CEP233 Fundamentals of Surveying

Prepared by: Engr. Randy G. Policarpio

CURVATURE AND REFRACTION

𝐹𝐼𝐺𝑈𝑅𝐸 𝐴

𝐹𝐼𝐺𝑈𝑅𝐸 𝐵
 FIGURE A shows two points A and B at exactly the same level. An instrument set up at X would
give a horizontal line of sight through X’. If a graduated leveling staff is held vertically on A the
horizontal line would give the reading A’. Theoretically, as B is at the same level as A, the staff reading
should be identical (B’). This would require a level line of sight; the instrument, however, gives a
horizontal line and a reading at B” (ignoring refraction). Subtracting vertical height AA’ from BB”
indicates that point B is lower than point A by the amount B’ B”. This error (c) is caused by the
curvature of the Earth and its value may be calculated as follows:
With reference to FIGURE B, in which the instrument heights are ignored and the earth is
assumed to be spherical with a radius of R:
(𝑋𝐵")2 = (𝑂𝐵")2 − (𝑂𝑋)2
(𝑋𝐵")2 = (𝑅 + 𝑐)2 − 𝑅 2
(𝑋𝐵")2 = 𝑅 2 + 2𝑅𝑐 + 𝑐 2 − 𝑅 2
(𝑋𝐵")2 = 2𝑅𝑐 + 𝑐 2
As both c and the instrument heights have relatively small values, the distance XB” may be assumed
equal to the arc distance XB = D. Therefore
𝐷 2 = 2𝑅𝑐 + 𝑐 2
Now as c is very small compared with R, c2 may be ignored, giving
𝐷2
𝑐=
2𝑅
Taking the distance D in kilometer and an average value for R equal to 6370 km, we have
𝑚 2
[(𝐷 𝑘𝑚)(1000 )]
𝑐= 𝑘𝑚
𝑚
2(6370 𝑘𝑚) (1000 )
𝑘𝑚
𝑐 = 0.0785𝐷2
𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒:
𝑐 𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠
𝐷 𝑖𝑛 𝑘𝑖𝑙𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠
In practice the rod reading in FIGURE A would not be at B” but at Y due to refraction of the line of
sight through the atmosphere. In general it is considered that the effect is to bend the line of sight
down, reducing the effect of curvature by 1/7th. Thus the combined effect of curvature and
refraction (c − r) is
1
𝑐 − 𝑟 = 0.0785𝐷 2 − (0.0785𝐷2 )
7
6
𝑐 − 𝑟 = (0.0785𝐷2 )
7
If we let 𝑐 − 𝑟 = ℎ
ℎ = 0.0673𝐷2
From the book Elementary Surveying by Juny La Putt

𝒉 = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟔𝟕𝟓𝒌𝟐
Problem 1:

An observer standing on shore can just see the top of a lighthouse 16.5 km away. If the eye
height of the observer above sea level is 1.735 m, determine the height of the lighthouse above sea
level. Neglect the effect of the waves.

Problem 2:

An 8 meter triangulation observation tower is on top of ℎ𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝐵 938 meter above sea level. What
would be the height of equal tower to be erected at ℎ𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝐴 𝑎𝑛𝑑 ℎ𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝐶 located 15 km from ℎ𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝐵
respectively? If the elevation at ℎ𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝐴 is 975 meter and that of 𝐻𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝐶 is 915 meter in order that
ℎ𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝐴, 𝐵 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐶 will be intervisible.