INTRODUCTION TO SURVEYING LAB

OVERVIEW

The aim of this module is to introduce the students to the basic concepts of
conducting surveys. These are the following: Surveying Field Notes, Information found
in Found in Field Notebooks, The Field Survey Party, Arm and Hand Signals,
Conventional Surveying Equipment, Equipment Care and Protection and Laboratory
Report Preparation. It is required to have a good and strong foundation of the
aforementioned topics so that you can be able to conduct surveying laboratory
activities with ease.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
At the end of this module, you should be able to:

1. Identify the five common types of notes kept in practice

2. Identify the information found in field notebooks
3. Enumerate the members of Field Survey Party and their responsibilities
4. Demonstrate the different Surveying Arm and Hand Signals
5. Describe the different conventional surveying equipment and their uses
6. Develop an understanding on simple steps to keep surveying equipment
maintained effectively
7. Describe the general format for the Laboratory Report

LEARNING CONTENT:

1.1 Surveying Field Notes

Field notes are the record of work done in the field. They consist of lengths, angles,
areas, sketches, descriptions, and other data. They may be taken by hand, or can be
computer-generated.

Types of Notes

The following are the five common types of notes kept in practice.

1. Sketches. A good sketch will help to convey a correct impression. Sketches are
rarely made to exact scale, but in most cases, they are made approximately
to scale. They are drawn freehand and of liberal size. Many features may be
readily shown by conventional symbols. Special symbols may be adapted for
the particular organization or job.

2. Tabulations. A series of numerical values observe in the field are best shown in
a tabulated format. Tabulated form of note keeping conveys the required
information in a simple and define manner. Tabular forms should be used
whenever possible. This format prevents mistakes, allows easy checking, saves
time, makes the calculation legible to others, and simplifies the work of the
person checking the field notes.

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 3. Explanatory Notes. Explanatory notes provide a written description of what has
been done in the field. These are employed to make clear what the numerical
data and sketches fail to do. Usually they are placed on the right-hand page
of the field notebook in the same line with the numerical data that they explain.
If sketches are used, the explanatory notes are placed where they will not
interfere with other data and as close as possible to that which they explain.

4. Computations. Calculations of one kind or another form a large part of the work
of surveying. Most surveying-type computations are made algebraically by the
use of simple arithmetical steps and trigonometric functions. In some instances,
graphical solutions using accurately scaled drawings are used. Electronic
hand-held calculators, desk calculators, or digital computers are now used for
calculating values. The portrayal of calculations should be clear and orderly in
arrangement in order that these will be easily be understood by persons other
than the one who made the computations.

5. Combination of the above. The practice used in most extensive surveys is a

combination of the above types of notes. The surveyor should be able to
determine for himself which type of combination would be most logical to use
in portraying the type of data gathered in the field.

1.2 Information found in Field Notebooks

1. Title of the Field Work or Name of Project. The official name of the project or title
of the field work should always be identified. The location of the survey and
preferably its nature or purpose should always be stated.

2. Time of Day and Date. These entries are necessary to document the notes and
furnish a timetable, as well as to correlate different surveys. From the assigned
survey timetable, precision, problems encountered, and other factors affecting
the survey may be referenced from.

3. Weather Conditions. Temperature, wind velocity, typhoons, storms, and other

weather conditions, such as fog, sunshine, and rain have a decided effect
upon accuracy in surveying operations. An instrument man making precise
observations is unlikely to perform the best possible work during extremes in
temperature conditions. It is for these reasons that the details related to the
weather play an important part when reviewing field notes.

4. Names of Group Members and their Designations. The chief of party, instrument
man, tape man, and other members of the survey party must be identified. This
information will be necessary for documentation purposes and other future
reference. From this information, duties and responsibilities can easily be
pinpointed among the survey party members.

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 5. List of Equipment. All survey equipment used must be listed, including its make,
brand, and serial number. The type of instrument used, and its adjustment, all
have a definite effect on the accuracy of a survey. Proper identification of the
particular equipment used aids in isolating errors in some cases.

1.3 The Field Survey Party

1. Chief of Party – the person who is responsible for the overall direction,
supervision, and operational control of the survey party. He is also responsible
for its logistical and technical requirements, and problems of a field survey
operation. Prior to execution of a survey project, he consults or confers with
superiors regarding the project to be undertaken. He is responsible for
submitting survey reports and records, and sees to it that these are complete,
accurate and adheres to prescribed technical standards and specifications.
He prepares cost estimates of survey projects, and receives and disburses all
cash expenses of the survey party. He may be called upon to act as an expert
witness in court on matters relating to technical description of land and other
surveying matters.

2. Assistant Chief of Party – the person whose duty is to assist the chief of party in
the accomplishment of the task assigned to the survey party. He takes over the
duties of the chief of party during the absence of the chief. He conducts
ground reconnaissance and investigates sites of a proposed project to gather
necessary data prior to the start of a survey work. He is primarily responsible for
the employment of surveying equipment, instruments and accessories used in
the survey operation. He prepares field and office reports and survey plans for
submission to the chief of party.

3. Instrument man – the person whose duty is to set up, level, and operate
surveying instruments such as the transit, engineer’s level, theodolite, sextant,
plane table and alidade, and etc. He sees to it that instruments to be used in
a survey operation are in good working condition and in proper adjustment.
He also assists the technician in the operation of electronic surveying
equipment. He works in coordination and as a part of an instrument party and
exercises limited supervision over personnel doing manual tasks.

4. Technician – the person who is responsible for use and operation of all
electronic instruments required in a field work operation. It is his duty to see to
it that these equipment are functioning properly, are regularly calibrated, and
are in proper adjustment. He is also responsible for the establishment of a two-
way communication link by radio between members of the survey party and
the home office and, between members of the survey party where distant
stations or long survey lines are involved.

5. Computer – the person whose duty is to perform all computations of survey

data and works out necessary computational checks required in a field work
operation. He is responsible for the utilization of electronic calculators, pocket
or microcomputers, and assists in the operation of computerized surveying
systems or equipment.

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6. Recorder – the person whose duty is to keep a record of all sketches, drawings,
measurements and observations taken or needed for a field work operation.

He keeps table of schedules of all phases of work and the employment of

members of the survey party. He does clerical tasks related to surveying in the
office and undertakes limited cartographic jobs.

7. Head Tapeman – the person responsible for the accuracy and speed of all
linear measurements with tape. He determines and directs the marking of
stations to be occupied by the surveying instruments and directs the clearing
out of obstructions along the line of sight. He inspects and compares tapes for
standard length prior to their use in taping operations and is responsible for
eliminating or reducing possible errors and mistakes in taping.

8. Rear Tapeman – the person whose duty is to assist the head tapeman during
taping operations and in other related work.

9. Flagman – the person whose duty is to hold the flagpole or range pole at
selected points as directed by the instrument man. He helps the tapeman in
making measurements and assists the axeman in cutting down branches and
in clearing other obstructions to line of sight. Where electronic distance
measuring instruments are used, he is responsible for setting up reflectors or
targets.

10. Rodman – the person whose primary duty is to hold the stadia or leveling rod
when sights are to be taken on it.

11. Pacer – the person whose duty is to check all linear measurements made by
the tapeman. He assists the tapeman in seeing to it that mistakes and
blunders in linear measurements are either reduced or eliminated. In
addition, the pacer may also perform the job of a rodman.

12. Axeman/Lineman – the person whose duty is to clear the line of sight of trees,
brush, and other obstructions in wooden country. He is also responsible for the
security and safety of the members of the survey party at the survey site. The
axeman is usually provided not only with an ax but a rifle or a sidearm as well.
If this member is to carry any firearm, it should be seen to it that he is lawfully
authorized to do so. In some instances, it would be advisable to request
military or police authorities for needed security or hire authorized security
guards.

13. Aidman – the person whose duty is to render first aid treatment to members
of the survey party who are involved in snake and insect bites, accidents, and
other cases involving health, safety, and well-being. In addition, he may be
designated as an assistant instrument man.

14. Utility men – the persons whose duties are to render other forms of assistance
needed by the survey party or as directed by the chief of party. Where a
survey vehicle is used, a utility man is designated as driver. If the survey party
has to camp out for days in the field, utility men are responsible for setting up
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 the camp site and its required facilities. They prepare and serve meals, and
also look after the security of the camp site. They are likewise responsible for
the handling and transporting of surveying equipment, accessories, and
supplies. The laying of concrete monuments, markers and signals at
designated points are also their responsibility.

1.4 Arm and Hand Signals

Arm and hand signal are any gesture or motion that conveys information or gives a
command, direction or warning. The set of arm and hand signals are suggested for
use in leveling work.

1. Move Right or Left

The instrumentman uses this signal to direct the rodman to move either to
the left or to the right. The desired direction of movement is pointed out by
the forefinger.

2. Give a Sight

The right or left hand is raised up and is held for a moment in a vertical
position.

3. All Right

The levelman extends both arms horizontally and moves them up or down.
When both arms are brought still and horizontal it is meant to transmit a
command to “hold steady”.

4. This is a Point

The rodman raises the rod and holds it in a horizontal position over his head.
It could also be taken to mean, “Give me a Line.”

5. Move Back

The instrumentman uses this signal to direct the rodman to move back
further. He transmits the command by raising his right hand with the palm
facing toward the rodman and then moving it into a horizontal position with
his palm faced down.

6. Pick Up Instruments

When a new set up of the level is desired, the chief of party signals the
instrumentman by first extending both arms downward then raising them up
quickly as though an object is being lifted.

7. Raise (or Lower) Target

The instrumentman motions to the rodman by either raising his arm above
his shoulder to raise the rod, or by dropping his arm below his waist to lower
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 the target. When the raised or lowered target approaches the desired
setting, the arm is brought back to a horizontal position.

8. Come In

The chief of party or the instrumentman uses this signal to direct any
member of the survey party to come in or assemble. It is executed by
moving the arm into a circular motion starting from below the waist to the
front of his face.

9. Plumb the Rod

The hand is extended vertically above the head and moved slowly in the
direction it is desired to plumb the rod.

10. Establish A Turning Point

To establish a turning point, the arm is swung slowly in a circle above the
head.

11. This is A Turning Point

To identify a turning point, the leveling rod (or range pole) is raised
overhead in a horizontal position and held on the point.

12. Wave the Rod

The instrumentman holds his arm above his head and continuously waves
it back and forth.

13. Face the Rod

This is a signal given out by the instrumentman to direct the rodman to

face the rod towards the line of sight. It is executed by raising both arms
above the head and twisting both hands back and forth.

14. Reverse the Rod

The command to reverse the rod is transmitted to the rodman by

extending the arms above the head and slowly rotating both arms in a
circular motion towards one side of the body.

15. Move Forward

From a position where both arms are extended horizontally, the arms are
slowly bent on the elbows and the hands rose into a vertical position. This
signal is used to direct the rodman to move forward.

16. Use the Long Rod

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 To give the signal to use the long rod, the instrumentman extends both
arms downward then slowly raises it over his head.

1.5 Conventional Surveying Instruments

1. Measuring tape – are used in surveying for

measuring horizontal, vertical or slope distances.
Tapes are issued in various lengths and widths,
and graduated in variety of ways.

2. Range Pole – which are also known as flags or

lining rods, are used as temporary signals to
indicate the location of points or the direction of
lines, and to mark alignments.

3. Chaining pins – are sometimes called surveyor’s

arrows or taping pins. They are stuck in the
ground to mark ends of measured tape lengths
or partial tape lengths.

4. Wooden Stake or Hub – are made of 5cm x 5cm

x 30cm wood to mark points, corners, or stations
on the ground.

5. Plumb bob – are used for projecting the tape

ends to the ground when the tape must be
suspended above the measured line.

6. Crayons or chalk – are used for marking points,

corners or stations by indicating cross marks on
paved roads, sidewalks or walls.

7.Level - is basically a telescope attached to an

accurate leveling device, set upon a tripod so
that it can rotate horizontally through 360°.

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 6. Tripod - consists of three legs and a head where
the level instrument is mounted. The tripod could
be of aluminum or wood material.

7. Leveling rod - is a box section of aluminum or

wood, which will extend to 3 or 5m in height by
telescoping, hinging or addition of sections. One
face has a graduated scale attached for
reading with the cross-hairs of the level
telescope.

8. Compass – is a hand-held instrument for

determining the horizontal direction of a line with
reference to the magnetic meridian.

9. Transit – an instrument of precision is used

principally to measure and lay off horizontal and
vertical angles and in prolonging straight lines.

10. Electronic Distance Measurement (EDM)

devices – measure lengths by indirectly
determining the number of full and partial
waves of transmitted, electromagnetic energy
required in traveling between two ends of a line.

1.6 Equipment Care and Protection

For the care and protection of equipment the following rules shall be observed:

1. Care shall be taken when moving survey instruments. Manufacturer's

recommendations shall be followed.

2. Instruments such as total stations or theodolite should never be lifted by the

standard or horizontal axis, rather by their base or handle.

3. When equipment is being moved to or from its case or tripod, it should be lifted
by the base or handle.

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 4. Never point an instruments telescope directly at the sun as the sun’s rays will
damage the diodes in the EDM, and may also result in permanent eye damage
of the user.

5. Never carry an instrument on its tripod over you should except as indicate by
the instrument’s owners/operating manual.

6. When equipment is being set up, the leveling screws should never be tightened
any more than necessary to eliminate looseness. Over tightening damages, the
fine threads of the leveling screws, and sets up stresses that makes observations
erratic and often will deform vital parts of the instrument.

7. Instruments shall be protected from rapid change in temperature. Instruments

shall be allowed to acclimatize prior to use in accordance with the
manufacturer’s requirements.

8. All equipment is designed to withstand use in a wide range of weather

conditions, but will not withstand forces that stress the parts beyond their elastic
limit. Care needs to be taken to not overstress equipment beyond the intended
use.

9. Electronic equipment should not be subjected to extended periods of time in

wet weather due to possible damage to the electronics.

10. Equipment left set up during rain showers will be covered with a waterproof
covering. Equipment that becomes wet shall be allowed to dry prior to storing
in its case.

11. Equipment should never be left unattended in areas where it might be

knocked over or disturbed by pedestrians, animals, motor vehicles, wind, falling
rocks, tree limbs or other causes.

12. Whenever possible, select instrument setup locations to minimize the exposure
of the instrument operator, other members of the crew, and the instrument to
danger. Select stable ground for the tripod feet.

13. All instruments shall be stored in a safe, secure area when not in use.

1.6 Laboratory Report Preparation

The report shall take the following format and shall include all sections shown below:

1. Title page
2. Introduction (1 or 2 paragraphs)
This is an introduction to the report; it should summarize what the report is about
and explain the purpose of the report.
3. Method and Equipment Used
4. Procedure: At minimum give a brief description of the field procedures
followed. Include field survey party assignments & special methods used (if

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 any). Discuss any problems that you encountered and the solutions to those
problems.
5. Data and Calculation
6. Results: Discuss your raw results and any adjustments that were required (if any).
7. Conclusion: Discuss important things that you learned. Discuss things you might
do differently in the future or things that worked out well.
8. References

SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIALS

Please watch the videos on the link below for your supplementary materials.

TITLE URL
Arm & Hand
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjarVLVNM4M&t=169s
Signals
Surveying 1 -
Introduction to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8poe2vvD2Q
Leveling
How to Set Up a
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oINNEIJ7D0I
Builders Transit

KEY CONCEPTS/FOCUS POINTS:

• Sketches, Tabulations, and Explanatory Notes, Computations, and
Combinations are the common types of notes to record the work done in the
field.
• Field Notes should include title of the field work or name of project, time of
day and date, weather conditions, Names of group members and their
designations, and list of equipment.
• The field survey party members are Chief of Party, Assistant Chief of Party,
Instrument Man, Technician, Computer, Recorder, Head Tapeman, Rear
Tapeman, Flagman, Rodman, Pacer, Axeman/ Lineman, Aidman, Utilitymen
• A good system of hand signals between members of a surveying party make
a more efficient means of communication than is possible by word of mouth.
• Having the proper tools and equipment is essential for the surveying process
to gather accurate data.
• Laboratory report comprises of title page, introduction, method and
equipment used, procedure, data and calculation, results, conclusion and
references.

ASSESSMENT ACTIVITIES OR TOOLS/FOCUS POINTS:

1. ACTIVITY
• Create a video presentation with your groupmates demonstrating all
the sixteen (16) surveying arm and hand signals. The name of each
presenter must be shown as he appears in the video.

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 • Upload the output on our Google classroom by group.

• Date and Time of Submission: October 13, 2020 12:59 PM

TAPING AND PACING DETERMINATION

PACING ON LEVEL GROUND

Definition of Terms:

1. Pace – the length of a single step

2. Pacing – consists of counting the number of steps in a required distance

3. Stride – two paces or a double step

4. Pace Factor – a value determined by dividing the measured or known length

of a line by the mean number of paces taken to walk or traverse a line.

5. Pacing Distance – the length of a course as determined by pacing.

6. Taping – the process of measuring the length of a line or course with a tape.

7. Discrepancy – in any measurement is the difference between any two

measurements involving the same line or course.

8. Relative Precision of Measurement – a value determined by dividing the

discrepancy by the mean measured length, and where the numerator is
reduced to unity or one.

9. Breaking Tape – a procedure which involves the measurement of short

horizontal distances usually along uneven or sloping ground and accumulating
these distances to total full tape lengths.

Objectives:

a) To determine individual pace factor

b) To measure distance by pacing

Instruments & Accessories: Range poles, steel tape, markers (hubs, paint, chalk, or
crayons)

Procedures:

1. Determining Pace Factor

a) Select a straight and level course and on both ends establish markers at
least 90m apart. Designate these end points as A and B.

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 b) Walk over the course at a natural pace or gait starting with either heel or
toe over point A and count the number of paces to reach point B.

c) For succeeding trials, walk from B to A, and then A to B, until 6 trials are
completed, and then number of paces recorded accordingly.

d) Refer to the accompanying sample format for the recording of observed

field data.

Taped No. of Mean No. Pace Factor

Trial Line (m/pace)
Distance (m) Paces of Paces
1 AB
2 BA
3 AB
4 BA
5 AB
6 BA

2. Measuring Distance by Pacing

a) Define or establish the end points of another level course whose length
is to be determined by pacing. Designate these end points as C and D.

b) For the first trial, walk over the course from C to D at a natural pace and
record the number of paces. Then, walk from D to C and again record
the number of paces.

c) Repeat the above procedure until all 6 trials are completed.

d) After the field data is recorded, make an actual taping of the course
CD to determine the taped distance.

e) Refer to the accompanying sample format for the recording of

observed data field.

No. of Paced Taped Relative

Trial Line Mean Precision
Paces Distance Distance
1 CD
2 DC
3 CD
4 DC
5 CD
6 DC

Computations:

1. Computing Pace Factor (PF)

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 a) Determine the sum of the number of paces for the 6 trials performed on
course AB then compute the mean number of paces.
b) Divide the known or taped length of course AB by the mean number of
paces for AB to determine the pace factor.

2. Computing Paced Distance (PD)

a) Determine the sum of the number of paces for the 6 trials performed on
course CD and compute the mean number of paces.
b) Multiply the mean number of paces for CD by the pace factor to obtain
the paced distance.

3. Computing Relative Precision (RP)

a) Determine the difference between the taped distance of CD and the
paced distance of CD.
b) Divide the difference by the taped distance of CD and reduce the
numerator to unity to determine the relative precision.

Remarks, Hints & Precautions:

1. The ends of the assigned courses should be marked with either hubs, marking
pins, or by chalk marks if on pavement.

2. Range poles are set or held behind the end points to serve as guides or markers
during actual pacing.

3. A steel tape should be used in laying-out or in measuring the actual lengths of

courses assigned for pacing.

4. When taping, two measurements should be made for any line and the mean
recorded as its actual length.

5. The length of a single step is termed a pace. It may be measured from heel to
heel or from toe to toe. Also, each two paces or a double step is called a stride.

6. Pacing consists of counting the number of steps in a required distance and is

best done by walking with natural steps.

7. Pacing is used only when approximate results are satisfactory such as

estimating distances used for sketching and in reconnaissance surveys. Pacing
is also used as a means of checking distances measured by more accurate
methods.

8. To keep one on the line while pacing, it is a good practice to fix one’s eyes on
a distant object on the range behind the pole at the farther end of the line
being paced.

9. A partial pace at the end of the line should be figured out of the nearest one-
fourth pace.

10. The accepted precision for measuring distance by pacing usually varies from
1/200 to 1/500.
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11. Reject measurements that vary from the mean by more than three percent.

12. If the computed relative precision of the set of measurements is greater than
one part in two hundred, the measurements should be repeated.

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