MEASUREMENT OF DISTANCE

HORIZONTAL DISTANCE MEASUREMENT

MEASUREMENT OF DISTANCE

1. DISTANCE BY PACING
2. DISTANCE BY TAPING
3. DISTANCE BY TACHYMETRY/TACHEOMETRY
4. DISTANCE BY GRAPHICAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS
5. DISTANCE BY MECHANICAL DEVICES
6. DISTANCE BY PHOTOGRAMMETRY
7. ELECTRONIC DISTANCE MEASUREMENT (EDM)
 DISTANCE BY TAPING
Taping operations could either be of the following:

1) Taping to determine an unknown length or

2) Taping for the purpose of laying out a required or specific length.
DISTANCE BY TAPING

The most common method of measuring

horizontal distances is with the use of tape.
Taping consists of stretching a calibrated
tape between two points and reading the
distance indicated in the tape.

MEASURING TAPE
DISTANCE BY TAPING

Measuring Tapes

Measuring tapes are made in a variety of

lengths, materials, and weights.

MEASURING TAPE
DISTANCE BY TAPING

Types of Measuring Tapes

1. Linen Tape is also known as “Cloth” Tape.

A varnished strip made of mostly woven
linen . It is lightweight and easy to handle.
These tapes may shrink when exposed to
water and also elongates when pulled.
Hence, these tapes are not suitable for
accurate measurements.
MEASURING TAPE
DISTANCE BY TAPING

Types of Measuring Tapes

2. Steel Tape is made of a ribbon of steel or

stainless steel. Meters, decimeter, centimeters
and millimeters (as well as inches and feet) are
graduated on then steel strip. Steel tapes are
not flexible and are suitable for measuring
leveled surfaces only. They may corrode easily
when exposed to moisture.
MEASURING TAPE
DISTANCE BY TAPING

Types of Measuring Tapes

3. Synthetic Tapes are made of Fiberglass..

Also called as Fiberglass tapes coated with
PVC. It does not shrink or stretch with
changes in temperature and humidity.
However it is light weight and flexible and.
may stretch when subjected to tension..
Hence, these tapes are not suitable for
MEASURING TAPE measurements.
accurate surveying
DISTANCE BY TAPING

Types of Measuring Tapes

4. Invar Tapes are made of an alloy of nickel

(35%) and steel (65%). It has very low
coefficient of thermal expansion, hence,
less affected by temperature changes. It is
used for high precision surveying
measurements.

MEASURING TAPE
DISTANCE BY TAPING

Types of Measuring Tapes

5. Lovar Tape
6. Builder’s Tape
7. Phosphor-Bronze Tape
8. Nylon-coated Steel Tape
9.Wires

Etc.
MEASURING TAPE
DISTANCE BY TAPING
Taping Accessories
1. Chaining Pins
• also known as surveyor’s arrows or taping
pins.
• stuck in the ground to mark the ends of a
measured tape lengths or partial tape lengths.
• made of heavy wire (30 cm long) and painted
with alternate red and white bands.
• sets of 11 pins carried on a steel ring are
standard.
MEASURING TAPE
DISTANCE BY TAPING

Taping Accessories
2. Hand Level and Clinometer
•a 15 cm long device which consists of a
metal sighting tube with a level bubble
•used to keep the tape ends at equal
elevations when measuring over rough
terrain, in approximately determining
difference in elevation of points, and in other
field operation where it is required to
MEASURING TAPE
produce a level sight
DISTANCE BY TAPING

Taping Accessories
3.Tension Handle
• also known as a spring scale
• used at one end of a tape for ensuring
the application of the desired known
tension on the tape during measurement
• used in precision taping

MEASURING TAPE
DISTANCE BY TAPING

Taping Accessories
4. Pocket Thermometer
• permits reading data for making
temperature corrections.

MEASURING TAPE
DISTANCE BY TAPING

Taping Accessories
5. Range Pole
• also known as flags or lining rods
• used as temporary signals to indicate
the location of points or direction of
lines, and to mark alignment.
• usual length: 2.0 or 3.0 meters
• marked with alternate red and white
sections 30 cm or 50 cm long
MEASURING TAPE
DISTANCE BY TAPING

Taping Accessories
6. Plumb Bob
• used for projecting the tape ends to the
ground when the tape must be
suspended above the measured line
• weights 0.25 kg and attached to 1.5 m
long string or cord which is free of
knots

MEASURING TAPE
DISTANCE BY TAPING

Taping Accessories
7. Clamping Handles
• applies tension with a quick grip on any
part of a steel tape without causing
damage to the tape or hands of the
tapeman

MEASURING TAPE
DISTANCE BY TAPING

Taping Accessories
8.Wooden Stake or Hub
• made of 5 cm x 5 cm x 30 cm wood to
mark points, corners, or stations in the
ground

MEASURING TAPE
DISTANCE BY TAPING

Taping Accessories
9. Leather Thongs
• attached to a ring located near the zero-
meter mark of the tape to provide a
comfortable grip on the tape when
measuring

MEASURING TAPE
DISTANCE BY TAPING

COMPOSITION OF A TAPING PARTY

1. Head Tapeman

The person responsible for the accuracy and the speed of

all linear measurements with the tape. He determines and
directs the marking of points or stations and is the
person who carries the zero end of the tape ahead.

MEASURING TAPE
DISTANCE BY TAPING

COMPOSITION OF A TAPING PARTY

2. Recorder

keeps a record of all measurements, sketches and

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

MEASURING TAPE
DISTANCE BY TAPING

COMPOSITION OF A TAPING PARTY

3. Flagman

the person whose duty is to hold the range pole at selected

points.

MEASURING TAPE
DISTANCE BY TAPING

COMPOSITION OF A TAPING PARTY

4. Rear Tapeman

the person whose duty is to assist the head tapeman during

taping operation. He is the one who holds the end of the
tape or any intermediate meter mark of the tape during
the measurement.

MEASURING TAPE
DISTANCE BY TAPING

THE TAPING PROCEDURE

1. Aligning the Tape
• Mark both ends of the line to be measured using range poles
that will serve as a guide for the alignment of the tape.
Intermediate points will be marked using chaining pins.
• The head tapeman takes the zero mark on the tape and heads
out towards the other end of the line.
A B
MEASURING TAPE horizontal distance, d
DISTANCE BY TAPING

THE TAPING PROCEDURE

1. Aligning the Tape
• The rear tapeman on the starting point unrolls the tape and
sees to it that there are no twists on the tape.
• Align the tape using hand signals.

A B
MEASURING TAPE horizontal distance, d
DISTANCE BY TAPING

THE TAPING PROCEDURE

2. Stretching the Tape
• With the rear tapeman holding the tape steady, the head tapeman
pulls the tape. Use the tension handle as a guide in determining
the force of pull applied on the tape.
• Use the leather thong and the clamping handle to pull the tape
comfortably.
A B
horizontal distance, d
MEASURING TAPE
DISTANCE BY TAPING

THE TAPING PROCEDURE

2. Stretching the Tape
Note: Tapes are correct in length if the tape is stretched at a
standard pull (standard tension). If the tape is stretched below the
standard pull the tape is said to be “too short”, otherwise, it is
“too long”.

A B
horizontal distance, d
MEASURING TAPE
DISTANCE BY TAPING
THE TAPING PROCEDURE
3. Plumbing
• When the ground has obstructions and irregularities, the tape
should be held above the ground in a horizontal position.
• The ends of the tape is marked with the plumb line to point of
consideration.
• The tape is leveled to a horizontal position using a hand held level.

A B
MEASURING TAPE horizontal distance, d
DISTANCE BY TAPING

THE TAPING PROCEDURE

4. Marking Full Tape Lengths
• When a full tape length is measured, the rear tapeman holds the
tape opposite the pin set on the ground. The head tapeman exerts
the standard pull on the tape and notes the zero end of the tape
using a chaining pin.

A D
Full tape length=50m B Full tape length=50m C 40m

MEASURING TAPE horizontal distance, d=140m

DISTANCE BY TAPING

THE TAPING PROCEDURE

4. Marking Full Tape Lengths
• The rear tapeman retrieves the pins and replace it with Stakes and
the tapemen moves forward. The procedure is repeated until the
other point is reached. It may require sometimes to measure a
fraction of the length of the tape.

A D
Full tape length=50m B Full tape length=50m C 40m

MEASURING TAPE horizontal distance, d=140m

DISTANCE BY TAPING

THE TAPING PROCEDURE

5. Checking the Measurement
• A check is usually done by re-measuring the line from the end
point back to the starting point. The two results should agree to
the slightest error possible.
• From time to time, the each measurement to the full length of the
tape is checked using pacing to detect possible mistakes in taping
measurement.

MEASURING TAPE
DISTANCE BY TAPING

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. “Breaking Tape” is the
procedure which requires the
measurement of shorter or fraction
of distances which are accumulated
to total of Full Tape Length.
MEASURING TAPE
DISTANCE BY TAPING

BREAKING TAPE (Example)

30 meters
MEASURING TAPE
DISTANCE BY TAPING

SLOPE TAPING
Taped measurement is sometimes done along a sloping ground of uniform
inclination, rather than breaking the tape every few meters. This method
is fairly quick, easy, and accurate than horizontal measurements.

MEASURING TAPE
DISTANCE BY TAPING

SLOPE TAPING
Clinometer
Angle of Declination

Angle of Inclination

MEASURING TAPE
DISTANCE BY TAPING

SLOPE TAPING
Pythagorean: With known α:
𝑠 2 = 𝑑 2 + ℎ2 𝑑
cos 𝛼 = Angle of Declination
𝒅 = 𝒔𝟐 − 𝒉𝟐 𝑠
𝒅 = 𝒔 𝒄𝒐𝒔 𝜶

Angle of Inclination

MEASURING TAPE
DISTANCE BY TAPING

Example Problem1 Given:

A measurement is made along
a line that is inclined by a =15°25’
vertical angle 15°25’ as d= ?
measured using a clinometer.
The slope measurement was Solution:
756.52m What is the 𝑑 = 𝑠 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛼
corresponding horizontal 𝑑 = 756.52 𝑐𝑜𝑠 15° 25′
distance? 𝒅 = 𝟕𝟐𝟗. 𝟑𝟎 𝒎
MEASURING TAPE
DISTANCE BY TAPING

Example Problem 2 Given:

A horizontal distance of
=13°06’
325.75m is to be established
along a line that slopes at a d= 325.75
Solution: 𝑑
vertical angle of 13° 06’. What 𝑑 = 𝑠 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛼 >> 𝑠=
slope distance should be laid cos 𝛼
out? 325.75
𝑠=
cos 13° 06′
MEASURING TAPE 𝒔 = 𝟑𝟑𝟒. 𝟒𝟓 𝒎
 DISTANCE BY TAPING
Example Problem 3
A line XYZ is measured on the slope in two segments. The first segment XY
measures 824.45m and the second segment YZ measures 1244.38m. If the
difference in elevation between points X and Y is 4.25m and that between Y
and Z is 6.47m, determine the horizontal length of the measured line

Given:

MEASURING TAPE
 DISTANCE BY TAPING
Given:

Solution: 𝑑= 𝑠 2 − ℎ2

𝑑1 = 𝑠1 2 − ℎ1 2 = 824.45 2 − 4.25 2 = 𝟖𝟐𝟒. 𝟒𝟒𝒎 (horizontal length of XY)

𝑑2 = 𝑠2 2 − ℎ2 2 = 1244.38 2 − 6.47 2 = 𝟏𝟐𝟒𝟒. 𝟑𝟔𝒎 (horizontal length of YZ)

𝑫 = 𝒅𝟏 + 𝒅𝟐 =TAPE
MEASURING 𝟖𝟐𝟒. 𝟒𝟒 + 𝟏𝟐𝟒𝟒. 𝟑𝟔 = 𝟐𝟎𝟔𝟖. 𝟖𝟎 𝒎 (horizontal length of XYZ)
DISTANCE BY TAPING

CORRECTIONS IN TAPING
For any operations that involves taping, there are some corrections
which are applied to the original measurements to determine the
correct and more accurate length.
DISTANCE BY TAPING

CORRECTIONS IN TAPING

1. Correction due to Incorrect Tape Length

2. Correction due to Slope
3. Correction due to Temperature
4. Correction due to Pull or Tension
5. Correction due to Sag
6. Normal Tension
7. Combined Corrections
MEASURING TAPE
DISTANCE BY TAPING (CORRECTIONS IN TAPING)

Correction due to Incorrect Tape Length

1.Measuring the distance between two points:

With a tape “too long” , ADD (+) the correction
With a tape “too short”, SUBTRACT (-) the correction

2. Laying Out a Line :

With a tape “too long”, SUBTRACT (-) the correction
With a tape “too short”, ADD (+) the correction
MEASURING TAPE
DISTANCE BY TAPING (CORRECTIONS IN TAPING)
1. Correction due to Incorrect Tape Length
Due to manufacturing defects, the True Length (TL) of the
tape may be different from its Nominal Length(NL).
Also, with frequent use, the tape may stretch causing changes in
the length, thus it is imperative that the tape is regularly checked
under standard conditions to determine its True length.
Correction of Tape
True Length
A D
Nominal length=50m B Nominal length=50m C 40m

MEASURING TAPE Measured Length, ML =140m

 DISTANCE BY TAPING (CORRECTIONS IN TAPING)
1. Correction due to Incorrect Tape Length
Where:
C = Correction of the Tape
𝑪𝒐𝒓𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝑻𝒂𝒑𝒆 (𝑪) = |𝑻𝑳 − 𝑵𝑳|
TL = True Length of the Tape under
actual or standard conditions
𝑴𝑳 NL = Nominal Length of the Tape
𝑻𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝑪𝒐𝒓𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝑻𝒂𝒑𝒆(𝑪𝑻 ) = 𝑪
𝑵𝑳 or the factory length.
𝐶𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝐿𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝐶𝐿 = 𝑀𝐿 ± 𝐶𝑇 CT = Total Correction to be applied
ML = Measured Length or the
𝑴𝑳 Length to be Laid out
𝑪𝒐𝒓𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝑳𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒕𝒉 𝑪𝑳 = 𝑴𝑳 ± 𝑪 CL = Corrected Length
MEASURING TAPE 𝑵𝑳
DISTANCE BY TAPING (CORRECTIONS IN TAPING)

Example Problem 3 Given:

TL = 50.016 m
The length of a line AB NL = 50 m
} TOO LONG
measured with a 50-m tape is (add +)
ML =465.285 m
465.285m. When the tape is
Solution:
compared with a standardized 𝐶𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝑇𝑎𝑝𝑒 (𝐶)
invar tape, it is found to be 𝐶 = |𝑇𝐿 − 𝑁𝐿|
50.016m long. Determine the 𝐶 = |50.016𝑚 − 50𝑚|
correct Length of AB 𝑪 = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟏𝟔𝒎 (too long)
MEASURING TAPE
DISTANCE BY TAPING (CORRECTIONS IN TAPING)

Example Problem 3 Solution (Cont’d…):

𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝐶𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝑇𝑎𝑝𝑒(𝐶𝑇 )
𝑀𝐿
The length of a line AB 𝐶𝑇 = 𝐶
𝑁𝐿
measured with a 50-m tape is 465.285
𝐶𝑇 = 0.016
465.285m. When the tape is 50
compared with a standardized 𝑪𝑻 = 𝟎. 𝟏𝟒𝟗𝒎
invar tape, it is found to be 𝐶𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝐿𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝐶𝐿
50.016m long. Determine the 𝐶𝐿 = 𝑀𝐿 ± 𝐶𝑇
correct Length of AB 𝐶𝐿 = 465.285𝑚 + 0.149m
𝑪𝑳 = 𝟒𝟔𝟓. 𝟒𝟑𝟒 𝒎
MEASURING TAPE
 DISTANCE BY TAPING (CORRECTIONS IN TAPING)
Example Problem 4
A building 38m x 45m is to be laid
Given:
out with a 50-m long metallic tape. If NL = 50 m } TOO SHORT (add+)
during standardization, the tape is TL = 49.950m
found to be only 49.950m, determine W = 38m (width of building)
the following: L = 45m ( length of building)
a) Dimensions to be laid out, using Solution:
this tape, in order that the building 𝐶𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝑇𝑎𝑝𝑒 (𝐶)
shall have the desired dimensions. 𝐶 = |𝑇𝐿 − 𝑁𝐿|
b) Using the same tape what should 𝐶 = |49.950𝑚 − 50𝑚|
MEASURING
the diagonalsTAPE
read 𝑪 = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟓𝒎 (too short)
 DISTANCE BY TAPING (CORRECTIONS IN TAPING)
Example Problem 4 Solution (Cont’d…):
A building 38m x 45m is to be laid out 𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝐶𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝑇𝑎𝑝𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑒 𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑙𝑖𝑒𝑑 𝑓𝑜𝑟
with a 50-m long metallic tape. If 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑊𝑖𝑑𝑡ℎ (𝐶𝑇W)
𝑊
during standardization, the tape is 𝐶𝑇𝑊 =𝐶
𝑁𝐿
found to be only 49.950m, determine 𝐶𝑇𝑊 = 0.05
38
the following: 50
a) Dimensions to be laid out, using 𝑪𝑻𝑾 = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟑𝟖𝒎
this tape, in order that the building 𝐶𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝐿𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑊𝑖𝑑𝑡ℎ 𝐶𝐿𝑊
shall have the desired dimensions. 𝐶𝐿𝑊 = 𝑊 ± 𝐶𝑇𝑊
b) Using the same tape what should 𝐶𝐿𝑊 = 38𝑚 + 0.038m
MEASURING
the diagonalsTAPE
read 𝑪𝑳𝑾 = 𝟑𝟖. 𝟎𝟑𝟖 𝒎
 DISTANCE BY TAPING (CORRECTIONS IN TAPING)
Example Problem 4 Solution (Cont’d…):
A building 38m x 45m is to be laid out 𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝐶𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝑇𝑎𝑝𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑒 𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑙𝑖𝑒𝑑 𝑓𝑜𝑟
with a 50-m long metallic tape. If 𝑡ℎ𝑒 Length (𝐶𝑇L)
𝐿
during standardization, the tape is 𝐶𝑇𝐿 =𝐶
𝑁𝐿
found to be only 49.950m, determine 𝐶𝑇𝐿 = 0.05
45
the following: 50
a) Dimensions to be laid out, using 𝑪𝑻𝑳 = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟒𝟓 𝒎
this tape, in order that the building 𝐶𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝐿𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐿𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝐶𝐿𝐿
shall have the desired dimensions. 𝐶𝐿𝐿 = 𝐿 ± 𝐶𝑇𝐿
b) Using the same tape what should 𝐶𝐿𝐿 = 45𝑚 + 0.045m
MEASURING
the diagonalsTAPE
read 𝑪𝑳𝑳 = 𝟒𝟓. 𝟎𝟒𝟓 𝒎
 DISTANCE BY TAPING (CORRECTIONS IN TAPING)
Example Problem 4 Solution (Cont’d…):
A building 38m x 45m is to be laid out 𝑪𝑳𝑾 = 𝟒𝟓. 𝟎𝟒𝟓 𝒎
with a 50-m long metallic tape. If
during standardization, the tape is
𝑪𝑳𝑾 = 𝟑𝟖. 𝟎𝟑𝟖 𝒎
found to be only 49.950m, determine
the following:
a) Dimensions to be laid out, using
this tape, in order that the building 𝐷= 𝐶𝐿𝐿 2 + 𝐶𝐿𝑊 2
shall have the desired dimensions. 𝐷= 45.0452 + 38.0382
b) Using the same tape what should
𝑫 = 𝟓𝟖. 𝟗𝟓𝟕 𝒎
MEASURING
the diagonalsTAPE
read
DISTANCE BY TAPING
2. Correction due to Slope
Where:
s = measured slope distance between
points A and B
h = difference in elevation between A and B
d = equivalent horizontal distance between
A and C
𝜃 Ch = slope correction or the difference
between the slope length and the
horizontal distance.
MEASURING TAPE 𝜽 = angle of inclination
DISTANCE BY TAPING
2. Correction due to Slope
y
𝑟𝑖𝑠𝑒 ∆𝑦
𝑆𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 𝑚 = =
𝑟𝑢𝑛 ∆𝑥
ℎ
𝑆𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 𝑚 = tan 𝜃 =
𝑑
𝜃
x
𝑟𝑖𝑠𝑒 ∆𝑦
𝑆𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒% 𝑚% = = × 100%
𝑟𝑢𝑛 ∆𝑥
MEASURING TAPE
 DISTANCE BY TAPING
2. Correction due to Slope
1. Gentle Slopes (m% 𝑖𝑠 𝐿𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑛 20%)
ℎ2
𝐶ℎ =
2𝑠
𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑚 = 0.2 𝑚 = tan 𝜃

𝜃 θ = tan−1 (0.2)
θ = 11.31°

Gentle Slopes (𝜃 < 11.31°)

MEASURING TAPE
 DISTANCE BY TAPING
2. Correction due to Slope
2. Steep Slopes (m% 𝑖𝑠 𝐵𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑛 20% 𝑎𝑛𝑑 30%)
ℎ2 ℎ4
𝐶ℎ = + 3
2𝑠 8𝑠
𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑚 = 0.3 𝑚 = tan 𝜃
𝜃 θ = tan−1 (0.3)
θ = 16.70°
Steep Slopes (11.31° < 𝜃 < 16.70°)
MEASURING TAPE
 DISTANCE BY TAPING
2. Correction due to Slope
3.Very Steep Slopes (m% 𝑖𝑠 𝐺𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑛30%)
𝐶ℎ = 𝑠 1 − cos 𝜃

𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑚 = 0.3 𝑚 = tan 𝜃

𝜃 θ = tan−1 (0.3)
θ = 16.70°

Very Steep Slopes (𝜃 > 16.70°)

MEASURING TAPE
 DISTANCE BY TAPING
2. Correction due to Slope

Equivalent horizontal distance, d

𝑑 = 𝑠 − 𝐶ℎ

MEASURING TAPE
 ℎ2
𝐶ℎ =
2𝑠
DISTANCE BY TAPING (Corrections due to Slope)

Example Problem 1
Slope distance AB and AC measures 330.49m and 660.97 m, respectively. The
differences in elevation are 12.22 m for points A and B, and 10.85 m for points
B and C. Using the approximate slope correction formula for gentle slopes,
determine the horizontal length of line ABC. Assume that line AB has a rising
slope and BC a falling slope.
B
ℎ2 = 10.85𝑚
A ℎ1 = 12.22𝑚 C

𝑑1 𝑑2
MEASURING TAPE 𝑑 = 𝑑1 + 𝑑2
 DISTANCE BY TAPING (Corrections due to Slope)

Example Problem 1 B
ℎ2 = 10.85𝑚
A 𝜃1 ℎ1 = 12.22𝑚 𝜃2 C

𝑑1 𝑑2
𝑑 = 𝑑1 + 𝑑2
𝐸𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑠
−1
12.22
𝜃1 = sin = 2.12° ( 𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑙𝑒 𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒)
330.49 ℎ2
10.85 𝐶ℎ =
𝜃2 = sin −1
= 0.94° ( 𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑙𝑒 𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒) 2𝑠
MEASURING TAPE
660.97
 DISTANCE BY TAPING (Corrections due to Slope)

Example Problem 1 B
ℎ2 = 10.85𝑚
A ℎ1 = 12.22𝑚 C

𝑑1 𝑑2
𝑑 = 𝑑1 + 𝑑2
𝑆𝑜𝑙𝑣𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐶𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝑑𝑢𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑆𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝐴𝐵
ℎ1 2 12.222
𝐶ℎ1 = = = 0.2259𝑚 (-) subtract
2𝑠1 2(330.49)
𝑆𝑜𝑙𝑣𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑡 ℎ𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑧𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑜𝑓𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝐴𝐵
𝑑1 = 330.49𝑚 − 0.2259𝑚 = 330.2641𝑚
MEASURING TAPE
 DISTANCE BY TAPING (Corrections due to Slope)

Example Problem 1 B
ℎ2 = 10.85𝑚
A ℎ1 = 12.22𝑚 C

𝑑1 𝑑2
𝑑 = 𝑑1 + 𝑑2
𝑆𝑜𝑙𝑣𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐶𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝑑𝑢𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑆𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝐵𝐶
ℎ2 2 10.852
𝐶ℎ2 = = = 0.0891𝑚 (-) subtract
2𝑠2 2(660.97)
𝑆𝑜𝑙𝑣𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑡 ℎ𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑧𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑜𝑓𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝐵𝐶
𝑑2 = 660. 97𝑚 − 0.0891𝑚 = 660.8809 𝑚
MEASURING TAPE
 DISTANCE BY TAPING (Corrections due to Slope)

Example Problem 1 B
ℎ2 = 10.85𝑚
A ℎ1 = 12.22𝑚 C

𝑑1 𝑑2
𝑑 = 𝑑1 + 𝑑2
𝑆𝑜𝑙𝑣𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑡 ℎ𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑧𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑜𝑓𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝐴𝐵𝐶
𝑑 = 𝑑1 + 𝑑2
𝑑 = 330.2641𝑚 + 660.8809𝑚
MEASURING TAPE 𝒅 = 𝟗𝟗𝟏. 𝟏𝟒𝟓 𝒎
 DISTANCE BY TAPING
3. Correction due to Temperature
When measuring or laying out distances, the standard temperature of the
tape at time of measurement are usually different. A difference in temperature
will cause the tape lengthen or shorten, so the measurement taken will not be
exactly correct and correction can be applied
𝐶𝑡 = 𝛼 𝑇𝑎 − 𝑇0 𝐿 Where:
Ct = Correction due to Temperature
𝐶𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝐿𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝐶𝐿 = 𝑀𝐿 ± 𝐶𝑡 α = coefficient of thermal expansion of the
tape material
Note: 𝑇𝑎 = actual field temperature [°C]
The sign (±)of the correction takes 𝑇0 = standard temperature of the tape [°C]
MEASURING
the sign of 𝑇TAPE
𝑎 − 𝑇0 ML = the measured length of the line
 DISTANCE BY TAPING (Corrections due to Temperature)

Example Problem 2
A steel tape with a coefficient of Given:
thermal expansion of 0.0000116/°C α = 0.0000116/°C ML = 532.28 m
is known to be 50 m long at 20°C. 𝑇𝑎 = 35°C NL = 50m
The tape was used to measure a line 𝑇0 = 20°C
which was found to be 532.28
meters long when the temperature Solution:
was 35°C. Determine the following: a. Temperature correction per tape length
a. Temperature correction per tape L = NL = 50m
length 𝐶𝑡 = 𝛼 𝑇𝑎 − 𝑇0 𝐿
b. Temperature correction for the 𝐶𝑡 = 0.0000116/°𝐶 35°𝐶 − 20°𝐶 (50 𝑚)
measured line
MEASURING
c. Correct length ofTAPE
the line.
𝑪𝒕 = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟎𝟖𝟕 𝒎 (+) add
 DISTANCE BY TAPING (Corrections due to Temperature)

Example Problem 2 Solution (Cont’d…):

A steel tape with a coefficient of b.Temperature correction for the measured line
thermal expansion of 0.0000116/°C L= ML = 532.28 m
is known to be 50 m long at 20°C.
The tape was used to measure a line 𝐶𝑡 (𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙) = 𝛼 𝑇𝑎 − 𝑇0 𝐿
which was found to be 532.28 𝐶𝑡(𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙) = 0.0000116/°𝐶 35°𝐶 − 20°𝐶 (532.28𝑚)
meters long when the temperature 𝑪
𝒕(𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙) = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟗𝟐𝟖 𝒎 (+) add
was 35°C. Determine the following:
a. Temperature correction per tape c. Correct length of the line
length 𝐶𝐿 = 𝑀𝐿 ± 𝐶𝑡
b. Temperature correction for the 𝐶𝐿 = 532.28𝑚 + 0.0928𝑚
measured line
MEASURING TAPE 𝑪𝑳 = 𝟓𝟑𝟑. 𝟑𝟕𝟐𝟖 𝒎
c. Correct length of the line.
 DISTANCE BY TAPING
4. Correction due to Pull or Tension
If the pull or tension applied to the tape in the field is different from the
standard pull, the pull correction is to be applied to the measured length.
𝑃𝑎 − 𝑃0 Where:
𝐶𝑝 = 𝐿 Cp = Correction due to Pull or Tension
𝐴𝐸
P𝑎 = the pull applied during measurement
𝐶𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝐿𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝐶𝐿 = 𝑀𝐿 ± 𝐶𝑝 P0 = the standard pull of the tape
𝐴 = the cross-section area of the tape
Note: E = the modulus of elasticity if the tape
The sign (±)of the correction takes material
MEASURING
the sign of 𝑃TAPE
𝑎 − 𝑃0 ML = the measured length of the line
 DISTANCE BY TAPING (Corrections due to Pull or Tension)

Example Problem 3
A 30-m steel tape weighing 1.45 kg is of Given:
standard length under a pull of 5 kg, NL= 30 m ML = 938.55m
supported for full length. The tape was W= 1.45 kg E = 2x106 kg/cm2
used in measuring a line 938.55m long P0 = 5kg 𝛾𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑙 = 0.0079 kg/cm3
on smooth level ground under a steady Pa = 10 kg
pull of 10 kg. Assuming E = 2x106 kg/cm2 Solution:
and the unit weight of steel to be 0.0079 a. cross-sectional area of the tape
kg/cm3, determine the following: 𝑊 1.45 𝑘𝑔
𝐴= =
𝛾𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑙 × 𝑁𝐿 𝑘𝑔
a. cross-sectional area of the tape 0.0079 3 × 30𝑚 100𝑐𝑚ൗ𝑚
𝑐𝑚
b. Correction for the increase in tension
MEASURING
c. Correct length ofTAPE
the line measured 𝑨 = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟔𝟏𝟐 𝒄𝒎𝟐
 DISTANCE BY TAPING (Corrections due to Pull or Tension)

Example Problem 3 Solution (Cont’d…):

A 30-m steel tape weighing 1.45 kg is of
standard length under a pull of 5 kg, b. Correction for the increase in tension
supported for full length. The tape was L= ML = 938.55m
used in measuring a line 938.55m long
on smooth level ground under a steady 𝑃𝑎 − 𝑃0
𝐶𝑝 = L
pull of 10 kg. Assuming E = 2x106 kg/cm2 𝐴𝐸
and the unit weight of steel to be 0.0079 10 − 5 𝑘𝑔 × 938.55𝑚
kg/cm3, determine the following: 𝐶𝑝 =
𝑘𝑔ൗ
(0.0612 𝑐𝑚2 )(2 × 106 )
𝑐𝑚2
a. cross-sectional area of the tape 𝑪𝒑 = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟑𝟖𝟑 𝒎 (+) add
b. Correction for the increase in tension
MEASURING
c. Correct length ofTAPE
the line measured
 DISTANCE BY TAPING (Corrections due to Pull or Tension)

Example Problem 3 Solution (Cont’d…):

A 30-m steel tape weighing 1.45 kg is of
standard length under a pull of 5 kg, c. Correct length of the line measured
supported for full length. The tape was 𝐶𝐿 = 𝑀𝐿 ± 𝐶𝑝
used in measuring a line 938.55m long
on smooth level ground under a steady 𝐶𝐿 = 938.55 𝑚 + 0.0383 𝑚
pull of 10 kg. Assuming E = 2x106 kg/cm2
and the unit weight of steel to be 0.0079 𝑪𝑳 = 𝟗𝟑𝟖. 𝟓𝟖𝟖𝟑 𝒎
kg/cm3, determine the following:

a. cross-sectional area of the tape

b. Correction for the increase in tension
MEASURING
c. Correct length ofTAPE
the line measured
 DISTANCE BY TAPING
5. Correction due to Sag
A tape not supported along its length will sag from a catenary between end
supports.

MEASURING TAPE
 DISTANCE BY TAPING
5. Correction due to Sag
The correction due to sag is the difference in length between the arc
formed by the tape and the subtending chord.
𝜔2 𝐿3 𝑊2𝐿 Where:
𝐶𝑠 = 𝐶𝑠 = Cs = Correction due to Sag
24𝑃2 24𝑃2 𝝎 = weight of the tape per span length
𝐶𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝐿𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝐶𝐿 = 𝑀𝐿 − 𝐶𝑠 (kg/m)
W = total weight of the tape between
Note: support (kg)
The sign of the correction is always 𝑃 = the pull applied to the measurement
ML = the measured length of the line
MEASURING
negative (-). TAPE
 DISTANCE BY TAPING (Corrections due to Sag)

Example Problem 4
A 50-m steel tape weighs 0.04 kg/m and Given:
is supported at its end points and at the ML= 50 m L1 = 8m
8-m and 25-m marks. If a pull of 6 kg is 𝜔 = 0.04 kg/m L2 = 17m
applied, determine the following: P = 6kg L3 = 25m

a. Correction due to sag between 0-m

and 8-m marks, 8-m and 25-m marks,
and 25-m and 50-m marks.
b. Correction due to sag of one tape
length.
c. Correct distance between the end of
MEASURING
the tapes. TAPE
 DISTANCE BY TAPING (Corrections due to Sag)

Example Problem 4 Solution:

A 50-m steel tape weighs 0.04 kg/m a. Correction due to sag between each span.
and is supported at its end points and L1 = 8m
at the 8-m and 25-m marks. If a pull of 𝜔2 𝐿3 (0.04 𝑘𝑔/𝑚)2 (8 𝑚)3
6 kg is applied, determine the following: 𝐶𝑠1 = 2
= 2
= 𝟎. 𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟗𝒎
24𝑃 24(6 𝑘𝑔)
a. Correction due to sag between 0-m L2 = 17m
and 8-m marks, 8-m and 25-m marks, 𝜔2 𝐿3 (0.04 𝑘𝑔/𝑚)2 (17 𝑚)3
and 25-m and 50-m marks. 𝐶𝑠2 = 2
= 2
= 𝟎. 𝟎𝟎𝟗𝟏𝒎
24𝑃 24(6 𝑘𝑔)
b. Correction due to sag of one tape
length. L3 = 25m
𝜔 2 𝐿3 (0.04 𝑘𝑔/𝑚) 2 (25 𝑚)3
c. Correct distance between the end of 𝐶 = = = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟐𝟖𝟗𝒎
MEASURING
the tapes. TAPE 𝑠2
24𝑃 2 24(6 𝑘𝑔) 2
 DISTANCE BY TAPING (Corrections due to Sag)

Example Problem 4 Solution:

A 50-m steel tape weighs 0.04 kg/m b. Correction due to sag of one tape length.
and is supported at its end points and
at the 8-m and 25-m marks. If a pull of 𝐶𝑠(𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙) = 𝐶𝑠1 + 𝐶𝑠2 + 𝐶𝑠3
6 kg is applied, determine the following:
𝐶𝑠(𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙) = 0.0009𝑚 + 0.0091𝑚 + 0.0289𝑚
a. Correction due to sag between 0-m 𝑪𝒔(𝒕𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍) = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟑𝟖𝟗 𝒎 (-) subtract
and 8-m marks, 8-m and 25-m marks,
and 25-m and 50-m marks. c. Correct distance between the end of the tapes.
b. Correction due to sag of one tape 𝐶𝐿 = 𝑀𝐿 − 𝐶𝑠
length. 𝐶𝐿 = 50 𝑚 − 0.0389 𝑚
c. Correct distance between the end of 𝑪𝑳 = 𝟒𝟗. 𝟗𝟔𝟏𝟏 𝒎
MEASURING
the tapes. TAPE
 DISTANCE BY TAPING
6. Normal Tension
The applied pull which will lengthen the tape to equal the shortening
caused by sag is referred to as the Normal Tension, PN

Theoretically, the elongation due increased tension can be made equal to

the shortening due to sag by equating the correction due to pull/tension to
the correction due to sag. Say,
𝐶𝑠 = 𝐶𝑝

MEASURING TAPE
 DISTANCE BY TAPING
6. Normal Tension
Solving for Normal Tension PN:
𝐶𝑠 = 𝐶𝑝

0.204 𝑊 𝐴𝐸
𝑃𝑁 =
MEASURING TAPE 𝑃𝑁 − 𝑃𝑆
 DISTANCE BY TAPING (Normal Tension)

Example Problem 5
A steel tape weighing 0.85kg has a Given:
cross-sectional area of 0.05cm2. NL= 30 m PS = 5.5 kg
The tape measures exactly 30m W = 0.85 kg E = 2.10x106 kg/cm2
when supported throughout its A = 0.05cm2
length under a standard pull of
5.5kg. If the modulus of elasticity is
2.10x106 kg/cm2, determine the
tension required to make the tape
equal to its nominal length when
supported only at the end points.

MEASURING TAPE
 DISTANCE BY TAPING (Normal Tension)

Example Problem 5
A steel tape weighing 0.85kg has a Given:
cross-sectional area of 0.05cm2. NL= 30 m PS = 5.5 kg
The tape measures exactly 30m W = 0.85 kg E = 2.10x106 kg/cm2
when supported throughout its A = 0.05cm2
Solution:
length under a standard pull of 0.204 𝑊 𝐴𝐸
5.5kg. If the modulus of elasticity is 𝑃𝑁 =
2.10x106 kg/cm2, determine the 𝑃𝑁 − 𝑃𝑆
tension required to make the tape
0.204 (0.85) (0.05)(2.10 × 106 )
equal to its nominal length when 𝑃𝑁 =
supported only at the end points. 𝑃𝑁 − 5.5
𝑷𝑵 = 𝟏𝟔. 𝟕𝟓𝟏 𝒌𝒈
MEASURING TAPE
 DISTANCE BY TAPING
7. Combined Corrections

The corrections for the effects of incorrect length of tape, temperature,

tension, slope and sag may be combined as a single correction per tape
length. Each correction is computed separately and it is important to
identify the sign of each correction, whether to add (+) or to subtract (-).

MEASURING TAPE
 DISTANCE BY TAPING (Combined Corrections)

Example Problem 6
A line was determined to be 2395.25
Given:
ML=2395.25m T0 = 20˚C
m when measured with a 30-m steel NL= 30 m Ta = 35˚C
tape supported throughout its length A = 0.03cm2 C= 0.0000116/˚C
under a pull of 4 kg and at a mean Pm = 4 kg E = 2.10x106 kg/cm2
temperature of 35°C. Determine the PS = 5 kg
correct length of the line if the tape Solution:
used is of standard length at 20°C a..Temperature correction for the measured line
under a pull of 5 kg. The cross-sectional L= ML=2395.25m
area of the tape is 0.03 cm2, its 𝐶𝑡 (𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙) = 𝛼 𝑇𝑎 − 𝑇0 𝐿
coefficient of thermal expansion is 𝐶𝑡(𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙) = (0.0000116/°𝐶) 35°𝐶 − 20°𝐶 (2395.25𝑚)
0.0000116/°C, and the modulus of
MEASURING
elasticity of steel isTAPE
2000000 kg/cm2. 𝑪𝒕(𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙) = 𝟎. 𝟒𝟏𝟔𝟕𝒎 (+) add
 DISTANCE BY TAPING (Combined Corrections)

Example Problem 6 Solution:

A line was determined to be 2395.25 b. Correction for the increase in tension
m when measured with a 30-m steel L= ML = 2395.25m
tape supported throughout its length
under a pull of 4 kg and at a mean 𝑃𝑎 − 𝑃0
temperature of 35°C. Determine the 𝐶𝑝 = L
𝐴𝐸
correct length of the line if the tape
used is of standard length at 20°C 4 − 5 𝑘𝑔 × 2395.25𝑚
𝐶𝑝 =
under a pull of 5 kg. The cross-sectional 𝑘𝑔ൗ
(0.03 𝑐𝑚2 )(2 × 106 )
𝑐𝑚2
area of the tape is 0.03 cm2, its
coefficient of thermal expansion is 𝑪𝒑 = −𝟎. 𝟎𝟑𝟗𝟗𝒎 (-) subtract
0.0000116/°C, and the modulus of
MEASURING
elasticity of steel isTAPE
2000000 kg/cm2.
 DISTANCE BY TAPING (Combined Corrections)

Example Problem 6 Solution:

A line was determined to be 2395.25
m when measured with a 30-m steel c. Corrected Length.
tape supported throughout its length 𝐶𝐿 = 𝑀𝐿 ± 𝐶𝑡 ± 𝐶𝑝
under a pull of 4 kg and at a mean
𝐶𝐿 = 2395.25 𝑚 + 0.4167𝑚 − 0.0399𝑚
temperature of 35°C. Determine the
correct length of the line if the tape
𝑪𝑳 = 𝟐𝟑𝟗𝟓. 𝟔𝟐𝟔𝟖𝒎
used is of standard length at 20°C
under a pull of 5 kg. The cross-sectional
area of the tape is 0.03 cm2, its
coefficient of thermal expansion is
0.0000116/°C, and the modulus of
MEASURING
elasticity of steel isTAPE
2000000 kg/cm2.