HORIZONTAL

POSITIONING
METHODS
#4th week#

The Geometry of Making Surveys

Triangulation

A survey network is
a group of survey
points all interconnected such that
they are all in a
common coordinate
system.

Triangulation is a type of surveying that uses the

principles of trigonometry to determine positions on the
surface of the Earth (i.e., latitude and longitude). If the
three angles of a triangle and the length of one side of
the triangle are known, the lengths of the other two
sides of the triangle can be computed.

The Geometry of Making Surveys

Trilateration

The Geometry of Making Surveys

Traverse

A traverse is a series
of survey points, often
laid out in
approximately a
straight line.
A traverse starts from two known points to provide
position and azimuth (direction) for the survey and
ends on two known points to check the position and
azimuth at the end of the survey. The angles at each
point are measured and the distances between
adjacent points are measured. The observations can
then be used to compute the positions (latitude and
longitude) of each of the survey points along the line.

The Geometry of Making Surveys

Intersection

P = Unknown Point

Intersection requires
the measurement of
angles by setting up
the theodolite at
control stations and
taking angle
readings by sighting
to the unknown
point(s).

The Geometry of Making Surveys

Resection
A

B
1

P = unknown
point

In this method, the

theodolite is set up
over the unknown
point and angle
readings taken to at
least three control
points. Because the
theodolite is only set
up once, it is
considered to give a
less secure fix from
the point of view of
checks and accuracy.

TRAVERSE
Traverse is a method in the field of surveying to establish control networks. It is also used in geodetic work.
Traverse networks involved placing the survey stations along a line or path of travel, and then using the
previously surveyed points as a base for observing the next point.

Open Traverse

Closed Traverse

Traverse networks have many advantages of

other systems,
including:
Less reconnaissance and organization
needed
While in other systems, which may require
the survey to be performed along a
rigid polygon shape, the traverse can change
to any shape and thus can
accommodate a great deal of different terrains
Only a few observations need to be taken
at each station, whereas in other survey
networks a great deal of angular and linear
observations need to be made and
considered
Traverse networks are free of the strength
of figure considerations that happen in
triangular systems
Scale error does not add up as the traverse
as performed. Azimuth swing errors
can also be reduced by increasing the
distance between stations

OPEN TRAVERSE
An open traverse starts at
a point of known or
assumed
horizontal
position with respect to a
horizontal datum, and
terminates at an unknown
horizontal position. Thus,
open
traverses
end
without closure. Open
traverses are used on
route surveys, but should
be avoided whenever
possible
since
they
cannot
be
properly
checked. Measurements
in open traverses should
be repeated to minimize
mistakes.

Closed Traverse

Loop Traverse

LinkTraverse

A closed traverse is
called starts at a
known or assumed
horizontal position
and terminates at that
point (i.e., loop
traverse), or it starts
at a known horizontal
position and
terminates at another
known horizontal
position (i.e.,
connecting
traverses). Both the
measured
angles and lengths in
a closed traverse may
be checked.

Traverse Purposes
Traverse surveys are made for many
purposes to include:
1. To determine the positions of exiting
boundary markers.
2. To establish the positions of boundary
lines.
3. To determine the area encompassed
within a boundary.
4. To determine the positions of arbitrary
points from which data may be obtained
for preparing various types of maps (i.e.,
establish control for map making).
5. To establish ground control for
photographic mapping.
6. To establish control for gathering data
regarding earthwork quantities in railroad
highway, utility, and other construction
work.
7. To establish control for locating railroads,
highways, and other construction work.

Traverse Principle

XB = XA + dABsin(AB)
YB = YA + dABcos(AB)

Must be considered:
1) The data must be known before (minimum
requirements)
2 control points or
1 control point and initial azimuth
2) The data must be measured
Distance
Horizontal angle
Initial azimuth if it isnt known before
3) The data must be computed
Initial azimuth (from 2 control points)
Next point azimuth
Coordinate point which should be sought
Xij = Xj - Xi = dijsin(ij) (abcissa difference)
Yij = Yj - Yi = dijcos(ij) (ordinate difference)

The data must be known before

Control points can be obtained by

1. The computation result from previous
measurements eg. GPS, traverse,
triangulation, trilateration, resection,
intersection, etc
2. Assumed yourself locally eg. (0,0), (100,100)
but only 1 initial control point
Initial azimuth can be obtained by previous
measurement (data before)

The data must be measured

Initial azimuth can be measured by compass

Distance (length of traverse sides) can be
measured by roll meter, theodolite, TS, EDM
Angle between traverse sides can be
measured by theodolite, TS, sextan, compass

The data must be computed

XB = XA + dABsin(AB)
YB = YA + dABcos(AB)

Xij = Xj - Xi = dijsin(ij) (abcissa difference)

Yij = Yj - Yi = dijcos(ij) (ordinate difference)

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