Introduction

In the discipline of surveying, traverse is a way for establishing control networks. It is a network
of existing stations linked together by angle and distance. Angles are measured using Theodolites
or Total station, while distances are measured with an electronic distance measuring (EDM)
equipment. Traverse networks are created by installing survey stations along a line or course of
travel and then utilizing the previously surveyed locations as a base to observe the following
point. Traverse can be open or closed, as in route surveys or closed geometric shapes. Traverses
are employed as control surveys in engineering projects to: find topographic detail for plan
preparation, lay out engineering works, and process earth work and other engineering items.

Aims: (i) Establishment of a horizontal control station network for detail surveying.
(ii) Contour plan of given area using total station.
Objectives: Civil engineering student participation in fieldwork including the gathering and
administration of spatial data. Right procedure for conducting field surveys, as well as what to
anticipate when the task has been completed.

Literature Review
In surveying, contouring is the process of determining the elevation of various places on the land
and putting these points in the same horizontal positions on a contour map.
The total station is the surveying tool that is most often employed. An electronic theodolite, an
electronic distance measuring device (EDM), and a microprocessor with memory unit make up a
complete station.
Data recorders are typically included with total stations. Along with the same extra information,
the raw data (angles and lengths) and coordinates of the sites spotted are recorded. The
information thusly captured may later be instantly downloaded to a computer. The use of a data
recorder decreases recording mistakes even further and does away with the necessity for
someone to manually capture data while out in the field.
Before usage, the total station is put on a tripod and leveled. Meanwhile, the PRISM is put on a
known-height pole (TARGET ROD). The aiming aids are included in the mounting bracket. The
prism is positioned such that its reflection point aligns with the center of the pole to which it is
attached. Despite the fact that the pole's tip is being inspected, the instrument must be directed at
the prism. Because the prism is right above the tip, it will compute the location of the prism
rather than the point to be surveyed. To calculate the position of the point, deduct the height of
the pole, which may be done automatically.
The pole must be held upright and a bubble level connected to assist the student in maintaining
the pole upright, especially if there is any wind, and the reading may be obtained on such
occasions by sighting not at the prism but at the tip of the pole where it hits the ground. The
angle from north would therefore be fixed, and the telescope could be elevated to prism level by
modifying merely the angle of inclination.
The survey data is then downloaded to a computer and plotted using software to produce a
contour map of the location.

Difficulties
When surveying, it could be difficult for the student to look into and review the work. To
properly inspect the survey work, return to the office and produce the drawings using the
appropriate software.

Recommendations
To acquire precise and dependable findings, the instrument must be checked and adjusted on a
regular basis. An EDM instrument check is a procedure that determines whether or not an
instrument is working properly and whether or not any significant changes in the instrument
correction (ICs) have been noticed.