Unit 2
Measurement of Distances and Errors
Perhaps one of the basics of surveying every Civil Engineering student should
know is the knowledge of taking measurements of distances. There are several ways of
measuring a straight line between two points and this unit will explore all methods
available.
Further, since measurements are taken by men, records of measurements can
be prone to errors and mistakes. We will also explore all errors and mistakes that may
be incurred during surveying.
Lastly, this unit will also discuss the corrections done when using a steel tape on
horizontal measurements done on the field.
This unit will discuss the following topics:
4. Measurement of Distance by Taping
5. Measurement of Distance by Pacing
6. Measurement of Distance by Tachymetry
7. Errors
a. Types of Errors
b. Sources of Errors
c. Accuracy and Precision
d. Theory of Probability
e. Most Probable Value
8. Corrections in Taping
a. Correction due to Slope
b. Correction due to Temperature
c. Correction due to Tension/Pull
d. Correction due to Sag
e. Combined Corrections
CE 1: Fundamentals of Surveying George P. Palada, RCE Course Guide Author AY 2020 - 2021
Module 5: Measurement of Distance by Taping
Author/Contributor: George P. Palada, RCE
Perhaps taping, or taking horizontal measurements using a steel tape of a fiberglass
tape is one of the fundamental skills a Civil Engineering student must learn.
Measurement of lines and distances is a skill that is very indispensable to all engineers,
and since most structures are built on the ground, taping is a fundamental surveying
operation.
Depending on the distance being measured, one can use a simple steel tape of use
rangefinding devices like a total station. In this module, we will be learning how to
measure distances using a tape.
The Taping Party
In taking measurements with a tape, we need at least four party members (La Putt,
1987)
1. Head Tapeman
2. Recorder
3. Rear Tapeman
4. Flagman
Curtis (2005) however mentioned that taping may be done just be the head and rear
tapeman, nevertheless it is implied that the taping procedure may not be done
alone.
Taping Accessories
1. Tape. While most distances are already measured by EDM instruments, there
are still many applicable uses for steel and fiberglass tapes. According to Mastin
and Kavanagh (2014), steel tapes are used for precise tape measuring than
fiberglass tapes.
Steel tapes are manufactured both with metric and English units. They come in
different lengths. The most commonly used steel tapes are the 30 m (~100 ft)
tapes.
2. Plumb Bob. Plumb bobs are used to transfer a horizontal measurement from a
point to the ground.
3. Hand Level. A hand level is a small rectangular or cylindrical sighting tubes
equipped with tubular bubbles and horizontal crosshairs that permit the surveyor
CE 1: Fundamentals of Surveying George P. Palada, RCE Course Guide Author AY 2020 - 2021
to make low-precision horizontal sightings. It helps the surveyor in keeping the
tape horizontal while the tape is held off the ground.
4. Tension Handle. It is a device attached to the zero end of the tape so that when
a measurement is being taken, the correct amount of tension or “pull” is being
applied.
Steel Tape
Image source: [Link]
Plumb Bob
Image source: [Link]
CE 1: Fundamentals of Surveying George P. Palada, RCE Course Guide Author AY 2020 - 2021
Hand Level
Image source: [Link]
Tension Handle
Image source: [Link]
Refer to pages 71-76 of the book of La Putt regarding additional information on taping
accessories.
Taping Procedures
The usual procedure of measuring distances with a tape will require aligning the tape,
pulling the tape, using the plumb bob to secure verticality and marking and recording
tape lengths.
The following Youtube video links below show the procedure on taping.
CE 1: Fundamentals of Surveying George P. Palada, RCE Course Guide Author AY 2020 - 2021
• Introduction to taping – uploaded by user “dreamteamworks”
[Link]
• Taping: A guide by UCLA Surveying – uploaded by user “dreamteamworks”
[Link]
Self-Assessment Questions
1. What is the use of plumb bob in taping?
2. What is the minimum number of party members in doing taping?
Activity
Based on the videos that you watched, do a step-by-step instruction on how to perform
measurements using tape. Use the same format as before. Upload your work on the
google drive provided on the first activity. The assignment should be accomplished
using MS Word or any similar word application /software. Deadline of submission will be
announced on the official group chat.
References
La Putt, J. (2007). Elementary surveying, (3rd ed.). Mandaluyong City: National
Bookstore. (Original work published 1987)
CE 1: Fundamentals of Surveying George P. Palada, RCE Course Guide Author AY 2020 - 2021