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MODULE 4

7. OBSERVATION OF A SITE

Pacing:
Pacing is a reasonably easy and quick method of measuring distance in the
field. It is used to measure a distance and is often used with a sighting or a hand
compass. Most commonly, pacing is split up into segments, such as chains,
which are set measures of distance. By determining one's own pace, distance
can easily be estimated.

How to measure distances by pacing

1. You may measure distances roughly by pacing. This means you count the number of normal
steps which will cover the distance between two points along a straight line. Pacing is
particularly useful in reconnaissance surveys, for contouring using the grid method and for
quickly checking chaining measurements

2. To be accurate, you should know the average length of your step when you walk normally.
This length is called your normal pace. Always measure your pace from the toes of the foot
behind to the toes of the foot in front.

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Finding your own pace factor

3. To measure the average length of your normal pace (the pace factor, or PF):

 Take 100 normal steps on horizontal ground, starting with the toes of your
back foot from a well-marked point, A, and walking along a straight line.
 Mark the end of your last step with peg B, at the toes of your front foot.
 measure the distance AB (in metres) with, for example, a tape and calculate
your pace factor PF (in metres) as follows:

PF = AB ÷ 100

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4. Yourpace factor will vary, depending on the type of terrain you are
measuring. Remember that:

 Your pace will be shorter in tall vegetation than in short vegetation;

 Your pace will be shorter walking uphill than walking downhill;
 Your pace will be shorter walking on sloping ground than on flat ground;
 Your pace will be shorter walking on soft ground than on hard ground.

MEASURING HORIZONTAL DISTANCES BY PACING:

5. Clearly plot the straight lines you have to measure, using wooden pegs or
ranging poles. If necessary, remove any high vegetation standing in the way.

6. Walk along the straight lines, carefully counting your steps.

7. Multiply the number of steps (N) by your pace factor PF (in metres) to get a
rough estimate of the distance in metres.

Distance = N x PF

Note: to avoid errors when counting your steps:

 Count only double steps or strides, and multiply the total count by 2;
 Take count of the hundreds with your fingers (using one finger for each hundred
steps);
 Take count of the thousands by ticking them off on paper;
 When crossing obstacles such as fences and small streams, estimate the number of
steps, strides or half-steps it would take to cross them.

RECONNAISSANCE SURVEY:
The reconnaissance survey is an extensive study of an entire area that might be used for a road or
airfield. Its purpose is to eliminate those routes or sites which are impractical or unfeasible and to
identify the more promising routes or sites. Existing maps and aerial photographs may be of great help.

METHODS:

The reconnaissance survey methods may be conducted in the following

sequence:

a) Study of topographical survey sheets, agricultural, soil, geological and

meteorological maps and aerial photography.

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b) Aerial photography wherever necessary and feasible, and

c) Ground reconnaissance including another round of serial reconnaissance for

inaccessible and difficult stretches, where required.

STUDY OF SURVEY SHEETS & MAPS:

Reconnaissance survey starts with a study of the all available maps. After study
of the topographical features on the maps, a number of economical alignments
feasible in a general way are selected keeping in view the following points:

(i) The alignment to take into account all the control points and to be shortened
and more economical compatible with requirements of gradients and curvature.

(ii) Shape of the alignment.

(iii) Avoidance as far as possible of marshy ground, steep terrains, unstable hill
features and areas subject to severe climatic conditions, flooding and
inundation.

(iv) Need of connecting important villages and towns.

(v) Bridging problems, and

(vi) Need to preserve environment and maintain ecological balance.

The aerial photographs, if taken may be to a scale of 1:20000 to 1:50000 to

supplement the information from topographic maps. If stereoscopic techniques
are applied, aerial photographs can yield quantitative data, and if studied by a
skilled photo interpreter, significant soil and subsoil information.

Aerial Reconnaissance Survey:

An aerial reconnaissance will provide a bird’s eye view of the alignments under
consideration along with the surrounding area. It will help to identify factors
which call for rejection or modification of any of the alignments. Final decision
about the alignments to be studied in detail on the ground could be taken on the
basis of the aerial reconnaissance.

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Ground Reconnaissance Survey:

Ground reconnaissance consists of general examination of ground by walking or

riding along the probable routes and collecting all available information
necessary for evaluating the same. In the case of hill sections, it may be
advantageous sometime to start the reconnaissance from an obligatory point
situated close to the top. If an area is inaccessible for the purpose of ground
reconnaissance, aerial method should be used to clear the doubts.

While reconnoitring on the ground, it is advisable to leave reference pegs to

facilitate further survey operations.

Instruments generally used for ground reconnaissance include compass, Abney

level / alti-meter, pedometer, aneroid barometer, clinometers, ghat tracer etc.
Walkie-talkie sets are useful for communication, particularly in difficult terrain.

Use of instruments mentioned above to obtain ground slopes, maximum

gradients, elevation of critical summits or stream crossings and location of
obligatory points, serves as a check on the maps being used.

Reconnaissance Survey Reports:

Based on information collected during the reconnaissance survey, a report

should be prepared. The report should include all relevant information collected
during the survey and a plan to the scale of 1:50000 showing the alternative
alignments studied along with their general profile and rough cost estimate. It
should also discuss the merits and demerits of the different alternatives to help
the selection of one or more alignments for detailed survey and investigation.

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OBSERVATION OF A SITE