Kathmandu University

School of Engineering
Department of Geomatics Engineering

Chapter Nine: Traversing

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 Kathmandu University
School of Engineering
Department of Geomatics Engineering Traversing
• A Traverse Survey (or Traversing) is a method of control surveying in which a series of straight lines
(traverse legs) are connected between survey stations.
• The lengths and angles of these lines are measured to determine the coordinates of all points.

Purpose
• To establish horizontal control points for surveying and mapping purposes.

Instruments Used
• For angles: Theodolite or Compass
• For distances: Steel tape, Invar tape, EDM, or Stadia system
• Modern practice: Total Station (for both angles and distances)

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 Kathmandu University
School of Engineering
Department of Geomatics Engineering Traversing

Areas of Application
• Urban and forest areas
• Border areas
• Road and bridge alignment surveys
• Areas unsuitable for triangulation

Principle of Traverse Survey

• Traverse survey is based on trigonometric relationships between bearings, distances and coordinates.
• If the bearing (B) and distance (D) of a traverse leg are known and the coordinates of the starting
point are given, then the coordinates of the next point can be determined.

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 Kathmandu University
School of Engineering
Department of Geomatics Engineering Traversing
Coordinate Calculation
If point O(E₁, N₁) and point P(E₂, N₂) are two consecutive traverse stations:
• Δ𝐸 = 𝐷 × sin 𝐵
• Δ𝑁 = 𝐷 × cos 𝐵
• 𝐸2 = 𝐸1 + Δ𝐸
• 𝑁2 = 𝑁1 + Δ𝑁

Where:
• D = length of the traverse leg
• B = bearing of the traverse leg
• ΔE, ΔN = changes in Easting and Northing coordinates

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 Kathmandu University
School of Engineering
Department of Geomatics Engineering Traversing

For Vertical/Heights (if required)

• If vertical angle (θ) or zenith angle (Z) is observed:
Δ𝐻 = 𝐷 × tan 𝜃 = 𝐷 × cot 𝑍

Adjustment of Bearing
• If the bearings of successive lines are known:
𝐵2 = 𝐵1 + Included Angle ± 180° or − 540°

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 Kathmandu University
School of Engineering
Department of Geomatics Engineering Traversing

Importance / Applications of Traverse Survey

• Establishing horizontal control points

• Area calculation of land parcels
• Alignment fixing for roads, canals, bridges, pipelines, etc.
• Boundary and border surveys
• Establishing base points for detailed surveys
• Control in urban and forest areas
• River boundary and transmission line surveys

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Kathmandu University
School of Engineering
Department of Geomatics Engineering Traversing

Advantages
• Suitable in areas where triangulation is not possible
• Less space required compared to triangulation
• High accuracy with modern instruments (EDM / Total Station)
• Easy to check and adjust computations

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Kathmandu University
School of Engineering
Department of Geomatics Engineering Types of Traversing

There are two main types of traverses:

(a) Open Traverse
• Starts from a known point and ends at an unknown point.
• No internal check possible - difficult to detect or correct errors.
• Used for:
• Road alignment surveys
• Pipeline and canal surveys

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 Kathmandu University
School of Engineering
Department of Geomatics Engineering Types of Traversing
(b) Closed Traverse
• Starts and ends at known points.
• Allows error checking and adjustment.
Two types:
1) Loop Traverse
• Begins and closes at the same point.
• Also known as a polygon traverse.

Error check:
ΣΔ𝐸 = 0 and ΣΔ𝑁 = 0
• Any difference is known as the error of closure.

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Kathmandu University
School of Engineering
Department of Geomatics Engineering Types of Traversing

2) Link Traverse
• Starts at one known point and closes at another known point.
• Checked by comparing the final coordinates with the known ones.

ΣΔ𝐸 = 𝐸final − 𝐸start

ΣΔ𝑁 = 𝑁final − 𝑁start

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Kathmandu University
School of Engineering
Department of Geomatics Engineering Error of Closure and Accuracy

• Error of Closure = ൬ΣΔ𝐸)2 + ቀΣΔ𝑁)2

ΣΔ𝐸
• Direction of closing error: tan 𝜃 =
ΣΔ𝑁
𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟
• Accuracy of Traverse =
Total Length

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 Kathmandu University
School of Engineering
Department of Geomatics Engineering Classification of Traverse (Based on Accuracy)

• Traverse surveys are classified into different categories based on the degree of accuracy required in
measurements of angles and distances.
• The classification helps in deciding the instrument precision, observation method and allowable error
limits.

1. First-Order (Primary) Traverse

• Highest accuracy traverse.
• Used for establishing national or regional control networks.
• Measured with high-precision theodolites or total stations and EDM instruments.
• Angles are measured to 1 ccg or better.
• Linear measurements accurate to 1 in 100,000 or better.
• Errors are adjusted by rigorous least-squares adjustment.
• Example: National Geodetic or Trigonometrical Control Traverse.

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 Kathmandu University
School of Engineering
Department of Geomatics Engineering Classification of Traverse (Based on Accuracy)

2. Second-Order Traverse
• Slightly lower accuracy than first-order.
• Used for regional mapping and control surveys.
• Linear accuracy about 1 in 50,000 or more.
• Adjustment done using Bowditch or Transit method.
• Example: Control networks for state-level mapping

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 Kathmandu University
School of Engineering
Department of Geomatics Engineering Classification of Traverse (Based on Accuracy)

3. Third-Order Traverse
• Medium-accuracy traverse.
• Used for topographical, cadastral and engineering surveys.
• Linear accuracy about 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 25,000.
• Adjustment by Bowditch method is sufficient.

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 Kathmandu University
School of Engineering
Department of Geomatics Engineering Classification of Traverse (Based on Accuracy)

4. Fourth-Order (Ordinary) Traverse

• Lowest accuracy class.
• Used for route surveys, property boundaries or preliminary works.
• Linear accuracy about 1 in 5,000 or less might work.
• Adjustment by Bowditch method is sufficient.

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 Kathmandu University
School of Engineering
Department of Geomatics Engineering Field Procedure of Traverse Survey

The field procedure includes four major steps:

(a) Reconnaissance (Prospecting)
• Preliminary field inspection to select traverse stations.
• Ensure intervisibility between stations.
• Decide number and location of traverse points based on purpose and terrain.
• Assign station names/numbers for easy identification.

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 Kathmandu University
School of Engineering
Department of Geomatics Engineering Field Procedure of Traverse Survey

b) Monumentation
• The process of marking traverse stations permanently or temporarily.
• Temporary marks: wooden pegs, stones
• Permanent marks: cement pillars, G.I. pipes
• Prepare a Detail Card (D-card) for each station including:
• Station name & number
• Location details & sketch
• Station type and surrounding sketch
• Visible station references
• Installer’s name & date

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 Kathmandu University
School of Engineering
Department of Geomatics Engineering Field Procedure of Traverse Survey
(c) Establishment of Control Points
• Use existing control points established by the Survey Department if available.
• If not available, establish new major or minor control points using precise DGPS observation.
• Observation requirements:
• Major control: 3 sets of observations
• Minor control: 2 sets of observations
• Allowable misclosures:
• R.O. to R.O.: ±30 ccg
• Set to set: ±60 ccg
• Angular misclosure: ±75√n ccg (n = no. of occupied stations) for closed loop traverse
• Bearing Misclosure: ±25√n ccg (n = no. of occupied stations) for link traverse
• Scale error: 1:20,000
• Density of control points:
• Urban: max 20 per 250×250 m grid
• Open area: max 6 per 250×250 m grid

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 Kathmandu University
School of Engineering
Department of Geomatics Engineering Field Procedure of Traverse Survey
(d) Observation
• After reconnaissance and monumentation:
• Center and level the theodolite or total station over the station.
• Set zero reading on the back station (R.O.).
• Measure and record angles to the forward station (clockwise).
• Repeat observations on the right face for accuracy.
• Take multiple sets of readings based on traverse order.
• Measure distances using EDM or total station.
• After fieldwork, perform computation and adjustment in the office.

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 Kathmandu University
School of Engineering
Department of Geomatics Engineering Traverse Computation and Error Adjustment

• Traverse computation is the process of determining the coordinates of traverse points from the
observed angles and distances collected in the field.
• It is performed after the field observation and involves computing the coordinates of unknown points
from at least two known control points.

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 Kathmandu University
School of Engineering
Department of Geomatics Engineering Computation Steps
A. Correction in Angles
• Compare the sum of observed angles with the theoretical sum to find angular error.
• Distribute the total angular error equally among all included angles.

Formula:
Total error in angle
• Correction per angle =
Number of angles

B. Computation of Bearings
• Once angles are corrected, compute the bearing of each traverse leg.

Formula:
• Bearing of next line = Previous correct bearing + Included angle ±180° or -540
• (Add or subtract 180° depending on the direction of traverse.
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 Kathmandu University
School of Engineering
Department of Geomatics Engineering Computation Steps

C. Computation of Coordinates

Using distance and bearing, calculate the coordinate differences:

• Δ𝐸 = 𝐷 sin 𝜃
• Δ𝑁 = 𝐷 cos 𝜃

Then, find new coordinates:

• 𝐸2 = 𝐸1 + Δ𝐸 and 𝑁2 = 𝑁1 + Δ𝑁

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 Kathmandu University
School of Engineering
Department of Geomatics Engineering Computation Steps

D. Error in Closing Coordinates

• Total Error= ൬ΣΔ𝐸)2 + ቀΣΔ𝑁)2

Where,
ΣΔ𝐸 = algebraic sum of easting errors
ΣΔ𝑁= algebraic sum of northing errors

E. Accuracy of Traverse
Perimeter of Traverse (Total Length)
• Accuracy =
Linear Misclosure

Example: Accuracy = 1 in 5000 means 1 m error per 5000 m of traverse

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 Kathmandu University
School of Engineering
Department of Geomatics Engineering Computation Steps
Field Check
• Field checks help to detect and avoid blunders during observation:
• Check bearing using astronomical observation periodically.
• Compare computed bearings with field bearings.
• Use left face and right face readings to eliminate instrumental error.
• Recheck readings using multiple sets at each station.

Precautions During Traversing

• Ensure intervisibility between traverse stations.
• Follow standard leg lengths as per traverse class.
• Properly bury and protect monuments during monumentation.
• Center and level instruments and signals accurately.
• Maintain correct observation timing and precise data recording.
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 Kathmandu University
School of Engineering
Department of Geomatics Engineering Adjustment of Closing Error
• If the traverse does not close perfectly (ΣΔE ≠ 0, ΣΔN ≠ 0), the error of closure must be distributed
(adjusted).
• The following methods are commonly used.
(a) Arbitrary Method
• The total closing error is distributed arbitrarily among the traverse sides.
• Used for rough surveys or when no precision is required.

(b) Bowditch (Compass) Method

• Assumes equal precision in angle and distance measurement.
• Correction is proportional to the length of the traverse leg.
Total error in Δ𝐸
• Correction in Δ𝐸 = × Length of side
Perimeter
Total error in Δ𝑁
• Correction in Δ𝑁 = × Length of side
Perimeter
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 Kathmandu University
School of Engineering
Department of Geomatics Engineering Adjustment of Closing Error

c) Transit Rule
• Used when angular measurements are more precise than distance measurements.
• Correction is proportional to the latitude (ΔN) and departure (ΔE) of each side.
Total error in Δ𝐸
• Correction in Δ𝐸 = × Δ𝐸of side
Σ∣Δ𝐸∣
Total error in Δ𝑁
• Correction in Δ𝑁 = × Δ𝑁of side
Σ∣Δ𝑁∣

d) Axis Method
• Used when both angles and distances are measured with high precision, but angles are given more
weight.
• Correction distributed along the axis of traverse.
½ Closing Error
• Correction for any length = × Length of that side
Length of axis

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Kathmandu University
School of Engineering
Department of Geomatics Engineering

Thank You

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