CHAPTER Five

TRAVERSING PRINCIPLES

Table of contents:
Page No.

5.1. Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………………….…….73
5.2. Traversing by Compass and Theodolite…………………………………………………….……74
5.2.1. Types of Traverse……………………………………………………………………………….74
5.2.2. Compass Traverse………………………………………………………………………….……75
5.2.3. Interior Angle Traverse……………………………………………………………….………76
5.2.4. Deflection Angle Traverse………………………………………….………………….…..78
5.2.5. Angle to the right traverse………………………………………….………………….….80
5.2.6. Azimuth Traverse……………………………………………………………….……………...81
5.2.7. Stadia Traverse…………………………………………….…………….…..…………………81
5.2.8. Plane table and Alidade…………………………….………………...…………………....82
5.3. Traverse Computations……………………………………………….….………..…………….……..82
5.4. Sources of Errors and Precision Traversing…………….…………….…….……..………..84
5.5. Checking adjusting traverse…………………………………………….…..……….………………86
5.6. Computation of Area…………………………………………………………….……….……………….89
5.1. Introduction
A traverse consists of a series of straight lines connecting successive points. The points defining
the ends of the traverse lines are called traverse stations or traverse points.

D
B

A C

Distance along the line between successive traverse points is determined either by direct
measurement using a tape or electronic distance measuring (EDM) equipment, or by indirect
measurement using tachometric methods. At each point where the traverse changes direction, an
angular measurement is taken using a theodolite.

Traverse party: it usually consists of an instrument operator, a head tape man and rare tape
man.
Equipment for the traverse party:-The equipments for the traverse party are the theodolite,
tapes, hand level, leveling staff, ranging pole & plumb bobs, EDM& reflector, stakes & hubs,
tacks, marking crayon, points, walkie talkies, & hammer etc.
Purpose of traverse: It is a convenient, rapid method for establishing horizontal control
particularly when the lines of sights are short due to heavily built up areas where triangulation
and trilateration are not applicable. The purpose includes:
-Property surveys to locate or establish boundaries;
-Supplementary horizontal control for topographic mapping surveys;
-Location and construction layout surveys for high ways, railway, and other private and public
works;
-Ground control surveys for photogrammetric mapping.
5.2 Traversing by compass and theodolite
5.2.1. Types of traverse
1. Open traverse: It starts at a point of known position and terminates at a point of unknown
position.

X D
B

A C

- It is not possible to check the consistence of angles and distance measurement.

- To minimize errors, distances can be measured twice, angles turned by repetition,
magnetic bearings observed on all lines and astronomic observations made periodically
(not done in engineering works).
2. Closed traverse:- It originates at a point of known position and close on another point of
known horizontal position .

B D C
X X
D
B
A
C
A
Closed loop traverse
Closed link traverse

This type of traverse is preferable to all others since computational checks are possible which
allow detection of systematic errors in both distance and direction.

Traverses also categorized on the method of observing angles.

5.2.2 Compass Traverse
When compasses are used to run traverses, forward and back bearings are observed from each
traverse station and distances are taped. If local attraction exists at any traverse station, both the
forward and back bearings are affected equally. Thus interior angles computed from forward and
back bearings are independent of local attraction. Since these angles are independent of local
attraction, the sum of these interior angles provides a legitimate indication of the angular error in
the traverse.
Assuming that all bearings are of equal precision and non-correlated, this error is distributed
equally among the number of interior angles. Since none of the traverse lines has an absolute
direction that is known to be correct, it is necessary to select a line affected least by local
attraction.
Exercise:
The following are bearings taken on a closed compass traverse. Compute the interior angle and
correct them.
Assuming the observed bearing of XY to be clear of local attraction and adjust the bearing of all
other sides.

Line Forward bearing Backward bearing

XY S 27030’E N 27030’W
YC S 45015’ W N 44015’ E
CD N 730 00’ W S 720 15’ W
DE N 120 45’ E S 130 15’ W
EX N 60000’ E S 590 00’ W
5.2.3 Interior angle traverse:
Interior angle traverse is the one that is employed for closed loop traverse. Successive stations
occupied and back sight is taken to the preceding station with horizontal circle set zero. The
instrument is then turned on its upper motion until the next station is bisected/sighted and the
interior angle is observed. The horizontal circle reading gives the interior angle in the clockwise
direction. Horizontal distances are determined by stadia and angles should be observed twice by
double sighting. 4

3
A

2
1
Azimuth of a line =back azimuth of preceding line + Clockwise interior angle.
In closed figure
n

 i  (n  2)180
i 1

n is the number of stations

The error of closure can be distributed to all angles equally assuming that all observations are
made with equal precision

Example:
A clockwise interior angle in a closed traverse is as follows
A= 84058’, B=157038’, C=24037’
D= 1530 14’ , E=1030 54’, F= 139’ 06’ G= 2360 49’
Compute the error of closure and adjust the interior angle.
Solution:

Observed Adjusted interior

Station Correction
Interior angle Angle

A 840 58’ -00 2’ 84056’

B 157038’ -0 02’ 157036’
C 240 37’ -0 02’ 24 35’
D 153 14’
0
-0 2’
0
153 12’
D 103 054’ -0 02’ 103 52’
F 139 006’ -0 02’ 139 04’
G 2360 47’ -0 02’ 236 45’
Sum 9000 14’ 00” 900000’00’
(n-2)1800 9000 00 ‘ 00”
Error of
00 14’00”
closure
Exercise:
Calculate azimuth and bearing of all lines for Azimuth of AB Az AB=315 012’
5.2.4 Deflection angle traverses
This method of running traverses is widely employed than the other especially on open traverses.
It is mostly common in location of routes, canals, roads, highways, pipe lines, etc.
Successive traverse stations are occupied with a theodolite with horizontal circle set at zero and
back sight taken to the preceding station with a telescope reverse. The telescope is then plunged
and the line of sight is directed to the next station, by turning the instrument about the vertical
axis on its upper motion and the deflection angle is observed. Angles have to be observed by
double sighting.
Azimuth of line =Azimuth of preceding line + RRRR
Azimuth of line =Azimuth of preceding line -  L

X 4
B D
2
A Y

1 3
C
In the above figure the azimuth of line AX and DY and are used to check the angular closure for
the traverse

AXA + 2 + 4-1-3-3600=ADY

n n
A1   R i    Li  360 0  A2
i 1 i 1

Where A1=Azimuth of starting station

A2=Azimuth of closing station
R= deflection to the right
L= deflection to the left.
The angular error of closure can be computed and the adjustment of the observed
angles is made assuming equal weights for all angles, the error of closure may be distributed
equally among the deflection angles.
Example:
The following are deflection angles observed in a closed loop traverse.
A=850 20’ L; B=100 11’ R; C= 830 32’ L; D= 630 27’ L
E= 340 18’ L; F= 720 56’ L; G= 300 45’ L

Compute the error of closure and adjust the deflection angles assuming that all observations are
made with equal precision.
 Solution:
A1=A2 (for closed loop)
For closed loop traverse

 Ri    Li  360 0

For the given traverse

 L =370018’   R =10 11”0

10011’-370018’=-360007’
360007’-360000’=0.07’
0
Correction per angle= 0 07'  0 0 01'00"
7
This correction angle is added to deflection to the right and subtracted to deflection to the left.

Station From/To Circle observed Deflection angle Correction Corrected deflection

A G 0000’

B 85020’ 85020’L -0001’ 85019’

B A 0000’

C 10011’ 10011’R +0001’ 10012’

C B 0000’

D C

E D

F E

G F

Ri  Li  360 0

Exercise:
Azimuth of line AB is given as Az AB= 85 024’.Calculate the azimuth and bearing of all
other lines.
5.2.5 Angle to the right traverse
This method can be used in open, closed, or closed loop traverses. Successive theodolite stations
are occupied and back sight is taken to the preceding station with the horizontal circle set zero.
Then foresight is taken on the next station using the upper motion in the clockwise direction. The
reading gives the angle to the right at the station and angles should be observed by double
sighting.
Azimuth a line= Back azimuth of preceding line + angle to the right.

1 3

3 4 Error of closure
1
4
2 A1X   1   2   3   4  (4  1)180  A4Y

X 2 Y
The condition of closure can be expressed by
A1+1+2+ -----n-(n-1)180-A2=0
Where A1&A2 are Azimuths of the starting and closing stations.
n=no of traverse stations (exclusive of fixed stations).
Any misclosure can be distributed equally to all angles assuming equal precision.

Exercise:
Try the above example in 5.2.4 (Deflection angle traverse.)
5.2.6. Azimuth traverse
This method is used extensively on topographic and other surveys where a large number of
details are located by angular and linear measurements from the traverse stations. Successive
stations are occupied, beginning with the line of known or assumed azimuth. At each station the
theodolite is oriented by setting the horizontal circle index to read the back azimuth (fore ward
azimuth  1800) of the preceding line, and then back sighting to the preceding traverse station.
The instrument is then turned on the upper motion, and a foresight on the following traverse
station is taken. The reading indicated by the horizontal circle on the clockwise circle is the
azimuth of the forward line.
Any angular error of closure of a traverse becomes evident by the difference between initial and
final observations taken along the first line.
5.2.7 Stadia traverse
In stadia traverse the horizontal distance between traverse station is determined by stadia
method. The stadia traverse is sufficiently accurate and considerably more rapid and economical
than corresponding surveys made with theodolite and tape. Its advantage is that elevations can
be determined concurrently with horizontal position.
L1= distance BC observed at station B
L2= distance BC observed at station C
L1  L2
So LBC 
2
5.2.8 Plane table and alidade
Traversing with the plane table involves the same principle as running a traverse with a
theodolite. Successive plane table and alidade stations are occupied, the table is oriented and
back sight on the preceding station is taken. A fore sight is then taken to the next station and its
location is plotted on the plane table sheet. Distances and difference in elevations are determine
by stadia using the alidade and scaled off on the paper. Check lines can also provided for
checking the consistency.

5.3 Traverse Computations:

Field operation for traverses yields angles or directions and distance for a set of lines connecting a
series of traverse stations. Angles can be checked for error of closure and corrected so that
preliminary corrected values can be computed. And observed distances can be reduced to
equivalent horizontal distanced. The preliminary directions and reduced distances are suitable for
use in traverse computations, which are performed in a plane rectangular coordinate system.

Computation with plane coordinates by considering the figure below.

Y
xj xij
xij
Aj
j

yij Aj yij
dij djk
yi

i k

yi yk

X
xk
Let the reduced horizontal distance of traverse lines ij and jk be d ij and djk respectively, and Ai
and Aj be the azimuths of ij and jk. Let Xij and Yij be the departure & latitude.

Xij= dij sin Ai = departure

Yij = dij cos Ai =latitude N

IV
If the coordinates of i are xi and yi I
Sin +
So, the coordinates of j are: Sin - Cos +

Xj=xi+xij ; yj= yi+yij

W E
Cos
III + II
Xk=xj+xjk ; yk=yj-yjk
sin+
Sin -
S
Cos -
Cos -
 =xi+xij+xik ; =yi+yij-yjk

xjk =djk sin Aj yjk=djk cos Aj

Note: the signs of azimuth functions

If the coordinates for the two ends of a traverse line are given, distance between two ends can be
determined as:

dij =[(xj-xi)2+(yj-yi)2]1/2

The azimuth of line ij from north and south is

xj  xi xi  xj
Aij  tan 1 Asij  tan 1
yj  yi yi  yj

After coordinates for all the traverse points (all the departure and latitudes) for all lines have
been computed, a check is necessary on the accuracy of the observations and the validity of
calculations. In a closed traverse, the algebraic sum of the departures should equal the difference
between the x- coordinates at the beginning and ending stations of the traverse. Similarly, the
algebraic sum of the latitudes should equal the difference between the y coordinates at the
beginning and ending stations.

In a closed loop traverse, the algebraic sum of the latitudes and the algebraic sum of the
departures each must equal zero.

For a traverse containing n stations starting at i=1 and ending at station i=n, the foregoing
conditions can be expressed as follows.

n 1 n 1
X n  X 1   xi, i  1   departures
i 1 i 1
n 1 n 1
Yn  Y1   yi, i  1   latitudes
i 1 i 1

The amounts by which the above equation will fail to be satisfied are called simply closures. The
closure correction in departure dx and dy, which are of opposite signs to errors, are:

n 1
d x   X n  X 1    Xi, i  1
i 1
n 1
d y  Yn  Y1    Yi , i  1
i 1

And for closed loop traverse dx=- departures and dy=- latitudes.
5.4 Sources of errors and precision of traversing
When traversing, errors may arise in the following measurements.
a. Linear measurements: Errors in linear measurement are those as systematic, and
random errors. These errors in linear measurements should by corrected considering
its type.

b. Angular measurements: There are two main sources of errors in the measurement
of the traverse angle.

i) Observational errors:
 Due to lateral refraction, haze and wind the line of sight may not be truly straight. It is
therefore important to keep the line of sight 1m above ground on hot sunny days. In
wind and haze no need to attempt at accurate readings.
 If the signal is too large it is not possible to bisect accurately, and if the signal is not
plumbed vertically above the station mark, wrong direction will be observed. Therefore
try and always observe directly on the station mark. If this is not possible, sight to a
plumb-bob or accurately plumbed target or signal; never sight to a hand held ranging
rod.
 Errors can arise in mis reading and mis booking observations of the vernier or
micrometer, so always check that the reading booked appears on the instrument.
ii) Instrumental errors.

 Error in the adjustment of the theodolite. Always observe on both faces of the
theodolite when measuring horizontal and vertical angles.
 The theodolite must be properly leveled before observations are made. So that ensure
the plate bubble remains in the same position in its tube when the theodolite is rotated
through 360.
 Ensure that the theodolite is stable with the legs firmly planted in solid ground and that
the tripod adjusting screws are properly tightened.
 The theodolite must be properly centered over the station mark with an optical
plummet or plumbing rod.
 If the horizontal circle is moved between observations the reduced angles will be in
error. This can occur for any of the following reasons.
i) Screwing the theodolite too loosely to the tripod head.

ii) Omitting to secure the movable head.

iii) Omitting to clamp the lower plate.

iv) Using the lower tangent screw instead of the upper tangent screw.

v) Moving the orientation screw on single-axis theodolites.

5.5 Checking and adjusting traverse.

Traverse adjustment should be applied before the results of the traverse are usable for
determining areas or coordinates for publishing the data, or for computing lines to be located
from the traverse stations, to make the traverse mathematically consistent. The closure in
latitudes and departures must be adjusted out.

5.5.1 The compass rule.

Consider a traverse station i,

xi =correction to Xi

yi = correction to Yi

Xt =total closure correction of the traverse in the X coordinate.

Yt =total closure correction of the traverse in the Y coordinate.

Li =distance from station i to the next station.

L =total length of traverse

dxt= (Xn-X1)-  departure

dyt = (Yn-Y1)-  latitude

 Li   Li 
Then the corrections are xi   dX t .and yi   dYt
L L
Alternatively, corrections may be applied to the departure and latitudes prior to calculating
coordinates

 dij   dij 
xij   dxt and yij   dyt
 L   L 

xij and yij are respective corrections to the departure and latitude of line ij which has a length
of dij.

Example:

In a closed traverse the distance between traverse stations and the deflection angle are as
hereunder. Compute the error of closure and adjust the traverse using compass rule.

AXA=170024’
ADY=80038’
 Line Distance (m) Deflection angle Azimuth

AB 225.94 A 10234’L 67050’

BC 143.39 B 85055’R 153045’

CD 188.47 C 150 47’L 2058’

=557.80 D 78020’R

Solution:

Using the formula

A1+ R-L-3600=A2

170024’+164015’-253021’-3600=81018’80038’

Error of closure 81018’-80038’=0040’00’

0
Correction per angle= 0 40'00"  0010'00"
4

Station Correction Correct deflection angle Azimuth

A +0010’ 102044’ 67040’

B -0010’ 85045’ 153025’

C +0010’ 150057’ 2028’

D -0010’ 78010’

Traverse Computation

Station Distance Azimuth Departure Latitude Coordinates ,m

X y x y

A 100 100

B 225.94 670 40’ 208.992 85.856 308.992 185.856

C 143.39 153025’ 64.167 -128.231 373.159 57.625

D 188.47 2028’ 8.111 188.295 381.27 245.920

 =281.27 =145.92 [382.0] [245.0]

 282.0 145.0
XD  XA  , YD  YA 
 0.73  0.92
Adjustment of coordinates by the compass rule
Station Distance Corrections Adjusted
coordinates,m
xi  yi X Y
A 100 100
B 225.94 0.296 -0.373 309.288 185.483
C 143.39 0.483 -0.609 373.642 56.016
D 188.47 0.730 -0.920 382.0 245.0

Adjusted distance and Azimuth

Station Adjusted DAB=[(XB-XA)2+(YB-YA)2]1/2
Distance Azimuth
A DAB=[(309.288-100)2+(185.483-100)2]1/2
=226. 073m
226.073 67046’52.36” XB  XA
B AAB=tan-1
YB  YA
C 143.684 153023’31.1”
=tan-1
309.288  100 =67046’57.36’’
D 188.170 2032’44.75”
185.483  100
5.6 Computation of Area
Area computation is one of the primary objective of land survey. A closed traverse is run, in which
the lines of the traverse are made to coincide with property lines as possible. The length and
bearings of all straight boundary lines are determined either directly or by computation.

In ordinary land surveying, the area of a tract of land is taken as its projection up on a horizontal
plane, and it is not the actual area of the surface of land. For precise determination of the area of
a large tract, such as state or nation, the area is taken as the projection of the tract up on the
earth’s spheroidal surface to mean sea level.

Methods of determining area:

1. The area of the tract may be obtained by use of the planimeter from a map or plan. It may
also be calculated by dividing the tract in to triangles and rectangles, scaling the dimensions
of these figures, and computing their areas mathematically.
2. Area by triangles.
It is computation of areas individually mathematically by dividing the track in to triangles.
If length of two sides and included angle of any triangle are known,
 B
c
1
a area  ab sin c
2
A
b C

If lengths of the three sides of any triangle are given,

area  s s  a ( s  b)( s  c)

S  a  b  c 
1
2
3. Area by coordinates:
When the points defining the corners of a tract of land are coordinated with respect to some
arbitrarily chosen coordinate axes or are given in a regional system, these coordinates are
useful not only in finding the lengths and bearings of the boundaries but also in calculating
the area of the tract. The calculation involves finding the areas of trapezoids formed by
projecting the line up on a parallel at right angle to this.
Considering the figure under here

b 2
X2

a X1 1
c X3
c 3
X5 5
e
Y1 Y2
d 4 Y3
X4 Y5
Y4

a’ b’ e’ d’ c’

Area 12345= area 23cb+area 34dc-area 45fd-area 15fa-area 12bc

Area=
1
 X 2  X 3 Y2  Y3   1  X 3  X 4 Y3  Y4  _ 1  X 4  X 5 Y5  Y4 
2 2 2


1
 X 1  X 5 Y1  Y5   1  X 2  X 1 Y2  Y1 
2 2
Rearranging the above eqn.

2  area  y1 x2  x5   y2 x3  x1   y3 x4  x2   y4 x5  x3   y5 x1  x4 

The general formula for any polygon having n stations

2  area  y1 x2  xn   y2 x3  x1   .......  yn 1 xn  xn  2   yn ( x1  xn 1 ) or

2  area  x1  y2  yn   x2  y3  y1   .......  xn 1  yn  yn  2   xn  y1  yn 1 
 The area of tract can also be computed by using
y1 y2 y3 y y
..................... n 1
x1 x2 x3 xn x1
2  area  y1x2  y2 x3  y3 xn  yn x1  x1 y2  x2 y3  x3 yn  xn y1
4. Area by double meridian distance and latitudes:
After the adjustment of latitude and departure of traverse lines in a given traverse it is possible to
compute the area enclosed by the traverse. The method by which the adjusted departures and
latitudes are used to compute the area is called double meridian distance method.
A reference meridian is assumed to pass through the most westerly point of the survey; the
double meridian distance of the lines are computed; and double the areas of the trapezoids or
triangles formed by orthographically projecting the several traverse lines up on the meridian are
computed. The algebraic sum of these double areas is double the area within the traverse. The
meridian distance of a point is the total departure or perpendicular distance from the reference
meridian and the meridian distance of a straight line is the meridian distance of its mid point. The
double meridian distance of a straight line is the sum of the meridian distances of the two
extremities.
N
Meridian distance of B  M.D.B =bB
Meridian distance of C  M.D.C =cC
b B

Double meridian distance of AB=0+ bB

A Double meridian distance of BC= MD@B+MD@C
=bB+cC
c C
DMD of line =DMD of preceding line + departure of
Preceding line + departure of the line
d D

The length of the orthographic projection of a line up on the meridian is the latitude of the line.
The double area of the triangle or trapezoidal formed by projecting a given line up on the
meridian is:
Double area=DMD* latitude
In computing double area algebraic signs should be taken in to account.
Example:
For a traverse 123456 the adjusted distance and azimuths are given as below.Coordinate of
1(0.0, 0.0)
Adjusted Adjusted
Line Distance Azimuth Departure Latitudes
 12 405.18 106019’45” +388.84 -113.92
23 336.59 57 54’01”
0
+285.13 +178.86
34 325.18 335028’43” -134.96 +295.85
45 212.92 219028’33” -135.41 -164.31
56 252.21 266 55’30”
0
-251.85 -13.53
61 237.69 219040’28” -151.75 -182.95

Compute the area in the traverse by using all methods.

Solution:
Computation of area Station Coordinate, m

1. Area by triangle 4 X Y

6 1 0 0

5 4 2 388.84 -113.92
3 673.97 64.94
1 3 3 4 539.01 306.79
1 2
5 403.4 196.48
6 151.75 182.95
2
1 0 0
D62  ( X 6
 X 2 ) 2  (Y6  Y2 ) 2 
 151.75  388.84 2
 (182.95)  (113.92) 
2

 379.93m
D52  403.4  388.84 2
 196.48  (113.92) 
2

 310.74m
D53  403.4  673.97 2  196.48  64.942
 300.85m

Using the formula. Area  s s  a s  b s  c 

a bc
S 
2

For triangle 1, 405.18  237.69  379.73

S   511.4
2

area 126  511.4(511.4  405.18)(511.4  237.69)(511.4  379.93)

 44212.20m 2

379.93  252.21  310.74

For triangle 2, S   471.44
2
area 256  471.44(471.44  379.93)(471.44  310.74)471.44  252.21)
 38985.71m 2
 310.74  300.85  336.59
For triangle 3, S   474.09
2

area 235  479.09(479.09  310.74)( 474.09  300.85)( 474.09  336.59

 42950.22m 2
300.85  325.18  212.92
For triangle 4, S   419.48
2
area 345  419.48(419.48  300.85)( 419.48  325.18)( 419.48  212.92
 31133.78m 2
Total area of traverse =a1+a2+a3+a4
=44212.20+38985.71+42950.22+31133.78
= 157,281.91m2
2. Area by coordinate method.
Using the general formula
2 area=Y1(X2-Xn)+Y2(X3-X1)+….+Yn-1(Xn-Xn-2)+Yn(X1-Xn-1).
=0 (388.84-151.75) +-113.92(673.97-0) +64.94(539.01-388.84)
+360.79(403.4-673.97) +196.48(151.75-539.01) +182.95(0-403.4).
2 area =-314536.45
Area= 157268.22m2

3. Area by DMD and latitude

Assume the meridian passes through the westerly corner of the traverse i.e station 1.

4
d

e 6
5
f
a 1
c 3

b
2

DMD of line=DMD of preceding line+ departure of preceding line + departure of the line.
 Line Departure DMD Latitudes Double Area

+388.84 388.84 -113.92 -44296.65

23 +285.13 1062.81 +178.86 +190094.20
34 -134.96 1212.98 +295.85 +358860.13
45 -135.41 942.61 -164.31 -154880.25
56 251.85 555.35 -13.53 -7513.89
61 -151.75 151.75 -182.95 -27762.66

Double area =548954.33

-234453.45
=314500.88
Area of tract =314500.88/2 =157250.44m2

Area of tract with irregular or curved boundaries

When the boundary of a tract of land follows some irregular or curved line, such as a stream
or road, it is necessary to run a traverse in some convenient location near the boundary and
to locate the boundary by offsets from the traverse line. Offsets are taken at changing points
of an irregular boundary from the near by traverse line, and when the boundary is a gradual
curve, offsets are taken at regular intervals.

If the offsets are taken sufficiently close together, the error involved in considering the
boundary as straight between offsets is small as compared with the inaccuracies of the
measured offsets. So, the areas between offsets are of trapezoidal shapes and irregular areas
can be calculated by the trapezoidal rule.

**Area by trapezoidal rule

h1  h2 D  h  h3  D h  hn  D
Area    2   ... n 1 
2 n 1  2  n 1  2  n 1
If offsets are taken at equal interval

h3 h4 h5
h2 h6
h1 h7

A D B
 D  h1  h2  h2  h3  h3  .....  hn 1  hn 1  h n 
  
n 1 2 
D  h1 hn 
    h2  h3  ...hn 1 
n 1 2 2 
D
If  d  interval, n=-number of offsets.
n 1
h h 
Area  d  1  n  h2  h3  ...hn 1 
 2 2 
**Area by Simpson’s one-third rule.
Simpson’s one-third rule is applied directly for odd number of offsets.
Area between line AB and curved line DFC

h h   h  h  2
  1 3 2d   h2  1 3 2d  
 2   2  3

 h1  4h2  h3 
d
3
Area for the next two intervals
d
Area  h3  4h4  h5 
3
The summation of these partial areas for (n-1) intervals, n being on odd number representing the
number of offsets, is

area 
d
h1  hn  2(h3  h5  ...  hn  2 )  4(h2  h4  ...  hn 1 )
3
Exercise:
The following offsets are taken at equal interval of 5 m, and offsets between the traverse line
and an irregular boundary is as below. Calculate the area bounded between the traverse line
and an irregular boundary by using both methods.
Distance 0 8 16 24 32 40 48 56 64
Offsets,m 2.9 3.8 17.9 12.7 20.2 11.4 25.7 23.3 20.9

**Area by coordinate rule

When offsets are taken at irregular intervals, the area of each figure between pairs of
adjacent offsets may be computed and the values are added. The coordinate rule for irregular
spacing of offsets can be applied by the relation; twice the area can be calculated if each
 offset is multiplied by the distance to the preceding offset plus the distance to the following
offset.
2 Area=h1d1+h2 (d1+d2)+h3(d2+d3)+h4(d3+d4)+h5(d4+d5)+h6(d5+d6)+h7d6
The general formula
2 Area=h1x d1+h2 (d1+d2)+…+hn-1(dn-2+dn-1)+hn x dn-1.
Exercise:
Try the above exercise!
Coordinates of unoccupied point
Sometimes it is not possible to set the instrument up over points like top of building etc. So,
in order to determine the coordinates of points, spur lines or ties lines must be run from the
traverse to these points. In the figure below, the boundaries if a parcel of land are defined by
an iron pipe, a nail in a tree and two fence posts. The only corner that can be occupied is the
one marked by the iron pipe. The problem is to determine the lengths and bearings of the
property lines.
It will be assumed that the coordinates of the iron pipe at point A and the bearing of the line
AB are known. The procedure is then as follows:
1. Measure the lengths of the traverse sides AB, BC, CD and DA, and also the lengths of the
three tie lines BP, CR, and DS.
2. Measure the angles in the traverse ABCD, and also the angles between traverse lines and
the tie lines to P, R, and S, a shown in the figure.
3. Adjust the angles in the traverse ABCD, and compute the bearings of lies BC, CD and DA
based on the known bearing of the one AB.
4. Balance the traverse ABCD.
5. Compute the coordinates of points B, C, and D.
6. Determine the bearings of the lines BC, CD, and DA based on the coordinates computed in
(5).
7. Compute the bearing of the tie lies from the bearings computed in (5) and the measured
angles.
8. Compute the latitudes and departures of the tie lines.
9. Compute the coordinates of the unoccupied stations from the coordinates of traverse
stations B, C, and D and the latitudes and departures of the lines BP, CR, and DS,
respectively.

When the coordinates of P, R, and S have been computed, the bearings and lengths of the boundary lines
may be computed.
Example:
The following adjusted coordinates of stations A, B, C and D of traverse are given. Additionally,
unadjusted deflection angles and unadjusted lengths of supr lines are recorded determine the
lengths and bearings of the boundary lines AP, PR, RS and SA.

Station Adjusted
Coordinate
Y X
A 1000.00 1000.00
B 1279.68 1018.13
C 1197.70 735.31
D 1015.45 713.45
A 1000.00 1000.00

Station From To Def-angle Line Length, m

A - - -
B A P 69008’L BP 40.15
C B R 128002’R CR 64.24
D C S 124 30’L
0
DS 24.80
Solution:
From the adjusted coordinate of the traverse the azimuth of line AB, BC, CD, DA can be computed
1018.13  1000
For line AB tan AN   AAB  3 0 42'32.25"
1279.68  1000
735.31  1018.13
For line BC tan AN   ABC  253050'5.7"
1197.70  11279.68
713.45  735.310
For line CD tan AN   ACD  186050'22"
1015.45  1197.70

For line DA tan AN=

1000  713.45
 ADA  93 0 5'10.5
1000  1015.45
Computation of Azimuth of tie lines
Line Azimuth Line Azimuth Line Azimuth
AB 3042’32.25’’ BC 253050’5. 7’’ CD 186050’22.8’’
363042’32.25’’ +<C +12802’00’’ -<D -124030’00’’
-<B -6908’00’’ CR 381052’5.7’’
BP 294034’32.25’’ CR 21052’5.7’’ DS 62020’22.8’’
BP N65025’27.75’’W CR N21052’5.7’’E DS N62020’22.8’’E
 Computation of coordinates of boundary corners
Coordinates
Station Length Bearing Latitude Departure
X Y
B 1018.13 1279.68
40.15 N65025’27.75’’W 16.70 -36.51
P *981.62 1296.38
C 735.31 1197.70
64.24 N21052’5.7’’E 59.62 23.93
R *759.24 1257.32
D 713.45 1015.45
29.80 N62020’22.8’’E 13.83 26.39
S *739.84 1029.28

From adjusted coordinates azimuth and distance of property lines can be computed.

For line AP tan AAP = 981.61  1000 =-3032’55.15’’+360000’00’’ =356027’4.85’’

1296.38  1000
Distance AP=[(981.62-1000)2+(1296.38-1000)2]1/2 =296.95
Adjusted distance and azimuth
Line Distance, m Azimuth
AP 296.95 365027’4.85’’
PR 225.78 260002’20’’
RS 228.86 184051’50’’
SA 261.80 96025’20’’