thettttttttttt

ADDIS ABABA SCIENCE AND

TECHNOLOGY
UNIVERSITY
CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Engineering Surveying Assignment (Lab Report-2):-
Measuring Horizontal Distance Using Indirect Method
GROUP №-3
Group members Id, №
1, Afomya Dereje………………………………………………………………..ETS0129/14
2, Besufkad Yirgu…………………………………………………………………ETS0310/14
3, Besufkad Engeda……………………………………………………………..ETS0311/14
4, Biruk Assefa……………………………………………………………………..ETS0379/14
5,
6,
7,

Submission Date:-21, June, 2023

Submitted To:- Dr,Tesfaye GebreYohanes
Introduction
Measurement of Horizontal Distance
As we learned from our lecture class there are 4 types of measurements and those are
categorized in to linear and Angular measurements:
Linear measurements sub divided in to 2;
1, Horizontal distance:-is measured in a horizontal plane.
2, Vertical distance:-is measured to determine the difference in elevations (height) of the
various points.
-is the distance along to the direction of gravity.
-Mean sea level (MSL) is the most commonly used reference surface for measuring horizontal
distance in most applications.
Angular Measurements sub divided in to 2:
3, Horizontal angle:-is the angle measured between two intersecting lines on a horizontal
plane.
-it is measured in a Clockwise or counterclockwise direction from the reference line.
Horizontals angles are important components of many surveying and mapping application.
4, Vertical angle:-angle measured between two lines of sights on a vertical plane at the point of
observation.

Measuring horizontal distance

horizontal angle between 2 points

1|Page
In surveying there are two methods of measuring horizontal distance:1, Direct 2, Indirect
When using direct method the distance is actually measured in the field using a chain surveying
(tape). In indirect method of measuring horizontal distance the distance is not actually
measured in the field, it is computed indirectly (for example: stadia tachometry).
For example; it in involves measuring the angle between two points and using trigonometry to
calculate the distance between them. We can use - Optical Method
-EDM Method

Optical Method
Involves the use of optical instrument to measure distance, angle and elevation between two
points. These methods rely on the principles of optics which involves the behavior of light as it
travels through a different media.
-One of the optical method of surveying is tachometry which involves using tachometer to
measure distance and elevation between two points. Stadia tachometry is the method of
measuring distance and elevation in surveying using stadia rod (staff) and tachometer.

Theodolite
Is an optical surveying instrument used to measure horizontal and vertical angle and used to
measure distance between points. It consists a telescope mounted on a tripod which can be
rotated.
The telescope is equipped with crosshairs. The crosshairs are used as a reference point for
measuring angle and distance in surveying. The stadia diaphragm consists of three horizontal
hairs i.e. a central horizontal hair, upper crosshair and lower crosshair.
The process of using stadia tachometry when measuring horizontal distance
 Set up the instrument:-setup the theodolite or total station at the starting point the
survey line. Level the instrument and adjust the horizontal and vertical angles.
 Set up the stadia rod (staff):-place the stadia rod (staff) at the end of the survey line.
 Take back sight reading:-look through the Theodolite take reading on a point of known
elevation behind the instrument.
 Take a foresight reading:-take reading on the stadia rod and record.
 Calculate the distance:-calculate the horizontal distance between the instrument and
stadia rod (staff).
- The formula used to measure the distance is : D=ks cos 2 θ
Where D= distance between instrument and stadia rod (staff)
S=difference between upper and lower reading θ=angle of inclination or
declination of the telescope k=stadia interval factor (100)

2|Page
THE FOLLOWING PAGE IS ABOUT HOW WE
MEASURE THE GIVEN FIELD AND USE OUR
INSTRUMENTS
-The main purpose of the lab exercise
>To measure horizontal distance using theodolite and staff (rod). (Indirect method)

- The procedures and methods we use in the lab

> We started our measurement on date: June 15, 2023 the weather at the area was around 17co
which was partly cloudy

> The field was in AASTU compound around AASTU innovation Center area at 8 o 52' 59.5' ' N
o ' ''
38 48 31.6 E

> We were at the field at 2:30pm as our lab assistant; Ashebir ordered as

> The main equipments we use on our lab exercise was theodolite ,stadia rod (staff) and tripod

- unusual circumstance: as our first day of using theodolite we experienced some difficulties
which was the instrument was complex and time consuming to setup and adjusting the
instrument because of lack of experience and specialized training.

> Our labor distribution was as follows

- Biruk Assefa - as a rod man - Besufkad Engda – safety officer

- Afomya Dereje – data recorder -_____________- instrument operator

- Besufkad Yirgu – coordinator and party chief - birhanu chain man

- -

> After we setup our instrument (theodolite) and the stadia rod (staff) we started following the
procedures that our lap assistant described to us

3|Page
 We adjust the angles then we make the center cross hair of our instrument perpendicular to
the vertical and we take a foresight reading and record the upper and lower reading of our
instrument

After taking our records we use the formula to measure horizontal distance when using
theodolite and stadia rod (staff).

The measurement records and calculation we use

Upper reading=1.395m

Lower reading=1.227m

K=100

Then we use the formula D=KS cos 2 θ to measure the distance

S=UR-LR (the difference between upper and lower reading)

Where, UR=Upper Reading

LR=Lower Reading

S=1.395-1.227=0.168m

But we level vertical at 90 0 to the staff so that when we subtract our reference it will become
zero (90-90)

Then cos 2 θ =cos 2 (0)=1

⸫ D=KS=100*0.168=16.8m

N.B This is because we setup the telescope perpendicular to the stadia rod (staff) unless θ will
be different from zero.

In addition to see if our result is accurate in this case our result our measurement record in
tape was 17.2 m

4|Page
Conclusion
Overall there are two methods of measuring horizontal distance directly which includes
using chain or tape when measuring. This method involves measuring the distance between
two points using various types of a tape. While this method relatively simple and can’t be
affected by atmospheric conditions such as fog or rain which can affect other methods of
measuring horizontal distance but it is not always accurate, as the tape measure can stretch or
sag over long distances and it has limited range. While the direct method can be used over a
wide range of distances, it is not suitable for measuring distances over long distances, as the
measuring tape can sag or stretch over longer distances leading to inaccurate measurements.

The second method of measuring horizontal distance is indirect method of measuring. This
method involves using instruments such as theodolite, total stations, and electronic distance
measurement (EDM) devices to indirectly measure the distance between two points. These
instruments work by measuring angles or distances and use mathematical calculations to
determine the horizontal distance between two points. This method is often more accurate
than the direct method of measuring horizontal distance, as its not affected by sag or stretch in
measuring tape or chain.

One of the advantages of the indirect method of horizontal distance is its accuracy. When
used correctly, instruments such as theodolite, total stations, and EDM devices can provide
highly accurate measurements, making it suitable for many surveying applications. Additionally,
the indirect method is not affected by atmospheric conditions such as fog or rain, which can
affect other methods of measuring horizontal distance. Another advantage of the indirect
method of measuring horizontal distance is its versatility. This method can be used over wide
range of distances of several kilometers. It’s also suitable for use over variety of terrains,
including flat, open areas and rough, uneven terrain.

Despite its advantages, the indirect methods of measuring horizontal distance also has
some disadvantages. One of the main disadvantages is its complexity. This method requires
specialized equipment and training, and it can be time consuming and expensive to use. The
instruments require careful attention to detail and proper technique to ensure accuracy.

5|Page
Recommendation
Indirect method of measuring horizontal distance can provide highly accurate
measurements, but in our opinion this method require preparations to achieve highly accurate
measurements. Before using indirect method you have to consider the following things:

 Considering the specific needs of your project: before choosing indirect method,
consider the specific needs of your project and the terrain being surveyed to determine
the most appropriate method.
 Use high quality equipment: this method depends on the quality of the equipment
used. Invest in high quality instruments such as theodolites, total stations, and EDM
devices to ensure accurate measurements.
 Ensure proper training and technique: as we described on the above page our main
difficult experience was the instrument, which was difficult to adjust because of lack of
specialized training and experiences, from this we understand that the indirect method
of measuring horizontal distance requires specialized training and technique to ensure
accurate measurement.
 Consider the terrain and the line of sight: this method needs clear line of sight between
the two points being measured before starting using the instrument.
 Use a combination of methods: in some situations, it may be beneficial to use a
combination of direct and indirect methods to measure horizontal distance. For
example, use the direct method for shorter distances and the indirect method for
shorter distances over rough or uneven terrain.

6|Page
 REFERENCES
 https://www.sciencedirect.com
 Surveying principle and applications by Tom Mastin
 Hand out for surveying from our teacher
 https://www.academia.edu >MEASURMENT OF HORIZONTAL DISTANCE
 https://cviconcepts.com > surveying instruments and their use
 https://en.m.wikipedia.org > surveying instruments

7|Page