Module 2 Measurement of Horizontal Distance

Topics Distance by Tachymetry

Distance by Graphical and Mathematical Methods
Distance by Mechanical Devices
Distance by Photogrammetry
Distance by Pacing
Distance by Taping
Overview: This lesson will provide various ways of measuring horizontal distances.
Direct and Indirect method of measuring horizontal distances
Duration: 5 weeks

Targeting Learning Outcomes

Course Intended Learning -Understand various ways of determining horizontal distances

Outcomes -Applications of different methods of measuring horizontal distances
-Error is taping measurement
Essential Questions What method should I use in determining the horizontal distance on
different situations?
Learning Targets At the end of this module, you should be able to learn different ways of
measuring horizontal distances.
Reference: Elementary Surveying, by Ghilani and Wolf
Elementary Surveying by La Putt

A. Introduction
Distance measurement is generally regarded as the most fundamental of all surveying
observations. In traditional ground surveys, even though many angles may be read, the length of at least
one line must be measured to supplement the angles in locating points. In plane surveying, the distance
between two points means the horizontal distance. If the points are at different elevations, the distance
is the horizontal length between vertical lines at the points.

B. Distance by Tachymetry
- It is based on the optical geometry of the instruments employed and is an indirect method
of measurement
- A transit or a theodolite is used to determine subtended intervals and angles on a graduated
rod or scale from which distances are computed by trigonometry.
- Subtense bar method is a convenient and practical device used for quick and accurate
measurement of horizontal distances.
o Please watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23XzRaU-cHQ
- Stadia Method - This method provides a rapid means of determining horizontal distances. It
was introduced in 1771 by James Watt of Scotland and was at that time referred to as a
micrometer for measuring distances
o (Please watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oon5ayl9DYs
C. Distance by Graphical and Mathematical Method
- Unknown distances may he determined through their relationship with known distances
geometrically. These methods are widely employed in plane table surveys, and in
triangulation work.

D. Distance by Mechanical Devices

- ODOMETER - The odometer is a simple device that can attached to a wheel for purposes of
roughly measuring surface distances. The wheel is rolled over the distance to be measured
and the number of revolutions of the wheel is directly registered by the device.
o Please watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1XpDgQnaP8

- MEASURING WHEEL - A measuring wheel is very similar in operation to an odometer except

that it is a more portable and self-contained measuring device.
o Please watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xe7lSscEiU8

- OPTICAL RANGE FINDER - An optical rangefinder operates on the same principle as a

rangefinder on a single-lens reflex camera. This device, which is usually hand-held or
mounted on a small tripod, can be used to determine distances approximately simply by
focusing.
o Please watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUGu8QYAfiA
 E. Distance by Photogrammetry
- The types of photographs used are those taken from aircraft with the axis of camera pointed
vertically towards the terrain photographed.
- The use Google Earth can also be applied in measuring horizontal distance

F. Distance by Pacing
- Pacing consists of counting the number of steps or paces in a required distance. A pace is
defined as the length of a step-in walking. It may be measured from heel to heel or from toe
to toe.
 Please watch the video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BtW_wdTrLU,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VW3Mt_DgJw

(Credits: www.jerrymahun.com)

Sample Calculation: Determination of Pace Factor and Relative Precision

A 45 - m course, AB, on level ground was paced by a surveyor for the purpose of
determining his pace factor. The number of paces for each trial taken are shown in the
accompanying tabulation
NO. OF
TRIAL LINE TAPED DIST MEAN
PACES
1 AB 50
2 BA 53
3 AB 51
45.0 52
4 BA 53
5 AB 52
6 BA 53
a. Determine his pace factor.
b) If the surveyor then took 771,770,768,770,772, and 769 paces
in walking an unknown distance CD, what is the length of the line?
c) Assuming that the taped length of line CD is 667.0.m, determine the relative precision of
the measurement performed.
 Solution:

a. Determining Pace Factor.

L = 45m (length of line AB)

n = 6 (number of trials taken on line AB)

Sum= (50 + 53 + 51 + 53 +52 +53) = 312 paces

= 52 paces (mean number of paces to walk line AB)

𝑺𝒖𝒎
Mean = =
𝒏

Pace Factor, PF = 𝑴𝑳 = = 0.865 m/pace (pace factor of surveyor)

b. Determining the unknown length of CD

n = 6 (number of trials taken on line CD)

Sum= (771 to 770 + 768 + 770 + 772 + 769) = 4620 paces

Mean = 𝑺𝒖𝒎
𝒏
= = 770 paces (mean number of paces to walk line CD)

Paced Distance, PD = Mean (PF) = 770 paces (0.865 m/ pace)

PD = 666.1 m (paced length of line CD)

c. Determining Relative Precision

Taped Distance, TD = 667.0 m (taped distance) of CD

Taped Distance, PD = 666.1 m (paced distance) of CD

RP = 𝑻𝑫𝑻𝑫𝑷𝑫 = .
.
.
= . 𝒎
÷
. 𝒎
.
.
= say (relative precision of the
measurement) Ans.
The accepted precision for measuring distance by pacing usually varies from 1/200 or better.
Performance Task No. 1:
Fieldwork No. 1 Pacing
(See attached Fieldwork Procedure or Check MS Teams files)
Submission: May 17, 2021

G. Distance by Taping
- The use of a graduated tape is probably the most common method of measuring or laying
out horizontal distances.
- Taping consists of stretching a calibrated tape between two points and reading the distance
indicated in the tape. It is a form of direct measurement which is widely used in the
construction of buildings, dams, bridges, canals and many other, engineering as well non-
engineering activities.
o Please watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMr9-SvoYVs

Types of Measuring Tapes

Steel Tape - also known as surveyor’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.

Fiberglass tape - This tape is made by weaving fiber glass in a longitudinal and
transverse pattern. They are strong and flexible and will not shrink or stretch

Other Types of Tapes – Metallic Tape, Non- Metallic Tape, Invar Tape, Lovar Tape,
Wires, Builders Tape, Phosphor-Bronze Tape, Nylon Coated Steel Tape
Basic Steps in Taping

Observation of horizontal distances by taping consists of applying the known length

of a graduated tape directly to a line a number of times.
Two types of taping procedure:
1. Measuring an unknown distance between fixed points, such as between
two stakes in the ground.

2. Laying out a known or required or specified distance given the starting point
marking

Taping is performed in six steps:

1. Lining in,
2. Applying tension,
3. Plumbing,
4. Marking tape lengths,
5. Reading the tape, and
6. Recording the distance
Errors in Taping

There are three fundamental sources of error in taping

1. Instrumental errors. A tape may differ in actual length from its nominal graduated
length because of a defect in manufacture or repair, or as a result of kinks.
2. Natural errors. The horizontal distance between end graduations of a tape varies
because of the effects of temperature, wind, and weight of the tape itself.
3. Personal errors. Tape persons setting pins, reading the tape, or manipulating the
equipment.
The most common types of taping errors are discussed in the subsections that follow.
They stem from instrumental, natural, and personal sources. Some types produce systematic
errors, others produce random errors.

Corrections in Taping

Basic Rule in Application of Corrections in Taping

“When measuring with tape too long, add; tape too short, subtract. Do the
reverse when laying out.”

too long – when the tape length is greater than the standardized length
too short – when the tape length is lesser than the standardized length

Correction due to Incorrect Tape Length

o Incorrect length of a tape can be one of the most important errors. It is systematic.
Tape manufacturers do not guarantee steel tapes to be exactly their graduated
nominal length—for example, 100.00m. Also, imperfections may be due to wear,
worn, kinked or may be improperly repaired. Standardization procedure can be
performed on various types of tapes with additional cost to the end user. The true
length is obtained by comparing it with a standard tape or distance, in a specific
temperature, pull (tension) and support.
o The absolute value for the correction per tape length (Corr) is determined from the
difference between the true actual length of tape or actual length of tape (TL) and
the nominal length of tape (NL) or:
Corr = TL – NL
 NOMINAL
LENGTH

- Correspondingly, corrected distances which are measured of laid out with a tape
that is too long or too short can be determined from the following equations:

Ci = Corr (𝐌𝐋
𝐍𝐋
)
CL = ML ± Ci

Ci= total correction to be applied to the measured length or

length to be laid out
CL = corrected length of the line to be measured or laid out
ML = measured length or length to be laid out
NL = nominal length of tape
Sample Calculation 1 (Measurements with Tape)

The length of a line AB measured with a 50m tape is 465.285m. When the tape is
compared with a standardized tape it is found to be 0.016m too long in almost the same
condition of support, tension, and temperature that existed during measurement of the line.
Determine the correct length of the line.
Given:
NL = 50m (nominal or indicated length of the tape)
ML= 465.285m (measured length of line AB)
Corr = 0.016m, too long (correction per tape length)

Solution:
Ci = Corr (𝑴𝑳
𝑵𝑳
)
= 0.016 ( . 𝒎 𝒎)
Ci = 0.149m, too long
(Total correction to be applied to the measured length of line AB)

CL = ML ± Ci
= 465.285 + 0.149m
(+, too long and measuring procedure)
CL = 465.434m (correct line of AB)
Sample Calculation 2 (Measurements with Tape)

A rectangular lot was measured using a 50m tape which was found to be 0.025m
too short. If the recorded length and width of the lot are 180.455m and 127.062m respectively,
determine the following:
a. Actual dimensions of the lot
b. Error in area introduced due to erroneous length of tape

Given:
NL = 50m (nominal length of tape used)
Corr= 0.025m, too short (correction per tape length)
W = 127.062m (measured width of lot)
L = 180.455m (measured length of lot)

Solution:

a. Actual Dimensions of Lot

127.062m
for width of the lot:

Ci = Corr ( 𝑴𝑳
𝑵𝑳
) 180.455m

= 0.025 ( . 𝒎 𝒎)
Ci = 0.064m, too long
(Total correction to be applied to the measured width of the lot)

CL = ML ± Ci
= 127.062m - 0.064m
(-, too short and measuring procedure)
CL = 126.998m (correct width of the lot)
 for length of the lot:
Ci = Corr ( 𝑴𝑳
𝑵𝑳
)
= 0.02( .
𝒎
𝒎
)

Ci = 0.090m, too long

(Total correction to be applied to the measured length of the lot)
CL = ML ± Ci
= 180.455m - 0.090m
(-, too short and measuring procedure)
CL = 180.365m (correct length of the lot)
b. Determine the Error in Area

Area = Length x Width (uncorrected)

Area’ = Corrected length x Corrected width
Error = Area – Area’

Area = L x W
= 180.455m x 127.062m
= 22,928.973 sq.m

Area’ = CL (length) x CL (width)

= 180.365m x 126.998m
= 22,905.994 sq.m

Error = Area – Area’

= 22,978.973 sq.m. – 22,905.994 sq.m
Error = 22.979 sq.m.
Sample Calculation 3 (Laying out Dimensions with Tape)

A building 38m x 45m is to be laid out with a 50m long measuring tape. If during
standardization the tape is found to be only 49.950m. Determine the following:
a. Dimensions to be laid out, using this tape, in order that the building shall have the desired
length and width
b. Using the same tape what should be the length of the diagonals?
45m
Given:
NL = 50m
Width = 38m
Length = 45m 38m

Solution:
a. Determining the desired dimensions
Corr = TL – NL
= 49.950m – 50m
= 0.05m, too short (correction per tape length )
For the width of the lot
Ci = Corr ( )
= 0.05 ( 𝒎𝒎)
Ci = 0.038m, too short
(Total correction to be applied to the measured width of the lot)
CL = ML ± Ci
= 38m + 0.038m
(+, too short and laying out procedure)
CL = 38.038 m (correct width to be laid out)
For the length of the lot
Ci = Corr ( 𝑴𝑳
𝑵𝑳
)
= 0.05 ( 𝒎)𝒎

Ci = 0.045m, too short

(Total correction to be applied to the measured length of the lot)
CL = ML ± Ci
= 45m + 0.045m
(+, too short and laying out procedure)

CL = 45.045 m ( correct length to be laid out)

b. Determining the Length of the Diagonals
Using the Pythagorean Theorem

D2 = CL (width) 2 + CL (length) 2

D = √38.038𝒎 + 45.045𝒎

D = 58.957m ( correct length to read on the tape)

45.045m

38.038m D
Learning Tasks No. 2: Problems Sets in Measurement of Horizontal Distance
Submission May 17, 2022

Solve the following problems. Write your solutions on the space provided and encircle your
final answer. After finalizing your answer and solution, took an image using your
smartphones, cameras or scanners and upload it thru MS Teams under the designated
Learning Tasks.

Name: ___________________________________ Student No.__________ Yr. and Sec.______

Problem 1: A surveyor counted 50, 52, 53, 51, 53 and 51 paces in walking along a 45-m course
laid out on a concrete pavement. He then took 768, 771, 772, 770, 769 and 770 paces in
walking an unknown distance XY. Determine:
a. The pace factor of the surveyor
b. The paced distance of XY
Problem 2: A line measured with a 30m steel tape was recorded as 325.70m. If the tape is
found to be 30.05m long during standardization. Determine the correct length of the line.

Problem 3: A rectangular building 250m by 130m is to be laid out with a 30m long measuring
tape. If during standardization the tape is found to be 30.03m. Determine the correct length
and width to be laid out.
Performance Tasks 2:
Fieldwork No. 2 Determining Area Using Tape
(See attached Fieldwork Procedure or Check MS Teams files)
Submission: May 17, 2022