FUNDAMENTALS OF SURVEYING 2
Self-Pace Module
Module 1 Traversing and Traverse Computations
Topics a. Types of Traverse
b. Traverse Computations
c. Error of Closure and Relative Precisiion
d. Traverse Adjustments
Overview: This lesson will provide an overview on the various type of traverse and
relative computations for traverse adjustments
Duration: Week 2-5 (4 weeks)
Targeting Learning Outcomes
Course Intended Learning -Identify various types of traverse
Outcomes -Calculate error of closure and relative precision
-Perform traverse adjustment using different methods
Essential Questions Why is it important to learn on how to adjust the traverses?
Learning Targets At the end of this module, you should be able to learn how to make
traverse adjustments using different methods
Reference and Credits: Elementary Surveying, by Ghilani and Wolf
Elementary Surveying by La Putt
1. Introduction
A traverse is a series of consecutive lines whose ends have been marked in the field and whose
lengths and directions have been determined from observations. There are two kinds of traverses:
closed and open.
A. Closed Traverse
Two categories of closed traverses exist: polygon and link
In the polygon traverse, as shown, the lines return to the starting point, thus forming a
closed figure that is both geometrically and mathematically closed. Link traverses finish upon
another station that should have a positional accuracy equal to or greater than that of the
starting point. The link type (geometrically open, mathematically closed)
Closed traverses provide checks on the observed angles and distances, which is an
extremely important consideration. They are used extensively in control, construction, property,
and topographic surveys.
, POLYGON TRAVERSE LINK TRAVERSE
B. Open Traverse
An open traverse (geometrically and mathematically open) consists of a series of lines
that are connected but do not return to the starting point or close upon a point of equal or
greater order accuracy.
2. Observation of Traverse Angles
1. Interior-angle traverses are used for many types of work, but they are especially convenient
for property surveys. Although interior angles could be observed either clockwise or counterclockwise,
to reduce mistakes in reading, recording, and computing, they should always be turned clockwise from
the backsight station to the foresight station.
, 2. Deflection Angle Traverse - The deflection angle traverse is used frequently for the location
survey of roads railroads, pipelines, transmission lines, canals, and other similar types of surveys
employed to a lesser extent in land surveys and establishing controls for hydrographic and topographic
Surveys
Lecture Videos
Please watch the YouTube Videos, (links provided)
Types of Traverse https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nD8gVIa1kfY
Self-Pace Module
Module 1 Traversing and Traverse Computations
Topics a. Types of Traverse
b. Traverse Computations
c. Error of Closure and Relative Precisiion
d. Traverse Adjustments
Overview: This lesson will provide an overview on the various type of traverse and
relative computations for traverse adjustments
Duration: Week 2-5 (4 weeks)
Targeting Learning Outcomes
Course Intended Learning -Identify various types of traverse
Outcomes -Calculate error of closure and relative precision
-Perform traverse adjustment using different methods
Essential Questions Why is it important to learn on how to adjust the traverses?
Learning Targets At the end of this module, you should be able to learn how to make
traverse adjustments using different methods
Reference and Credits: Elementary Surveying, by Ghilani and Wolf
Elementary Surveying by La Putt
1. Introduction
A traverse is a series of consecutive lines whose ends have been marked in the field and whose
lengths and directions have been determined from observations. There are two kinds of traverses:
closed and open.
A. Closed Traverse
Two categories of closed traverses exist: polygon and link
In the polygon traverse, as shown, the lines return to the starting point, thus forming a
closed figure that is both geometrically and mathematically closed. Link traverses finish upon
another station that should have a positional accuracy equal to or greater than that of the
starting point. The link type (geometrically open, mathematically closed)
Closed traverses provide checks on the observed angles and distances, which is an
extremely important consideration. They are used extensively in control, construction, property,
and topographic surveys.
, POLYGON TRAVERSE LINK TRAVERSE
B. Open Traverse
An open traverse (geometrically and mathematically open) consists of a series of lines
that are connected but do not return to the starting point or close upon a point of equal or
greater order accuracy.
2. Observation of Traverse Angles
1. Interior-angle traverses are used for many types of work, but they are especially convenient
for property surveys. Although interior angles could be observed either clockwise or counterclockwise,
to reduce mistakes in reading, recording, and computing, they should always be turned clockwise from
the backsight station to the foresight station.
, 2. Deflection Angle Traverse - The deflection angle traverse is used frequently for the location
survey of roads railroads, pipelines, transmission lines, canals, and other similar types of surveys
employed to a lesser extent in land surveys and establishing controls for hydrographic and topographic
Surveys
Lecture Videos
Please watch the YouTube Videos, (links provided)
Types of Traverse https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nD8gVIa1kfY
