SURVEYING LABORATORY MANUAL

CHEBROLU ENGINEERING COLLEGE

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

Name :
Roll No:
Acadamic year:

Signature of lab in -charge

CHBROLU ENGINEERING COLLEGEPage 1

EXPERIMENT NO: 2

Date :
CHAIN TRAVERSING

AIM: To determine the area by chain surveying

Equipment: Ranging Rods, Chain or tape, offset rods, cross staff, arrows.
Formulas:Rectangular area A = b X h
Triangular area A = X b X h
Trapezoidial area A = X L [h1 + h2]
Procedure:
Set the two stations A and B. By ranging these two stations place the ranging rod or
intermediate, points Using intermediate points locate offsets for the ranging between A and B.
Measure the distance by rotating the off sets starting from A and B.
Join the offsets and ranging poles to get some required amount of triangles or
trapezoidal which enables to calculate given area.
Precautions:
1

Readings should be taken without parallax error.

Ranging, Offsetting, chaining should be done carefully.

Result: Total area occupied =

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EXPERIMENT NO: 3

Date :

TO CALCULATE THE DISTANCE BETWEEN TWO IN ACCESSIBLE POINTS.

AIM: To determine the distance between two in accessible points with compass.
Equipments Used:
Tape, ranging rod, cross staff, off sets, Prismatic compass Tripod, arrows.
Theory:
1

Prismatic Compass is mainly used to take Whole Circle Bearings. The principle of
compass traversing is it contains a magnetic needle which is divided into degrees

and half degree graduations starts from N=00 S= 18O0 E = 900 W=2700.
But in prismatic compass we will have graduations as N=1800 S= O0 E = 2700
W=900.

3. Eye vane and object vane passes through the centre of prism. A glass cover is
provided over the compass box. Hinged mirror is provided to measure too low or too
tall objects by inclining the mirror. A brake pin is provided to stop the oscillations of
the graduated ring.
Centering:
A tripod is placed over the stations with its legs spread with a part, so that it is at a
workable height. The compass is firmed on the tripod. It is the centred over the station
where the bearings are to be taken (i.e) the centre of the compass pivot is brought exactly
above the ground station. A plumb bob is hung from the centre of compass. In case of

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arrangement of work plumb bob is not provided as stone is dropped from the center and that
point is noted as the ground station
Levelling:
The compass is levelled by high judgment. This is essential so that the graduated ring
swings freely. The levelling is achieved by a ball and socket arrangement which is adjusted
till the bubbles becomes centre in both the plane levels.
Local attraction:
The magnetic needle does not point to the north when it is under the influence of the
external attractive forces in the presence of magnetic material such as iron pipes, Iron lamps,
steel structures, Iron lamps, rails cables, chain arrows, mineral deposits in ground etc. The
needle is deflected from its (ground) normal position. Hence local attraction by the magnetic
materials has disturbing influence on the magnetic needle.
Procedure:
Let P and Q are the two points and there is an obstacle between them. Now we have
to measure the distance between P and Q by compass. Select two points A and B such that
line AB is almost parallel to the line PQ and the distance between A and B is measured with a
chain.
Place the compass and station a centering and levelly with centre A. Note the readings
of AP, AQ and AB then shift the compass to stations B after centering and levelling its place
the bearing of BA, BP and BQ.

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Cosine rule For PQA

PQ2 = PA2 + AQ2 2 PA.AQ cos(PAQ)
From APB sine rule.
AB = PA

from ABQ AB = AQ

Sin P Sin B

SinQ

SinB

Precductions:
1

Ranging rods should be ranged accurately.

Magnetic needle should be perfectly straight.

Vertical hair of the compass may not be loose. Eye vane and object vane should be
vertical. Chaining, reading, measuring, levelling and centering should be done
without parallax error.

Result:
The distance between in accessible points is ___________.

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EXPERIMENT NO: 4

Date :

SURVEYING AN AREA BY CLOSED TRAVERSE

AIM: To survey an area by prismatic compass and plotting after adjustment.
Equipment:
Tape, ranging rod, cross staff, off sets, Prismatic compass Tripod, arrows.
Theory:
1

Prismatic Compass is mainly used to take Whole Circle Bearings. The principle of
compass traversing is it contains a magnetic needle which is divided into degrees

and half degree graduations starts from N=00 S= 18O0 E = 900 W=2700.
But in prismatic compass we will have graduations as N=1800 S= O0 E = 2700

W=900.
Eye vane and object vane passes through the centre of prism. A glass cover is
provided over the compass box. Hinged mirror is provided to measure too low or
too tall objects by inclining the mirror. A brake pin is provided to stop the
oscillations of the graduated ring.

Centering:
A tripod is placed over the station with its legs spread well apart so that it is at a
workable height. The compass is fixed on the tripod. It is then centered over the station
where the bearings are to be taken (i.e) centre of the compass pivot is brought exactly above

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the ground station. If a plumb is bob is not provided a stone is dropped below the compass
and it should fall on the peg marking on the ground station.
Levelling:
The compass is levelled by the eye-judgment, this is essential so that the graduated
ring swings freely. Sometimes two plate levels at right angles are also provided to level the
instrument. The levelling is achieved by a ball and socket adjustments which is adjusted till
the bubbles concentrated in both the plate levels.
Local attraction:
The magnetic needle does not point to the magnetic north, when it is under the
influence of the external attractive forces in the presence of magnetic materials, such as iron
pipes, iron lamps, steel structures, rails cables chain, arrows, mineral deposits in the ground
etc. The needle is deflected from the normal position because of local attraction by the
magnetic materials.
Procedure:
To run a compass traverse ABCDEA, the compass is centered over the starting station
A and levelled. The ranging rod at E is sighted and the back bearing of the line EA is
measured. Then the ranging rod at B is sighted and the fore bearing of the line AB is taken.
The traverse line AB length is measured with a tape. The compass is then shifted to the
station B, centered and levelled. The back bearing of the line AB and fore bearing of the line
BC are measured and the length of traverse line BC is measured with tape. The compass is

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then shifted to the C, D and E. respectively, and the processes of taking bearing and traverse
length are repeated.
Precautions:
1

Ranging rods should be ranged accurately.

Magnetic needle should be perfectly straight.

Vertical hair of the compass should not be loose.

Eye vane and object vane should be vertical.

Chaining, ranging, measuring, levelling and centering should be done without any
parallax error.

Result:
Surveying of an area by closed traverse is done.

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EXPERIMENT NO: 5

Date :
PLANE TABLE BY RADIATION

AIM: To plot the given area by method of radiation by plane table.

Apparatus:
A plane table, alidade, plumbing fork or U. Frame, plumb bob, spirit level, compass,
drawing paper with a rain proof covers.
Theory:
A plane table consists of a small drawing board mounted on a tripod thus the board
can be rotated about the vertical axis and can be clamped in any position on the table and
levelled by adjusting tripod legs.
Alidade:
A plane table alidade is a straight edge with some form of straight device. It generally
consists of a metal or wooden rule with two vanes at the ends. The two vanes or sights are
hung to fold down on the rule when it is not in use. One of the vanes is provided with a
narrow slit while the other is open and carries a wire in the slit. Both the slits thus provide a
definite line of sight and passes through the object to the sighted.
Plumbing fork:

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The plumbing fork is used in large scale work. It is meant for centering the table over
a point occupied by the plane table. It is meant for transferring the point on ground to the
sheet. So that the plotted point on sheet and the ground station are in the same vertical line.
Spirit level:
A small spirit level may be used for ascertaining as if the table is properly level. The
table is levelled by placing the level on the board in two positions at right angles and getting
the bubble central in both positions.
Method of Radiation:
In the method of Radiation of plane table surveying we will draw radiating lines by
sighting the ranging rods at their respective positions on ground.
In this method, a ray is drawn from the instrument station towards the point,
the distance between the instrument station and that point is measured, and the point located
by plotting to some scale the distance so measured. Evidently, the method is more suitable
when the distances are small (within a tape length) and one single instrument can control the
points to be detailed.

The method has a wider scope if the distances are obtained

tacheometrically with the help of telescopic alidade.

1. Set the table at T, level it and transfer the point on ground to the sheet by, means of
plumbing fork, thus getting point t representing T. Clamp the table.

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2. Keep the alidade touching t and sight to A. Draw the ray along the fiducial edge of the
alidade. Similarly, sight different points B,C,D,E etc., and draw the corresponding rays.
A pin may be kept touching the pin while sighting the points.
3. Measure TA,TB,TC, TD, TE etc., in the field and plot their distances to some scale along
the corresponding rays, thus getting a, b, c, d, e etc. Join these if needed.
Precautions:
1

Centering and levelling should be done carefully.

Ranging rods should be ranged accurately.

Vertical hair of the alidade may not be loose.

Alidade readings should be taken carefully.

Rotating the instrument and plotting errors should be eliminated.

Chaining, measuring must be done without parallax error.

Result:
The given area is plotted on plane table by radiation method.

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EXPERIMENT NO: 6

Date :
PLANE TABLE BY INTERSECTION

AIM: To plot the given area by method of intersection by plane table.

Apparatus:
A plane table, alidade, plumbing fork or U. Frame and plumb bob, spirit level,
compass and drawing paper with a rain proof covers.
Theory:
A plane table consists of a small drawing board mounted on a tripod thus the board
can be rotated about the vertical avis and can be clamped in any position on the table and
levelled by adjusting tripod legs.
Alidade:
A plane table alidade is a straight edge with some form of straight device. It generally
consists of a metal or wooden rule with two vanes at the ends. The two vanes or sights are
hung to fold down on the rule when it is not in use. one of the vanes is provided with a
narrow slit while the other is open and carries a wire in the slit . Both the slits thus provide a
definite line of sight and passes through the object to be sighted.
Plumbing fork:
The plumbing fork is used in large scale work. Its meant centering the table over a
point occupied by the plane table. It is meant for transferring the ground on the point on the
sheet. So that the plotted point on the ground station one in the same vertical line.
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Spirit level:
A small spirit level may be used for ascertaining as if the table is properly level. The
table is levelled by placing the level on the board in two positions at right angles and getting
the bubble central in both positions.
Intersection:
Intersection is resolved when the distance between the point and instrument station is
either too large or cannot be measured accurately from single station, due to some field
conditions. The location of an object is determined by sighting at the object from the two
plane table stations and drawing the rays. The intersection of rays will give the position of
the object. The distance between two instrument stations is measured and plotted on the
sheet.
The following procedure is used.
1

Select two points A and B such that the points P to be located is visible from both the

points.
Set up the plane table at A and level it. Plot the point a on the drawing paper to

represent the ground station A, using the plumbing fork.

Pivot the alidade on a and sight the ranging rod at B, and draw a ray in that direction.

Measure the distance AB and scale off the distance ab to locate the point b.
The alidade still pivoted on a, sight the station P which is to be located. Draw the ray

ap along the ruling edge of the alidade towards P.

Shift the plane table to B. Set it over the station B, and level it and centre it. Orient the
plane table at B by back sighting on A. when oriented, clamp the plane table.

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Pivot the alidade on b, and sight the station P. Draw the ray bp along P. the
intersection of the ray ap drawn from a and the ray bp drawn from b gives the
position the point P.

Precautions:
1

Centering and levelling should be done carefully.

Ranging rods should be ranged accurately.

Vertical hair of the alidade may not be loose.

Alidade readings should be taken carefully.

Rotating the instrument and plotting errors should be eliminated.

Chaining, measuring must be done without parallax error.

Result: The given area is plotted by plane table by inter section method.

EXPERIMENT NO: 7(a)

Date :
THE TWO-POINT PROBLEM

AIM: To plot the given point by two point problem by plane table surveying.

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Instruments:
A plane table, alidade, plumbing fork and plumb-bob, spirit level, compass, drawing
paper with a rain proof cover.
Theory:
The two-point problem is a special case of resection to obtain the position of the station
occupied by the table, given the plotted position of two points. The two-point problem can be
stated as follows: To determine the position, s, of the station S occupied by the plane table,
given the accurately plotted positions, p and q, of two points, P and Q, visible from the
instrument station and without occupying these two stations.
Figure below shows the problem. P and Q are two survey stations which have been
surveyed earlier and their positions plotted as p and q on the sheet. S is the instrument station
(where the plane table is to be set up) and it is required to get the position of S on the sheet as
s when the table is oriented correctly, i.e., when P-Q is parallel to p-q. The following
procedure can be adopted to solve the two-point problem.

Procedure:

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1. Select an auxiliary station R such that the signals at P,Q and S are clearly visible from R
and the angles formed by P,Q and S are not very acute.
2. Set up the plane table at R. Level the table. Approximately orient the table so that p-q is
nearly parallel to P-Q. Clamp the table in this position.
3. Plot the position of R on the table by sighting to P and Q. For this, keep the alidade
against p and sight the signal at P. Draw a line along the ruling edge of the alidade.
Similarly, sight the signal at Q by pivoting the alidade against q and draw a ray. The
intersection of the two rays drawn gives the position of the station occupied by the table.
Label this point r. Point r is obtained as the position of the station occupied and is
accurate to the extent the line p-q is parallel to P-Q.
4. Transfer the point r on the table to the ground as R using the plumbing fork. A peg can be
driven to locate the ground station.
5. With the alidade kept against r, sight the ranging rod or other signal at S and draw a line.
Mark the distance S by approximation or rough chaining. Point s1 is thus obtained.
6. Shift the table to S. Level and centre the table over s 1. Orient the table by back sighting at
R. For this, keep the alidade against s1 and sight the signal at R by rotating the table.
Clamp the table in this position.
7. With the alidade kept against p, sight the station P and draw a ray. This ray intersects the
line r-s at s2, giving the station s. Keep the alidade against s 2, sight the signal at Q, and

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draw a ray. This ray will intersect the ray r-q not at q but at q, as the orientation of the
table is only approximate.
8. p-q is the representation obtained of p-q due to the error in orientation. The angle q-p-q
is the angular error in orientation.
9. To remove this error, place the alidade against p-q and keep a ranging a rod at a large
distance M.
10. Keep the alidade against p-q and rotate the table until the signal at M is sighted and clamp
the table. This position is the correct oriented position, with P-Q parallel to p-q.
11. Obtain the position of S by sighting P and draw a ray. Keep the alidade against q and
sight the signal at Q. The intersection of the two rays gives the true position, s, of S. The
distance of M must be large enough to correct the orientation of the table.
Precautions:
1

Centering and levelling should be done carefully.

Ranging rods should be ranged accurately.

Cross hair of the alidade may not be loose.

Alidade readings should be taken carefully.

Rotating the instrument and plotting errors should be eliminated.

Chaining, measuring must be done without parallax error.

Result: The given point is plotted by plane table by two point problem method.

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EXPERIMENT NO: 7(b)

Date :
THE THREE POINT PROBLEM

AIM: To plot the given point by three point problem method by plane table surveying.
Instruments:
A plane table, alidade, plumbing fork and plumb-bob, spirit level, compass, drawing
paper with a rain proof cover.
Theory:
The three-point problem is also a problem of resection. The objective is to obtain the
position of the station occupied by the table after orientation. The three-point problem can be
stated as follows: Given three visible stations and their plotted positions, to plot the station
occupied by the plane table with the table correctly oriented with respect to the three points
already plotted.
The three point problem can be solved using many methods. The following three
methods will be discussed here:
1. Tracing paper method
2. Graphical method
3. Trial and error method

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Procedure:
1
2

Set up and level the plane table at P.

Place the alidade along ca, with the point a towards A. Turn the table till the station A
is bisected. Clamp the table. Center the alidade on c and sight B. draw a ray cb along

the fiducial edge of the alidade. The ray will not pass through b.
Unclamp the table. place the alidade along ac, with c towards C. Turn the table till the
station C is bisected. Clamp the table. Pivot the alidade on a and sight B. draw the ray

ad intersecting the ray cb at d.

Place the fiducial edge of the alidade along bd, turn the table until B is bisected.
Clamp the table. The table is now correctly oriented and p must lie on bd and also on

Aa and Cc
Centre the alidade on a and sight A. draw a ray through a intersecting the ray db

produced at p. the point p represent the instrument station P.

As a check , center the alidade on C and bisect C and draw a ray through C. The ray
Cc should now pass through p, if the work is correct

Precautions:
1

Centering and levelling should be done carefully.

Ranging rods should be ranged accurately.

Cross hair of the alidade may not be loose.

Alidade readings should be taken carefully.

Rotating the instrument and plotting errors should be eliminated.

Chaining, measuring must be done without parallax error.

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Result:
The given point is plotted by plane table by three point problem method.

EXPERIMENT NO: 8

Date :
HEIGHT OF INSTRUMENT METHOD

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AIM: To find the elevations of a given stations by height of instrument method.

Apparatus: Levelling staff, Tripod, Dumpy level.
Theory:
The process of finding height of instrument axis at differential levels and finding out
the reduced levels of the station is called the differential levelling.
Procedure:
Set up the level instrument at P (nearer to the temporary bench mark) and level the
instrument roughly with the levelling screws. Till the circular bubbles comes to the centre by
using foot screws, till the bubble is in an exact coincidence.
Focus the eye piece through the point. Direct the telescope towards the object and
focus the objective. Focus the Telescope toward the temporary bench mark and bisect the
staff correctly and take the back sight as it is and record the readings in the levelling field
book as shown in the table.
Keep the levelling staff at the intermediate stations and obtain the readings and note
down them as intermediate sights. The readings which where taken before shifting the
instrument to a new station should be noted as Foresights. Shift the instrument to a new
station and repeat the same process
Station

Backsight

Intermediate Foresight

Height

of Reduced

sight

instrument

level

FORMULAE:
Height of instrument=Reduced level or Bench Mark+ Backsight
Precautions:

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Remarks

The staff should be held vertically when the reading is taken. The staff man
should be behind the staff.

While taking readings, always make sure that the bubble of the level is at the
centre.

Read the staff correctly, there should be no parallax error.

Result:
We obtained the R.L at required stations.

EXPERIMENT NO: 9

Date :
RISE AND FALL METHOD

AIM: To find the elevations of a given stations by rise and fall method.
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Apparatus: Levelling staff, Tripod, Dumpy level.

Theory:
The process of keeping height of instrument axis at differential levels and finding out
the reduced levels of the station is called the differential levelling.
Procedure:
Set up the level instrument at P (nearer to the temporary bench mark) as shown in fig.
and level the instrument roughly with the levelling screws. Till the circular bubbles comes to
the centre by using foot screws, till the bubble is in an exact coincidence.
Focus the eye piece through the point.Telescope towards the object and focus the
objective.
Focus the Telescope toward the temporary bench mark and bisect the staff correctly
and take the back sight as it and record the readings in levelling field book as shown in the
table.
Keep the levelling staff at the intermediate stations and obtain the readings and note
down them as intermediate sights. The readings which where taken before shifting the
instrument to a new station should be noted as Foresights. Shift the instrument to a new
station and repeat the same process.

Station

Backsight

Intermediate Foresight

Rise

sight

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Fall

Reduced
level

Remarks

`
Precautions:
1

The staff should be held vertically when the reading is taken. The staff man
should be behind the staff.

While taking readings, always make sure that the bubble of the level is at the
centre.

Read the staff correctly, there should be no parallax error.

Result:
We obtained the R.L at required stations.

EXPERIMENT NO: 10

Date :
CONTOURING

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AIM: To plot the contours of a given area.

Apparatus: Dumpy level, chain, pegs, staff, tape etc.
Procedure:
Mark the boundary of a given surface. Plan and divide the area into number of small
squares or rectangles of 5 or 10 m width and mark the points. Now place the level such that
all the readings can be taken. Adjust the dumpy level with necessary temporary adjustments
such as eye piece, cross wires etc. Now place the levelling staff at BM and tabulate the B.S.
continue the procedure of taking reading at all the marked points.Now change the station
after few readings and continue the same process.
Calculate the R.L of all points. Join the points which have same R.Ls. Some R.L
points can be obtained by measuring.
i) In this process points having some R.L s are marked.
ii) Join these points with smooth curves.
Precautions:
1

Dumpy level should have no errors.

Staff should be held vertically.

Result: Thus we plot the contours of a given area.

PART-II

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Experiment No: 6 (a)

Date :
TRIGONOMETRIC LEVELLING

Aim: To determine the R.L. of top of the building when the base of the building is accessible
by swing transit theodolite.
Equipment:
Theodolite
1
Tripod
1
Levelling staff 1
Tape
1
Arrow
1
Plumb bob
1
Procedure:
1 Set up a theodolite at a convenient distance from the object and measure the
horizontal distance between them accurately by steel or invar tape . Let this distance
be D metres.
2

Centre the theodolite over the station point exactly and level it by mean altitude
Bubble and plate levels

The line of collimation of the theodolite is then made horizontal by adjusting the
verniers of the vertical circle to read zero.

Loosen the lower clamp and vertical clamp and rotate the telescope in horizontal
plane and vertical plane till the top of the tower is bisected. Tighten the lower clamp
and vertical clamp and by means of lower tangent screws and vertical tangent screws
make fine bisection.

Read both the verniers C and D find the mean of these two readings gives vertical
angle 1

Now loosen the vertical clamp an bissect the bottom of object exactly with vertical
tangent screw. The mean of the two readings gives the vertical angle 2.

Height of the object

B.M =

S=

H1 = D tan 1
H2 = D tan 2
H1+H2 = H
= D (tan1 + tan 2)
D=
H.I =

Precautions: 1. Graduations errors should be eliminated.

2. Eccentricity of vertical axis is eliminated.
3. Errors of Bisection and improper centering are also eliminated.
Result: Thus we are determining the R.L of the top of the Building when the base of the
building is accessible.

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Face Left

Sighted to

Instrument at

Table - 1 : Trigonometric Levelling

C
0

Face R

Mean

Vertical Angle

CHBROLU ENGINEERING COLLEGEPage 27

C
0

Experiment No: 6 (b)

Date :

TRIGONOMETRIC LEVELLING
Aim: To determine the horizontal distance between instrument stations and object and R.L.
of the top of the object where base is inaccessible.
Equipments:
Theodolite
1
Tripod
1
Levelling staff 1
Tape
1
Arrow
1
Plumb bob
1
Procedure:
1 Set up the theodolite at A and level it and let the angle of elevation be 1. The B.S.
reading taken on B.M. be S1.
2

The theodolite is moved and set up at B and the angle of elevation of 2is measured.
The B.S. reading taken on B.M be S2.

The difference of elevation of two instrument axis = S1 - S2

D is the horizontal distance between B and Q
b is the horizontal distance between two instrument stations.

Instruments
H1 = height of the point Q above the instrument axis at A
H2 = height of the point Q above the instrument axis at B
Q1 = the projection of Q on the horizontal line through D
Q2 = the project of Q on the horizontal line through R
When the height of theodolite at R is higher than at B.
Formula:
Distance D = (b+S cot 2) tan 2
(tan 1 tan 2)

H1 = d1 D tan 1

H2 = (b+D) tan 2

Precautions:
1 Graduation errors are eliminated.
2 Eccentricity of vertical axis is eliminated.
3 Errors of Bisection and improper centering are also eliminated.
Result:
Thus we are determining the horizontal distance between instrument stations and
object and R.L. of the top of the object where base is inaccessible.

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Sighted to

Instrument at

Face Left
C
O

Face Right
Mean

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Vertical
angle
O

C
O

Mean

Experiment No: 7

Date :

DETERMINATION OF CONSTANTS OF TACHEOMETER

Aim:

Determine the multiplying constant (K) or (t/i) and additive constant (c) or (f+d) of a
given Tacheometer, using field observations.

Equipment Used: Tacheometer, levelling staff, chain or tape, ranging rods.

Objective of the Experiment:
Determine the multiplying constant (K) or (f/i) and Additive Constant (C) or (f+d) of a
given Tacheometer, using field observations.
Theory:
Horizontal and Vertical distances between the stations are determined from tachometric
observations, where in measurements either by chain or tape are completely eliminated.
The calculations are based on the principle of Isosceles triangles, which states In
Isosceles Triangles, the ratio of the perpendiculars from the vertex on their bases and
their bases in constant.

S1

A1
D1
D2
D3

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S2

A2

S3

A3

PROCEDURE:
a) Select a fairly level ground set up the tacheometer on station O and complete all the
temporary adjustment.
b) Measure a line OA3 on a straight line, 60 m long and fix the pegs, A1, A2 and A3 at 20 m
apart.
c) With line of collimation horizontal hold to staff vertical over station A 1 take the stadia hair
readings (top and bottom hair readings). Let the Intercept being S1.
d) Similarly the staff intercepts A2 and A3 be taken.
respectively.

Let the intercepts being S 2 and S3

Observations & Tabulations:

Instrument
Station

Staff
reading
on

Staff Intercept
(Upper - Lower)
SL& SU

Stadia readings
Distance (mt)
Lower

Middle

Upper

Caculation:
D=ks+c
Result: The tacheometric constants of the given instrument are

CHBROLU ENGINEERING COLLEGEPage 31

-------------

Experiment No: 8 (a)

Date :

SETTING OUT OF A SIMPLE CIRCULAR CURVE BY USING CHAIN &TAPE

METHOD (PERPENDICULAR OFFSETS FROM TANGETNS)
Aim: Set out of a simple circular curve in the field using chain and tape by the method of
perpendicular offsets erected from Tangents.
Apparatus: Chain, Tape, arrows, ranging rods, Cross staff
Objective: Set out of a simple circular curve in the field using chain and Tape by the method of
perpendicular offsets erected from Tangents.
Theory: In a simple circular curve offsets are erected perpendicular to Tangents and the toe
points of the offsets are joined. This will give the required curve.
P1, P2, P3. P11, P21, P31 are the toe points of offsets drawn to Tangents T 1I
and T2I.
For the given R, deflection angle , distance of offset from T1\ 26.794 Tangent length, offset
values are calculated.
Tangent length, T1I or T2I = R Tan /2,
offset value = R-R2 X2 (perpendicular offsets)
Length of Tangent =

X value
Ox
Ox also calculated by approximating as Ox ~ x2
2R

(radial offsets)

Procedure:
a) Before starting the field set up of values, calculations are done for Tangent length (26.79 T 1I/
T2I) and offset values OX1, OX2, Oxn.
b) The tangents T1I and T2I are set up by prolonging the AT1 line and positioning the chain
making an intersecting angle of (180-) with T1I.
CHBROLU ENGINEERING COLLEGEPage 32

c) Now the offsets Ox1, Ox2, Ox3 are erected perpendicular to the Tangent T1I at x1, x2,
x3 . Distances from T1 and the toe points of offsets P 1, P2, P3. are marked by
fixing arrows.
d) Similarly offsets are erected to the tangent T2I calling the toe points as P11, P21, P31.. till
the curve is closed.
e) By joining all these points P 1, P2, P3 . P11, P21, P31 . we will get the required simple
circular curve.
Check: The value of mid-ordinate measured in the field should be equal to the calculated value.
The calculated value is R(1-cos /2). Otherwise check the entire setup.
.
Result: Thus a simple curve is plotted by method of perpendicular offsets from tangents

CHBROLU ENGINEERING COLLEGEPage 33

Experiment No: 8 (b)

SETTING OUT SIMPLE CURVE BY ORDINATES OR OFFSETS FROM LONG
CHORD
Aim: To set out a simple curve by ordinates or offsets from long chord.
Equipment used: Chain, Tape, arrows, ranging rods.
Objective: To set out a simple curve by ordinates or offsets from long chord.
Theory: The lengths of the ordinates from the long chord are calculated using the formula.
______
Ox = R2 - X2 [ROo]
Where Ox = ordinate at a distance x from the mid-point of the chord.
R = Radius of the curve
Oo = Mid ordinate
Mid ordinate can be calculated using the formula
______
O0 = R- R2 (L/2)2

Where L = Length of the long chord actually measured the ground.

Procedure:
a) Set the long chord on the ground with the help of a chain
b) To set out the curve, the long chord is divided into an even number of equal parts.
c) Offsets are then calculated from equation (i) (Refer table given below for calculations)
d) The calculated offsets are then set out at each interval and pegs are driven at their points.
e) Then the points are joined to obtain the required curve on the ground.
f) I, should be clearly noted that the distance x in this method is measured from the mid point of
the chord.

CHBROLU ENGINEERING COLLEGEPage 34

Table:
R=
=
Length of long chord = 2 R Sin /2
Distance from the mid point
of long chord x in m

Ox = R2 - X2 Ox =
Ordinate Ox

R2-Lz

RESULT:
The calculated offsets are set on the ground and the required curve is observed.

CHBROLU ENGINEERING COLLEGEPage 35

2D

Experiment No: 8 (c )

Date :

SETTING OUT SIMPLE CURVE BY SINGLE THEODOLITE METHOD

Aim:
To set out a simple circular curve using one theodolite and chain/ tape.
Equipment used:
Transit Theodolite, Chain, Tape, Arrows, Pegs.
Objectives of the Practical:
To set out a simple circular curve using one theodolite and a chain/tape.
Theory: It is an instrumental method of setting a simple circular curve. Theodolite is used for
making angular observations, chain/ tape is used for making linear measurements. A Rakines
tangential angle ( ) is the angle made by any chord with the tangent at the first point of that
chord. The total tangential angle () of the any point on the curve in the angle made by the
chord joining that point and the first tangent point (T 1) with the rear tangent. The total tangential
angle of whole arc will be equal to half of the deflection angle (/2) of the arc.
Tangential angle of nth chord,

Where Cn = Length of nth chord =

R = Radius of the curve =
Total tangential angle of nth chord, interval =
n =

-------+

Note: Tangential angles, deflection angles, Rankines tangential angles and Rankines deflection
angle are one and the same.
Equipment used:
The following equipment is required to conduct the field work.
1 Transit theodolite
2

Chain (20 m. or 30 m.)

Tape

Arrows

Pegs

CHBROLU ENGINEERING COLLEGEPage 36

Procedure of setting out the curve:

1 Set the theodolite at the point of curve (T 1), with both plates clamped to zero, direct the
theodolite to bisect the point of intersection (B). The line of sight is thus in the direction
of the rear tangent (T1B).
2

Release the upper plate end set angle 1 on the vernier of theodolite. The line of sight is
thus directed along the chord T.M.

With the zero and of the tape at T 1 and an arrow held at a distance T 1M = c along it with
chain/ tape, swing the tape around T1 till the arrow is bisected by the crosshairs. Thus the
first point M is fixed.

Set the second deflection angle 2 on the vernier so that the line of sight is directed
along T1N.

With the zero end of the tape at M, and an arrow held at a distance MN=C along it, swing
the tape around M till the arrow is bisected by the cross-hairs, thus fixing the point N.

Repeat steps (4) and (5) till the last point T2 is reached.

Check:
The last point T2 thus located must coincide with the previously located tangent point
T2. If the discrepancy is small, last few pegs may be adjusted. If it is more, the whole
curve should be reset.
Inst.a
t

Sight
to

Chord
Length
,C
m

Tangential angle,
0

Total tangential
angle
0

CHBROLU ENGINEERING COLLEGEPage 37

Theodolite
reading
0

Rem
arks

Result:
The required curve is set out on the field by this one theodolite + chain / tape method,
which can be observed on the field.

EXPERIMENT NO: 8 (d)

Date :

SETTING OF SIMPLE CIRCULAR CURVE USING TWO THEODOLITIES

Aim:
To set out a simple circular curve using two theodolites.
Equipment used:
Transit Theodolite, Ranging rods, Pegs, Chain.
Objectives of the Practical:
To set out a simple circular curve using two theodolites.
Theory:
In this method two theodolite are used, one at P.C. and the other at P.T. The method is
based on the principle that the angle between the tangent and the chord is equal to the angle
which that chord subtends in the opposite segment.
Equipment used:
The following equipment is required to conduct the field work.
1. Transit theodolites 2 Nos.
2. Ranging rod(s)
3. Pegs
4. Chain (20m or 30 m)

Tabulations:
Inst.a
t

Sight
to

Chord
Length,
C
M

Tangential angle,
0

Total tangential
angle
0

CHBROLU ENGINEERING COLLEGEPage 38

Theodolite
reading
0

Re
Marks

Procedure of setting out the curve:

1

Set up one theodolite over T1 (T.P) and the other over T2 exactly and level them
accurately.

Set the vernier-A of both instruments to Oo O O.

Turn the instrument T1 about the outer axis and bisect the point B, accurately.

Turn the instrument T2 about the outer axis and bisect the point T, accurately.

Set the vernier A of both instruments to the first total tangential angle, 1. Now the
instrument at T1 is directed along T1 M and that at T2 along T2M.
Direct an assist and with a ranging rod, simultaneously viewing through both telescopes
to locate the point M and drive a peg there.
Next set vernier A of both instruments to read the second total tangential angle, 2.
Locate the next peg at N as done in previous step.
Locate all other points on the curve by repeating the above procedure.

6
7
8

After setting vernier A of both the transits at T 1 and T2 to the total deflection angle or /2,
the lines of sight should bisect the already located points T 2 and B respectively. If there is
any error on T2 or B and if it is within the permissible limits, the last few pegs may adjusted.
Otherwise, the entire work must be repeated again.
Result:
The required curve is set out in the field by using two theodolite method, which can be
observed in the field.

CHBROLU ENGINEERING COLLEGEPage 39

EXPERIMENT NO: 9

Date :

CALCULATION OF AREA BY USING TOTAL STATION

Aim: To find out the area of a given land portion by using total station.
Apparatus (or) equipment:
1 Tripod stand
2 Total station
3 Prism
4 Prism rod
5 Pegs
6 Ranging rods
Procedure:
1 Fix the ranging rods at the boundaries of the given area.
2 Fix the instrument station on the tripod stand & do the levelling & centering
3

4
5

Levelling should be done by any tripod screws. First turn the level tube and adjust the
bubbles in centre by using these screws and turn the level tube perpendicular to the these
two screws and centre by using third screw to check the level tube is in centre in any
direction.
Focusing the telescope towards plain wall and by using focusing screw adjusting the eye
piece until the cross hairs are clearly visible.
Measure the co-ordinates of all the boundary points and save them in the internal
memory.

From mode A screen press F5(MODE)

Press F1(SFUNC)

Press F5(PAGE) one time.

Press F2 (CALC)

10 Select 2D surface & area.

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11 From the screen select the points measured on the boundary by pressing ENT and press
down arrow F4 again press ENT. While selecting the points all the points are to be
selected in order as they are on the ground.
12 After completion of selection of points press F2 (ACCEPT).
13 The area will be displayed on the screen of total station.
Result:
Calculated area of a given site by using total station = perimeter of the site.

Point

Code

EXPERIMENT :10

Date:
TRAVERSING USING TOTAL STATION

This function allows you the fixed. Closed and open traverse calculations.
You can measure not only the corner points but also the side shot points at the same time.
When the traverse is closed, the closing errors of coordinates are calculated and the corner points
can be adjusted. And the side shot points from the corner point based on the adjusted each corner
points coordinates are calculated.
Open point of the traverse data uses the memory size of two or three coordinates data.
And therefore please confirm the remaining memory. The calculate types is the compass rule.
The traverse function can store the polar coordinates data and the rectangular coordinates
data. And it can send the polar data by DC1 or AUX format and rectangular data or CSV format
respectively.

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The following assumptions are made:

The current station is the foresight point of the previous station.

The back sight point of current station is the previous station.

The following limitations are made.

More than one traverse rout cant be measured at the traverse same time.
Dont store the other data while you are measuring the traverse route.

When one traverse route is finished, perform the traverse calculation before you store the
other data.
Dons turn the power supply off until the measurement at one start at one corner point is
completed.
Dont escape from the MEASURE screen, too.

CHBROLU ENGINEERING COLLEGEPage 42

You cant use the same PN in one job. And you cant overwrite the PN in the traverse.
The same traverse rout cant be calculated again.
Polar coordinates data of back sight and station points cant be seen in the POLAR EDIT
function But is sent properly is SEND POLAR DATA function.

Traverse

1. Rectangular co-ordinate
measurement.
2. Polar co-ordinate measurement.

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

Switch on the instrument center it and level it.

Press MODE(F5)
Press SFUN(F1)
Press File(F1), select CREATE, press ENT, Input file name, press ENT, press ESC.
Press MEAS(F2), Select RECT COORDINATE, Press ENT.
STATION press ENT, PN press ENT, change input mode to ABC by pressing F5 button.
Feed PN, press ENT, press down arrow F4, press ENT.
Input N, E, Z and HI(Height of instrument Z and height of instrument is required if we
needed to measure Elevation other wise it is not required to feed the Z and Height of
instrument), If required input PC(Point code) press ENT, press SAVE(F1), press
ACCEPT(F5).

At new place where we dont have coordinates of back sight point direct the telescope
towards north press 0 set(F3) two times, press ENT.
10)Now you will be in measure screen, if you require Z value(RL) press EDIT(F4), select
PH(Prism height), input prism height, and press ENT two times.
11)Now hold the prism where you want to measure coordinates, sight the prism, press
MEAS(F1), the coordinates will be displayed on the screen, press SAVE(F2) to save the
value.
AT CHANGE POINT:
1 Measure the foresight point to which we want to shift the instrument, note down The PN
of that point.
2 Switch off the instrument, shift the instrument to the next station point, switch on the
instrument, center it and level it.
3 Press ESC OR LASER OR ENTbutton(For R400N series).
4 Press MODE(F5)
5 Press S.FUN(F1)
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6
7
8
9
10

Press MEAS(F2)
Press ENT on Rectangular Measurement Coordinate
Press ENT on station
Select PN and press ENT.
Input the point number on which instrument was set up now andpressENT11) Select IH,
measure and input instrument height press ENT two times, Press ACCEPT(F5)
12)PressBSP(F5)
13)SelectPN, Press ENT, input the point number of the point to which we are back sighting
the instrument, press ENT, Press ACCEPT(F5)
14)A message AIM the reference point and press ENT when ready will be displayed on
thescreen, bisect the back sight point and press ENT.
15)Now continue to measuring and saving the next foresight points
16)Repeat the procedure at next shift of the instrument.

MEASURE
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

1.1.

PN : X X
N : X XXXXXXXXX .X XX
E : X XXXXXXXXX .X XX
Z : X XXXX .X XX
PC :
5. OPEN CALC

EXPERIMENT: 11

Date :
REMOTE DISTANCE MEASUREMENT

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With RDM measurement, the Horizontal, vertical and slope distance and % of slope between the
reference point and the target point are measured. The distance between target 1 and target 2 are
also measured any target point can be changed to the new reference point.
From the power Topolite screen, press [F5][PAGE] two and press [F4][RDM] .
Press [F4][EDIT] select PH and input the prism height press ENT two times.
Place the prism at Reference point.
Aim at the references point and press [F1][MEAS] to measure the reference point it turn to
TARTGET POINT screen automatically.

Aim at the target 1 and press [F1][MEAS] to measure a distance.

reference point and target point 1 is displayed.

The distance between

V.dst. and % grade are displayed by minus mark when the target point is lower position. Press
the [F3][DATA] to view the TARGET POINT screen.

Aim at the target 2 and press [F1][MEAS] to measure a distance.

reference point and target point 2 is displayed.

CHBROLU ENGINEERING COLLEGEPage 45

The distance between

Press[F5][DISP] to displayed the target distance.

Result:

EXPERIMENT: 12

Date:

CALCULATION OF HEIGHT BY USING TOTAL STATION

Aim: To calculate height of given object by using total station.
Apparatus: Total Station
Tape
Tripod
CHBROLU ENGINEERING COLLEGEPage 46

Procedure:
Fix the tripod stand on ground & place the total station on it and approximate levelling
should be done by eye adjustment.

Levelling should be done by using screws & bubble should be in centre in dry direction
to turn the telescope.

To calculate the height of the tower we will use this programmer.

1 Switch on the instrument level it.
2

Place the prism at the bottom of pole to which we want to calculate the height.

In the instrument press F5(MODE) then press F1(SFUNC), press F5 (PAGE) one time.
Press F2(CALC). Select REM and press ENT.

Press F4 (EDIT), select PH and press ENT. Input prism height) and press ENT two times.

Sight the prism and measure it.

After completion of measurement press ENT. At the bottom the horizontal distance will
be changed to REM.

Turn the telescope vertically to the top and sight the top point of the tower.

Opposite to REM we can see the height of the tower.

Result:
Height of the object is

CHBROLU ENGINEERING COLLEGEPage 47