GEOMATIC ENGINEERING

WEEK 10
TRIANGULATION

Last Updated:29 October 2013 LMS SEGi University College 1

 Learning Objectives

To understand the principle of triangulation and its

application in various types of survey

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 Triangulation

Triangulation
Triangulation is adopted for a large area of survey where the area
is divided into a network of triangles. All angles are measured and
the lengths of the various sides can be calculated from the
baseline.
Baseline
If the length and bearing of one side or line has been measured,
all other sides can be calculated by using trigonometry. This line
is known as the baseline.
Control points
The control points lie in the corners of the geometrical shape of
the survey.

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 Triangulation

Selection of stations
Factors to consider:
1. Neighboring stations should be visible between each other
2. Triangles should be proportioned such that no angles are less
than 30 deg and all sides approximately similar in length.
3. The sides should be as long as possible
4. Existing stations and reference objects should be incorporated
5. Stations to be free from risk of disturbance
6. Stations to be located in open area if GPS reference reading
is required.

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 Triangulation
Triangulation survey example
- All angles 1-6 are measured
using theodolite
- The length of one side should
be measured by tape to serve as
the baseline
- All other sides can be
calculated by trigonometry eg.
a = b = c
sin A sin B sinC

- Details can be added using

right angle offsets from main
sides as shown
Last Updated:29 October 2013 LMS SEGi University College 5