A COMPREHENSIVE REPORT ON THEODOLITE TRANSVERSING

SUBMITTED TO
ENGR. DR. OLANIYAN O.S

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
LADOKE AKINTOLA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY,
OGBOMOSO

FEBRUARY 2023

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 LIST OF GROUP 1 MEMBERS

1. ABDULAZEEZ RIDWANLAI O. 195556

2. ADEGOKE JOHN 190178

3. POPOOLA SAMUEL T. 190015

4. OGUNRO OLUWASEYI S. 151053

5. IWALOKUN ADEBOWALE 190373

6. ADETUNJI MUEEZ A. 190161

7. OKEWUMI OBANIJESU 190705

8. DUDUSOLA OLADIWURA 190037

9. OYEWALE EMMANUEL P 190631

10. AJALA AUGUSTINE M 190694

11. OLAYIWOLA MALIQ O. 190290

12. OCKIYA DANIEL 197392

13. ADENIYI AYOBAMI A. 190218

14. AYOOLA AYOMIDE M 190508

15. ADEYEMI JESUPEMI E 190635

16. BADA PRECIOUS Q 190153

17. AYORINDE JOHN O 190270
18. ADEBISI NOHEEM A 190537
19. OPALEKE MOSES B 190540
20. ADEYEMO MUJAHID O 190380
21. ODEKUNLE RAQEEB 190329
22. ADEBANWO TIMILEHIN T 190029

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 CERTIFICATION

This is to certify the report for GROUP 1 (THEODOLITE TRAVERSING) of the

department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Ladoke
Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho, Oyo State, Nigeria.

Signature/Date Supervisor-in-charge

Head of Department

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 DEDICATION
This technical report is dedicated to the Almighty God for His gracious support
and wisdom he has bestowed to us and the ability to pass through this learning
castle.

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 ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Special thanks to God Almighty for His sustaining grace and ever increasing
strength. Many thanks to the effort of the lecturer in charge of the course Dr. O.S.
Olaniyan.

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 TABLE OF CONTENT

1.0 INTRODUCTION

2.0 THEODOLITE PRINCIPLES AND APPLICATIONS

3.0 CONSTRUCTION OF THEODOLITE

4.0 TEMPORARY ADJUSTMENTS OF A THEODOLITE

4.1 CENTERING THE THEODOLITE

4.2 LEVELLING THE THEODOLITE

4.3 REMOVING PARALLAX

5.0 PERMANENT ADJUSTMENT OF THEODOLITE

6.0 TRAVERSE FIELD WORK 7.0 TRAVERSE ERROR

8.0 DISCUSSION

9.0 CONCLUSION

10.0 REFERENCE

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THEODOLITE TRAVERSE

1.0 INTRODUCTION
A traverse consists a series of straight line of known length related one another by
known angles between the line. The points defining the ends of the traverse lines
are called traverse stations.

Theodolite traverse survey is a method of establishing control points, their

position being determined by measuring the distances between the traverse station
which serve as control points and the angles subtended at the various stations by
their adjacent stations. The angles are measured using theodolite and the distance
measured by the method of traverse. We also measured the distance used the
measurement tape.

There are two(2) types of traverse, namely the open traverse and the
closed traverse [Figure 1.1]. An open traverse originates at a point of known
positions and terminates at a point of unknown position, where as a closed traverse
originates and terminates at the same points and wewere using an closed traverse in
this survey. For establishing control points, a closed traverse is preferred since it is
provides different checked for included angles, deflection angles and bearing for
adjusting the traverse. That why we use this method in this project. When an open
traverse is used the work should be checked by providing cut off lines and by
making observations on some prominent point visible forms as many stations as
possible.

Traversing surveys is very fundamental and has become one of the most
common methods in geomatic engineering work such as:- general purpose angle
measurement, provision of control surveys, contour and detail mapping and setting
out and construction work.

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Figure 1.1 : Open travers & Closed traverse

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2.0 THEODOLITE PRINCIPLES AND APPLICATIONS
A theodolite is an instrument which is capable of measuring angles to the nearest
whole second [Figure 2.1]. This can be done for both vertical and horizontal
angles. Vertical angles are required for the calculation of elevation of points for
example the reduction of slope distance to the horizontal.

Horizontal angles are required to obtain the relative direction to a survey

control station or points of detail. Basically there are two types of modern
theodolite which are in use today. These are the:

(i) Optical theodolite; and

(ii)Electronic Digital theodolite.
Both types of instrument can be made to read to the nearest whole 1”
which is considered accurate enough for most engineering purposesWith the
advancement of modern electronics, most of the theodolites made today are of the
electronic digital type. But the older optical types are still being used except that it
will take longer time to read the angles than with an electronic one.

The value of the angle observed however will be the same. Electronic
theodolites are more versatile than the optical type. Useful features in the form of
software can be added to an electronic theodolite. Thus modern instruments can be
used in a variety of surveying situations.

Figure 2.1 : Optical theodolite & Electronic Digital theodolite

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3.0 CONSTRUCTION OF A THEODOLITE
All theodolites have the same common lgfeatures [Figure 3.1] which can be
described as follows:

1. Tribrach

Allows the instrument to be connected to the top of a tripod and also allows the
instrument to be levelled with respect to a plate blubble.

2. Horizontal Circle Compartment

This compartment is comprised of:

The lower plate that carries the horizontal circle. In most instruments it is made of
glass with the graduations from 0ºto 360ºphotographicallyetched around the edge.

(ii) The upper plate that carries the horizontal circle indexing device and fits
concentric with the lower plate. Attached to the upper plate is the plate bubble.
When centered, the plate bubble ensures that the instrument axis is vertical. In
modern electronic theodolites, the spirit bubble has been replaced with an
electronic one. This electronic means of levelling has made initial levelling of
the instrument a less time consuming task.

3. Vertical Circle Compartment

The vertical circle is similar to the horizontal circle but is fixed to the telescope.
Thus it revolves with the rotation of the telescope. This compartment has the
vertical circle index. Most modern theodolites employ an automatic compensator
but some of the more elderly instruments use an altitude bubble.

4. Horizontal Motion Clamp/Vertical Motion Clamp

This clamp ensures that when engaged the horizontal circle is fixed. The slow
motion screws allow for the movement of the instrument around the horizontal
axis. There is also a similar slow motion screw and plate clamp for the vertical
circle.

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5. Optical Plummet

Built in the base of the instrument to allow the instrument to be precisely centered
over the station. The line of sight through the optical plummet is exactly the same
as the vertical axis of the theodolite.

Figure 3.1 : Theodolite construction

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4.0 TEMPORARY ADJUSTMENTS OF THEODOLITE
The temporary adjustments are steps that must be carried out every time at
theodolite is used. It is a procedure of setting up a theodolite that involves the
following process:
a) centering;
b) leveling; and
c) removing parallax.

4.1 CENTERING THE THEODOLITE

The instrument must be vertically above the survey station to ensure that horizontal
angle observations are correct. The steps are as follows:

1. Start with a plumbob to get it approximately right above the survey station
[Figure 4.1].
2. Using the foot screws, move the optical plummet cross hairs on to the survey
station.
3. Roughly level the instrument using the legs of the tripod – the theodolite should
stay almost on target.
4. Level with foot screws. Move instrument above target; repeat level and move
until done.

4.2 LEVELLING THE THEODOLITE

1. Turn bubble parallel to two foot screws A and B [Figure 4.2], to bring the
horizontal bubble to the centre of its run by moving the foot screws in opposite
directions (the bubble moves in the direction of your left humb).
2. Turn the instrument through 90º and bring the bubble to the centre of its run by
adjusting the third foot screw C only.
3. Turn the instrument through a further 90º to check the adjustment of the plate
bubble.
4. If the bubble remains in centre, then it is adjusted.

5. If not, move it back one-half of the movement from the centre and re-adjust for a
further 90º turn.
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6. Repeat the whole procedure; assuming this is the correct, the bubble will stay in
a stationary position.
7. The bubble must remain in the same place in the tube during a 360ºrotation of the
instrument.
8. If the stationary position of the bubble is still off the centre, then a permanent
adjustment should be made.

4.3 REMOVING THE PARALLAX

Parallax is a condition happen when the image formed by the objective is not in the
plane of the cross-hairs. Parallax should be eliminated in order to have accurate
sighting. There are two ways to overcome or eliminate the parallax. There are by
accurately focusing the cross-hairs against a light background and focusing the
instrument on a distant target or by focusing the eye-piece for distinct vision of the
cross hairs.

Figure 4.1 : Centering the theodolite Figure 4.2 : Levelling the theodolite

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5.0 PERMANENT ADJUSTMENTS OF THEODOLITE
These adjustments are carried out once and will not alter unless it is being roughly
handled or tampered with. There are certain basic requirements for a theodolite that
must be established particularly when using it. The basic requirements are as
follows:

(a) The vertical axis of a theodolite should be truly vertical.

(b) The line of sight should be perpendicular to the horizontal axis.
(c) The horizontal axis should be truly horizontal.
(d) The cross hairs should be truly vertical and horizontal.
(e) The vertical circle should be at zero when the line of sight is horizontal.
For this study it is appropriate to know only the basic requirements for permanent
adjustments. The steps in carrying out the adjustments should be handled by the
qualified person at the laboratory.

6.0 TRAVERSE FIELD WORK

Traversing is carried out with one(1) tripod and two(2) wooden stands with
plumbob. Tripod is for the instrument and the other two(2) wooden stands are for
the back and front stations. A minimum of three people is required in a traversing
team.

The leader of the team, setting up and reads the instrument, while the 2nd
person has the important job of recording the readings on the booking sheet. The
3rd person has the task of moving and setting up the wooden stands with plumbob
as the traverse progresses. There are several steps which should be followed that
will lead to a smooth traverse [Figure 6.1].

1. Three picket(station) were established at the proposed site.(peg 1, peg 2 & peg
3).
2. The theodolite was plumbed over peg 2 and accurately leveled. Wooden stands
were plumbed over peg 1&3.
3. Level and center the instrument.

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4. Set the theodolite to read zero.

5. Distance was measured by collimating the center of peg 1 by measuring tape.

The reading was taken and entered in the field book. Distance between peg 2 and 3
also done with the same technique.
6. Record face left horizontal reading to back station(peg 1).

7.Turn instrument and sight front station.

8.Record face left horizontal reading to front station(peg 3).
9.Transit the instrument to change to the face right setting.
10.Record face right horizontal reading to front station(peg 3).
11.Turn instrument to face back station.
12. Record face right horizontal reading to back station(peg 1).

13. The theodolite was moved to peg 3. Wooden stands were plumbed over peg 1
and 2. Peg2 was sighted on face left with theodolite set to the reading taken from
step 10.
14. Peg 1 was sighted and the horizontal angle was taken. The instrument was set to
face right and peg 1 was sighted again. Then peg 2 was sighted and the reading
was taken.
15. Step 13-14 was repeated on peg 1.All readings were observed and recorded.

Figure 6.1 : Field traversing

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7.0 TRAVERSING ERRORS
Traversing errors normally falls into three categories, i.e. centering, angular and
distance. By taking precautions during the field work, it is possible to reduce their
effect.
1. Centering

It is important to ensure that the theodolite instrument and targets are centered
correctly over each survey station. Remember that angles and distances may be
required from or to a known station. This will not be the case if the theodolite or
targets are not centered correctly.
2. Angles

When clamping the instrument, apply light clamp to the vertical and horizontal
locks. Hard clamping can affect the pointing of the instrument and is not necessary.
Failure to eliminate parallax and poor focusing can affect accurate pointing.
Always keep the target in the center of the field of view. All movement of the
theodolite should be kept as smooth as possible and all movement around the
instrument should be kept to a minimum.
3. Distances

When recording these, all distances should be obtained to 3 decimal places and
three readings should be taken and the mean calculated.
There is a possibility that that some of the errors outlined below will occur
from time to time, so be aware of them. Don’ t rush and hopefully you will not
forget to record any information which is required.
a) Turning the wrong screw.

b) Sighting the wrong target.

c) Using the stadia instead of the cross-hairs.

d) Forgetting to set the micrometer reading before taking a reading.

e)Misreading the circles.

f)Transposing the figures when booking the data.

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8.0 DISCUSSION

Before doing the survey, there are a few things that must be considered. There are:
All screw must be parallel to the centre line

Tripod stand must be in a straight line with the picket(station).

After setting out, wooden adjustment legs and theodolite must be in a straight line
to the picket.
Value from bearing must be entered correctly.
Distance between one point to the others must clearly seen.

When survey was taking on, there are several things that must be clearly taking
place which are:
The cross hair must be clearly seen by observer.
The parallax error might be occur when reading was taken.Therefore the observer
must be the same person and very sure that the reading taken was correctly.
During the changing of left face and right face, be sure tahat the position of tripod
did not change.
Distance between one point to another was taken correctly.
After field wprk was complete, proceed with analyzing data. The correction
between latitude and departure must be placed with correct sign and value.

A closed traverse enables a check by plotting or computation with a gap called the
linear misclosure.

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9.0 CONCLUSION

Traversing is a form of a control survey that requires the establishment of a series

of stations that are linked together by the angles and distances. The angles are
measured by theodolites, and the distances are measured conventionally by tapes
or electronic distance measuring equipment.

A theodolite is an instrument which is capable of measuring both vertical

and horizontal angles to the nearest whole seconds.

Basically there are two types of modern theodolite i.e. the optical
theodolite and electronic digital theodolite. But both have the same common
features in terms of their construction.

The theodolite system is comprised of the horizontal circle where it is

perpendicular to the vertical axis and the vertical circle where it is perpendicular to
the horizontal axis. Theodolites in correct adjustment have their axes and line of
sight of the telescope mutually perpendicular. All three should intersect at one
point.

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10.0 REFERENCE
http://www.southgeosystems.com/index.html

http://www.geomaticsurveys.systems.com

http://www.scribd.com/doc/38971159/Traverse-Survey

http://www.ce.memphis.edu/1112/notes/traverse/Surveying_traverse

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