CEP233 | FUNDAMENTALS OF SURVEYING

CHAPTER 2
MEASUREMENT OF
HORIZONTAL DISTANCES

MODULE 4
THE TAPING PARTY
This module provides an overview on the basic principle of electronic distance
measurement, geodimeter, and tellurometer. It also includes a thorough
discussion on the different kinds of measuring tapes, taping accessories, the
composition of the taping party, and the provisions of breaking and sloping tape.

Objectives
• To provide an overview on the basic principle of electronic distance
measurement, geodimeter, and tellurometer.
• To differentiate various kinds of measuring tapes, the composition of the
taping party, and the accessories needed in taping.
• To understand the provisions of breaking and sloping tape.
4.1 Electronic Distance Measurement

1. Basic Principle

Linear measurements determined by EDM instruments are based on the

basic principle that the time required for a radio or light wave to travel from
one end of a line to the other is a function of the length measured. An EDM
method requires a very careful measurement in determining the interval of
time between emission and reception of the transmitted wave. The product
of the velocity of the transmitted wave and the elapsed time defines the
length of line measured.

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2. Classification

A system of classifying EDM instruments is by wavelength of transmitted

electromagnetic energy; the following are the two categories:

a) Electro-optical Instruments

These are the type of instruments which transmit wavelengths within or

slightly beyond the visible region of the spectrum. The earlier models used
mercury or tungsten lamps and only had short operating ranges especially
at daytime because of excessive atmospheric scatter of this incoherent
light. Also, these models were not very portable; being bulky, they require
a larger power source.

The newer models now use modulated laser or infrared light which permits
measurements of longer distances even during daytime. These models are
much smaller in size and are highly portable. Some models weight less than
1 kg and could be mounted easily on a theodolite. The use of infrared light
as a source of radiation has gained wide acceptance since its intensity can
be directly modulated. Also, this has considerably simplified the use of EDM
instruments, and allows extremely precise measurement of angles and
distances within a single set up.

b) Microwave Instruments

This type of EDM instruments transmits microwaves corresponding to

wavelengths of about 1.0 to 8.6 mm. Its measuring range is comparatively
long and can operate even during a drizzle or fog. A microwave system
consists of two identical units which basically includes a transmitter and a
receiver. During measurement, one unit functions in the “master” mode,
the other in the “remote” mode. By simple switching, any unit may be
operated on either mode. The accessories include an antennae, and a
built-in communication system. An operator is needed at each end of the
line to be measured. Since a set of readings is taken at either end while
using the instrument in its master mode, it allows two independent
measurements along a line which serves as a valuable check.

3. Advantages and Disadvantages

The development of small light emitting diodes sometime in 1965 greatly

improved the design of earlier EDM instruments. Light-wave instruments

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were also further improved when coherent laser light was incorporated into
it. The following are some of the significant advantages of the newer
models of EDM instruments.

a) Speed and accuracy in measurement.

b) Lightweight and portable
c) Easy to operate
d) Low power requirement
e) Ease in measurement over inaccessible terrain
f) Applicable to the measurement of short and long lengths
g) Automatically measures displays and records: slope range, azimuth,
vertical angle, horizontal distance, departure, and latitude.
h) Slope measurements are internally reduced to horizontal and vertical
components by built-in computers thereby eliminating the need to
calculate these values.
i) Automatically accumulates and averages reading for slope range,
horizontal and vertical angles.

4. Uses

EDM instruments are now used for determining linear measurements

required in traversing, engineering constructions, optical tooling,
triangulation, trilateration, and various other tasks where precise
measurements or layouts are needed. They are extremely useful in
measurements or distances over rough and rugged terrain which are
difficult to access, or where conventional taping methods would be
impractical.

5. Operating Ranges

The operating ranges of EDM instruments vary significantly. They may be

classified according as short, medium, or long range. When the measuring
capability does not exceed 25 km, the device may be classified into the
short range group. In this classification most of the instruments are of the
electro-optical type although some use infrared light. Short range
instruments are usually mounted on theodolites. They are small, light weight,
portable, and easy to operate. Such instruments are highly suitable for
conventional surveying measurements and are now widely used by
surveyors, engineers, architects, and builders.

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In the medium range group, EDM instruments are capable of measuring

lengths up to about 75 km. The instruments are either the microwave or
electro-optical (some using laser light) type. These instruments are now
frequently used in precise geodetic measurements such as those required
in the establishment of control networks. They are also suitable for land
surveys and in engineering construction surveys.

Long range EDM instruments are employed in the measurement of lines

longer than 75 km. Instruments in this group operate by transmitting radio
waves. There are also some which employ microwaves. They are used
primarily in hydrographic surveys, for measurements required in
oceanographic work, as well as in navigation.

4.2 Geodimeter

The geodimeter is an acronym for geodetic distance meter. It is an electro-

optical device which was developed in 1948 by Erik Bergstrand, a Swedish
physicist. The device resulted from attempts to improve methods for
measuring the velocity of light. The geodimeter, which is set up at one
station, projects a pulsating visible light beam to a reflector (at another
station) which returns the light to the instrument. Its use is based upon the
known velocity of light. The technology developed for this system makes
possible a comparison between the transmitted and reflected light such
that the time required for the light beam to make its return to the instrument
is determined. In some models, the maximum range varies from 5 to 10 km
during daytime and up to about 25 to 30 km at night time.

The measurable range usually depends on atmospheric conditions. The

precision of measurement attainable is about 1/200,000 of the distance. It
is important that the stations are intervisible and that a clear line of sight
exists.

4.3 Tellurometer

In 1957, Dr. T.L. Wadley of South Africa, announced his invention of the
tellurometer which was to be the world’s second EDM instrument. The
tellurometer utilized high frequency microwave transmission and was
capable of measuring distances up to 80 km day or night. It consisted of
two interchangeable 13-k units, one being set-up on each end of the line
to be measured. A series of radio waves is transmitted by one of the units

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toward a receiver set up over the other end of the line. The impulses
generated during transmission are run through the circuitry of the receiving
unit and are computed on the basis of the velocity of radio waves, it
requires an accurate measurement of the total time taken by the impulse
to travel from one station to another and back. The recorded time is
indicated on the control panel of the transmitting unit.

It takes about 30 minutes to set up the tellurometer and undertake a

measurement. During the measurement it must be seen to it that the line of
sight between the two stations must be unobstructed. A distinct advantage
of this instrument is that observations can be made on rainy days, during a
fog, or other unfavorable weather conditions. The tellurometer system can
be expected to attain a precision of 1/300,000 under favorable conditions.

4.4 Measuring Tapes

Measuring tapes are made in a variety of lengths, materials, and weights.

They are also graduated in several ways. Graduation marks and numbers
are either etched, stamped, or printed on the tape. The following are some
of the commonly used type of measuring tapes:

1. Steel Tape

A steel tape, also known as surveyor’s or engineer’s tape, is made of a

ribbon of steel 0.5 to 1.0 cm in width and weighs 0.8 to 1.5 kg per 30 meters.
Lengths of 10, 20, 30, 50, and 100 meters are available. The 30-m tape is the
most common. Usually steel tapes are wound on a reel or done up in loops

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about 2 meters long to make a figure 8. Steel tapes are designed for most
conventional measurements in surveying and engineering work.

2. Metallic Tape

Metallic tapes are sometimes called woven tapes. They are made of water-
proof linen fabric into which are woven longitudinally small brass, copper,
or bronze wires to increase its strength and reduce stretching. Metallic
tapes are usually 30 or 50 meters long, 10 to 15 mm wide, and come in
enclosed reels. It is used principally for measuring short distances in locating
details for maps, earthwork cross sectioning, and for other measurements
where a light and flexible tape is desirable. This type of tape is unsuitable
for precise measurements and should not be used around electrical
installations.

3. Non-Metallic Tape

Non-Metallic Tape is a type of tape woven from selected synthetic

materials with strong dimensional stability. The tape is in turn coated with a
plastic material to reduce the effects of moisture, humidity, and abrasion.
Non-metallic tapes are safe to use when working around electrical
installations or for any type of work where a metallic tape would be suitable.

4. Invar Tape

A special tape made of an alloy of nickel (35%) and steel (65%) with a very
low coefficient of thermal expansion (1/30 to 1/60 that of a steel tape). Its
name was derived from the word “invariable” since it is less affected by
temperature changes than in a steel tape.

Invar tapes are used only for precise measurements in geodetic work and
for checking the length of other kinds of tape. They are about ten times as
expensive as ordinary steel tapes. The use of invar tapes will require very
careful handling since the alloy is soft and somewhat unstable.

It is a kind of tape which gets easily bent and damaged.

5. Lovar Tape

The newer type of measuring tape which has properties and costs
somewhere between those of conventional steel tapes and the invar tape.

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6. Fiberglass Tape

This tape is made by weaving fiberglass in a longitudinal and transverse

pattern. They are strong and flexible and will not shrink or stretch
appreciably with changes in temperature and humidity. A fiberglass tape
is best suited for use in the vicinity of electrical equipment.

7. Wires

Before thin flat steel tapes were produced, wires were utilized in measuring
lengths. They are still practical to use in special cases as in hydrographic
surveys.

8. Builder’s Tape

Are tapes having smaller cross sections and are lighter in weight than the
engineer’s tape. Such tapes are graduated to suit commonly used
dimensions in building construction.

9. Phosphor-Bronze Tape

A rust-proof tape designed for use in the vicinity of salt water.

10. Nylon-coated Steel Tape

Is a flexible crack-resistant steel core tape with a coating of permanently

bonded non-conducting nylon. It is designed to be resistant to corrosion
and is immune to rust.

4.5 Taping Accessories

The following are the different accessories used in taping work.

1. Range Pole

Range poles, which are also known as flags are lining rods, are used as
temporary signals to indicate the location of points or the direction of lines,
and to mark alignment. They are either circular, hexagonal, or octagonal
in cross section and with one end pointed. The usual length used is 2.0 or
3.0 meters and it may be made of wood, metal, or fiberglass. Range poles
are marked or painted with alternate red and white sections 30 or 50 cm
long which can be used for approximate measurements.

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2. Tape Clamping Handles

With its scissor-type handle, tape clamps are used to apply tension with a
quick grip on any part of a steel tape without causing damage to the tape
or hands of the tapeman. A slight bend or kink on the tape may result if a
tape is held and pulled without a clamp. Once produced, these kinks on
the tape cannot be easily straightened out.

3. Chaining Pins

Chaining pins are sometimes called surveyor’s arrows or taping pins. They
are stuck in the ground to mark the ends of measured tape lengths or
partial tape lengths and may also be used in place of wooden hubs or
stakes. Most pins are made of heavy wire about 30 cm long, are pointed at
one end, have a round loop at the other end, and painted with alternate
red and white bands. Sets of eleven pins carried on a steel ring or loop are
standard.

4. Tension Handle

This device, which is also referred to as a spring scale, is used at one end of
a tape for ensuring the application of the correct amount of pull on the
tape during measurement. The spring balance is attached between the
handle and the tape, and a clip is fitted to the end ring of the tape. Tension

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handles are only used in precision taping. They are usually dispensed with
in measuring distances requiring ordinary precision.

5. Tape Thermometer

In precision taping, thermometers are used to determine the temperature

of the air and the approximate temperature of the tape during
measurement. Those used in the field are about 10 to 15 cm long and are
usually graduated from -30 degrees centigrade to +50 degrees centigrade
in 2-degree to 5-degree divisions. It is fastened to the tape by means of clips
and is kept in a protective metal case when not in use.

6. Plumb Bob

In taping, plumb bobs are used for projecting the tape ends to the ground
when the tape must be suspended above the measured line. Plumb bobs
used should weigh at least 0.25 kg and must be attached to a 1.5 m long
string or cord which is free of knots. They are made of bronze with a pointed
end which could be unscrewed for replacement.

7. Wooden Stake or Hub

Stakes or hubs are made of 5 cm x 5 cm x 30 cm wood to mark points,

corners, or stations on the ground. These temporary markers are required in
staking out a building or structure, running the centerline of a proposed
road, and in staking out any line or grade. The top of the hub is usually
marked by driving a nail or track into its center.

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8. Leather Thongs

A leather thong is attached to a ring located near the zero-meter mark of

the tape to provide a comfortable grip on the tape when measuring.

9. Hand Level and Clinometer

The hand level and clinometer is usually a 15 cm long device which consists
of a metal sighting tube with a level bubble. At one end the tube has a
peep sight opening for viewing a sighted object. A horizontal line of sight is
established if the bubble is centered while sighting through the tube. It is
used to keep the tape ends at equal elevations when measuring over
rugged terrain, in approximately determining difference in elevation of
points, and in other field operations where it is required to produce a level
sight. The clinometer is simply a hand level adapted for measuring vertical
angles. A vertical circle is added upon which angles may be read. It gives
the value of the slope in terms of arc measure, percent grade, and rise (or
fall) per horizontal run.

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10. Tape Repair Kit

A tape repair kit should be taken along when an extensive taping

operation is to be performed at remote areas. These kits will allow
emergency repairs to be made on damaged or broken tapes. A kit usually
contains sleeve splices coated with solder and flux and are placed over
the two parts or ends of a broken tape. The splice is hammered down and
fastened with eyelets by means of a puncher and riveter which are also
part of the kit.

11. Crayons

Marking crayons used in surveying are usually lumber crayons. They are
about 10 cm long and are hexagonal in cross section. Blue, yellow, and red
are the predominantly used colors. If lumber crayons are not available,
white or colored chalk may be used as a substitute. Crayons or chalks are
used for marking points, corners, or stations by indicating cross marks on
paved roads, sidewalks, or walls.

4.6 Taping Party

Taping is the process of directly measuring distances with the use of a

graduated tape. When the measurement is undertaken in fairly level
ground in an open field, the taping party usually consists of the following
individuals:

1. Head Tapeman

The person responsible for the accuracy and speed of all linear
measurements with the tape. He determines and directs the marking of
points or stations, orders the clearing out of obstructions along lines to be
measured, and is the person who carries the zero end of the tape ahead.

2. Recorder

Keeps a record of all measurements, sketches, and observations taken

during the process of measurement. He also checks by pacing all
measurements made by the tapemen for possible errors, mistakes, and
blunders.

3. Flagman

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The person whose duty is to hold the rangepole (or flagpole) at selected
points. He also helps the tapemen in making measurements and assists in
clearing out obstructions along the line to be measured.

4. Rear Tapemen

The person whose duty is to assist the head tapeman during a taping
operation. He is the one who holds the 30-m end or any intermediate meter
mark of the tape during a measurement.

4.7 Procedure of Taping

The usual procedure in the taping of distances will involve the process of
aligning the tape, stretching it, plumbing selected tape marks, marking and
recording tape lengths.

1. Aligning the Tape

When a line is to be measured, both ends must first be marked. It may also
be necessary to establish a few intermediate points to serve as guides in
obtaining a straight line. Range poles held at both ends of the line are used
as markers and chaining pins are stuck to the ground to mark the
intermediate points. The head tapeman hands over one chaining pin to
the rear tapeman, he then takes the zero end of the tape and moves
forward in the general direction of the line to be measured. At the initial
point the rear tapeman carefully unrolls the tape from its reel and sees to it
that the tape is not looped or unduly twisted so as to cause kinks on the
tape.

When the 30-m end of the tape comes up even with the initial point, the
rear tapeman calls out “stop”. At this command the head tapeman halts
and positions himself along the line to be measured by vocal or hand
signals from the rear tapeman.

2. Stretching the Tape

With the 30-m mark held at the initial point, and the head tapeman aligned,
the rear tapeman calls out “all right” or “OK”. The head tapeman takes his
position just to the left (or right) of the line, kneels, and pulls the tape taut.
The tape may be held between the fingers and the palm. He then sticks a
chaining pin into the ground to mark the zero-meter end of the tape. When

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the head tapeman sets his pin, the rear tapeman should be holding his end
of the tape precisely on the mark.

A steady and firm pull, generally between 4 and 7 kg, is applied on one
end of the tape during stretching. No measurement should be made
without stretching the tape since tapes are correct in length only when a
standard pull is applied to it. If the tape is stretched less than the required
standard pull, all recorded measurements will turn out to be too short”. The
tape will correspondingly be “too long” if the pull applied is greater than
the standard pull. To maintain a steady pull, the leather thongs at the tape’s
end should be wrapped comfortably around one hand. A firm pull could
also be made by holding on to a chaining pin slipped through the eye at
the end of the tape, or by using a tape clamp. An efficient method of
communication must continue to be established between the tapeman to
obtain accurate results, save time, and avoid jerking the tape.

3. Plumbing

When the ground is covered by obstacles, weeds, low brush, and

irregularities in the ground surface, it will be difficult or impossible to lay the
tape on the ground during measurement. Both ends of the tape should
instead be held above the ground (about the level of the waist or chest)
and in a horizontal position. Also, each end of tape is marked by positioning
a plumb line (defined by a plumb bob and string) held by both tapemen.
When the point is being plumbed over soft ground, the plumb bob is
dropped, and a pin is carefully set in the hole made by the plumb bob
point. If the length to be measured is less than a full tape length, the head
tapeman moves the plumb line to a selected point on the tape where it
can be stretched horizontally, or over a specified or required ground mark.

When the tape is aligned, stretched, and ready for marking, the rear
tapeman continues to hold a plumb line over the fixed point while the head
tapeman plumb line over the fixed point while the head tapeman plumb
his end of the line and marks it on the ground. A firm stance is important.
The head tapeman should position the plane of his body parallel to the
tape, with his legs well spread apart. His forearm should be in line with the
tape, and he should snug it comfortably against his body.

During the measurement, it is important to determine if the tape is held

nearly horizontal. A hand level should be used to check if the tape ends

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are held correctly at the same elevation so as to obtain an accurate

measurement. If a hand level is not available, the tape may be estimated
to be horizontal by eye. The task of determining if the tape is held horizontal
during measurement may be assigned to the recorder.

4. Making Full Tape Lengths

When a full tape length is measured the rear tapeman holds his end of the
tape opposite the pin earlier set on the ground. The head tapeman, after
being lined-in properly, exerts the required pull on the tape, notes the zero
end and sets a pin beside it. The chaining pin may be set vertically in the
ground or given a slant at right angles to the line measured. If the head
tapeman is satisfied that the measurement was done accordingly, he
signals that the point marked is acceptable. The rear tapeman then picks
up the rear pin set on the ground and both tapeman move forward. The
tape is dragged by the head tapeman who comes to a stop after pacing
an equivalent tape length. This procedure is repeated until a partial tape
length is to be measured at the end of the line.

In some instances, taping would be done on a hard surface such as a

concrete or asphalt road, or on steel rails along a rail road. Since pins could
not be used, the end of the tape is marked by using colored crayons (keels),
chalk or paint. The number of tape lengths is recorded beside the mark to
keep count of the number of full tape lengths measured.

5. Tallying Taped Measurements

At the initial point the rear tapeman holds one pin and the head tapeman
begins with ten pins carried on his steel ring. This is the reason why a set of
eleven pins is normally used during taping operations. The first pin which the
rear tapeman holds indicates that one tape length has already been
measured and the total number of pins in his possession (not counting the
pin still set in the ground) indicates the total number of full tape lengths that
have so far been measured.

When the head tapeman sets are last (11th) pin, a tally is made. The rear
tapeman, who by then accumulates ten pins, brings these forward and
hands it over to the head tapeman. The same taping process is then
continued. Thus, the number of tallies indicates the number of tape lengths

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which have been measured. If a 30-m tape is used, each tally of 10 pins
means that 300 meters has so far been measured.

6. Measuring Fractional Lengths

When the last segment of the line is to be measured, this will often be a
measurement which will consist of a fractional tape length. Upon reaching
the end of the line, the head tapeman comes to a halt and the rear
tapeman positions himself at the last pin set. The rear tapeman holds the
tape in such a manner that a whole meter mark is aligned with and
opposite the pin. The terminal point should have fall within the end meter
mark of the tape, which is subdivided into smallest graduations, usually in
centimeters. After the correct pull is applied, the head tapeman observes
the number of centimeters which extends beyond the terminal point of the
line measured, while the rear tapeman observes the number of the meter
mark he is holding at his end of the tape. The number of centimeters which
the head tapeman observes us subtracted from the meter reading which
the rear tapeman observes to obtain the measured fractional length. Since
it is at this part of the measurement that mistakes in taping frequently occur,
tapemen should exercise care during this particular measurement.

4.8 Breaking Tape

It is standard practice to hold the tape horizontally above ground and to

plumb at one or both ends when taping on sloping or uneven terrain
surfaces. This requires the measurement of shorter distances which are
accumulated to total a full tape length. The procedure is referred to as
“breaking tape”.

In measuring down a slope, the zero end of the tape is carried ahead.
When the full tape length is stretched out, the head tapeman lays the tape
on the ground and returns up the slope to pick up the tape at some meter
mark which will allow him to hold horizontally a convenient length between
himself and the rear tapeman. The tape is usually held at about the level of
the waist or chest. After the head tapeman plumbs his end of the tape and
marks its projection on the ground, he drops the tape and marks its
projection on the ground, he drops the tape and proceeds down the slope
to hold the tape horizontally at some other convenient meter mark. The rear
tapeman also leaves his end of the tape behind and moves forward to hold
the meter mark earlier held by the head tapeman. The procedure is then

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repeated for a number of segments until the while tape length is measured
out.

The technique used in breaking tape is illustrated in figure 8-1. As an

example of this operation, assume that when the 30-m end of the tape is
held at the initial point (A), then the head tapeman can advance only to
10 m and conveniently hold the tape horizontally without having to plumb
from above his chest. A chaining pin is then set directly below the
corresponding 20-m mark. The head tapeman drops the tape and
proceeds down the slope while the rear tapeman also moves forward but
leaves behind the 30-m end of the tape at the initial point. As the rear
tapeman holds the 20-m mark, the head tapeman selects another
convenient tape segment which he can hold horizontally and plumb, say,
the 8-m mark. Finally, with the 8-m mark held over the second pin on the
ground, the full 30-m length is marked at the zero meter end (at B) of the
tape.

It will be noted that the partially measured tape segments sum up to a full
tape length or 30 meters, as shown in the accompanying illustration.
Although the procedure of breaking the tape does not require any
notekeeping or calculations, errors and mistakes are likely to occur. It is
usually difficult to maintain good alignment when breaking tape. There is a
natural tendency to hold down slope end of the tape too low. The head
tapeman is often unable to exert the correct amount of pull on the tape
and also finds it difficult to drop a plumb line to mark accurately points on
the ground. A strong wind often magnifies the problem and may make
accurate taping extremely difficult.

Taping down a slope is often preferred than measuring up a slope since the
rear tapeman can hold his end of the tape steady on the ground while the
other end is pulled and plumbed by the head tapeman. When taping up

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a slope the forward point may be set firmly on the ground, but the other
end held by the rear tapeman somewhat wavers or is unsteady.

An alternate procedure to breaking tape is to measure only by a sequence

of partial lengths where the tape can be conveniently held horizontally. The
measured segments, which may be equal or unequal lengths, are then
added up to determine the total length of the line. In this particular
procedure every horizontal segment measured needs to be properly
recorded and carefully added.

4.9 Slope Taping

Taped measurements may be made directly along the slope when the
ground is of uniform inclination and fairly smooth, rather than break tape
every few meters. This very practical method is generally preferred since
measurements could be made quickly and more accurately than
horizontal measurements.

If the slope distance between the ends of a line is required, the procedure
of taping is the same as on level ground. The measured slope distance is
then reduced to its corresponding horizontal distance by simple
computations. To perform the computations, either the difference in
elevation between the two ends of the tape (or terminal points of the line)
or the angle of inclination of the slope measurement is first be determined.
The difference in elevation may be obtained by running a line of levels
between the terminal points. A clinometer, transit or theodolite may be
used to determine the angle of inclination.

In figure, if the angle α is known, the horizontal distance between points A

and B can be computed from the relation:

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𝑑 = 𝑠(𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛼)

Where d is the horizontal distance between the two points, s is the

measured slope length between the points, and α is the angle of inclination
from the horizontal.

If the difference in elevation, h, between the ends of the line (or tape) is
known, the horizontal distance is computed using the following expression
derived from the Pythagorean theorem:

𝑑 = √𝑠 2 − ℎ 2

Long tapes, 50 to 150 meters in length, are suitable for measuring along
slopes. Some especially made tapes have several extra centimeters of
length graduated beyond the normal end graduation. A slope angle is
marked on each of these extra graduations. For example, when taping on
a 15-degree slope, the full tape length is horizontally obtained by measuring
the greater length to the 15-degree slope mark. When using this type of
tape in slope measurements, no horizontal correction needs to be
computed for full tape lengths.

In slope taping, a check is made by measuring once up the slope and once
down the slope. The average of the two measurements is reduced to the
equivalent horizontal distance and is taken as the final value of the
measured distance. To increase the accuracy of measurement it may be
necessary to measure the line in as many repetitions as possible.

SAMPLE PROBLEMS:

E4-1 SLOPE TAPING. A measurement is made along a line that is inclined by a

vertical angle of 15°25’ as measured using a level and clinometer. The slope
measurement is 756.52 m. What is the corresponding horizontal distance?

Solution:

𝑑 = 𝑠(𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛼 ) = 756.52 𝑚(𝑐𝑜𝑠15°25′ ) = 𝟕𝟐𝟗. 𝟑𝟎 𝒎

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 CEP233 | FUNDAMENTALS OF SURVEYING

E4-2 SLOPE TAPING. A LINE XYZ is measured on the slope in two segments. The
first segment XY measures 824.45 m and the second segment YZ measures
1244.38 m. If the difference in elevation between points X and Y is 4.25 m,
and that between Y and Z is 6.47 m, determine the horizontal length of the
measured line.

Solution:

𝑑1 = √(𝑠1 )2 − (ℎ1 )2 = √(824.45 𝑚)2 − (4.25 𝑚)2 = 824.44 𝑚

𝑑2 = √(𝑠2 )2 − (ℎ2 )2 = √(1244.38 𝑚)2 − (6.47 𝑚)2 = 1244.36 𝑚
𝐷 = 𝑑1 + 𝑑2 = 824.44 𝑚 + 1244.36 𝑚 = 𝟐𝟎𝟔𝟖. 𝟖𝟎 𝒎

Modular Questions

M4-1 Briefly discuss the composition of the Taping Party.

M4-2 Name the different types of accessories in taping.

M4-3 Differentiate the different types of measuring tape

M4-4 Briefly discuss the breaking tape and slope taping

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

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