Unit 3.

Positioning
Coverage of this Module:

• Principles of positioning
• Datums
• Horizontal and vertical control methods
in hydrographic surveying
 In Hydrographic Surveying, Range Line are
used. Range Lines are well-defined on courses
whose position are known and along which are
soundings are taken.

◇ Each range line is usually marked at both ends

by signals when on shore or, by buoys when in
shallow water, or by a combination of both.

Principles of Positioning ◇ The signals used must be visible and readily

distinguished from each other.

◇ Wooden frames covered with stretched cloth or

mounted flags of varying colors are preferable
since they are easily seen over fairly long
distances.

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 ◇ Range lines are established when executing a
hydrographic survey of large area in order to
undertake it in a systematic and economical
manner.

◇ This also allows the underwater features to be

examined the roughly. When soundings are to be
taken several times at the same points is
preferable to use cross ranges.
Principles of Positioning ◇ Range lines need to be tied to bench marks or
other points of known location along the shore
lines if these fines are to be plotted on a map.
 ◇ It is often the procedure to tie range lines to a
net of triangulation stations established for the
purpose of conducting a hydrographic survey.

◇ In some instances it may be convenient to

establish horizontal control by running traverses
along the shore line and tying planned range lines
to these traverses.

Principles of Positioning ◇ In establishing a et of horizontal controls,

electronic distance measuring (EDM) devices are
often used. These devices are also used in locating
offshore soundings at long distances.
 Survey Buoys

◇ A buoy is a floating object anchored in place in

a body of water by a heavy weight to which a
buoy is attached by a rope or chain.

◇ It may be made of wood, plastic, metal or other

suitable material which floats in water.

Principles of Positioning
 Survey Buoys

◇ Buoys are used as markers to indicate the line

along which sounding is to be carried out. This line
must be maintained perpendicular to the shoreline
at every point and is achieved using laser-guided
signals. By keeping signals along a straight line, the
position of the buoy can be fixed.

Principles of Positioning ◇ It is then weighted at the bottom using guywires.

Lights are usually used to ensure that it is visible
even at night. These days, buoys have been
replaced with GPS technology.
 Locating Soundings

◇ The basic element of hydrographic survey is

defined by the implemented sounding operation.
In order that measurements of the depth of the
water may be useful, it is important to know the
accurate location of the point at which depth
were measured.

Principles of Positioning ◇ The process of determining the horizontal

position of the depth with respect to an
established system of horizontal control is called a
position fixing.
 Locating Soundings

Hydrographic Survey methods used in determining

and locating soundings are varied in number. The
following are the principal methods employed:

￭Time Intervals Along a Range Line

￭Range Line and an Angle from Shore
￭Intersecting Range Lines
Principles of Positioning ￭One Angle and Stadia Distance from Shore
￭Two Angle from Shore
￭Two Angle from Boat
￭Distance Along A Cross Rope or Wire
￭Direction and Vertical Angle
 Locating Soundings

Time Intervals Along a Range Line - the method of

locating soundings by time intervals along a range
line is generally used when the required accuracy
of the survey is not high.

Principles of Positioning
 Locating Soundings

Range Line and an Angle from Shore - the method

of locating soundings by a range line and an
angle from shore is commonly used on small lakes
or where range lines extend only to relatively short
distances towards the water.

Principles of Positioning
 Locating Soundings

Intersecting Range Lines - the fixed range lines are

located on shore and so laid out to intersect at
approximately right angles.

Principles of Positioning
 Locating Soundings

One Angle and Stadia Distance from Shore – this

method of locating soundings is performed in a
manner similar to that of stadia surveying. It is
convenient for surveys of small bodies of water.

Principles of Positioning
 Locating Soundings

Two Angle from Shore – A common method of

locating soundings is to observe directions to the
boat simultaneously from two instrument stations.

Principles of Positioning
 Locating Soundings

Two Angle from Boat – In order that the position of

a boat used in sounding could be located and
plotted on a map, two angles need to be
simultaneously observed from the boat to three
fixed point on shore.

Principles of Positioning
 Locating Soundings

Distance Along A Cross Rope or Wire - Locating

soundings by stretching a graduated wire or cross
rope across a narrow stream is a method suitable
for surveying detailed cross-sections of the rivers
and channels

Principles of Positioning