= 11.606

Two Times Latit × Dipat

1-2 = 17.144 × -21.971
= -376.671
2-3 = 63.293 × 10.933
= 691.982
3-4 = 68.442 × 22.643
= 1549.732
4-1 = 22.293 × -11.606
= -258.733

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Two Times Dipat × Latit
1-2 = -21.971 × 17.144
= -376.671
2-3 = -33.009 × 29.005
= -957.426
3-4 = 0.567 × -23.856
= -13.526
4-1 = 11.604 × -22.293
= -258.688

Find coordinate north/south

1-2 =

2-3 =
=
3-4 =

4-1 =

Find coordinate east/west

1-2 =

2-3 =

3-4 =

4-1 =

Area: Two Times Latit × Dipat and Two Times Dipat × Latit Method
Two Times Latit × Dipat
= -376.671 + 691.982 + 1549.732 + -258.733
= 1606.310
Two Times Dipat × Latit
= -376.671 + -957.426 + -13.526 + -258.688
= -1606.311
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Area

=
= 1606.311

Area: Coordinate Method

North/West
= 1000.00 × 978.029 + 1017.144 × 988.962 + 1046.149 × 1011.605 + 1022.293 × 999.999
= 4064527.301
East/West
= 1000.00 × 1017.144 + 978.029 × 1046.149 + 988.962 × 1022.293 + 1011.605 × 1000.00
= 4062921.99
Area

=
= 802.656

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8.0 DATA ANALYSIS

The reference boundary point that we used is datum 27° 30’ 00” based on the boundary site near
K1 at FKAAS. This measurement was done by using closed traverse and to mark the area of
traverse work, 4 pegs were used and every distances of the pegs were more than 25m from each
other. In our traverse measurement, we found out that our misclosure is 25” which was below
than allowable misclosure which was 2’30”. The correction for our reading was 0’14” for each 4
stations. In addition, the calculation did not get 0 at the end of the correction of our reading in
latit and dipat form. The value of our correction is 0.001. So, it will effect our data in the end of
the calculation. In this traverse work, there were some errors that might occur and makes our
measurement not accurate. These errors were happened because of the total station and prism did
not set up properly. When the total station and prism were not in the proper condition, the
reading will be wrong, thus will create error because of the total station was not level.

Moreover, the other factor that causing error was the unstable condition of the soil either it’s too
soft or too hard. After the tripod has been setting up in the unstable soil, it will slowly sink into
the ground, thus creating error in the total station and prism. The bubble will no longer in the
center of the circle. The defect in the total station and prism that been used in the traverse work
also create error in the reading. The refraction in the total station also creates error in the
readings. The mistakes in booking and readings also create error. The reference boundary point
or datum that we used for measured are at point 27° 30’ 00” based on the boundary site. The type
of traverse that we used is closed traverse. 4 pegs are used including 1 datum and every distance
of the peg is +25m from each other for marking the area of traverse work.

The bearing misclose and correction occur because of the errors while doing the traverse work
where the total station and prism does not set up well. The other reason is that the prism is not
place in the exact point. If the prism is not well place for example the prism is place at the side of
the point, the bearing will slightly difference from the exact bearing. The mistake in booking will
also contributed to the error. If one of the values is wrong, it will affect to all the calculation.

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9.0 CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTION

9.1 CONCLUSION

From the traverse work, the coordinate for each pegs and station is determined. The
traverse maps surround K1 has been created. The coordinates for each pegs and stations
is determine and the traverse work surrounding the K1 is created. Coordinates will
represent the value in mapping the traverse plan. From that, we can use the plan for the
tachymetry work and the setting up also can be done.

9.1 SUGGESTION

1. Make sure the total station and prism is level and well set up by referring the bubble
which should be in the center of the circle.
2. Make sure the datum that being used is checked first before proceed with the readings.
3. The traverse work should be started and ended at the same known datum line.
4. Before finishing the traverse work, make sure the misclosure does not exceed the
allowable misclosure, eg- 2nd class-2’30”. If exceed this value, the traverse work must
repeating again.

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10.0 REFERENCES

1. Abd. Shukor Sarif, Modul Pengajaran Kejuruteraan Geomatik , Universiti Tun Hussein
Onn. 2. Modul Ukur Kejuruteraan 1, Kementerian Pengajian Politeknik Malaysia.
2. www.hbp.usm.my/hilmy/traverse.pdf
3. www.ce.memphis.edu/1112/notes/.../traverse/Surveying_traverse.pdf
4. www.icmsurveysystems.com/surveying_techniques.html

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