CEP233 | FUNDAMENTALS OF SURVEYING

CHAPTER 4
MEASUREMENT OF
ANGLES AND DIRECTIONS

MODULE 12
COMPASS SURVEY
This module contains the discussion of the principles of compass survey
specifically for the open and closed compass traverse and its corresponding
adjustment procedures.

Objectives
• To provide basic knowledge of the principles of compass survey.
• To understand the concept of open and closed compass traverse and its
corresponding adjustment procedures.

12.1 Compass Survey

The method of compass surveying is one of the most basic and widely
practiced methods of determining the relative location of points where a
high degree of precision is not required. Such surveys, which employs a
magnetic compass, are performed by traversing.

Definition of Terms

1. Traverse

A traverse is a series of lines connecting successive points whose lengths

and directions have been determined from field measurements.

2. Traversing

The process of measuring the lengths and directions of the lines of a traverse
for the purpose of locating the position of certain points.

3. Traverse Station

Any temporary or permanent point of reference over which the instrument

is set up. It is usually marked by a peg or a hub driven flush with the ground

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and identified by consecutive letters or numbers as the survey progresses.

Traverse stations are sometimes called angle points because an angle is
usually measured at such stations.

4. Traverse Lines

Are lines connecting traverse stations and whose lengths and directions are
determined.

The field work involved in most compass surveys is generally divided into
two basic operations, the measurement of angles at traverse stations and
the measurement of lengths of traverse lines. Angular relationships between
traverse lines are usually established by deflection angles, angles to the
right, interior angles, and by bearings or azimuths. The angles measured at
traverse stations provide an expression of the difference in the directions of
the traverse lines. Sometimes it is important to determine and record the
magnetic declination at the time and place of the survey. To clarify the
record, a definite statement should be indicated in the field notes such as
“All observed bearings are magnetic and read to the nearest 05 minutes.
The magnetic declination in August, 1986 was 13°50’ East.”

Different methods are used in determining the lengths of traverse lines. The
method selected usually depends on the precision required and on the
type of instrument used. If high precision is desired and long lines are
involved, electronic distance measuring devices are employed. For
ordinary surveying, taping is commonly adapted. Pacing is acceptable if
only approximate results are required such as in most agricultural,
geological, and forestry surveys.

The advantages of a compass surveys are: (a) the instrument used is simple,
and is more portable and less expensive than a transit or theodolite, (b) if
speed is required, the bearings of all the lines in a traverse may be
determined by occupying only every other station, (c) the direction of a
line can be observed at any point along the line, (d) an error in the
observed bearing of one line has no effect in the observed directions of
other lines, € survey work is much quicker because of the compass does not
require an elaborate procedure of setting up and leveling at each station,
and (f) obstacles such as trees and shrubs can be passed readily by
offsetting the compass a short distance from the line to be observed.

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12.2 Types of Compass Survey

In compass surveys, there are two basic types of traverses: open and
closed.

1. Open Compass Traverse

An open compass traverse consists of a series of lines of known lengths and

magnetic bearings which are continuous but do not return to the starting
point or close upon a point of known position. Such a traverse is usually run
for preliminary or exploratory purposes as in route surveys.

An open traverse is generally avoided since they offer no way of checking

the filed measurements for errors and mistakes. Also, there are no arithmetic
checks available since the figure formed by the surveyed lines do not close;
the angles cannot be summed up to known geometrical conditions. For
these reasons, it is important to exercise extra care when making the
required angular and linear measurements. To detect local attraction, both
forward and back bearings should be taken on all lines. The lengths of each
line should be taken on all lines. The lengths of each line should be
measured twice, and the mean recorded as its length. Where possible, the
terminal points of an open traverse should be tied to nearby monuments or
bench marks.

2. Closed Compass Traverse

A closed compass traverse consists of a series of lines of known lengths and

magnetic bearings which forms a closed loop. Or begin and end at points
whose positions have been fixed by other surveys of higher precision.

Since a closed traverse provides checks on the measured angles and

distances, they are used extensively in constructions surveys, establishments
of control for triangulation work, as well as in property and topographic
surveys. It is customary to begin at some convenient corner when making
a survey enclosing an area, and to take bearings and measure distances
in a particular order (clockwise or counterclockwise) around the field. An
excellent advantage of a closed traverse over an open traverse is the
available check on angular measurements. The sum of the interior angles
of a closed traverse is exactly equal to (n-2)180°, where n is the number of
sides of the traverse.

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12.3 Adjustment of Open and Closed Compass Traverse

Adjustment of an Open Compass Traverse

In a compass traverse there are likely to be discrepancies between the

observed forward and back bearings of lines. These may be due to errors
of observations or local attraction. Angular observations made for a
particular traverse must be thoroughly examined to determine the best
method of eliminating the discrepancies without having to make very large
adjustments or alterations.

When adjusting an open compass traverse there are two important steps
to perform; the first is to determine which among the traverse lines is free
from local attraction, and the second step is to perform the adjustment of
successive lines by starting from either end of the selected line. The
unaffected line is referred to as the “best line” and it is assumed that there
is no local attraction anywhere on this line. Also, forward and back bearings
taken at either end of the line are accepted as correct.

An important principle to remember is that at any station the angle

between the forward and back lines can be regardless of whether or not
the needle is affected. The value of the desired angle can easily be
determined by simple analysis or inspection if an isolated sketch is made of
the particular traverse station where the forward and back lines are
correspondingly indicated. No specific formulas or rules are required for
determining these angles.

If two or more non-adjoining lines appear to be free from local attraction,

only one of these lines is arbitrarily chosen as the best line and adjustment
of succeeding lines originate from it. When adjoining lines are similarly
unaffected, adjustment may be started at any lines free from local
attraction. However, if none of the lines in the traverse appears to be
unaffected by local attraction, the line with the least discrepancy between
the forward and back bearings is chosen and its forward bearing is
assumed to be correct. To explain the process of adjusting compass
traverse the following example is given.

For a particular open compass traverse the following are the observations
made on each line: AB, Fwd Brg = S40°E, Back Brg = N41°W; BC, Fwd Brg =

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N68°E, Back Brg = S68°W; CD, Fwd Brg = N35°E, Back Brg = S37°W; and DE,
Fwd Brg = S43°E, Back Brg = N42°W.

Since the forward and back bearings of BC are in agreements, it is assumed

that stations B and C are both free from local attraction and BC is
considered as the “best line.” Hence the correct forward bearing of CD is
N35°E and the correct back bearing of AB is N41°W. The angle at D,
computed from the observed bearings of lines DC and DE is 37°+43° = 80°;
and this value of the angle is correct regardless of local attraction.
Therefore, the adjusted forward bearing of DE is 80°-35° or S45°E. It will be
noted in this method of adjustment that the whole traverse is referred to the
magnetic meridian at the line first chosen (BC) as free from local attraction.

SAMPLE PROBLEMS:

E12-1 ADJUSTMENT OF AN OPEN COMPASS TRAVERSE. Given in the tabulation

below are the observed forward and back bearings of an open compass
traverse. Plot the traverse and adjust the forward and back bearings of
each course. Tabulate answers and show accompanying computations.

OBSERVED BEARINGS
LINE LENGTH (m)
FORWARD BACK
AB 400.63 N25°45’E S25°40’W
BC 450.22 S20°30’E N20°25’W
CD 500.89 S35°30’W N35°30’E
DE 640.46 S75°30’E N75°25’W
EF 545.41 N58°50’E S58°15’W
FG 700.05 N22°05’E S21°55’W

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Solution:

Adjustment of Line DE:

𝑎) 𝐼𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝐷 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑣𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝜃𝑑

𝐺𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑛: 𝛼𝑑𝑐 = 𝑁45°30′𝐸

𝛼𝑑𝑒 = 𝑆75°30′𝐸
𝜃𝑑 = 180° − (𝛼𝑑𝑐 + 𝛼𝑑𝑒 ) = 180° − (45°30′ + 75°30′ ) = 69°00′

𝑏) 𝑆𝑜𝑙𝑣𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑑𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑠 𝐷𝐸 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐸𝐷

𝐺𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑛: 𝛼′𝑑𝑐 = 𝑁35°30′𝐸

𝜃𝑑 = 69°00′
𝛼 ′ 𝑑𝑒 = 180° − 𝛼𝑑𝑐 + 𝜃𝑑 = 180° − (35°30′ + 69°00′ ) = 75°30′ = 𝑆75°30′ 𝐸
( )
𝛼′𝑒𝑑 = 𝑁75°30′𝑊

Adjustment of Line EF:

𝑎) 𝐼𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝐸 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑣𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝜃𝑑

𝐺𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑛: 𝛼𝑒𝑑 = 𝑁75°25′ 𝑊

𝛼𝑒𝑓 = 𝑁58°50′ 𝐸
𝜃𝑒 = 𝛼𝑒𝑑 + 𝛼𝑒𝑓 = 75°25′ + 58°50′ = 134°15′

𝑏) 𝑆𝑜𝑙𝑣𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑑𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑠 𝐸𝐹 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐹𝐸

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𝐺𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑛: 𝛼′𝑒𝑑 = 𝑁75°30′ 𝑊

𝜃𝑒 = 134°15′
𝛼′𝑒𝑓 = 𝜃𝑒 − 𝛼 ′ 𝑒𝑑 = 134°14′ − 75°30′ = 58°45′ = 𝑁58°45′𝐸
𝐴𝑙𝑠𝑜; 𝛼′𝑓𝑒 = 𝑆58°45′𝑊

Adjustment of Line FG:

𝑎) 𝐼𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝐹 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑣𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝜃𝑓

𝐺𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑛: 𝛼𝑓𝑔 = 𝑁22°05′ 𝐸

𝛼𝑓𝑒 = 𝑆58°15′𝑊
𝜃𝑓 = 180° + 𝛼𝑓𝑔 − 𝛼𝑓𝑒 = 180° − 22°05′ − 58°15′ = 143°50′

𝑏) 𝑆𝑜𝑙𝑣𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑑𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑠 𝐹𝐺 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐺𝐹

𝐺𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑛: 𝛼 ′𝑓𝑒 = 𝑆58°45′𝑊

𝜃𝑓 = 143°50′
𝛼𝑓𝑔 = 𝛼 ′𝑓𝑔 + 𝜃𝑓 − 180° = 58°45′ + 143°50′ − 180° = 22°35′ = 𝑁22°35′ 𝐸

𝐴𝑙𝑠𝑜, 𝛼′𝑔𝑓 = 𝑆22°35′𝐸

Adjustment of Line BC:

𝑎) 𝐼𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝐶 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑣𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝜃𝑐

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𝐺𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑛: 𝛼𝑐𝑑 = 𝑆35°30′ 𝑊

𝛼𝑐𝑑 = 𝑁20°25′ 𝑊
𝜃𝑐 = 180° − (𝛼𝑐𝑏 + 𝛼𝑐𝑑 ) = 180° − (35°30′ + 20°25′ ) = 124°05′

𝑏) 𝑆𝑜𝑙𝑣𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑑𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑠 𝐶𝐵 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐵𝐶:

𝐺𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑛: 𝛼 ′𝑐𝑑 = 𝑆35°30′ 𝑊

𝜃𝑐 = 124°05′
𝛼′𝑐𝑑 = 180° − (𝜃𝑐 + 𝛼 ′𝑐𝑑 ) = 180° − (124°05′ + 35°30′ ) = 20°25′ = 𝑁20°25′𝑊
𝐴𝑙𝑠𝑜, 𝛼′𝑏𝑐 = 𝑆20°25′𝐸

Adjustment of Line AB:

𝑎) 𝐼𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝐵 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑣𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝜃𝑏

𝐺𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑛: 𝛼𝑏𝑎 = 𝑆25°40′𝑊

𝛼𝑏𝑐 = 𝑆20°30′ 𝐸
𝜃𝑏 = 𝛼𝑏𝑎 + 𝛼𝑏𝑐 = 25°40′ + 20°30′ = 46°10′

𝑏) 𝑆𝑜𝑙𝑣𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑑𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑠 𝐵𝐴 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐵𝐴:

𝐺𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑛: 𝛼 ′𝑏𝑐 = 𝑆20°25′ 𝐸

𝜃𝑏 = 46°10′
𝛼 ′ 𝑏𝑎 = 𝜃𝑏 − 𝛼 ′ 𝑏𝑐 = 46°10′ − 20°25′ = 25°45′ = 𝑆25°45′ 𝑊
𝐴𝑙𝑠𝑜, 𝛼′𝑎𝑏 = 𝑁25°45′𝐸

𝑇𝑎𝑏𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝑎𝑑𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑒 𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑎:

OBSERVED BEARINGS
LINE LENGTH (m)
FORWARD BACK
AB 400.63 N25°45’E S25°45’W
BC 450.22 S20°25’E N20°25’W
CD 500.89 S35°30’W N35°30’E

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DE 640.46 S75°30’E N75°30’W

EF 545.41 N58°45’E S58°45’W
FG 700.05 N22°35’E S22°35’W

Adjustment of a Closed Compass Traverse

The adjustment of a closed compass traverse is similar to the adjustment of

an open compass traverse except that in a closed compass traverse the
effects of observational errors are considered. The following are the three
important steps performed during the adjustment: (a) computing and
adjusting the interior angles, (b) selecting the best line or the line in the
traverse which is unaffected by local attraction, and (c) adjusting the
observed bearings of successive lines. It will be noted that the last two steps
are similarly done in the adjustment of an open compass traverse.

Each interior angle is computed from the observed bearings of the back
line and the forward line at each traverse station. These computed angles,
which are taken to be independent of local attraction, are determined
conveniently by simply drawing an isolated sketch of each station. The
computed interior angles, when summed up, should be equal to (n-2)180°,
in which n is the number of sides or interior angles in the traverse. However,
there will always be some effects of local attraction. Any discrepancy
between these two quantities is the error of closure. If the error in the sum
of the interior angles is quite large, it is possible that a mistake in reading the
compass was committed, and it is advisable to recheck the field
measurements or possibly repeat it.

When adjusting the interior angles, the correction to be applied to each

angle must first be ascertained. The correction is determined by dividing
the total error of closure by the number of interior angles in the traverse.
Since it is assumed that the error of closure distributed equally, and the
interior angles are corrected accordingly. If the sum of the computed
angles is less than (n-2)180°, the correction is correspondingly subtracted
from each computed interior angle. When the error cannot be divided
equally among the angles, an arbitrary method of adjustment should be
applied. Usually, this is done by apportioning a larger correction to angles
for which the conditions prevailing during the observation were noted to
be least favorable. After the required corrections are applied, the sum of

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the adjusted interior angles should then be equal to (n-2)180°; if not, an error
has probably been committed in the computations.

After the interior angles have already been adjusted, the forward and back
bearings of each line in the traverse are also corrected. Just as in the
adjustment of an open compass traverse, the observed bearings are
adjusted by starting from the “best line” or a line whose observed forward
and back bearings are assumed to be correct. Since both ends of the best
line are assumed to be free from local attraction, any other observation
made from these ends are also assumed to be correct. Also, the adjustment
of bearings of successive lines is made around the traverse starting from
either end of the best line. Adjusted forward and back bearings are
computed with reference to adjusted interior angles. To check the
adjustments made, the forward bearing of the best line is also computed
from the corrected bearings and adjusted interior angles. It will be safe to
assume that a traverse has been adjusted accordingly if the same forward
bearing is determined. The tabulation of date for a closed compass
traverse is kept in a form similar to that shown in figure. The portrayed data
is simply a record of the different observations made. All pertinent data are
entered line by line in different columns giving the line description, length
of the line, and the observed forward and back bearings. It also includes a
tabulation of computed interior angles, corrections applied, the adjusted
interior angles, and the adjusted bearings.

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SAMPLE PROBLEMS:

E12-2 ADJUSTMENT OF A CLOSED COMPASS TRAVERSE. The following are observed

bearings of a closed compass traverse. Compute the interior angles and
correct them for observational errors. Assuming the observed bearings of
line AB (“best line”) to be correct, adjust the bearings of the remaining sides.

Observed Bearings
LINE LENGTH
Forward Back
AB 46.50 m S30°40’W N30°40’E
BC 75.15 m S83°50’E N84°30’W
CD 117.35 m N02°00’W S02°15’E
DE 74.92 m S89°30’W DUE EAST
EA 60.25 m S28°50’E N28°00’W

Solution:

1. Solving for the Interior Angles:

𝑎) 𝐴𝑡 𝑆𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑡𝑜𝑛 𝐴:

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𝛼𝑎𝑒 = 𝑁28°00′ 𝑊 (𝑜𝑏𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑣𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝐴𝐸)

𝛼𝑎𝑏 = 𝑆30°40′ 𝑊(𝑜𝑏𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑣𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝐴𝐵)
𝜃𝑎 = 180° + 𝛼𝑎𝑒 + 𝛼𝑎𝑏 = 180° + 28°00′ + 30°40′ = 238°40′ (𝐼𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑟 𝐴𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 𝑎𝑡 𝐴)

𝑏) 𝐴𝑡 𝑆𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝐵:

𝛼𝑏𝑎 = 𝑁30°40′ 𝐸 (𝑜𝑏𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑣𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝐵𝐴)

𝛼𝑏𝑐 = 𝑆83°50′ 𝐸 (𝑜𝑏𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑣𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝐵𝐶)
𝜃𝑏 = 180° − (𝛼𝑏𝑎 + 𝛼𝑏𝑐 ) = 180° − (30°40′ + 83°50′ ) = 65°30′ (𝐼𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑟 𝐴𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 𝑎𝑡 𝐵)

𝑐) 𝐴𝑡 𝑆𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝐶:

𝛼𝑐𝑏 = 𝑁84°30′ 𝑊 (𝑜𝑏𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑣𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝐵)

𝛼𝑐𝑑 = 𝑁02°00′ 𝑊(𝑜𝑏𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑣𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝐷)
𝜃𝑐 = 𝛼𝑐𝑏 − 𝛼𝑐𝑑 = 84°30′ − 2°00′ = 82°30′ (𝐼𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑟 𝐴𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 𝑎𝑡 𝐶 )

𝑑) 𝐴𝑡 𝑆𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝐷:

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𝛼𝑑𝑐 = 𝑆02°15′ 𝐸 (𝑜𝑏𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑣𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝐷𝐶 )

𝛼𝑑𝑒 = 𝑆89°30′ 𝑊 (𝑜𝑏𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑣𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝐷𝐸)
𝜃𝑑 = 𝛼𝑑𝑐 + 𝛼𝑑𝑒 = 2°15′ + 89°30′ = 91°45′ (𝐼𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑟 𝐴𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 𝑎𝑡 𝐷)

𝑒) 𝐴𝑡 𝑆𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝐸:

𝛼𝑒𝑑 = 𝐷𝑢𝑒 𝐸𝑎𝑠𝑡 (𝑜𝑏𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑣𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝐸𝐷)

𝛼𝑒𝑎 = 𝑆28°50′ 𝐸 (𝑜𝑏𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑣𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝐸𝐴)
𝜃𝑒 = 180° − (𝛼𝑒𝑑 + 𝛼𝑒𝑎 ) = 180° − (90°00′ + 28°50′ ) = 61°10′ (𝐼𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑟 𝐴𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 𝑎𝑡 𝐸)

2. Adjusting Interior Angles:

𝑎) 𝑆𝑢𝑚𝑎 = 𝜃𝑎 + 𝜃𝑏 + 𝜃𝑐 + 𝜃𝑑 + 𝜃𝑒 = 238°40′ + 65°30′ + 82°30′ + 91°45′ + 61°10′

= 539°35′ (𝑆𝑢𝑚 𝑜𝑓 𝐼𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑟 𝐴𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒𝑠)

𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑢𝑚 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑎 𝑝𝑜𝑙𝑦𝑔𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝑎 5 𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑠 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝑏𝑒 𝑒𝑢𝑞𝑎𝑙 𝑡𝑜:

𝑆𝑢𝑚𝑏 = (𝑛 − 2)180° = (5 − 2)180° = 540°

𝑒 = 𝑆𝑢𝑚𝑏 − 𝑆𝑢𝑚𝑎 = 540° − 539°35′ = 25′ (𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒)
𝑒 25′
𝐶𝑜𝑟𝑟 = = = 05′ (𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒)
𝑛 5

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𝑆𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑆𝑢𝑚𝑎 𝑖𝑠 𝑙𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑛 𝑆𝑢𝑚𝑏 , 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑖𝑠 𝑎𝑑𝑑𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑒𝑎𝑐ℎ 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 𝑡𝑜
𝑑𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑑𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 𝑎𝑡 𝑒𝑎𝑐ℎ 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛, 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑒:

𝜃′𝑎 = 𝜃𝑎 + 𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑟 = 238°40′ + 05′ = 238°45′

𝜃′𝑏 = 𝜃𝑏 + 𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑟 = 65°30′ + 05′ = 65°35′
𝜃′𝑐 = 𝜃𝑐 + 𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑟 = 82°30′ + 05′ = 82°35′
𝜃′𝑑 = 𝜃𝑑 + 𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑟 = 91°45′ + 05′ = 91°50′
𝜃′𝑒 = 𝜃𝑒 + 𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑟 = 61°10′ + 05′ = 61°15′

𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 = 238°45′ + 65°35′ + 82°35′ + 91°50′ + 61°15′ = 540°00′

3. Solving for the Adjusted Bearings:

𝑎) 𝐴𝑑𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑠 𝐵𝐶 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐶𝐵 (𝑁𝑜𝑡𝑒: 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑑𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑖𝑠 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑒𝑛𝑑 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒)

𝜃 ′𝑏 = 65°35′ (𝑎𝑑𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 𝑎𝑡 𝐵)

𝛼′𝑏𝑎 = 𝑁30°40′ 𝐸 (𝐶𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝐵𝐴, 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒)
𝛼′𝑏𝑐 = 180° − (𝛼 ′𝑏𝑎 + 𝜃 ′𝑏 ) = 180° − (30°40′ + 65°35′ ) = 83°45′ 𝑜𝑟 𝑆83°45′𝐸

𝐴𝑙𝑠𝑜, 𝛼 ′ 𝑎𝑏
= 𝑁83°45′ 𝐸 (𝑎𝑑𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝐵 𝑤ℎ𝑖𝑐ℎ 𝑖𝑠 𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑑𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑡 𝐵𝐶 )

𝑏) 𝐴𝑑𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑠 𝐶𝐷 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐷𝐶:

𝜃 ′ 𝑐 = 82°35′ (𝐴𝑑𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 𝑎𝑡 𝐶 )

𝛼 ′ 𝑐𝑏 = 𝑁83°45′ 𝑊 (𝐴𝑑𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝐵)
𝛼′𝑐𝑑 = 𝛼′𝑐𝑏 − 𝜃 ′ 𝑐 = 83°45′ − 82°35′ = 01°10′ 𝑜𝑟 𝑁01°10′ 𝑊(𝐴𝑑𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝐷)

𝐴𝑙𝑠𝑜, 𝛼′𝑑𝑐
= 𝑆01°10′ 𝐸 (𝐴𝑑𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝐷𝐶 𝑤ℎ𝑖𝑐ℎ 𝑖𝑠 𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑑𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝐷)

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𝑐) 𝐴𝑑𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑠 𝐷𝐸 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐸𝐷:

𝜃 ′ 𝑑 = 91°50′ (𝐴𝑑𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 𝑎𝑡 𝐷)

𝛼 ′ 𝑑𝑐 = 𝑆01°10′ 𝐸 (𝐴𝑑𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝐷𝐶 )
𝛼′𝑑𝑒 = 180° + 𝛼 ′ 𝑑𝑐 − 𝜃 ′𝑑 = 180° + 01°10′ − 91°50′
= 89°20′ 𝑜𝑟 𝑁89°20′ 𝑊 (𝐴𝑑𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝐷𝐸)

𝐴𝑙𝑠𝑜, 𝛼′𝑒𝑑
= 𝑆89°20′𝐸 (𝐴𝑑𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝐸𝐷 𝑤ℎ𝑖𝑐ℎ 𝑖𝑠 𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑑𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝐷𝐸)

𝑑) 𝐴𝑑𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑠 𝐸𝐴 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐴𝐸:

𝜃 ′𝑒 = 61°15′ (𝐴𝑑𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 𝑎𝑡 𝐸)

𝛼 ′ 𝑒𝑑 = 𝑆89°20′ 𝐸 (𝐴𝑑𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝐸𝐷 )
𝛼′𝑒𝑎 = 𝛼′𝑒𝑑 − 𝜃 ′𝑒 = 89°20′ − 61°15′ = 28°05′ 𝑜𝑟 𝑆28°05′ 𝐸 (𝑎𝑑𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝐸𝐴)

𝐴𝑙𝑠𝑜, 𝛼 ′𝑎𝑒
= 𝑁28°05′ 𝑊 (𝐴𝑑𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝐴𝐸 𝑤ℎ𝑖𝑐ℎ 𝑖𝑠 𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑑𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝐸𝐴)

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4. Solution Check:

𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝐴𝐵 𝑖𝑠 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑢𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑑𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝐴𝐸 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑑𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑑
𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 𝑎𝑡 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝐴 𝑖𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑏𝑎𝑐𝑘 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑠 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑑𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑, 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑑𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡
𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑑𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑙𝑦.

𝛼 ′ 𝑎𝑒 = 𝑁28°05′ 𝑊 (𝐴𝑑𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝐴𝐸)

𝜃′𝑎 = 238°45′ (𝐴𝑑𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝐼𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑟 𝐴𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 𝑎𝑡 𝐴)
𝛼 ′ 𝑎𝑏 = 𝜃 ′𝑎 − (180° + 𝛼 ′ 𝑎𝑒 ) = 238°45′ − (180° + 28°05′ )
= 30°40′ 𝑜𝑟 𝑆30°40′ 𝑊 (𝐴𝑑𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝐴𝐵)

𝐴𝑙𝑠𝑜, 𝛼 ′ 𝑏𝑎
= 𝑁30°40′ 𝐸 (𝑎𝑑𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝐵𝐴 𝑤ℎ𝑖𝑐ℎ 𝑖𝑠 𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑑𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝐴𝐵)

𝑆𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑢𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑠 𝐴𝐵 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐵𝐴 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑒 𝑎𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑔𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑛 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒
𝑏𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒, 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑒𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑢𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑚𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡.

5. Tabulation of Adjusted Traverse Data:

Station Computed Correction Adjusted Line Adjusted Bearings

Interior Interior
Forward Back
Angles Angles

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A 238°40’ +05’ 238°45’ AB S30°40’W N30°40’E

B 65°30’ +05’ 65°35’ BC S83°45’E N83°45’W

C 82°30’ +05’ 82°35’ CD N01°10’W S01°10’E

D 91°45’ +05’ 91°50’ DE N89°20’W S89°20’E

E 61°10’ +05’ 61°15’ EA S28°05’E N28°05’W

Sums 539°35’ +25’ 540°00’

12.4 Precision, Errors, and Mistakes in Compass Works

Precision of Compass Readings

It must first of all be clearly understood that the compass is not an instrument
of precision. When using a magnetic compass, precise work should not be
attempted nor expected. The compass is not recommended for laying out
directions with the type of precision required in most modern engineering
constructions. A magnetic compass is designed to be used only for ordinary
surveys requiring low accuracy and precision. In an earlier lesson, it was
explained that the compass is well suited for preliminary and
reconnaissance surveys such as those required for highways, transmission
lines, railways, canals, and other similar purposes. It is also ideal for
exploratory surveys required in geologic and forestry work.

The circle on larger compasses are usually graduated to half-degree.

Estimating the position of the needle to about oe-third of the one-half
degree graduation (or 10 min) is usually possible. On some compasses,
bearings could be read to within 15 minutes of correct values, however, a
much lower accuracy is obtainable on small pocket compasses which
could be read only to about one or two degrees.

An accurate quantitative statement regarding the accuracy of compass

surveys could not be made because of the varying conditions affecting this
type of work. It would be safe, however, to state that the error of closure
attainable in most compass surveys will fall within 1/500 to 1/1000. Such
accuracy is suitable for the various types of surveys mentioned earlier.

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Sources of Error in Compass Work

There are various sources of errors and mistakes related to the use of a
magnetic compass. Some of these are listed as follows:

1. Bent Needle

When a magnetic compass with a bent needle is used, all observed

bearings will have a constant error. Either end of the needle will read higher
or lower than the corrected value. To eliminate the error during an
observation, both ends of the needle are read and the two angular values
determined should be averaged. Pliers may be used to straightened a bent
needle.

2. Bent Pivot

A variable systematic error is introduced when a magnetic compass has a

bent pivot. The magnitude of the error will depend upon the direction in
which the sight is made. The error can be eliminated by reading both ends
of the needle and averaging the two values observed. A bent pivot may
be straightened out correctly the ends of the needle should give readings
exactly 180 degrees apart for any direction of pointing.

3. Sluggish Needle

When the magnetism of the needle is weak it tends to lag and move in a
sluggish manner. This lag produces a random error since the needle is not
likely to come to rest exactly on the magnetic meridian. A weak needle
may be remagnetized by drawing its ends over a bar magnet from the
center to the ends of the magnet. The north-seeking end of the compass
needle is drawn over the south-seeking half of the bar magnet, and vice-
verse. It must be seen to it that the needle is lifted well above the magnet
on each return stroke during remagnetizing. Also, tapping the glass lightly
as the needle comes nearly to rest, prevents the needle from sticking to the
pivot. If the pivot is blunt, it may be sharpened by a small file, a piece of
sandpaper, or by rubbing it on a fine-grained oilstone.

4. Plane of Sight Not Vertical

When observing the direction of a line, the line of sight may be steeply
inclined if the sight vanes are bent. The correct alignment of the vanes may
be tested by aligning it with a plumb line when the compass is leveled.

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5. Electrically Charged Compass Box

The glass cover of the compass box becomes slightly charged with
electricity when its surface is rubbed. It attracts the magnetic needle and
causes it to stick. Touching the glass cover with a moistened finger will
remove static electricity.

6. Local Attraction

The correct pointing of the magnetic needle toward magnetic north is

usually affected by different forms of local attraction such as power
transmission lines, items made of iron or steel, underground ore deposits,
and etc. Compass directions should always be observed at both ends of
any line to detect local attraction and to be able to make the necessary
corrections or adjustments.

7. Magnetic Variations

Systematic error in compass surveys are caused by daily, annual, secular,

or irregular variation in magnetic declination. Such variations are the
sources of the largest and most significant errors in compass work. Since
most types of variations in magnetic declination can be detected it is
possible to apply corrections and perform adjustments on observed
magnetic directions.

8. Errors in Reading the Needle

Usually the source of most accidental errors in compass work is due to the
inability of the observer to determine exactly the point on the graduated
circle where the needle comes to rest. Before any reading is taken it is
important that the compass needle should be level. The observer should
look down and along the direction of the needle and not obliquely since
this causes parallax and results in an incorrect reading.

Mistakes in Compass Work

Some of the typical mistakes committed in compass work include the

following:

a) Reading the wrong end of the magnetic needle.

b) Failing to observe the reverse bearings or azimuths of lines in the traverse.

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c) Not releasing the needle completely and not allowing it to swing freely
about the pivot.
d) Misreading the quadrant letters when taking a bearing near the cardinal
points of the compass. For example, a bearing of N15°25’W, is misread as
N15°25’E, or bearing of S76°15’E is misread as N76°15’E.
e) Bearing letters are not changed when using the reversed bearing of a
line.
f) Setting off the magnetic declination on the wrong side of north.
g) Failing to adjust the observed traverse angles prior to calculating
bearings or azimuths of traverse lines.
h) Mixing or interchanging the recording of azimuths from north and south,
magnetic and true bearings, clockwise from north and south, magnetic
and true bearings, clockwise and counterclockwise angles, or forward and
back bearings.
i) Selecting a line for referencing arbitrary directions which may be difficult
to locate later..

References
La Putt, J.P. (1987). Elementary Surveying (3rd ed.). Baguio City, Philippines:
Baguio Research & Publishing Center

Disclaimer
This module may contain copyrighted material, the use of which may not
have been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. However, this
module was created and made to serve as a tool for educational purposes
only and will be distributed without any profit.

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