To: ABE 70 Prof.

Antonio Sobremisana
From: ABE 70 G-1L Group 3
Subject: Distance by Pacing
Date: August 18, 2015

I. Introduction
Pacing is the method of measuring distance with the length of steps where approximate results are
required. In this exercise, the objectives are to determine individual pace of factor of the members and to
measure an unknown distance by pacing. An individual will walk in a specific path and count his number
of paces. This procedure will be repeated five (5) times to increase the accuracy. The pace factor will be
determined by measuring the taped length and dividing it to the mean number of paces. On the other
hand, the unknown distance will be determined by multiplying the pace factor by the average number of
steps.

II. Methodology
In this exercise, two poles, a measuring tape and two chaining pins were used to determine the
pace factor and the pace distance. The two chaining pins were used as markers on the flat surface of about
20 meters in length while the two poles were placed behind the chaining pins. The two poles served as a
guide when walking.
The distance between the two chaining pins was crossed at a natural pace and was determined
using the number of paces. In cases where partial paces were present, the distance was estimated to the
nearest one-tenth of the pace. This process was repeated for at least 4 more times but using the latest
endpoint as the starting point for the next walk-through.
The pace factor was determined by dividing the taped length by the mean number of paces.
In order to measure the distance by pacing, one of the chaining pins, as well as one of the poles,
was moved to a certain distance. The distance was crossed and the number of paces made was counted,
estimating the partial paces to the nearest one-tenth of the pace. The process was then repeated for at least
4 more times but using the latest endpoint as the starting point for the next walk-through.
After the measurement through pacing was done, the distance from the two chaining pins was
taped to know the actual length of the course. After measuring the length, a second measurement was
made along the opposite direction. The distance by pacing was then obtained by computing the average of
the two lengths and multiplying it with the pace factor.
The relative precision of the measurements in measuring distance by pacing was then determined
by, first, determining the difference between the taped distance and the paced distance of the course. The

difference was then divided by the taped distance and the result was expressed as fraction where the
accepted relative precision ranges from 1/200 to 1/500, otherwise, the process was repeated.

III. Results and Discussion

Table 1. Pace factor determination of Group 3
Member

Landoy
Evangelista
Ocampo
Salangit
Tadina

LINE

TAPED
DISTANCE
(meters)

A-B/B-A

MEAN NUMBER
OF PACES
29.2
26.4
25.6
24.0
26.0

20.000

PACE FACTOR
(meter/pace)
0.685
0.768
0.781
0.833
0.763

Table 2. Paced distance determination of Group 3

Member

Landoy
Evangelista
Ocampo
Salangit
Tadina

LINE

C-D/D-C

MEAN
NUMBER OF
PACES
39.0
35.3
32.8
32.3
34.8

PACED
DISTANCE
(meters)
26.7
26.8
25.6
26.9
26.8

TAPED
DISTANCE
(meters)

26.774

RELATIVE
PRECISION
1/362
1/1030
1/23
1/212
1/1030

The obtained relative precision from the activity yielded values that are accepted in the criteria
given as the acceptable relative precision of 1/200. The relative precisions of Landoy, Evangelista,
Salangit, and Tadina shows that their pace factors can be used for surveying rough estimates. The relative
precision of Ocampo is below the acceptable relative precision given and is therefore not appropriate for
surveying activities as per the data yield of the activity.

IV. Conclusion and Recommendations

Using two poles, two chaining pins, and a tape measure, the pace factor of each individual was
determined by pacing the distance between the two chaining pins and counting the number of paces. The
distance was divided by the number of paces. The results of each individual were presented in Tables 1.1,
1.2, 1.3, 1.4, and 1.5. Using the pace factor, the measurement of an unknown distance was obtained. The
number of paces was multiplied to the pace factor and the results were presented in Tables 2.1, 2.2, 2.3,
2.4, and 2.5.

Also, the relative precision of each individual was computed using RP= error/true value, wherein
the true value is the actual value while the error is the absolute difference between the computed value
and the true value. The results were presented also in Tables 2.1 to 2.5. The ideal range of relative
precision is 1/200 1/500. Based on the tables, Rocel, Juan Sebastian, and Robert obtained a relative
precision that are included in the ideal range while Patricia and Patrick had not. Systematic and personal
errors might have occurred while performing the exercise and it is recommended to perform the exercise
more accurately.

V. Reference(s)
1- The given guide for exercise 1, Fundamentals of Surveying Lab Manual 2015