M 01 - LG On Conducting Survey and Navigation

The Government of the National State of Tigray
Bureau of Technical and Vocational Education & Training
WUKRO AGRICULTURAL POLYTECHNIC

COLLEGE
Unit of Competence:
Conduct Survey and Navigation
Module Title:
Conducting Survey and Navigation
LG Code: AGR NCD3 M01 0117
TTLM Code: AGR NCD3 TTLM 0117 V1

 LO-1: Prepare for Surveying
 LO-2: Perform Survey Techniques
 LO-3: Apply Levelling & Topographic survey
 LO-4: Develop Map
 LO-5: Interpret Aerial Photos
AGR NRD 3TTLM 01 TVET Program: Natural Resources Conservation and Development Level III Page 1
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LO#1: Prepare for Surveying
What is Surveying?
Surveying is the technique, profession, and science of determination of relative position of
points on the surface, below the surface or even above the surface. Levelling is a part of
surveying which main objective is to determine the elevation of points with respect to a datum.
Navigation:- Navigation, in a broader sense, can refer to any skill or study that involves the
determination of position and direction/orientation in land, marine, aeronautic, and space .
Why need Surveying and Navigation?
Today, the importance of measuring and navigating our earth is becoming increasingly critical
to make it suitable for human life. Thus, surveying is a discipline, which encompasses all
methods for measuring, processing, and disseminating information about the physical earth.
It enables to determine existing or future horizontal and vertical position, from area, magnitude,
boundaries, and extent of land parcels and topographical features by applying the various
principles of mathematics, physics and geography e.t.c.
1.1 Selecting suitable tool, equipment and surveying aids
Suitable tools, equipment and surveying aids are always selected and checked for accuracy,
currency and operational effectiveness in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations.
Levelling Instruments
- Hand Levels
- Automatic Levels
- Total Stations
Distance Measuring Equipment
- Measuring tape
- Electronic Distance Measurement (EDM)
- Total Station as Modern Equipment of Distance Measurement
- Odometer wheel
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Angle Measuring Equipment
- Theodolite and Transits

- Inclinometer
- Magnetic Compass
- Clinometer
Accessories: - Are used to assist to measure elevation difference (Leveling), Horizontal distance
and angles. Some of these accessories are:
- Chaining pin
- Surveyor’s range pole
- Levelling staff
- Plumb bob
- Paints…e.t.c
N.B: Selection of surveying and navigation instruments is based on their purpose and
sophistication of utilization for the operator.
Routine Care of Surveying Instruments:
Surveying instruments, which include theodolites, levels, total stations, electronic measuring
devices, and GPS receivers, are designed and constructed to provide years of reliable use.
The following general principles of care and servicing should be applied as a routine matter for
all survey equipment and supplies:
 All equipment and tools should be kept as clean and dry as practicable, particularly if they
are to be transported or stored for any length of time.
 Wooden surfaces should be wiped clean of caked mud or moisture prior to returning the
equipment to the vehicle. The original painted or varnished surfaces should be repaired as
often as needed to keep moisture from entering the wood.
 Metal surfaces should be cleaned and wiped as dry as practicable. A coat of light oil should
be applied to tapes and the metal parts of tools to prevent rusting during storage. Excess oil
should be wiped off.
1.2 Preparing field notes
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All surveys must be free from mistakes or blunders. A potential source of major mistakes in
surveying practice is the careless or improper recording of field notes. The art of eliminating
blunders is one of the most important elements in surveying practice.
RULES FOR FIELD NOTES
1. Record all field data carefully in a field book at the moment they are determined.
2. All data should be checked at the time they are recorded.
3. An incorrect entry of measured data should be neatly lined out, the correct number entered
next to or above it.
4. Field notes should not be altered, and even data that are crossed out should still remain
legible.
5. Original field records should never be destroyed, even if they are copied for one reason to
another.
6. A well-sharpened medium-hard pencil should be used for all field notes.
7. Sketches should be clearly labelled.
8. Show the word VOID on the top of pages that, for one reason or another, are invalid.
9. The field book should contain the name, address, and the phone number.
10. Each new survey should begin on a new page.
11. For each day of work, the project name, location, and date should be recorded in the upper
corner of the right –hand page.
1.3 Survey Communication
Survey-party members may find themselves separated. The ability to communicate with each
other may mean the difference between successfully completing a section of work or not. Even
at relatively short distances (as in site surveys or leveling operations), background noises can
obscure direct voice contact. At longer distances, such as in EDM or direction-measurement
operations, effective direct voice contact is impossible. Therefore, some other type of
communication is required.
Some of these commonly used medias of communications are:
- Signs: Easy and understandable signs are vital on medium lines.

- Voices (Radio modems):- On long lines, where hand signals are impossible, a radio
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must be used.
- SINGARS:- The primary system for data transmission over the distances required on
the field is SINCGARS.GPS-S is designed to transmit encrypted GPS data over
SINCGARS
LO#2: Perform Survey Techniques

2.1 Identifying different surveying methods
Surveying involves the measurement of distances and angles. The distance may be horizontal
or vertical in direction.
Types of Surveying
There are two types of surveying. these are:
1. Plane surveying: Plane surveying is a branch of surveying in which the surface of the
earth is considered as plane surface. This is the most commonly practicing form of
surveying. This is used when the extent of the area to be surveyed is small (area less
than 260 square km) as this method neglects the curvature of earth.
2. Geodetic surveying: Geodetic surveying is another branch of surveying in which the
curvature of the earth is considered when taking measurements on earth’s surface. That
is the actual spherical shape of earth is taken into account.
Methods of plane surveying:
I. Chain surveying
II.Traverse surveying
Difference between chain and traverse surveying
Traverse survey differs from chain surveying in the arrangement of the survey lines is not
limited to any particular geometric figure as in chain surveying, where a system of connected
triangles forms the fundamental basis of the skeleton with further details.
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Surveying applications
In surveying there are different types of surveys require different field procedures and varying
degrees of precision for carrying out the work.
Property surveying:
- It is also called land survey or boundary survey.
- It is performed in order to establish the positions of boundary lines and property corners.
- It is usually performed whenever land ownership is to be transferred or when a large
tract of land is to be subdivided in to smaller parcels for development.
Topographic survey:
- It is performed in order to determine the relative positions of existing natural and
constructed features on a tract of land (like ground elevation, bodies of water, roads,
buildings etc.).
- It provides information on the “shape of the land” hills, valleys, ridges and general slope of
the ground. The data’s obtained from a topographic surveys are plotted in a map called
topographic map and the shape of the ground is shown with lines of equal elevation called
contours.
Construction survey:
It is also called layout or location survey and performed in order to mark the positions of
new points on the ground.
These new points represent the location of building corners, road centerlines and other
facilities that are to be built.
City survey:
The surveys which are carried out for the construction of roads, parks water supply system,
sewer and other constructional work for any developing township, are called city surveys.
The city maps which are prepared for tourists are known as guide maps.
Control survey:
There are two kinds of control surveys: These are horizontal and vertical control survey.
- Horizontal control points are used to determine the longitude and latitude, while;
- Vertical control points are used separately to determine elevations.
 The location and elevation of these control points help the map makers correctly position the
aerial photo images and assign values to the contour lines.
Route survey:
- It is performed in order to establish horizontal and vertical controls, to obtain topographic
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data, and to layout the position of high ways, railroads, pipe lines etc.
- The primary aspect of route surveying is that the project area is very narrow compared with
its length, which can extend for many kilometers.
II.2 Preparing work procedures
2.2.1 Information-gathering
Information-gathering trips are used to gather information on the conduct of the project and for
progress evaluation. The information gathered will be logistical, administrative, or technical
and is used to refine project plans and milestones.
These information are gathered through:
- Initial site-visitation trip:- This is basically a fact-finding mission that is normally
conducted by the survey-section leader and the project party chief
- Administrative-recon trip:- The purpose of the administrative-recon trip is to finalize
arrangements for the project and to plan the specifics of the fieldwork.
- Project-visitation trip:- The survey-section leader or a command representative will
generally conduct the project-visitation trip
2.2.2 Avoiding mistakes and errors
No matter how carefully made, however, measurements are never exact and will always
contain errors.
Therefore, surveyors, whose work must be performed to exacting standards, should therefore
thoroughly understand the different kinds of errors, their sources and expected magnitudes
under varying conditions, and their manner of propagation. Only then can they select
instruments and procedures necessary to reduce error sizes to within tolerable limits.
N.B: These are two distinct terms. It is necessary to eliminate all mistakes and to minimize all
errors when conducting a survey of any type.
2.2.3 Checking instrumental error
Once the level is set up its important that the line of sight is horizontal. When the foot screws
have been used to centralize the circular bubble, it is assumed that the compensator has set the
line of sight to be horizontal. However, most levels are not in perfect adjustment and when
leveled their line of sight is never exactly horizontal. If the line of sight is not horizontal when
the instrument has been leveled, the level has a collimation error.
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As most levels will have some level of collimation error, a method is required to check if the
error is within acceptable limits. This is known as a two-peg test. This needs to be conducted
when using a new or different level for the first time and at regular intervals thereafter.
II.3 Appling surveying techniques

In surveying, making measurements and subsequent computations requires a combination of
human skill and mechanical equipment applied with the utmost judgment.
II.3.1 Measuring horizontal distances
Rough Distance Measurement:
In certain surveying applications, only a rough approximation of distance is necessary; a
method called pacing, or the use of a simple measuring wheels, may be sufficient in these
instances, e.g. locating topographic features during the preliminary reconnaissance of a
building site, searching for the property corners etc.
1. Pacing:
Pacing simply involves counting steps or paces while walking naturally along the line to be
measured.
.Distance = Unit Pace × Number of Paces.
2. Using the measuring wheel:
A simple measuring wheel mounted on a rod can be used to determine distances, by pushing
the rod and rolling the wheel along the line to be measured. An attached device called an
odometer serves to count the number of turns of the wheels.
Distance= Odometer Reading X Circumference of the Wheel (ΠD)
Horizontal Measurement on Sloping
In taping on uneven or sloping ground, it is standard practice to hold the tape horizontal and
use a plumb bob at one or both ends. When a 100 m length cannot be held horizontally without
plumbing from above shoulder level, shorter distances are measured and accumulated to total a
full tape length. This procedure, called breaking tape.
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Identifying Stations
A zero position is usually established at the beginning of the survey or at the beginning of the
line to be marked out. This zero point is identified as 0+00. Each point located at the intervals
of exactly 100 m from the beginning point is called a full station and is identified as follows: a
point 100 m from 0+00 is labeled station 1+00, a point 200 m from the zero point is station
2+00, and so on.
Points located between the full stations are identified as follows: a point 350 m from the zero
point is called 3+50, and a point 475 m from zero is called 4+75. At a distance of 462.78 m
from the zero, the station called 4+62.78. The +50, +75, +62.78 are called pluses.
2.3.2 Traverse Surveying ( Navigatory measurement)

A traverse consists of an interconnected series of lines, called courses, running between a
series of points on the ground, called traverse stations.
A traverse survey is performed in order to measure both the distances between the stations
and the angles between the courses.
Traverse is generally a control survey and is employed in all forms of legal and engineering
works. It is a series of established stations that are tied together by angle and distance.
Types of traverse surveying
There are two types of traverse surveying. These are:
- Closed traverse: When the lines form a circuit which ends at the starting point, it is
known as closed traverse.
 It is commonly used for property surveys (land survey or boundary survey)
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- Open traverse: When the lines form a circuit ends elsewhere except at the starting
point, it is said to be an open traverse.
 It is commonly used for route surveys
Suitability
The closed traverse is suitable for locating the boundaries of lakes, woods, etc and for
survey of large areas. The open traverse is suitable for surveying a long narrow strip of land as
required for a road of canal or the coast line.
Applications of traverse surveying

Traversing is used to locate:
1. Locate topographic details,
2. Locate engineering works, and
3. Process and order of earthwork quantities.
Methods of traversing
There are several methods of traversing, depending on the instruments used in determining the
relative directions of the traverse lines. The following are the principal methods:
 Chain traversing (Using theodolite)
 Chain and compass traversing
1. Chain traversing
The method in which the whole work is done with chain and tape is called chain traversing.
No angle measurement is used and the directions of the lines are fixed entirely by linear
measurements Angles fixed by linear or tie measurements are known as chain angles. The
method is unsuitable for accurate work and is generally used if an angle measuring instrument
such as sextant or theodolite is available.
2. Chain and compass traversing

In chain and compass traversing, the magnetic bearings of the survey lines are measured by a
compass and the lengths of the lines are measured either with a chain or with a tape. The
direction of magnetic meridian is established at each traverse station independently. The
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method is also known as tree or loose needle method.
PLOTTING A TRAVERSE SURVEY

There are two principal methods of plotting a traverse survey
1. Angles and distance method (By using protractor)
2. Co-ordinate method.
ERRORS IN TRAVERSING
The errors involved in closed traversing are two kinds:
1. Linear and
2. Angular.
The most satisfactory method of checking the linear measurements consists in chaining each
survey line a second time, preferably in the reverse direction on different dates and by
different parties. The following are checks for the angular work:
Travers by included angles:
 The sum of measured interior angles should be equal to (2N-4) x right angle, where
N=number of stations of the traverse.
 If the exterior angles are measured, their sum should be equal to (2N + 4) x right angle
Traverse adjustments and computations
As abstracted data are given in the table below having observed the lengths of the line and
angles of the closed traverse, the unavoidable errors that occur in the data must be determined
to find whether they are acceptable and, if so, the total error (misclosure) must be distributed
between the observations. This distribution process, usually called adjustment, must cause as
little change to the observed data as possible and obviously if the misclosure is unacceptable
some data will have to be re-observed. Finally, the co-ordinates of the traverse stations are
calculated.
Table_1
Line Mean included Length
angle (m)
o
AB (θA) 94 10’00’’ 103.4
BC (θB) 178o 19’00’’ 157.25
CD (θC) 118o 21’45’’ 143.36
DE (θD) 94o 42’25’’ 169.08
o
EF (θE) 158 07’30’’ 176.74
o
FG (θF) 89 03’55’’ 110.60
GA (θG) 167o 15’50’’ 140.83
 The whole – circle bearing of AB is 187o 22’20’’
 The coordinates of point A are 9091.74 m E, 6349.48 m Northing
I. Checking angular misclosure:
The internal angles of a closed loop traverse should sum and should compared with
(2N – 4) x 90
 Sum of the interior angles = 900o 00’25’’
 The actual interior angles = (2 x 7 – 4) x 90 = 900o 00’00’’
 There for the traverse has an angular misclosure of 25’’ which is within the
acceptable limit so that this misclosure can be distributed and corrections are
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applied by reducing to each line.
Corrective value of the angle should be 25/7 = 3’’ and 4’’ for the 7 angles.
Table_2
Line Mean included Corrective Mean corrected
angle value included angle
o
AB (θA) 94 10’00’’ -4’’ 94o 9’56’’
o
BC (θB) 178 19’00’’ -3’’ 178o 18’57’’
CD (θC) 118o 21’45’’ -4’’ 118o 21’41’’
o
DE (θD) 94 42’25’’ -3’’ 94o 42’22’’
EF (θE) 158o 07’30’’ -4’’ 158o 07’26’’
o
FG (θF) 89 03’55’’ -3’’ 89o 03’52’’
GA (θG) 167o 15’50’’ -4’’ 167o 15’46’’
900000’25’’ -25’’ 900000’00’’
II. Calculation of bearing

A bearing represents one system for designating directions of lines as the acute
horizontal angle between a reference meridian (magnetic north) & the line.
Starting with the known or assumed bearing of the one line, the whole – circle
bearings of all other lines must be determined.
 For the general case, to determine the whole circle bearing of a line at a station:
(1) Add the included angle at the station to the whole circle bearing of the
previous line.
(2) If the sum obtained is below 1800, then add 1800 to it.
(3) If the sum obtained exceeds 1800, then deduct 1800 from it.
III. Calculating the easting and northing observed differences
 Easting difference = Length of the traverse X Sin θ
 Northing difference = Length of the traverse X Cos θ
Observed difference of Easting (Error) = Σ Easting difference
Observed difference of Easting (Error) = Σ Northing difference
Table_3
Line Mean corrected Length Whole circle Easting Northing
included angle (m) bearing angle difference difference
(WCB)
AB (θA) 94o 9’56’’ 103.4 187o 22’20’’ -13.27 -102.55
BC (θB) 178o 18’57’’ 157.25 185o 41’17’’ -15.5 -156.48
CD (θC) 118o 21’41’’ 143.36 124o 2’58’’ 118.78 -80.27
DE (θD) 94o 42’22’’ 169.08 38o 45’20’’ 105.85 131.85
EF (θE) 158o 07’26’’ 176.74 16o 52’46’’ 51.32 169.13
FG (θF) 89o 03’52’’ 110.60 285o 56’38’’ -106.35 30.37
GA (θG) 167o 15’46’’ 140.83 273o 12’24’’ -140.61 7.88
1001.26 900o 00’00’’ + 0.13 - 0.07
 The correct difference of easting and northing of closed traverse must be zero, whereas
for the open traverse the correct difference should be the difference of the two
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coordinates.
 The close error (misclosure) E&N = correct difference E&N – observe difference E&N
Finally, the corrective value = close error (misclosure)/Number of traverse lines
Corrective value of easting = -0.13/7 = -0.1 and -0.2
Corrective value of northing = +0.07/7 = +0.01
Table_4
Line Length ∆E Corrective Corrected ∆N Correctiv Correct
(m) value ∆E e value ed ∆E
AB 103.4 -13.27 -0.01 -13.28 -102.55 +0.01 -102.54
BC 157.25 -15.59 -0.02 -15.61 -156.48 +0.01 -156.47
CD 143.36 118.78 -0.02 118.76 -80.27 +0.01 -80.26
DE 169.08 10 .85 105.83 131.85 +0.01 131.86
-0.02
EF 176.74 51.32 -0.02 51.30 169.13 +0.01 169.14
FG 110.60 -106.35 -0.02 -106.37 30.37 +0.01 30.38
GA 140.83 -140.61 -0.02 -140.63 7.88 +0.01 7.89
1001.26 +0.13 -0.13 0.00 -0.07 +0.07 0.00
IV. Traverse coordinate computations

Thus, Northing and Easting co-ordinates of any point with reference to the preceding point are
equal to the Northing and Easting of the line joining the preceding point to the point under
consideration. Such co-ordinates are also known as consecutive co-ordinates or dependent co-
ordinates.
Table_5
Line Length Corrected Corrected Control Coordinate
(m) (∆E) (∆N) point
Easting Northing
Starting @ control point A 9091.74 6349.48
AB 103.4 -13.28 -102.54 B 9078.46 6246.94
BC 157.25 -15.61 -156.47 C 9062.85 6090.47
CD 143.36 118.76 -80.26 D 9181.61 6010.21
DE 169.08 105.83 131.86 E 9287.44 6142.07
EF 176.74 51.30 169.14 F 9338.74 6311.21
FG 110.60 -106.37 30.38 G 9232.37 6341.59
GA 140.83 -140.63 7.89 A 9091.74 6349.48
Exercise:
If AF has a length of 91.88 m and whole circle bearing of 295 o 25’45’’, what coordinate of F if
these of A are 11932.76 m E, 6770.47 m N?
If the coordinate of a third point G are 12016.29 m E, 6952.18 m N, What is the length of FG?
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LO # 3 Apply Levelling & Topographic Survey
3.1 Identifying Leveling and Topographic Survey Techniques
Leveling and topographic surveys are performed to determine the planimetric location and/or
elevation of:
- Surface or subsurface features
- Facilities, or utilities.
These surveys are normally used to prepare highly detailed site plan maps (and digital
databases) of a project site, facilities, or utility infrastructure; for future design, ongoing
construction, or as-built condition.
Leveling provides data for determining the shape of the ground and drawing topographic
maps and the elevation of new facilities:
 To design highways, railroads, canals, sewers, water supply systems etc, having grade
lines that best conform the existing topography,
 To lay out construction projects according to planned elevations,
 To calculate volume of earthworks and other materials,
 To investigate drainage characteristics of an area, etc.
A level surface is a surface which is everywhere perpendicular to the direction of the force of
gravity. An example is the surface of a completely still lake. For ordinary leveling, level
surfaces at different elevations can be considered to be parallel.
A level datum is an arbitrary level surface to which elevations are referred. The most
common surveying datum is mean sea-level (MSL), but as hydrological work is usually just
concerned with levels in a local area, we often use:
A bench mark (BM) is the term given to a definite, permanent accessible point of known
height above a datum to which the height of other points can be referred.
Elevation
Is the vertical distance above or below the a reference point in the earth
Back-sight (BS)
BS is a rod reading taken on a point of known elevation. There is only one backsight for each
setup of the instrument. The algebraic sign of the backsight is positive (+) because adding this
value to the benchmark or turning point elevation gives the height of the instrument.
Height of instrument (HI)

HI is the elevation of the sight projected by the instrument. Find it by adding the backsight
rod reading to the known (or assumed) elevation of benchmark or the point on which the
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backsight was taken.
Foresight (FS)
FS is the rod reading taken on any point to determine its elevation. The algebraic sign for the
foresight is negative (-) since the FS is subtracted from the HI to find the ground elevation of
the point in question.
Turning point (TP)

TP is a reliable point up on which a foresight is taken to establish elevation. A backsight is
then made to establish a new HI and to continue a line of levels. The turning point retains the
same elevation while the instrument is moved. Set the rod on a turning point and record a
foresight. Move the instrument as the rod stays in place. Make a backsight and record it.
3.2: Methods of Leveling

There are several methods for measuring vertical distances and determining the elevations of
points. Traditional methods include barometric leveling, trigonometric leveling and
differential leveling. Other very advanced and sophisticated techniques include inertia
leveling, global positioning systems (GPS) and digital elevation model (DEM).
1. Barometric leveling
By using special barometers to measure air pressure (which decrease with increasing
elevation), the elevation of points on the earth's surface can be determined within ±1m. This
method is useful for doing a reconnaissance survey of large areas in rough country and for
obtaining preliminary topographic data.
2. Differential leveling
Differential leveling measures the relative elevations of points some distance apart. It
consists of making a series of instrument setups along a route. From each setup, take a rod
reading back to a point of known elevation and a reading forward to a point of unknown
elevation.
For example, the elevation of benchmark 1 (BM#1) is known or assumed to be 100.00m.

The elevation of BM#2 is found by differential leveling. Set the instrument up first at
some point from BM#1 along the route to BM#2. Hold the rod on BM#1 and note the rod
reading (5.62) in the field notebook. This reading is a back-sight (BS), or a reading taken
on a point of known elevation.
Add the backsight reading on BM#1 to the elevation of BM#1 (100.00+5.62=105.62) to

give the height of instrument (HI).
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Once the backsight on BM#1 is recorded, the rod person moves to turning point number 1
(TP#1). With the instrument still at setup 1, take a reading on TP#1. This reading is a
foresight (FS), a reading taken on a point of unknown elevation.
Enter the foresight (3.21) in the field note book opposite TP#1. Compute the elevation of
TP#1 by subtracting the foresight on TP#1 from the instrument height (105.02-
3.21=102.41) and enter this elevation on the notes opposite TP#1. TP#1 now becomes a
point of known elevation.
The rod person remains at TP#1 while the instrument is moved to setup#2. From here take
another backsight BS on TP#1. Determine the new HI, establish TP#1, and determine its
elevation. This same procedure is carried through until reaching BM#2.
Field note format

Station BS (+) HI FS (-) Elevation Distance
BM#1 5.62 105.62 100.00m 0+00
TP#1 4.87 107.28 3.21 102.41 0+30
TP#2 4.50 107.57 4.21 103.07 0+60
BM#2 3.85 103.72 0+90
Fig 3.1 Differential leveling diagram
3.3 Leveling Equipment

There are several types of surveying levels and level rods.
Commonly used Levels devices are:
 Dumpy Levels,
 Tilting Levels,
 Automatic Levels, and
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 Digital Levels.
 Automatic levels are the type most commonly employed today.
Fig 3.2 a) Tilting Level b) Automatic Level, and c) Digital Level (Total station
A surveying level basically consists of:
 Telescope and
 Sensitive spirit bubble vial.
 The spirit level vial can be adjusted so that, when the bubble is centered, the line of sight
through the telescope is horizontal. The telescope is mounted on a vertical spindle,
which fits into a bearing in the leveling head.
The leveling head may have either three, or two leveling screws, depending on the type of
instrument.
a. The Telescopic Sight
The modern telescopic sight consists of the following components:
1. A reticule, which provides the cross hair, near the rear of the telescope tube.
2. A microscope or eyepiece which magnifies the cross hair, and which must be focused
on them according to the eyesight of the observer.
3. An objective lens at the forward end of the telescope, which forms an image of the
sight target within the telescope tube.
4. A focusing lens, which can be moved back and forth inside the scope to focus the
image on the cross hair.
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3.3 Parts of Auto level
b. The spirit bubble vial or circle

A spirit bubble vial consists of a glass container, which is partly filled with a clear,
nonfreezing, very low viscosity liquid such as alcohol or ether.
Tripods
Leveling instruments are all mounted on
tripods. The level must be securely mounted on
top of a three-legged wooden or aluminum
stand called a tripod.
Two basic types include:
I. Adjustable-leg tripod and a
II. Fixed-leg tripod.
The adjustable leg model is convenient for
setups on steeply sloping ground and is more
easily transported when closed.
The fixed leg type is more rigid and provides
greater stability for precise leveling work.
Fig 3.4 Tripod
Level Rods (Staff):

There are many different types of level rods.
Generally, the body of the rod is made of seasoned
hardwood; this act as a rigid support for the rod
face, a strip of steel graduated upward starting from
zero at the bottom. The rod person, on a point of
known elevation for a BS, or a point of unknown
elevation, holds the rod vertically for an FS. The
rod is then observed with the level and read by the Fig 3.5 Leveling Rod (Staff)
instrument person on the target rod.
3.4 Leveling Procedures

Leveling procedures may include the following common steps:
A. Checking instrumental error
Two peg test
Stage 1
On fairly level ground, two points A and B are marked a distance of Lm apart. In soft ground,
two pegs are used, on hard surfaces nails or paint may be used. The level is set up midway
between the points at C and carefully leveled. A leveling staff is placed at A and B and staff
readings S1 (at B) and S2 (at A) are taken.
Stage 2
The level is then moved so that it is L/10m from point B at D and readings S3 and S4 are
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Author: Kesatie Y.
taken.
Error = (S1 – S2) – (S3 – S4) per Lm
B. Establishing benchmark
The benchmark is the initial reference (or starting) point of the survey. Survey typically
uses brass monuments set in rock, a concrete pylon, or a pipe driven deeply into the
ground. If one of these is within your survey area, use it. Usually, though, you will need
to establish a new benchmark.
The best placement is on a permanent natural feature of the site, such as an outcropping
of bedrock, or the highest point of a large boulder.
C. Identifying surveying route and stations
D. Setting up and Leveling the Instrument
 The level must be securely mounted on top of a three-legged wooden or aluminum

stand called a tripod. The instrument is either screwed directly on to the tripod head
or attached with a fastening screw assembly. Each leg of a tripod has a pointed metal
shoe at the end. The tripod is setup with the legs well spread and pressed firmly in to
the ground. If the surface is hard or paved, each tripod leg should be placed in a crack
in the pavement; the leg hinges may also be tightened for extra friction.
N.B.
Never turn a leveling screw of a three-screw leveling head once a BS reading has been taken
and an HI established.
1.4 Topographic Surveying
Topographic surveys are undertaken to determine the configuration of the earth's surface and the
locations of natural and manmade objects and features. These features and land surfaces are
provided as contour maps.
Procedures and steps to perform the contour mapping procedure.
Steps of Procedure Illustrations/ Key points
Safety Practices
A. Establishing the base line
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Author: Kesatie Y.
Establish an east-west line and a north-south
baseline as near as possible to two boundaries of
the field to be contour mapped.
B. Measuring baseline Intervals

Starting from the corner where the two baselines
meet, measure with a steel tape at 30m intervals
along each baseline.
C. Placing Guide Stakes
Drive tall stakes into the ground at each 30m
interval. Each interval should be marked as shown
in the illustration to the right.
Drive a second line of stakes one grid interval
distance (100 feet) in from the baseline.
D. Setting up Tripod Level

Set up the tripod level somewhere in the field
where the entire field can be seen through the
telescope tube.
E. Taking a Backsight
Take a Backsight on a Bench Mark or some other
point of known elevation. If there is not a Bench
Mark or other point of known elevation take a
sighting on a permanent object and arbitrarily give
it an elevation of 30m.
F. Taking a Foresight on Each Station
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Author: Kesatie Y.
The rodman then moves to each stake or station
where a rod reading is taken. Each station is
identified by a combination of one letter and one
number that corresponds to its location on the map.
The elevations of the various stations are
determined by profile leveling. Each rod reading
taken is a Foresight and is entered under the FS
column of each station. Complete a set of field
notes on contour mapping.
SELF-CHECK # 1
PART_I
GIVE SHORT AND PRECISE ANSWER
1. Define the following terms
- Leveling
- Datum
- Level surface
- Traverse
2. Discus the two types of traverse surveys
PART_II
FILL IN THE MISSING DATA IN THE SAMPLE DIFFERENTIAL LEVEL RUN BELOW
AND MAKE AN ARITHMETIC CHECK
Station BS (+) HI FS (-) Elevation
BM (0+00) 3.05 ______ 1900.00
T.P#1 1.69 ______ 2.84 1900.21
T.P#2 0.86 ______ 2.24 ______
T.P#3 ______ 1900.74 ______ 1899.48
(1+00)(End point) ______ 1900.05
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Author: Kesatie Y.
LO#4 Develop Map
4.1 Definitions:
A map is a visual representation of an entire area or a part of an area, typically represented on a flat
surface.
A topographic map is a two-dimensional representation of a three-dimensional land surface.
Topographic maps are differentiated from other maps in that they show both the horizontal and
vertical positions of the terrain. Through a combination of contour lines, colors, symbols, labels,
and other graphical representations, topographic maps portray the shapes and locations of
mountains, forests, rivers, lakes, cities, roads, bridges, and many other natural and man-made
features.
What information is on a topographic map?
In order to make the topographic maps easier to interpret, scale, symbols and colors are used to
represent various natural and man-made features.
The most frequently used topographic map is at the scale of 1:50 000.
Some symbols are designed to look like the feature when viewed from overhead. For example,
buildings are shown as solid objects in the shape of the building outline. Other symbols are
universally recognized representations such as a long line with small cross marks to represent a
railroad.
Colors play an even more important role.
- Rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water are shown in blue. Forests and heavily
vegetated areas are shown in green.
- Minor roads and highways are shown in black, while major highways are shown in
red.
- Contour lines, which represent the shape of the ground itself, are shown in brown.
N.B: Refer to the map legend for a complete listing of all features and their corresponding symbols.
4.2 Procedures of developing a map
The production of an accurate topographic map is a long and complex process that may take as
much as five years from start to finish. It takes a skilled team of surveyors, engravers, fact
checkers, printers, and others to produce a good map.
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Here is a typical sequence of operations and procedures used to produce a topographic map.
1. Photographing the area:
The area to be mapped must first be photographed from the air. Each section of ground is
photographed from two different angles to provide a stereoscopic three-dimensional image that can
be converted into contour lines. The sky must be clear, and the sun must be at the proper angle for
the type of terrain being photographed. Seasonal factors must also be taken into consideration.
2. Surveying the control points:
To ensure the accuracy of a map, the exact location of various control points must be established by
field surveys. Typical control points may be the intersection of two roads or other prominent
features within the map area:
Horizontal control points are surveyed to determine the longitude and latitude, while vertical
control points are surveyed separately to determine elevations. The location and elevation of these
control points help the map makers correctly position the aerial photo images and assign values to
the contour lines.
3. Verifying the map features:
Some map features may require additional verification. For example, some streams may run only
intermittently, in which case they would be represented on the map by a dash-dot or lighter-weight
instead of a solid line. Certain roads may turn out to be private roads, rather than public roads, and
these must be marked.
Field checkers go into the area and verify these features by talking with local residents or
consulting local property records. Any questionable features noted by the survey crews must also
be verified. The correct spelling of place names must be determined.
4. Compiling the map manuscript
After the area has been surveyed and all the features have been checked, the pairs of overlapping
aerial photographs are placed in a stereoscopic projector. And all contours and features are drawn
in black at this point. This process is called compiling the map manuscript.
5. Scribing, editing and printing the map
Type sizes, styles, and fonts are selected according to standards, which assure consistency and
legibility from one map to another. After the scribed sheets are reviewed and edited several times, a
color proof sheet is made by exposing each sheet under different color light to produce a color print
0117 V1
Author: Kesatie Y.
that looks very much like the finished map. After further review and editing, the map is ready to be
printed.
. LO#5: Interpret aerial photos

5.1 Methods and Types of Arial Photography
1. Vertical Aerial Photography 2. Oblique Aerial Photography
- Low-oblique Aerial Photography
- High-oblique Aerial Photography

Types of photographs
i. Black and white photographs

ii. Color photographs
5.2 Aerial Photo Interpretation
In some disciplines, interpretation is the primary reason for aerial photos. And there are many
applications of image interpretation:
- Land use/land cover mapping - Forestry - Wetland mapping

- Geologic mapping - Rangeland management - Wildlife ecology
- Soil mapping - Water resources - Archaeology
- Agriculture - Urban/regional planning - Environmental assessment..
Useful steps in developing the skills necessary for effective photo interpretation
1) Much more information can be obtained from the 3-dimensional stereoscopic image than
from single photos.
2) Interpretation should be done methodically.
3) Interpretation should begin with general items and proceed to the specific
- Look to center of the photo and work outward

- Evaluate broad regional patterns first (terrain, drainage, agriculture)
4) Proceed from the known to the unknown

5) Keep in mind the photographic qualities of a particular photo (Color, B&W, CIR)
Suggestions for Effective Aerial Interpretation
 When possible, view photos in stereo

 Interpret familiar items first
 Remember to check the date of the imagery
 Know how film characteristics affect images
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- True color (VIS)
- Panchromatic visible
- Color infrared (CIR)
- Black & white IR
0117 V1
Author: Kesatie Y.

M 01 - LG On Conducting Survey and Navigation

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M 01 - LG On Conducting Survey and Navigation

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The Government of the National State of Tigray

Bureau of Technical and Vocational Education & Training

WUKRO AGRICULTURAL POLYTECHNIC

LG Code: AGR NCD3 M01 0117

TTLM Code: AGR NCD3 TTLM 0117 V1

 LO-3: Apply Levelling & Topographic survey

 LO-4: Develop Map

 LO-5: Interpret Aerial Photos

1.1 Selecting suitable tool, equipment and surveying aids

Distance Measuring Equipment

- Total Station as Modern Equipment of Distance Measurement

- Theodolite and Transits

Routine Care of Surveying Instruments:

1.2 Preparing field notes

RULES FOR FIELD NOTES

2. All data should be checked at the time they are recorded.

6. A well-sharpened medium-hard pencil should be used for all field notes.

7. Sketches should be clearly labelled.

10. Each new survey should begin on a new page.

1.3 Survey Communication

Some of these commonly used medias of communications are:

- Signs: Easy and understandable signs are vital on medium lines.

LO#2: Perform Survey Techniques

II.2 Preparing work procedures

II.3 Appling surveying techniques

2.3.2 Traverse Surveying ( Navigatory measurement)

Applications of traverse surveying

2. Chain and compass traversing

PLOTTING A TRAVERSE SURVEY

II. Calculation of bearing

IV. Traverse coordinate computations

Height of instrument (HI)

Turning point (TP)

3.2: Methods of Leveling

For example, the elevation of benchmark 1 (BM#1) is known or assumed to be 100.00m.

Add the backsight reading on BM#1 to the elevation of BM#1 (100.00+5.62=105.62) to

Field note format

Fig 3.1 Differential leveling diagram

3.3 Leveling Equipment

Commonly used Levels devices are:

A surveying level basically consists of:

a. The Telescopic Sight

The modern telescopic sight consists of the following components:

b. The spirit bubble vial or circle

Level Rods (Staff):

3.4 Leveling Procedures

 The level must be securely mounted on top of a three-legged wooden or aluminum

1.4 Topographic Surveying

B. Measuring baseline Intervals

D. Setting up Tripod Level

A topographic map is a two-dimensional representation of a three-dimensional land surface.

What information is on a topographic map?

Colors play an even more important role.

4.2 Procedures of developing a map

1. Photographing the area:

2. Surveying the control points:

3. Verifying the map features:

4. Compiling the map manuscript

5. Scribing, editing and printing the map

. LO#5: Interpret aerial photos

1. Vertical Aerial Photography 2. Oblique Aerial Photography

- Low-oblique Aerial Photography

- High-oblique Aerial Photography

i. Black and white photographs