TRAVERSE

Traversing is a form of a control survey that is used in a wide variety of

surveys. Traverses are a series of established stations that are linked
together by the angle and distance between adjacent points. The angles are
measured by theodolites, and the distances are measured by an EDME.
STARTING CONTROL
The purpose of a traverse is to locate points relative to each other on a
common grid. Surveyorsneed certain elements of starting data, such as the
coordinates of a starting point and an azimuthto an azimuth mark. There are
several ways to obtain the starting data, and surveyors shouldmake an effort
to use the best data available to begin a traverse. Survey-control data is
availablein the form of existing stations (with the station data published in a
trig list) or new stations(established by local agencies that can provide the
station data).
OPEN TRAVERSE
An open traverse (Figure 6-1) originates at a starting station, proceeds to its
destination, and endsat a station with an unknown relative position. The
open traverse is the least desirable traversetype, because it does not provide
the opportunity for checking the accuracy of the fieldwork. Allmeasurements
must be carefully collected, and every procedure for checking position
anddirection must be used. Therefore, the planning of a traverse should
always provide for closureof the traverse.
CLOSED TRAVERSE
A closed traverse either begins and ends on the same point or begins and
ends at points with previously determined (and verified) coordinates. In both
cases, the angles can be closed andclosure accuracy can be mathematically
determined.
TRAVERSE CLOSED ON A STARTING POINT
A traverse that starts at a given point, proceeds to its destination, and
returns to the starting pointwithout crossing itself in the process is referred
to as a loop traverse (Figure 6-2). Surveyors usethis type of traverse to
provide control if there is little existing control in the area and only
therelative position of the points is required. While the loop traverse provides

some check of thefieldwork and computations, it does not ensure the

detection of all the systematic errors that mayoccur in a survey.

Introduction
Fieldwork No. 9 encompasses the determination of rectilinear area by
radial traversing. It aims for the group to know how to get the area of the
rectilinear field by staking a central station, wherein all corners of the
rectilinear field are visible from. Furthermore, the group is expected to learn
how to read the horizontal angle of a transit while applying the concept of
the area of right triangles.
Traversing refers to the method of measuring a series of established
stations that are linked together by the angle and distance between adjacent
points. Traversing is normally associated with the field work of measuring
angles and distances between points on the ground. Closed traverses
provide the primary method used in checking surveying field work. Traverse
closure and adjustment procedures are used to distribute error in
measurements. Mathematical traverses performed on a computer are used
to check surveying work such as mapping and legal descriptions.

Related Research
The purpose of a traverse is to locate points relative to each other on a
common grid. Surveyors need certain elements of starting data, such as the
coordinates of a starting point and an azimuth to an azimuth mark. There are
several ways to obtain the starting data, and the surveyors should make an
effort to use the best data available to begin a traverse. Survey-control data
is available in the form of existing stations (with the station data published in
a trig list) or new stations (established by local agencies that can provide the
station data).
There are three general types of traversing namely open traverse, closed
traverse and traverse closed in the starting point. An open traverse
originates at a starting station, proceeds to its destination, and ends at a
station with an unknown relative position. The open traverse is the least
desirable traverse type, because it does not provide the opportunity for
checking the accuracy of the fieldwork. All measurements must be carefully
collected, and every procedure for checking position and direction must be

used. Therefore, the planning of a traverse should always provide for closure
of the traverse.
A closed traverse either begins and ends on the same point or
begins and ends at points with previously determined (and verified)
coordinates. In both cases, the angles can be closed and closure accuracy
can be mathematically determined.
Lastly, a traverse closed on a starting point is a traverse that starts at
a given point, proceeds to its destination, and returns to the starting point
without crossing itself in the process is referred to as a loop traverse.
Surveyors use this type of traverse to provide control if there is little existing
control in the area and only the relative position of the points is required.
While the loop traverse provides some check of the fieldwork and
computations, it does not ensure the detection of all the systematic errors
that may occur in a survey.