ADVANCED SURVEYING 18CV45

MODULE 2 – TACHEOMETRIC SURVEYING

Introduction

Also called as indirect leveling to find the height of object / RL of object only with one
instrument station RL is found & θ is calculated. Compared to previous measuring methods
this is very fast. Tachometric surveying is a type of surveying in which we determine the
height or elevation of the objects similar to leveling work.

In this method, the horizontal distance to the object base is not measured but calculated
from the observed data. Hence the method is fast easy and convenient. Thus the method is
suitable to find out the elevation sin hilly areas, river valley, rough terrain where the distance
to the object from the instrument cannot be measured.

As all the calculations depends only on observed data. The method may not be accurate.
The staff man should be able to reach the point whose elevation is required. In tachometric
surveying and instrument called tachometer is adopted this is nothing but normal venire
theodolite fitted with stadia haired.
Stadia hairs are the additional cross hairs placed one above & one below the regular
horizontal cross hair.
Following are the different arrangements of stadia hairs.

Principle of tacheometric surveying:-

Tachometric equation with usual notation.

Let us take and internal focusing telescope to obtain tachometric equation.
As in the fig.F is a focal point M is a midpoint and O is a vertical axis pt for the
telescope.
Proof: Let AB be the two pts bisected on a level staff.
The distance between AB is S its inverted image is seen on the diaphragm as ab the
distance between ab will be i(stadia internal) i.e., (Distance between top and bottom stadia
hair)
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from the ∆le AMB & AMI

AB / ab = u / v -------------- (1)
Here u & v are the conjugate distances and f is the focal length distance, d is the distance
between vertical axis & midpoint.

The lens formula can be used i.e

1/f = 1/u + 1/v
Multiplying uf on both sides
u = f + uf / v
u = (AB / ab) v
Substituting values
u = f + (s/i)f
Where AB = s, ab = i
But D = Horizontal distance to the object is from the vertical axis of the inst.
D = u+d
Substring the value of U from (2) we get.
D = (f/i) s + (f + d)
Here f, i, d are constants for a given instrument.
D = Ks + C
K = is the multiplication constant
C = additive const.
The values of K and C are constant for a given instrument.
And no two instruments will have same constants K and C hence this constant has to be
determined for a given instrument before a survey or starts working with that instrument.

Determination of constants k and C

Tachometric constants K and C are determined in the field with the following procedure.
1. Instrument is set at a convenient point on a level ground withal temporary adjustments.
2. Horizontal plate of the instrument is clamped and along the plane ground points are
marked at regular intervals from the instrument ground point.
3. Staff is held at all the marked points say A,B,C …. And the corresponding staff intercept
(Upper hair heading lower hair reading) say SA, SB, SC,…….are determined.

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ADVANCED SURVEYING 18CV45

4. Knowing the distance to each staff point form the instrument the constant K & C are
determined as shown in the calculations
We have,
D1= K SA+C
D2= K SB+C
D3= K Sc+C
Solving above e equations
Equation2 – equation 1 gives
D2- D1 = (KSB+C) - (KSA+C)
= KSB - KSA
D2- D1 = K(SB – SA)
K1 = D2 – D1 / SB – SA
K2 =D2 – D1 / SC - SA
K3 = D3 – D2 / SC - SB

True value of K = (K1 + K2 + K3) / 3

In the same way values are substituted in corresponding equations to get value of C1, C2, C3
True value of C is obtained by taking the average
C = (C1 + C2 + C3) / 3

Systems of Tacheometers / Methods of tacheometers.

Tachometric surveying can be carried out in 2 different methods on systems
a. Stadia method
b. Non-stadia method

1. Stadia method:
It‟s a system or method in which the stadia hairs are used to calculate the required data.
This method can be done in 2 ways,

a. Fixed hair method: Here the distance between top and bottom stadia hairs which in called
as stadia interval is fixed in the instrument
The staff readings corresponding to these top and bottom hairs are taken and the staff

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ADVANCED SURVEYING 18CV45

intercept is calculated.
Thus as the staff moves away from the instrument, staff intercept is more and as the
staff comes closed staff intercept is less therefore stadia interval is constant and the staff
intercept.

b. Movable hair method: In movable hair method the distance between stadia hairs stadia
interval can be varied here, the staff intercept in kept const for this staff intercept targets
are fixed on the level staff.
Whenever the staff reading is to be taken looking through the telescope the stadia hairs
are moved, so that they coincide to the targets on the staff
It is difficult to measure accurately the stadia interval Thus; in majesty of the practical
work movable hair method is not adopted and only fixed hair method is preferred.

Tacheometric equation for inclined line of sight:

L = Inclined distance to pt. „P‟

D = Horizontal distance
O = Vertical angle to mid cross hair
S = AB, S1 = A1B1
R = distance between microns hair to bottom of level staff
V = distance between horizontal Los to mid cross hair reads.
When the object are above the line of sight to get the staff intercept the telescope will be
moved up and the LOS will be inclined and hence the regular tachometric equation D = KSW
+C1 can‟t be adopted.

Let P be the point whose elevation is required where staff is held vertically as shown in the
fig.
O is the vertical angel A and B are top and bottom cross hair readings for inclined line of
sight
Staff is tilted so that it is perpendicular to line of sight and A1B1 are top and bottom cross
hair readings
In ∆le AA1C
O is very small hence A1C A

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ADVANCED SURVEYING 18CV45

cos θ = A1C / AC
AC = AB / 2 Page 45
2A1C = AB cos θ
2A1C =A1B1 (C is midpoint of A1B1)
A1B1 = AB cos
But A1B1 = S1 & AB = S
S1 = S cos θ
Here L is the inclined distance which can be set as
L = KS1 +C
Substitute for S1, we get
L = K(S cos θ )+C
But D the horizontal distance is L cosθ
D = Lcos θ
D = (K(S cos θ )+ C) cos θ
D = Ks cos2 θ + C cos θ
Here
Sin θ = V/L
V = L sin θ
Put L value from 2
We get
V = (K(S cos θ )+C) sin θ
= KS cos θ sin θ + Csin θ

Elevation of point „P‟ i.e RLp

RLp = HI of station + (v-r)
RLp = HI + (v-r)

If the telescope is fitted with the Anallactic lens, then the additive constant C=(f+d) in totally
eliminated or is equal to zero.

The equation reduced to

D = KScos 2 θ
V = KS sin2θ / 2

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ADVANCED SURVEYING 18CV45

When the line of sight is inclined (downwards)

When the line of sight is inclined downwards as in the fig. the distance and elevation of
equation will be same.
D = KScos2 θ
V = KS sin2θ / 2
At point „D‟ = HIp – v – r .

Tacheometric equation for distance and elevation (when the staff is held
normal to the line of sight)
a. When the LOS is normal upwards
When the staff is held normal the staff intercept „S‟ will be normal to the inclined
distance along the inclined line of sight.
Therefore we can write
L = KS+C
But D = the horizontal distance between the inst. & object
D = P1D1
D = P1C1 + C1D1
From the figures
In ∆le PCC1 = cos θ x P1C1 / L
P1C1 = Lcos θ
& C1D1 = r sin θ
In ∆le CC1D1
sin θ = C1D1/ r
Substitutes the value of L (1) from we get
D = (KScos θ) +rsin θ
or
D = KS cos θ + Ccos θ +rsin θ
For telescope with analectic lens
And, we know that.
V = Lsin θ
(KS+C) sin θ
V = KSsin θ +C sin θ

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ADVANCED SURVEYING 18CV45

For telescope with anallactic lens

Elevation of Pt D = HI +V – r cos θ

b. When the line of sight is normal but downwards

Here,
D = P1C1 + C1D1
= Lcos θ - rsin θ
D = (KS+C) cos θ - rsin θ
V = Lsin θ
= (KS+C)sin θ
Depression/elevation of pt „D‟
RLp = HI – V - rcos θ

Non – Stadia Method of Tacheometric Surveying

It‟s a method of tachometric surveying in which, the help of stadia hairs is not taken into
consideration some times, during tachometric surveying, the stadia hairs night fade away then,
Non stadia method will be of help
Following are the 2 methods in Non-stadia method of tachometric surveying

1. Tangential method
2. Sub-tense bar method.

1. Tangential method: It is a tachometric surveying in which the vertical angles to the two
targets fixed on the level staff are taken then using the trigonometrically relation, the
required distance f the object and elevation of the object is calculated.
Hence the angles to the tangent can be above or below the line of sight depending on this
condition following are the 3 conditions in tangential methods.
Both angles are angles of elevation (i.e, above LOS)

1. Here 2 targets are fixed at specified distance called „S‟ on the level staff
2. Level staff is held at the point whose elevation & distance in required
3. Theodolite is established at a convenient pt with all temporary adjustments.
4. Vertical angles 1 f2 to top and bottom targets are observed.
5. The distance elevation are obtained as in the calculation.
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ADVANCED SURVEYING 18CV45

In ∆le PC1 A Page 49

tan θ 1 = AC1 / PC1 = V/D
V = Dtan θ1 ------------------- (1)
In ∆le PC1 B
tan θ 2 = Dtan θ2
V - S= Dtan θ 2 --------------- (2)
Equation 1 – equation 2
V-V+S= Dtan θ 1 – Dtan θ 2
S= D (tan θ 1 – tan θ 2) Page 50
V = Dtan θ 1
V = S tan θ1 / tan θ1 – tan θ2
RLC = Elevation of pt.C = HI +V- S - r

Both the angles are angles of depression.

Calculations:

In ∆le PC1A = tan θ 1 = V/D V Dtan θ 1

In ∆le PC1B1 = tan θ 2 = V+S/D V+S= Dtan θ 2
Equation 2 – 1
V + S - V = Dtan θ 2 - Dtan θ 1

S = D (tan θ 2 - Dtan θ 1)
D = S / tan θ 2 - tan θ 1
And elevation of pt „C‟= HI –V – S – r

One angle is angle of elevation and the other is angle of depression

Calculation:
In ∆le PEA = tan θ 1 = V/D V = D tan θ 1
In ∆le PEB = tan θ 2 = S-V/D S-V= D tan θ 2

Equation 2 – 1
V + S - V = = D (tan θ 1 – D tan θ 2)

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ADVANCED SURVEYING 18CV45

D = Stan θ1 - tan θ2
And elevation of pt „C‟
= HI +V – S – r

Problems

1) Following readings were taken from a tachometer felted with an analytic lens find the
horizontal distance AB and RL of pt.B Station Staff At Vertical angle Hair readings Remarks
A BM -6000‟‟ 1100, 1.153, 2063 RLof BM = 9760
B +5000‟‟ 0.980, 1085, 1190
Solution
We know that
RLB = HIA +V – r
HIA = BM + rBM + VBM
We have
S = 2.063 – 1.100 = 0.963
θ = 6000‟
K = 100.00

VBM = 10.01m
HIA = 987.163m

ii) Calculation of V at ‘B’

we have

S = 1.190-0.980=0.21
θ = 8000‟
K = 100.00
V = KS sin2θ / 2
V = 2.89m
RLB = HIA + V – r= 988.972m

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ADVANCED SURVEYING 18CV45

To calculate horizontal distance AB i.e D S = 1.190 – 0.980

D = KScos2 θ S = 0.21
D = 100.00(0.21) cos2(80.00) θ = 800‟‟
D = 20.593 = 20.6

2) The following observations were taken with the tacheometer at station „P‟ to staff at Q
held normal to line of sights Staff readings are 1.450, 1.920, 2.380 and vertical angle is –
10030‟ RL of P is 201.170 and height of collominaion axis at „P‟ is 1.315m determine the
horizontal distance between P & Q and RL of Q if k = 100.00 and C is o
solution
Data : S =2.380-1.456=0.93 Page 52
r = 1.920
θ = -10030‟
K = 100.00
C= 0.0
RL of P = 201.170
H.Ip = 1.315m
Staff held normal
WKT:
D = KS cos θ - rsin θ
V = KS sin θ
Solution:
We know that
D = Horizontal distance for staff held normal condition
= (KS+C) cos θ -r sin θ
Here K = 100.00
S = 0.93
R = 1.920
θ = 10030‟
D = KScos θ - rsin θ
D = 91.093m
D = 91.1m
HIP = RLP + height at P
= 202.485m
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ADVANCED SURVEYING 18CV45

3) A Tachometer was fitted with an analytic lens and was step at a station „D‟ with the
following observations. Station Bearing Staff ready Vertical angle
A 340‟30‟ 0.800,1.855,2.910 +60 30‟
B 70‟30‟ 0.660,2.200,3.740 -40 20‟
Calculate the distance AB and gradient from pt. A to B
Solution:
The horizontal distance A +B. Horizontal distance is obtained by applying cosine rule
is the
DA = D = KS cos2 θ Page 53
Here K = 100 S = 2.910-0.800 = 2.11
θ = 60 30‟
DA = 208.296m
DB = 306.241m
Gradient between A & B = RLA = HIA + V – r
V = 23.73m
r = 1.855,
RLA = 121.875m

4) A theodolite was set up in between 2 towers „x‟ & „y‟ the distance of the theodolite
station from x is 10m & from y is 120m observations were taken from theodolite to the top of
lowers X & Y as 33026‟ & 30050‟ resp. the RL of turnout axis of theodolite was
139.675m. Determine the RL of top of towers X & Y.
Solution:

RL of top of tower „X‟ = HIP +hx

= 139.675+hx
hx, D tan θx = 60tan 33026‟
= 39.612
RL of top of tower X = 139.675+39.613
RL of top of tower X = 179.288m

RL of top of tower „X‟ = HIP +hy

Hy, D tan θy = 120tan 30050‟
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ADVANCED SURVEYING 18CV45

RL top tower „Y‟ = 211.304m

5) Determine the gradient from pt p to another pt. Q from the following observations with a
tachometer fitted with anal lactic lens the constant of inst was 100.0 Inst At R R Staff At held
normalWCB P QVertical angle 1300 2200 Staff Read -10032‟ +506‟
1.255 1.300
1.810 2.120
2.365 2.940

6) In a 2 peg test on a dumpy level following readings were taken determine the correct staff
reading on B when the LOS is horizontal at A Also find the collimation error. Inst at Reading
on Remarks A B P is exactly midway b/w A+B
P 1.555 1.250 Distance b/w A+B = 80000mt A 1.325 1.010
Solution:
To find
Readies At B,
Collimation = ?

Now, the exact difference in elevation b/w pt.A & pt.B = 1.555-1.250
= 0.305m

But the apparent (actual) difference in elevation between A & B

Here
0.315-0.305=0.010
As the apparent difference in RL is more than the true difference in RL we are taking lesser
reading at B (LOS is inclined downwards) true staff
The true staff reading at B
1.010+0.010 = 1.020(Reading on B + diff of RL)
Reading at „B‟ is 1.020 (is the correct value)

7) To determine the distance b/w the two stations A & B a tachometer was set up at a point
on line AB and the following observations were made.
i. Staff head at A
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ADVANCED SURVEYING 18CV45

Staff readings: 2.225, 2.605, 2.985

Vertical angle : +8024‟
ii. Staff head at B
Staff readings: 1.640, 1.920, 2.200
Vertical angle : -10 10‟
Also find RL of B if RL of A is 315.675m taking k = 100, C = 0

Subtense bar method

Sub tense bar is a rectangular horizontal bar fixed to a tripod stand. The horizontal bar in
attached through a leveling head with foot screws. This helps in keeping the bar truly
horizontal and parallel to the ground.
The horizontal has is attached with 2 targets at the either edge, the distance between the
targets in called „S‟ S = 3m in a standard Bubaline bar.
Sub- tense bar also has a device at the centre which helps in keeping the bar perpendicular to
the line of sight.

Principle of sub-tense bar:

1. While finding the distance the horizontal angle between the two ends in determined as the
distance between targets in taken as „S‟ hence the angle between the midpoint & one end
is and the corresponding distance is S/2
In AB‟C‟
AB‟-distance between A & B‟ = D
B‟C‟ = s/2
B‟AC‟ = β / 2
tan β/2 = s/2
Hence, D = (s/2) / tan (β/2) Page 57
β in radians
D=s/β

β in seconds, D = 206265 x s /β
Application of sub - tense bar:

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ADVANCED SURVEYING 18CV45

1. Used to measure the base line distance

2. Used to locate control points in traverse survey.
3. To measure horizontal distances in river valley, marshy area rough tannin

Beamen stadia arc / stadia circle:

Beamen stadia are is a device which is fixed concentrically over the vertical uncle of a
theodolite. The stadia are has 2 scales H-scale and V-scale. The stadia are directly gives us
the vertical intercept „V‟ and the horizontal distance „D‟ for a particular vertical angle
observe thus this device reduces the work of calculating „D‟ and „V‟ through the formulae.

When the elevation and distance of an object is required vertical angle to the staff at the
pt. is observed simultaneously, the stadia are also rotates the reading against the version „O‟
in the H-scale and V-scale will give the horizontal distance and the vertical intercept „V‟.

Triangulation Surveying

Triangulation surveying is the tracing and measurement of a series or network of triangles to

determine distances and relative positions of points spread over an area, by measuring the
length of one side of each triangle and deducing its angles and length of other two sides by
observation from this baseline

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ADVANCED SURVEYING 18CV45

Triangulation is preferred for hills and undulating areas, since it is easy to establish stations at
reasonable distances apart, with intervisibility. In plane and crowded areas it is not suitable as
the intervisibility of stations is affected. The difficulty is overcome by building towers which
is quite expensive.

The main disadvantage of triangulation is the accumulation of error in the lengths and
direction of lines, since both of them, for successive lines, depend upon the computations for
those of the preceding line, which necessitates the check bases.

In triangulation, entire area to be surveyed is covered with a framework of triangles. For the
triangle, the length of the first line, which is measured precisely is known as Base line.

The other two Computed sides are used as new baselines for two other triangles
interconnected with the first triangle. By extending this process, a chain or network of
triangles can be spread over the entire area.

Operations in Triangulation Survey

The field work of a triangulation is carried out in the following well defined operations:

Reconnaissance

Station preparation

Baseline measurement

Measurement of angles.

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ADVANCED SURVEYING 18CV45

Besides field work, triangulation consists of the specifications, the design of stations and
signals, and the reduction and adjustment of the observations.

Applications of Triangulation Surveying

Establishing accurately located control points for plane and geodetic surveys of large
areas.

Establishing accurately located control points in connection with aerial surveying

Accurate location of engineering projects such as Centre lines, terminal points and
shafts for long tunnels, and Centre lines and abutments for long span bridges.

Triangulation Systems

A system consisting of triangulation stations connected by a chain of triangles. The complete

fig is called triangulation system or triangulation figure. The most common type of figures
used in a triangulation system are

Triangles

Quadrilaterals

Polygons
Geometric conditions to be fulfilled by above figures in triangulation system are:

The sum of interior angles should be (2n-4)x90o, where n = no.of sides of the figure
If all the angles are measured at a station, their sum should be 360o.
The length of sides calculated through more than one routes should agree.
It is impossible to fulfil all the geometric conditions, owing to the errors, until the field
measurements have been adjusted.

Triangles
1. A chain of triangles is very rapid and economical when a narrow strip of terrain is to be
surveyed.

2. Angles less than 30o or more than 120o are not permitted

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ADVANCED SURVEYING 18CV45

3. For well-conditioned triangles, angles should not be less than 30o or more than 120o.

Advantages of triangles:

This is simple and rapid

Economical method
Disadvantages:

Since it is used to survey a long narrow strip, a no.of base lines must be introduced
frequently to reduce the accumulation of errors. Therefore, a single chain of triangles
is never permitted in high order triangulation.

Least accurate method.

Quadrilaterals

1. These afford an excellent system since the various combinations of sides and angles
can be used to compute the lengths of required sides, and checks can be made
frequently

2. The best quadrilateral is square. A quadrilateral with both diagonals having no station
at their intersection is usually employed.

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ADVANCED SURVEYING 18CV45

3. This is best suited for hilly areas.

Advantages

Most accurate system as the number of checks are more

Polygons
1. When areas that are very wide in proportion to their lengths are to be surveyed then
pentagonal or hexagonal figures may be economical.

2. These may or may not have a central station.

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ADVANCED SURVEYING 18CV45

Advantages
This is also more accurate as th

CLASSIFICATION

• First order (primary)- to determine the shape and size of the earth, to cover a vast area like a
country

• Second order (secondary)- network within first order triangulation, for a region/province

• Third order (tertiary)- within second order triangulation, for detailed engineering ande
desired number of checks are more location surveys

TRIANGULATION FIGURES

Basic triangulation figures

1. Single chain of triangles

2. Double chain of triangles

3. Braced quadrilateral

4. Centered triangles and polygons

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ADVANCED SURVEYING 18CV45

5. A combination of above systems.

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