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SURVEYING

3 COMPASS SURVEY

1. INTRODUCTION

Chain surveying can be used when the area to be surveyed is comparatively small and is fairly
flat. However, when large areas are involved, methods of chain surveying alone are not
sufficient and convenient. In such cases, it becomes essential to use some sort of instrument
which enables angles or direction.
Objective of the compass survey is to find bearing for any line or to relate different features in
terms of angular measurement on horizontal plans.

2. BEARING AND ANGLES

The horizontal angle measured for a line with respect to fixed direction (meridian) is called
bearing. It is measured by a magnetic compass.

There are two methods for designation of bearing:

2.1. Whole Circle Bearing (WCB)
In this system, the bearing of a line is measured with magnetic north in clockwise
direction. The value of the bearing thus varies from 0° to 360°. Prismatic compass is
graduated on this system.

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2.2. Quadrantal Bearing System (QBS) or Reduced Bearing System

In this system, the bearing of a line is measured eastward or westward from north or
south, whichever is nearer. The angle varies between 0° to 90°.

Example: Convert 160˚ into quadrantal bearing system.

Sol.
As 160˚ is nearer to south, QBS designation will start with South. Also, it lies in the
second quadrant.
180˚-160˚ = 20˚
Therefore, S20˚E

3. MERIDIAN

3.1. True Meridian

Line joining the true north and true south pole of earth along the earth’s curvature is
known as true meridian. Bearing measured for any line with respect to true meridian is
known as true bearing.
3.2. Magnetic Meridian
Line joining the magnetic north and magnetic south pole of earth along the magnetic flux
line is called magnetic meridian.
The bearing measured for any line with respect to magnetic meridian is known as
magnetic bearing.

4. MAGNETIC DECLINATION

Magnetic declination at a place is the horizontal angle between true meridian and magnetic
meridian. It is not constant even for a particular place. Its value keeps on changing.
Eastward declination is taken as positive, while westward declination is taken as negative.
Isogonic Lines: Lines connecting the points having same magnetic declination.
Agonic Lines: Lines connecting the points having zero magnetic declination.
Variations in magnetic declinations are categorized as following:

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(i) Diurnal Variation:

- Daily variation in magnetic declination
- More at magnetic poles and less at equator.
- More in summer, less in winters.
- More in day, less at night.
- It also changes year to year.
(ii) Annual Variation:
- Yearly variation in magnetic declination.
(iii) Secular Variation:
- Magnitude of change is very high and this variation follows sine curve
- Time period is approximately 250 Years.
(iv) Irregular Variation:
- Random variation in magnetic declination.
- These occur due to “magnetic storms” like earthquakes and other solar influences.
There are following types of magnetic declinations.
(i) Eastern Declination (δE)
True bearing = Magnetic bearing + δE
Note: Care should be taken such that the bearing mentioned are in whole circle system.

(ii) Western Declination (δW)

True bearing = Magnetic bearing – δW
Note: Care should be taken such that the bearing mentioned are in whole circle system.

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Example: The magnetic bearing of a line is S70˚E. Calculate the true bearing of the magnetic
declination of the line is 4˚ west.
Sol.
Converting S70˚E into WCB system,
180˚ - 70˚ = 110˚
Now, (declination is toward west, therefore, negative)
TB = 110˚ - 4˚ = 106˚
Converting this into QBS, we get
TB = S74˚E

5. ANGLE OF DIP

The lines of force of earth’s magnetic field runs from south to north (flux lines). Near the
equator they are parallel to earth’s surface. Vertical angle of magnetic flux lines measured with
respect to earth's surface is known as angle of dip. Since magnetic south poles exist nearby to
the true north pole, the magnetic north end of the needle dips downward towards the north in
the northern hemisphere and downwards towards south in the southern hemisphere.
Isoclinic Lines: Lines connecting the points having same angle of dip.
Aclinic Lines: Lines connecting the points having zero angle of dip.
Angle of dips has following value:
θ = 0° at equator (as flux lines are parallel to earth’s surface at equator)
θ = 90° at pole (as flux lines are perpendicular to earth’s surface at poles)

6. MEASUREMENTS IN COMPASS SURVEY

The bearing of line differs according as the observation is made from one end of the line or
from the other.
(i) Fore bearing: Bearing which is measured from one station to adjacent next station in the
direction of traverse.
(ii) Back bearing: Bearing which is measured from one station to adjacent previous station
in the direction opposite to traverse.

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Line AB → Fore Bearing = θA & Back Bearing = θB

Line BA → Fore Bearing = θB & Back Bearing = θA

Note: The difference of fore bearing and back bearing for a line is always equal to 180°.

7. THEORY OF MAGNETIC COMPASS

Magnetic compasses provide us the magnetic bearing of the lines, and not the true bearing. As

they can be affected by local attraction etc.

The general principle of all magnetic compass depends upon the fact that if a long narrow strip

of steel or iron is magnetized and is suitably suspended or pivoted about a point near its center

so that it can oscillate freely about the vertical axis, it will tend to establish itself in the magnetic

meridian at the place of observation.

Essential components of a magnetic compass are:

a) Magnetic needle, to establish the magnetic meridian.

b) A line of sight, to sight the other end of the line

c) A graduated circle, either attached to the box or to the needle, to read the directions of the

lines.

d) A compass box to house the above parts.

Figure: The magnetic needle

The various compasses exhibiting the above features are:

1. Prismatic Compass

2. Surveyor’s Compass

3. Transit or Level Compass

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7.1. Difference between Prismatic Compass and Surveyor’s Compass

Item Prismatic Compass Surveyor’s Compass

The needle is of “broad needle” The needle is of “edge bar”

Magnetic
type. The needle does not act type. The needle acts as the
Needle
as index index also.

1) The graduated card ring 1) The graduated card is

is attached with the attached to the box and
needle. The ring does not to the needle. The
not rotate along with the card rotates along with
line of sight. the line of sight.

Graduated 2) The graduations are in 2) The graduations are in

Card the WCB system, having QBS having 0˚ at north
0˚ at south end, 90˚ at and south and 90˚ at
west, 180˚ at north and east and west. East and
270˚ at east. West are interchanged.

3) The graduations are 3) The graduations are

engraved inverted. engraved erect.

1) The object vane consists 1) The object vane consists

of metal vane with of a metal vane with a
Sighting vertical hair. vertical hair.
Vanes 2) The eye vane consists of 2) The eye vane consists of
a small metal vane with metal vane with a fine
slit. slit.

1) The reading is taken

1) The reading is taken
with the help of a prism
directly seeing through
provided with at the eye
the top of the glass
slit.
Readings 2) Sighting and reading
2) Sighting and reading
taken can not be done
taken can be done
simultaneously from one
simultaneously from one
position of the observer.
position of the observer.

Tripod may or may not be

provided. The instrument can The instrument can not be used
Tripod
be used even by holding without a tripod.
suitably in the hand.

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7.2. Adjustments in Compasses

7.2.1 Temporary Adjustments: (same for both surveyor’s compass and prismatic
compass)
Temporary adjustments are those adjustments which have to be made at every set up of
the instrument. They comprise of the following:
1. Centring: Centring is the process of keeping the instrument exactly over station. A
plumb bob can be used to judge the center.
2. Levelling: Whether or not the instrument is horizontal. It is done with the help of ball
and socket arrangement in the tripod.
3. Focusing the Prism: The prism attachment is slided up or down for focusing till the
readings are seen to be sharp and clear.
7.2.2. Permanent Adjustments:
These are those adjustments which are done only when fundamental relations between
the parts are disturbed. So, they are not required to be repeated at every set up of the
instrument. Permanent adjustments of both the compass are somewhat same, except
that in prismatic compass there are no bubble tubes to be adjusted and the needle cannot
be straightened. These are:
1. Adjustment of Levels: To make the level perpendicular to the vertical axis. It is done
at the time fitting of the instrument.
2. Adjustments of sight vanes: To bring the sight vanes into a vertical plane when the
instrument is levelled.
3. Adjustment of Needle: The needle is adjusted for sensitivity, balancing of needle,
straightening vertically and straightening horizontally.
4. Adjustment of the Pivot: To bring the pivot point exactly in the centre of the
graduated circle.

8. LOCAL ATTRACTION

Sometimes the magnetic needle may be attracted and prevented from indicating the true
meridian when it is in proximity to certain magnetic substances. Local attraction is a term used
to denote any influence which prevents the needle from pointing to magnetic north in a given
locality. Elimination of local attraction effect can be done by following methods.
8.1 Direct method
This method is applicable when there is no error in internal angle.
Example: The following bearings were observed while traversing with a compass.
Line FB BB
AB 45°45’ 226°10’
BC 96°55’ 277°5’
CD 29°45’ 209°10’
DE 324°48’ 144°48’

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Sol.
The difference between FB and BB of line DE is exactly 180°. Hence both station D and E
are free from local attraction.
Station Line observed bearing Correction Corrected bearing
A AB 45°45’ 0 45°45’
B BA 226°10’ -25’ 225°45’
BC 96°55’ -25’ 96°30’
C CB 277°5’ -35 276°30’
CD 29°45’ -35’ 29°10’
D DC 209°10’ 0 209°10’
DE 324°48’ 0 324°48’
E ED 144°48’ 0 144°48’
8.2. Second method
This method is based on the fact that though the bearings measured at a station may be
incorrect due to local attraction, the included angle calculated from the bearings will be
correct since the amount of error is the same for all bearings measured at the station.
The included angles between the lines are calculated at all the stations. If the traverse is
a closed one, the sum of the internal included angle must be (2n-4) × 90.
Example: The following are the bearings taken on a closed compass traverse.
Line FB BB
AB 80°10’ 259°0’
BC 120°20’ 301°50’
CD 170°50’ 350°50’
DE 230°10’ 49°30’
EA 310°20’ 130°15’
Compute the interior angles and correct them for observational errors. Assuming
observed bearing of the line CD to be correct, adjust the bearing of the remaining sides.
Solution:
∠A = Bearing of AE – Bearing of AB = 130°15’ – 80°10’ = 50°5’
∠B = Bearing of BA – Bearing of BC = 259° – 120°20’ = 138°40’
∠C = Bearing of CB – Bearing of CD = 301°50’ – 170°50’ = 131°0’
∠D = Bearing of DC – Bearing of DE = 350°50’ – 230°10’ = 120°40’
∠E = Bearing of ED – Bearing of EA = 49°30’ – 310°20’ + 360° = 99°10’
∴ ∠A + ∠B + ∠C + ∠D + ∠E = = 539°35’
Theoretical sum = (2n-4)90° = 540°
∴ Error = 540° - 539°35’ = 0°25’ (-)
Hence correction of + 5’ is applied to all the angles.

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The corrected angles are:

∠A = 50°10’
∠B = 138°45’
∠C = 131°5’
∠D = 120°45’
∠E = 99°15’
Starting with the corrected bearing of the CD, all other bearings can be calculated as
under.
Bearing of DE = Bearing of DC - ∠D = 350°50’ – 120°45’ = 230°5’
∴ Bearing of ED = 230°5’ – 180° = 50°5’
Bearing of EA = Bearing of ED - ∠E = 50°5’ – 99°15’ + 360° - 310°50’
∴ Bearing of AE = 310°50’ – 180° = 130°50’
Bearing of AB = Bearing of AE - ∠A = 130°50’ – 50°10’ = 80°14’
∴ Bearing of BA = 80°40’ – 180° = 260°40’
Bearing of BC = Bearing of BA - ∠B = 260°40’ – 138°45’ = 121°55’
∴ Bearing of CB = 121°55’ + 180° = 301°55’
Bearing of CD = Bearing of CB - ∠C = 301°55’ – 131°5’ - 131°5’ = 170°50’
∴ Bearing of DC = 170°55’ + 180° = 350°55’

9. ERRORS IN COMPASS SURVEY

The errors in compass survey may be classified as:

A. Instrumental Error
These are those which arise due to faulty adjustments of the instruments. For example:
- The needle not being perfectly straight.
- Pivot being bent.
- Improper balancing weight.
- Plane of sight not being vertical.
B. Personal Error
These may be due to following reasons:
- Inaccurate levelling of the compass.
- Inaccurate centering.
- Inaccurate bisection of the signals.
- Carelessness in readings and recordings.
C. Error due to Natural Causes
These may be due to the following reasons:
- Variations in declinations.
- Local attractions due to proximity of magnetic material.
- Magnetic change in the atmosphere due to clouds and storms.

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Problem 1: Convert the whole circle bearing into reduced bearing: 50˚, 176˚, 210˚, 232˚,
150˚, 76˚, 310˚, 242˚.
Ans. N50˚ E, S4˚E, S30˚W, S52˚W, S30˚E, N76˚E, N50˚W, S62˚W
Problem 2: The fore bearing of line AB is 155025'20'. Identify the back bearing of the line AB
in quadrantal system.
Ans. N 24034' 40'' W
Problem 3: In an old survey, made when the declination was 4˚W, the magnetic bearing of a
given line was 210˚. The declination in the same locality is now 10˚E. What are the true bearing
and present magnetic bearings of the line?
Ans. T.B. = 206˚ and Present M.B. = 196˚
Problem 4: The magnetic bearing of a line as observed by the prismatic compass at a survey
station is found to be 272˚. If the local attraction at this station is known to be 5˚W and the
declination is 15˚W, what is the true bearing of the line?
Ans. 252˚
Problem 5: Determine the value of included angles in the closed compass traverse ABCD
conducted in the clockwise direction, given the following fore bearings of respective lines:
Line F.B. (in degrees)

AB 40

BC 70

CD 210

DA 280

Ans. A = 60˚, B = 150˚, C = 40˚, D = 110˚

Problem 6: The following fore and back bearings were observed in traversing with a compass
in place where local attraction was suspected.
Line F.B. B.B.
AB 38˚30’ 219˚15’
BC 100˚45’ 278˚30’
CD 25˚45’ 207˚15’
DE 325˚15’ 145˚15’
Find the corrected fore and back bearing and the true bearing of each of the lines give that the
magnetic declination was 10˚W.
Ans.

Line F.B. B.B. True F.B.

AB 38˚30’ 218˚30’ 28˚30’
BC 100˚0’ 280˚0’ 90˚0’
CD 27˚15’ 207˚15’ 17˚15’
DE 325˚15’ 145˚15’ 315˚15’

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