College of Engineering

Civil Engineering Department

CE 12L
Fundamentals of
Surveying Manual
LABORATORY
MANUAL

by

ENGR. JOHN MICHAEL V. OSIA

ENGR. GIFREY JOHN M. SULAY

2024 Edition
 Preface
This laboratory manual is designed to apply the theories and concepts that Civil
Engineering students have learned in the lecture of the course Fundamentals of
Surveying, which covers the fundamentals and applications of various surveying
practices in private and government setting.

The manual contains instructions for 14 different fieldwork exercises that are
designed to teach you a variety of fieldwork and data analysis techniques for
elementary and higher surveying. This would include taping and pacing horizontal
measurement, area computations, triangulation and trilateration, elevation
determination, stadia surveying, topographic surveying, and hydrographic
surveying.

The manual also includes learning objectives, materials lists, lab summaries, and
references for each laboratory experiment. The manual is intended to guide you in
doing the fieldwork exercises and interpreting data, as well as to help you develop
skills in scientific inquiry, communication, collaboration, and problem-solving.

We hope that this laboratory manual will enhance your learning experience and
prepare you for the challenges and opportunities of fundamentals of surveying. We
appreciate your participation and feedback throughout the course. Please feel free
to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

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CE 12 Fundamentals of Surveying
General information about the laboratory course
COURSE DESCRIPTION

The course deals with Measurement of distance and distance corrections, the use of surveying
instruments, area computations, balancing the traverse, elevation determination, and leveling.
Stadia surveying, topographic surveying, triangulation and trilateration, missing data, irregular
boundaries, and global positioning system

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the course, the student should be able to:

CLO1. Apply the basic surveying concepts, principles and theories on distance and
angular measurements as well as area computation
CLO2. Solve for distances, elevations and areas from a provided set of survey data
CLO3. Apply the basic surveying concepts, principles and theories on determining
horizontal and vertical distances using stadia
CLO4. Compute for the missing data from an incomplete traverse data.
CLO5. Acquire a working knowledge in design and lay-out of horizontal and vertical curves
in highway or railway
CLO6. Determine and use the appropriate methodology in calculating earthworks in
various civil engineering constructions

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

1. Activity Sheets/Field Notebook - As soon as the laboratory work is done, the raw
data must be documented and all necessary computations made; and have this data
sheet signed by the Instructor before leaving the laboratory. The laboratory technician
shall inspect the laboratory work area to ensure that the equipment has been returned
by the working group before affixing his signature.

2. Laboratory Reports - Each group is required to submit a single report for each
exercise. These reports will be evaluated based on Rubric A and the format may be
downloaded from the course e-learn account. Reports must be submitted a week after
the exercise is completed. A group is only allowed three days delay in the submission
of reports, after which the reports will no longer be accepted and the group will receive
a grade of zero.

3. Group Work Participation – The members of the group are required to rate each other
on their collaboration in the performance of the activities using the peer evaluation
rubric.

4. Midterm examination – A comprehensive examination covering all principles involved

in completed exercises since start of class. Type of examination is generally
computational (problem solving type) but maybe mixed with objective-type questions
(multiple choices, T/F, matching type, etc).

5. Final Examination – Similar in type as the Midterm Examination and is usually

covering all topics discussed after midterm. However, the coverage may be changed
to include some earlier topics if deemed necessary by the instructor.

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GRADING SYSTEM

A. Midterm grade: SLMIS % Total % in

code FG
Average of long tests (equivalent to prelim output) PE 20 7.00
Midterm exam ME 30 10.50
Class Standing component:
• Average of seatworks, short quizzes and long tests QZ-M 30 10.50
• Average of class participation (boardworks, oral presentation) CP-M 15 5.25
• Average of assignments ATT-M 5 100 1.75
B. After midterms class standing: 35.00
Average of long tests (equivalent to semi-final output) SE 20 7.00
Class Standing component:
• Average of seatworks, short quizzes and long tests QZ-F 30 10.5
• Average of class participation (boardworks, oral presentation) CP-F 25 8.75
Average of assignments
• Final project PRJ-F 20 7.00
• Average of assignments ATT-F 5 100 1.75
C. Final grade: 35.00
After midterms class standing 35
Midterm grade 35
Final Exam (comprehensive in coverage) FE 30 100 30.00
TOTAL 100.00

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ASSESSMENT RUBRICS

Rubric A: Laboratory Report

Poor Average Excellent Points
Section Points 0 0.25 0.50 0.75 1 Earned
5 Title
5 Describes lab content concisely,
adequately, appropriately x
5 Abstract
5 Conveys a sense of the full report
concisely and effectively
20 Introduction
3 Successfully establishes the scientific
concept of the lab activity
10 Effectively presents the objectives and
purpose of the lab activity
7 States hypothesis and provides logical
reasoning for it
15 Methods
15 Gives enough details to allow for
replication of procedure
15 Results
3 Opens with effective statement of
overall findings
2 Presents visuals clearly and
accurately
5 Presents findings clearly and with
sufficient support
5 Successfully integrates textual and
visual representations
15 Discussion
3 Opens with effective statement of
support of hypothesis
2 Backs up statement with reference to
appropriate findings
5 Provides sufficient and logical
explanation for the statement
5 Sufficiently addresses other issues
pertinent to lab
10 Conclusion
10 Convincingly describes what has been
learned in the lab activity
5 Presentation
1 Citations and references adhere to
proper format
2 Format of tables and figures
is correct
1 Report is written in scientific style:
clear and to the point
1 Grammar and spelling are
correct
Overall aims of the report: the
10 student...
3 Has successfully achieved the goals
of the exercise
3 Demonstrates clear and thoughtful
scientific inquiry
4 Accurately measures and analyzes
data for lab findings
100 100 Total Points Earned
(adapted from http://www.ncsu.edu/labwrite/instructors/excelsheets.htm#rubric)

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 Rubric B: Self and Peer Performance Evaluation

For each member in your group, evaluate* their effectiveness in the following categories. Total
the points on the right. Each evaluator should practice responsible self-moderation – just honest
evaluation of yourself and your peers.

Contribution: Working with Focus: Stayed Responsibility:

Provided Others: focused on the Completes the
Group TOTAL
useful ideas Listened, task and what assigned task
Member POINTS
and relevant shared, and needed to be on time.
Name EARNED
information. worked well done.
with peers.
Self-Evaluation

3 2 1 0 3 2 1 0 3 2 1 0 3 2 1 0

Peer Evaluation

1. 3 2 1 0 3 2 1 0 3 2 1 0 3 2 1 0
2. 3 2 1 0 3 2 1 0 3 2 1 0 3 2 1 0

3. 3 2 1 0 3 2 1 0 3 2 1 0 3 2 1 0

4. 3 2 1 0 3 2 1 0 3 2 1 0 3 2 1 0

*Rate using the following scale: 3 – Excellent, 2 – Good, 1 – Fair, and 0 – Poor/Lacking.

You are encouraged to provide comments/suggestions to improve the team dynamics:

____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

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POLICIES

1. No lab course instructor or no lab technician, no laboratory class - see College

of Engineering Laboratory Administrative Guidelines (Section 2.1.j)

2. No-Orientation-No-Lab - Attend the laboratory orientation! At the beginning of the

course, there will be discussion on general lab safety, chemical safety, and the
applicable safety regulations. This is usually conducted by the college through a
seminar. Students who failed to attend the lab orientation must coordinate with the
college lab manager to attend the delayed orientation set by the college otherwise
he/she will not be allowed to participate in any laboratory exercise.

3. Engineering teams - All activities in this course, except some specific assignments,
are to be carried out as a team effort. Engineering teams will follow these guidelines:
A. 2 to 4-person engineering teams will be formed at the beginning of the course.
B. All members of the team are expected to contribute to all aspects of the
assignment – planning, safety, data collection, analysis, oral presentations, report
writing, and peer evaluation.
C. One member of the team will serve as team leader and coordinate the activities
of the team. He/she will make sure that the methodology is properly implemented
and the objectives for a lab exercise are met. A second team member serving as
safety coordinator will take responsibility for safety issues such as inspecting
PPE of their group members for the safety aspects of the assigned experiment;
secure a copy of SDS of pertinent chemicals used and conducting the Safety
Meeting for that cycle. These responsibilities will rotate for each experiment. As
soon as the teams are formed, members of the team will select the team leaders
and safety coordinators for the semester and submit the names to the instructor.
D. As each experiment is completed, every team member submits a peer evaluation
form (See Rubric B, Section H) rating the performance of all members of the team
and giving comments about the team activities. The team leader shall report any
concerns to the lab course instructor as soon as possible.

4. Laboratory experiments - Each engineering team will be assigned different

experiment number per session. The assignments are shown in the table below. All
teams are required to follow the schedule provided to prevent delays. In addition, lab
extensions are highly discouraged. On the other hand, if the team completed their
task early then they may proceed to conducting the next experiment provided that
the equipment that they are going to use is available.

Take note that two (2) sessions are provided for the engineering teams to design
their own experiment; one is exploring the effect of another variable using the setup
given and for the other one the teams will identify their variables and the setup that
they need. This activity will increase students’ creativity and critical thinking by
conducting entirely different experiments using the same equipment, evaluating its
performance and eventually testing a hypothesis.

5. Safety first - Utmost care should be exercised to prevent damage to equipment and
injury to personnel. Each student should be in appropriate Laboratory Attire (gown,
working shirt, gloves, safety gears, etc). A student not in appropriate Laboratory Attire
for a particular activity will be marked absent for the said exercise.

6. Attendance - Attendance will be strictly monitored in the laboratory and the policy
for absence as stated in the Student Handbook will be strictly implemented.
Attendance will be checked every meeting by passing around an attendance sheet

vii
 which will be signed by students for the first 10 minutes of the class. Attendance will
also be verified during the conduct of the experiment. The only valid excuses for an
absence are illness requiring medical care or a personal/family emergency of a
serious nature. For such, valid medical certificate and parent’s/guardian’s letter will
be required and subjected to verification. Absence prohibits the student from
obtaining data from his/her teammates. He/She must perform his/her experiments to
obtain the necessary data for his/her own report.

7. Academic honesty policy - It is a part of your education to learn responsibility and

self-discipline, particularly with regards to academic honesty. The most important
issue of academic honesty is cheating. Cheating is defined to include any attempt to
defraud, deceive, or mislead the instructor in arriving at an honest grade assessment.
Plagiarism is a form of cheating that involves presenting as one's own work the ideas
or work of another.

All reports submitted for a grade must be the outcome of a collaborative effort by
members of the assigned workgroup. Research materials used must be properly
cited. Plagiarism in papers and other works will entail a zero (0) score for the said
requirement. Policies have been established by Xavier University to insure due
process in charges of cheating or plagiarism. A copy of these procedures can be
found in the Student Handbook.

8. No “Horse Playing” - The apparatuses and equipment used in this course are
delicate and expensive. Learn to handle them properly and treat them with extreme
care. Unnecessary activities inside the laboratory premises are highly discouraged.
The students will be held responsible for damage resulting from abuse or misuse.

9. CLAYGO - Laboratory exercises will be done in teams. It is the responsibility of each

team to clean its own apparatuses / equipment and area where their laboratory work
has been performed. All borrowed materials are to be turned over to the lab tech
within the given time frame.

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College of Engineering
General Laboratory Guidelines
Laboratory workers are required to follow guidelines, policies and procedures set down by the
College of Engineering.

1. On Laboratory Protective Clothing/Equipment

It shall be the responsibility of all laboratory workers to always wear appropriate clothing
(e.g. pants, shirts, shoes) and personal protective equipment (e.g. safety glasses,
laboratory coats or aprons, gloves) in the laboratory. Personal protection may vary
according to the activities set forth by the laboratory instructors. The following should be
observed inside the laboratory:
1.1. The worker’s personal clothing should be fully covering. Open sandals as well as high
heeled shoes, and wearing shorts are prohibited while working in the lab.

1.2. Unrestrained long hair and loose clothing such as neckties, scarves and baggy pants
are inappropriate in a laboratory and are therefore prohibited. Such items can catch
fire, be dipped in chemicals and get caught in equipment. Similarly, rings, bracelets,
watches or other jewelry that could be damaged, trap chemicals close to the skin,
come in contact with electrical sources or get caught in machinery should not be worn.

2. On Borrowing Equipment and/or Apparatuses

When performing a regular laboratory exercise, the student, or group of students, should
accomplish the following:
2.1. Complete Two (2) copies of the Borrower’s Form for Equipment and/or
Apparatuses. The borrower’s form can be obtained from the Laboratory Technician.
The Group Leader should fill up the following information:

Laboratory/Room – This refers to the laboratory where the equipment/or

apparatuses are housed, and/or where the student(s) is/are to performing the
exercise.

Experiment Title – This refers to the name of experiment and/or exercise that is to
be conducted in the laboratory.
Subject, Instructor, Schedule, and Date of Actual Use – These refer to,
respectively, the subject for which the laboratory exercise is to be conducted, the
faculty handling the subject, the regular laboratory schedule, and the actual date that
the laboratory exercise is to be conducted.
Time Checked Out – This refers to the specific time that the equipment and/or
apparatuses are checked out. This will facilitate the logistics associated with the
equipment and/or apparatuses.
Item Code, Description, Quantity, and Purpose/Remarks – Similarly, when
meticulously accomplished, these details facilitate logistics. The Laboratory
Technician fills in the portion for Purpose/Remarks with details as to the general
condition of the apparatuses and/or equipment, or purpose for which the items are
borrowed. Especially noted are slightly scratched or dented apparatuses and/or
equipment so that the group members are not made accountable for said damage.

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 Name and Signature – Group members who are actually present, and are to perform
the laboratory exercise, write their names and affix respective signatures on the
spaces provided for. The Group Leader submits the completed form together with
his/her University ID before the instruments and materials are released to the group
for the day’s laboratory exercise.
2.2. Upon completion of the activity, the group members return all borrowed equipment
and/or apparatuses to the Laboratory Technician, who then affixes his remarks and/or
signature on both copies of the Borrower’s Form, indicating that the borrowed items
are returned in the condition indicated, and hands back the borrower’s University ID.

2.3. The group members must make sure that, upon the return of the equipment and/or
apparatuses, the space indicated for Time Returned is filled out and countersigned
by the Group Leader (the last group recorded to have borrowed an item is accountable
for it, until the return of the same).

2.4. One copy of the slip is given to the Group Leader, and the other copy retained as file
for the Department by the Laboratory Technician.

3. On Borrowing Equipment and/or Apparatuses for Out-of-Campus Laboratory

Activities For regular laboratory exercises that require the instrument(s) to be brought
outside of the University campus, the Laboratory Course Instructor submits to the
Engineering Laboratory Manager a request letter, noted by the Department Chair
indicating the description and quantity, and the dates of actual loan and subsequent return,
of the instrument/s.

3.1. Out of Campus Activity for One (1) Day

The Group Leader submits the completed form together with any ID of the Laboratory
Course Instructor before the instruments are released to the group for the day’s
laboratory exercise.
3.2. More than One (1) Day Activity

The completed borrower’s form must be accompanied by a Request Letter, noted by

the Laboratory Course Instructor and approved by the Engineering Laboratory
Manager indicating the description and quantity, and the dates of actual loan and
subsequent return, of the instrument/s.
Note: NO EQUIPMENT AND/OR APPARATUS SHALL BE BROUGHT OUT OF
CAMPUS FOR THE CONDUCT OF REGULAR LABORATORY EXERCISES
WITHOUT THE EXPLICIT APPROVAL OF THE ENGINEERING LABORATORY
MANAGER AND THE DEAN.
Instruments on loan must be returned on the same day of the scheduled activity, or
on the date stipulated in the approved request letter otherwise the group shall no
longer be allowed to bring any of the College’s instruments outside the university
campus. The Laboratory Technician affixes his remarks and/or signature on both
copies of the Borrower’s Form, indicating that the borrowed items are returned in the
condition indicated, and hands back the borrower’s University ID.
The group members must make sure that, upon the return of the equipment and/or
apparatuses, the space indicated for Date and Time Returned is filled out and
countersigned by the Group Leader (the last group recorded to have borrowed an
item is accountable for it, until the return of the same).

x
4. On Materials, Chemicals and other Consumable Supplies

When the laboratory exercise makes use of materials and other consumable supplies,
the student, or group of students, should accomplish the following:
5. Two (2) copies of the Request Form for Materials and Supplies should be obtained and
filled up by the student or group of students, at least two weeks before the scheduled date
of the exercise. The request form can be obtained from the Laboratory Technician.

5.1. All group members sign the Request Form and gives it to the Laboratory Course
Instructor for his/her signature and brings it to the Laboratory Technician, who
indicates his Remarks (i.e., hazard or toxicity, special handling requirement, etc.) and
promptly distributes the materials and/or supplies requested for the scheduled
laboratory exercise.

5.2. Upon issuance of the requested materials and/or supplies, the Laboratory Technician
affixes his signature on the Request Form, gives one (1) copy to the Group Leader,
and retains the other copy as file for the Laboratory Documentation.

5.3. Laboratory workers shall exercise frugality in utilizing laboratory supplies. All unused
materials that remain unadulterated at the end of the laboratory exercise shall be
returned to the Laboratory Technician.

6. On Request for Extension

An extension may be requested for exercises in progress and whose subsequent

continuation and completion require more than 30 minutes. A laboratory exercise
that extends beyond the allotted period for not more than 30 minutes does not need the
extension request. However, since the group members MUST return all borrowed
instruments and/or apparatuses ONLY to the Laboratory Technician (who might otherwise
be engaged elsewhere by then) the group members MUST wait for the Laboratory
Technician to be available for them.
Requests for extension may be granted subject to the following conditions:
a) Availability of Instructors who may supervise the Extended Laboratory Activity

b) Availability of the Laboratory Technicians who will attend to the needs of the
requesting party

6.1. For request for extension, the student, or group of students, should accomplish the
following:

6.1.1. Two (2) copies of the Request Form for Extension of Use of Laboratory
(Appendix C). The request form can be obtained from the Office of the
Engineering Laboratory Manager.

6.1.2. It shall be the responsibility of the Laboratory Course Instructor to advise

his/her students on the necessity of accomplishing the Request Form for
Extension of Use of Laboratory. Both the Laboratory Course Instructor and the
Department Chair endorse the request.

6.1.3. The students clearly indicate the Date of Actual Use, and obtain the explicit
concurrence of the Laboratory Technician. NO SUCH EXTENSION IS
ALLOWED WITHOUT THE APPROVAL OF THE Engineering Laboratory
Manager. CONCURRENTLY, NO EXTENSION OF ACTIVITY IS ALLOWED

xi
 WITHOUT THE SUPERVISION OF THE LABORATORY ISNTRUCTOR OR
HIS SUBSTITUTE.

6.1.4. A student or a group of students with an approved request for extension but
who arrives more than 30 minutes later than the specified time forfeits the
entitlement and shall not be allowed access to the laboratory as
scheduled. A request for makeup shall therefore be filed, following the proper
channel.

6.1.5. Upon completion of the exercise, the group members return all borrowed
equipment and/or apparatuses to the Laboratory Technician, who the writes his
remarks and/or affixes his signature on both copies of the Borrower’s Form,
indicating that the borrowed items are returned in the condition indicated, and
hands back the borrower’s University ID.

6.1.6. The group members make sure that, upon the return of the equipment and/or
apparatuses, the space indicated for Time Returned is filled out and
countersigned by the Group Leader.

6.1.7. One copy of the form and extension request is given to the Group Leader, and
the other copy retained as file for the Department by the Laboratory Technician.

7. On Breakage, Damage, or Loss of Instrument

7.1. In cases of breakage, damage, or loss of the instrument and/or apparatuses, the
group members whose signatures appear in the Borrower’s Form shall be held liable
for the replacement of the item(s) broken, damaged, or lost.

7.2. In cases when the whole class concurrently uses an equipment and/or apparatus, the
entire class shall be accountable for the equipment and/or apparatuses. It shall be the
responsibility of each group member to ensure that all borrowed equipment and/or
apparatuses are accounted for before they leave the laboratory. In the same way, the
Laboratory Technician shall make sure that all borrowed equipment and/or
apparatuses are accounted for before the students leave the laboratory.

7.3. The Laboratory Technician shall submit to the College Administrative Assistant a list
of students with liabilities in the form stated above at least one week before the final
examinations week (i.e., the period allotted for the signing of clearance). The
Department Chair shall be furnished a copy of such list. NO STUDENT SHALL BE
CLEARED BY THE OFFICE OF THE DEAN UNLESS CLEARED FROM ANY SUCH
LIABILITY BY THE COLLEGE LABORATORY MANAGER.

8. KEEPING THE WORK AREA CLEAN, SAFE AND IN PROPER ORDER SHALL BE
THE RESPONSIBILITY OF ALL LABORATORY WORKERS.

xii
General Laboratory Safety Guidelines
• Do not work alone.
• Report defective equipment or components to your instructor or laboratory
technician immediately.
• No Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), NO ACTIVITY. This includes:
o Hi-Vis Reflective Vest
o Hard-Hat
o Closed Shoes
o Long Pants
• Do not tamper with the equipment unless instructed by the instructor.
• Return the equipment to its original container and
• Know the location of the nearest telephone. For emergency numbers call:
✓ Emergency/Security (Main gate) 191
✓ Security Office 3026
✓ University Clinic 194
✓ CDO Fire Department (PLDT-Philcom) 9 + 160; (Misortel) 8 + 112
✓ CDO Police (PLDT-Philcom) 9 + 166; (Misortel) 8 + 110

xiii
Revision history and acknowledgement
This laboratory manual was prepared for the Fundamentals of Surveying course by Engr. John
Michael V. Osia and Engr. Gifrey John M. Sulay

Date Editor History

June 13, 2024 Engr. John Michael V. Osia 2024 Edition

Engr. Gifrey John M. Sulay

xiv
Table of Contents
Title Pages
Preface ii
General information about the laboratory course iii
College of Engineering general laboratory policies and ix
guidelines
General laboratory safety guidelines xiii
Revision history and acknowledgement xiv

1 General Instructions for Field Exercises 1

2 Field Exercise No. 1: Distance Measurement by 4
Pacing
3 Field Exercise No. 2: Taping Exercises 6
4 Field Exercise No. 3: Determination of Distance of 10
Obstructed Lines Using Tape
5 Field Exercise No. 4: Determination of Lot Area Using 13
a Tape
6 Field Exercise No. 5: Determination of Area of Lot 15
Using Compass and Pacing and by Compass and
Tape
7 Field Exercise No. 6: Measurement of Angles by 17
Repetition
8 Field Exercise No. 7: Determination of Inaccessible 21
Height
9 Field Exercise No. 8: Determination of the Elevation of 25
a Point by Single Rodded Differential Levelling
10 Field Exercise No. 9: Determination of the Elevation of 27
a Point by Double Rodded Differential Levelling
11 Field Exercise No. 10: Topographic Survey by Transit 29
and Stadia
12 Field Exercise No. 11: Triangulation for A Bridge Site 32
13 Field Exercise No. 12: Hydrographic Survey 34
14 Field Exercise No. 13: Hydrographic Survey: Locating 36
Soundings
15 Field Exercise No.14: Solar Observation 40

xv
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR FIELD EXERCISES

TO THE STUDENTS:

Planning and design work in Civil Engineering and Architecture are based on
the results of surveys. Construction work is controlled by surveying. Hence, the field
work is an integral part of any course in surveying
The field work is as important as the theoretical lessons. Without the field
work, the theories are hard to visualize. Techniques, methods, and procedures must
be performed actually in the field. This way you gain insights to possible approaches
in solving technical problems you may encounter as a professional engineer.
Field work is an enjoyable learning process in civil engineering. You interact
with your instructor and fellow students in a very informal atmosphere. Take full
advantage of the period allotted by performing diligently in cooperation with your
assigned team all the problems given. If you have any doubts on the procedures,
steps, or manipulation of instruments, do not hesitate to ask your instructor for
clarification and assistance.
Before starting the field exercises, read carefully and hike note of the following
instructions:

Tapes:
1. Steel tapes easily snap into two pieces if allowed to kink or run over by a
vehicle. Cloth tapes get torn if pulled excessively.
2. The graduations and numbers are erased if the tape is constantly rubbed on
rough surfaces. When transferring an unreeled or uncoiled tape during field
work, both ends must be lifted above the ground or any abrasive surface.
3. Steel tapes are destroyed by rust and cloth tapes easily deteriorate if started
wet. The tape should be wiped dry and lightly oiled before reeling or coiling
for storage

Transits and Levels:

1. When the instrument is to be transported, it must be carried in its box.
2. In taking out of the box, a level should be lifted by the foot plate; the transit by
its standards. The instrument should not be lifted by its telescope.
3. Before screwing the instrument head to the tripod, the legs of the tripod should
be well spread and imbedded for stability.
4. A set up instrument should not be left unattended. Out of curiosity any
passerby may manipulate it or an animal may accidentally bump it.

CE 12L FUNDAMENTALS OF SURVEYING

CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

1
 5. In the field, when transferring from one place to another, the instrument is
carried on the shoulder with the tripod legs pointing forward; but, when
entering buildings, the head of the instrument is held forward to avoid striking
walls and door frames. Do not carry it when crossing fences or similar
obstructions.
6. If the instrument gets accidentally wet, wipe it dry using soft cloth before it is
stored. Lenses are cleaned using camel hair brush.
7. Forced should never be used in tightening clamps and screws. Firm tightening
without being too severe is all that is needed.
8. When placing the transit back to its box, its positioning should not be done
force. The inside of the box is made so that it exactly fits the instrument.

Rods:
1. The graduations are painted on. The paint chips out if carelessly dropped or
banged into hard objects.
2. The foot gets worn out, causing errors, if the rod is played with while held
vertically
3. The rod is made of wood. It breaks if sat upon or used as vaulting pole.
4. It should be carried on the shoulder or held above ground when it is
transferred from one point to another. No part should be made to drag on the
ground.

NOTEKEEPING:

The field notes is a permanent record of observations made. Carelessness in

taking and keeping the field notes cause costly repetition of field work The recorder
is advised to observed the following:

1. Field notes shall be written in pencil.

2. Notes are entered immediately after a measurement or reading is taken. Do
not rely on memory.
3. Notes should be written legibly and sketches drawn neatly. Lines must be
drawn using a straight edge.
4. Mistakes are not to be erased. They are simply crossed out.
5. Notes should be complete and logically arranged so as not to create doubts
as to their correct meaning
6. Information to be included are: Date,.weather condition, name of fhe observer
and team members, equipment used and their identification.
7. When a reading is dictated to the recOrder, the recorder repeats aloud the
number dictated.
8. If the observer misses a reading or fails to observe a needed data, the
recorder reminds the instrument is moved.

CE 12L FUNDAMENTALS OF SURVEYING

CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

2
 9. If several pages are used, the pages are numbered consecutively.

HANDS SIGNALS TO BE USED:

1. To signal "left' or"right' - Extend the arm in the direction desired: right arm for
movement to the right, left arm for left movement. A long slow motion of the
arm for large movements and quick motion for short distance.
2. Hold the pole or rod plumb" - The hand is extended vertically above the head
and move slowly in the direction desired.
3. "All right" - Both arms are extended horizontally and moved up and down.
4. “Foresight"' - If the instrument person desires a foresight he/she motions to
the rodperson by holding his/her arm vertically above his/her head. If the
rodperson desires the instrument person to sight a point used, then he/she
holds his/her pole or pencil vertically over the point.
5. "Please align" - when the rodperson want a point aligned, he/she holds a pole
vertically and waves the top end in a horizontal circle above his/her head or
he/she may wave his arm in the same manner.
6. "Pick up or transfer instrument" - The team leader extends both arms
downward and outward and raising them quickly.

CE 12L FUNDAMENTALS OF SURVEYING

CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

3
 Field Exercise No. 1
Distance Measurement by Pacing

Objectives :
1. To determine individual pace factor
2. To rneasure distance by pacing

Instruments:

1 - 50m steel tape

2 - Range poles
2 - steel pins

Organization:

1 - Team leader
1 - Front tapeperson
1 - Rear tapeperson
1 - Recorder
2 - Range pole persons

PROCEDURE :

A DETERMINATION OF INDIVIDUAL PACE FACTOR

1. On a level ground, drive two hubs at least one tape length apart. Designate
the hubs as points A and B. The range pole persons holds vertically the range
poles at the hubs.
2. Starting with either the heel or toe over point A, the individual walks toward B
in a very natural and unaffected manner. As he/she walks, the individual sees
to it that he/she is always in the line with points A & B. He/She also counts the
number of paces until he/she reaches point B. A partial pace at the end is
estimated to the nearest fourth pace. Record the number of pace and
designate this Trial I.
3. For trial 2, the individual walks from B to A. The number of paces are likewise
counted and recorded.
4. Steps 2 & 3 are repeated to make 5 trials.
5. After all the members of the team have completed 5 trials, the distance AB is
measured with the tape.

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B. MEASUREMENT OF DISTANCE USING TAPE
1. The rear tapeperson holds the 50m mark of the tape and sets it over the center
nail of the hub at point A. The front tapeperson holds the 0-mark and pulls the
tape taut. The rear tapeperson aligns the 0-mark by proper signals “left" or
“right" to the font tapeperson When the 0-mark is aligned with the range pole
sit point B, the rear tapeperson signals "good". The front tapeperson sticks a
pin beside the tape. The rear tape person holds firmly the tape as the front
tape person pulls the tape taut. When the rear tape person signals “good”, the
front tape person pulls out the pin and sticks it opposite the 0-mark of the tape.
2. The front and rear tape persons lift the tape and move forward. if the distance
between the pin and point B is more than one tape length, step 2a is repeated
with the rear tape person setting the 50-mm mark opposite the pin. If the
distance is less than one tape length, the front tape person holds the 0-mark
over the hub at point B. The rear tape person pulls the tape taut and reads the
tape graduation opposite the pin as soon as the front tape person signals
“good”. The distance is recorded.

C. COMPUTATION FOR PACE FACTOR (P.F.) OF EACH TEAM MEMBER

1. Get the sum of the number of paces for the five trials. Divide by 5. Denote the
quotient P.
2. Compute the pace factor using the formula:

D. MEASUREMENT OF DISTANCE BY PACING

1. Two points C and D are pointed by instructor.
2. Following the steps 1-b and 1-c, the individual determines the number of
paces he makes as he walks from C to D and from D to C to make two trials.
Divide the sum by two. Denote this as Q.
3. Compute distance CD using the formula:

4. Measure the distance CD with the tape. Record the measured distance.

5. Compute percentage error (P.E.) using the formula

NOTE : P.E indicates the percent of error introduced in using pacing as a means
of measuring distances. Maximum tolerable error is about 3%.

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 Field Exercise No. 2
Taping Exercises

Objectives :
1. To learn the techniques of taping on various ground surfaces

Instruments:
1 - 50 m steel tape
2 - Range poles
2 - Plumb bobs
1 - set of steel marking pins
2 - bubs with 2" nail center mark
Organization:
1 - Team leader
1 - Front tapeperson
1 - Rear tapeperson
1 - Recorder
2 - Range pole persons

PROCEDURE :

A TAPING ON GROUND LEVEL

1. ‘Two bubs at least 3 tape lengths apart are set on fairly level ground.
Designate the hubs points A and B.
2. One person at each point is assigned to hold a range pole vertically at the
center of the hub.
3. The tape is unreeled or uncoiled and full length stretch on the ground. The
rear tapeperson holds the 50-m mark at A and the front tapeperson holds the
0-mark towards point B. The rear tapeperson holds the 50-m mark firmly over
the hub at A and the front tapeperson pulls the tape taut.
4. Using appropriate signals, the rear tapeperson aligns the O-m mark with the
range pole held at B. As soon as the “good” signal is given by the rear
tapeperson, the front tapeperson sticks the pin beside the tape.
5. The rear tapeperson sets accurately the 50-m mark on point A and signals the
front tapeperson to pull the tape taut. As soon as the “good” signal is given by
the rear tapeperson, the front tapeperson pulls out the pin previously aligned
and resets it exactly opposite the O-mark of the tape. After this is through the
both tapepersons lift the tape and move forward.
6. Steps 4 & 5 are repeated until the last tape length or partial tape length to
point B is reached, taking note of the number of tape length measured. To
measure the partial tape length from the hub at point B to the pin marking the
end of the last full tape length: The front tapeperson sets accurately the 0-
mark over the hub at B. The rear tapeperson reads the tape to the nearest
centimeter. If the tape is not graduated every centimeter, he uses a meterstick
to get the centimeter reading. Record the reading. Designate as trial no.1.

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 7. The line is again measured in the same manner as steps 4, 5, 6, & 7 from B
to A. This will be trial no.2.
8. To get the most probable value of the distance, get the mean of the two trials.

B TAPING ON UNEVEN GROUND

1. The same line measured in step 1 is used assuming that the ground surface
is irregular. The tape is held above the ground and the ends held more or less
level by eye estimation.
2. The rear tapeperson holds the 50-m mark vertically over the center of the hub
at point A by a plumb line. The front tapeperson hangs a plumb line at the O-
mark and pulls the tape taut. Using the appropriate hand signals, the rear
tapeperson aligns the O-mark with the range pole at B. At the instant the rear
tapeperson signals “good”, the front tapeperson drops the plumb bob abd
marks with a pin the dent made by the tip of the plumb on the ground.
3. After this step is completed, the tape is moved forward. Step 2 is repeated
until the last tape length or partial tape length to point B is reached, taking
note of the number of tape lengths.
4. For the partial tape length, the front tapeperson holds firmly and vertically with
a plumb line the O-mark of the tape over the hub center at point B. The rear
tapeperson pulls the tape taut and sets the plumb line over the pin marking
the end of the last full tape length. When the front tapeperson signals “good”
the rear tapeperson reads the tape. The reading is recorded. Designate this
as Trial no. 1.
5. To make Trial No.2 , steps 1, 2, 3, & 4 are repeated from point B to point A.
6. The most probable length of the line is the mean of the two trials.

C COMPUTATION OF PERCENTAGE ERROR (P.E.)

1. Compare the length as measured in Procedures A and B. Get the percentage
error using the formula

D TAPING ON SLOPING GROUND

1. The instructor sets two points on a sloping ground at least 3 tape lengths
apart. The points are marked with hubs. Designate the hub at the bottom of
the slope as point A and the hub at the higher elevation as point B. The range
pole person holds the range pole vertically over point B.
2. The front tapeperson unreels the fill length of the tape with the O-mark towards
B.
3. The rear tapeperson holds the 50-m mark about breast high and vertically
over point A using a plumb line. The front tapeman moves to a point on the

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 ground about the same height as the raised 50-m mark and locates the
nearest meter mark on the tape.
4. The rear tapeperson aligns the meter mark held by the front tapeperson. As
soon as the “good” signal is given by the rear tapeperson, the front tapeperson
sticks a pin beside the tape.
5. ‘The rear tapeperson holds firmly and vertically the 50-m mark over point A
while the front tapeperson pulls the tape taut seeing to it that the edge of the
tape touches the previously aligned pin. When the signal “good” is given by
the rear tapeperson, the front tapeperson resets the pin exactly opposite the
meter mark selected. After this is through, the rear tapeperson leaves the end
of his/her tape, moves up to a higher elevation and gets hold of the tape at
the point previously held by the front tapeperson.
6. The rear tapeperson holds the meter mark breast high and vertically over the
pin while the front tapeperson selects another ground point at approximately
the same elevation as the raised meter mark held by the rear tapeperson.
Steps 4 and 5 are repeated until the tape length is completed. When a tape
length is completed, the tape is pulled up the slope and the above steps are
repeated until the last partial tape length.
7. For the partial tape length, the O-mark is placed accurately on point B while
the rear tapeperson pulls the tape taut and sets the plumb line vertically over
the last pin mark At the instant the front tapeperson signals “good”, the rear
tapeperson reads the tape. The reading is recorded. Designate this Trial No.1.
8. For Trial No.2, the measurement is downhill from B to A. The rear tapeperson
holds the O-mark firmly over point A. The front tapeperson locates a ground
point such that ifhe/she holds an exact meter mark about breast high, the mark
held is approximately at the same elevation as the hub at B. The rear
tapeperson aligns the plumb line held by the front tapeperson with the range
pole at A.
9. When the plumb line held by the front tapeperson is aligned, the rear
tapeperson holds firmly and accurately the O-mark over the center of the hub
at point B whilethe front tapeperson pulls the tape taut. The plumb line is set
on an exact meter mark. As soon as the “good” signal is given by the rear
tapeperson, the front tapeperson drops the plumb bob and takes note of the
meter reading. A pin is set on the dent made by the tip of the plumb bob on
the ground. After this is through, the rear tapeperson lets go of his/her end of
the tape and moves downslope to the pinand holds the meter mark previously
read. The front tapeperson likewise moves downslope to a ground point
selected similar to step 8.
10. Steps 8 & 9 are repeated until one tape length is completed. Everytime a
tapelength is completed, the tape is pulled downslope towards A and steps 8
& 9 are again repeated until the partial tape length to point A is reached.
11. For the partial tape length, the O-mark is set on the last pin mark. The front
tapeperson raises the part of the tape at point A level with the ground point
indicated by the last pin mark. The rear tapeperson holds the tape firmly and
sets the O-mark exactly opposite the pin while the front tapeperson pulls the

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 tape taut and moves the plumb line so that it is vertically over the center mark
of the hub at point A. At the instant the rear tapeman signal “good”, the front
tapeperson reads the tape and the reading is recorded
12. The most probable length of the line is the mean of Trial No.1 and Trial No.2.

FIGURE 2.1 - ILLUSTRATION OF THE METHOD OF ‘BREAKING THE TAPE

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 Field Exercise No. 3
Determination of Distance of Obstructed Lines
Using Tape

Objectives:

1. To learn the techniques in determining the distance of obstructed lines.

Instruments:

1 - 50 m steel tape
3 - Range poles
1 - Set of pins

Organization:

1 - Team leader
1 - Front tapeperson
1 - Rear tapeperson
2 - Range pole persons

PROCEDURE :

A.___TERMINAL POINTS ARE NOT INTERVISIBLE

I. Similar Triangles Method :

1. Set two points A and B which are obstructed by a building.

Mark the points with hubs.
2. Set a point at a distance from the building such that both A and B are visible
from the chosen point. Designate this as point C (See Figure 3-1).
3. Measure distance AC.
4. Along line AC and at a distance from the obstruction set a point D.
5. Measure the distance BC. Along line BC set a point E such that the ratio of
CE to BC equals the ratio of CD to AC.
6. Measure accurately the distance DE. |
7. Compute for distance AB by ratio and proportion.

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 II. Random Line and Chord Method

1. Using the same points in Exercise 3Al, set a point X beyond the obstruction.
AX defines a random line.
2. The front tape person sets the 0-mark of the tape point B. Using a sufficient
length of the tape pulled taut, the rear tape person swings an arc with B as
center. The arc intersects line AX at points D and E (Please refer to Figure
3.2)
3. 3. To determine points D and E, the range pole handler at A sights the range
pole held at X and signals the rear tape person when the line is intersected
by the tape that is swung.
4. Measure the distance DE and set the midpoint C.
5. Compute the distance AB by the Pythagorean Theorem.

B. TERMINAL POINTS VISIBLE BUT CANNOT BE MEASURED DIRECTLY

I. Offset Method

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1. Establish 2 points A and B. Mark the point with hubs. Assume AB cannot
be measured directly.
2. At A and B, erect perpendiculars-using a 3-4-5 triangle.
Form the 3-4-5 triangle by:
i) Place the 50-m mark of the tape over the 0-mark. This is held
by one person. Designate this corner ( 0-50 ).
ii) Another person picks up the 13-m mark and sets this over the
12m mark by looping 1-m. Designate this (12-13) comer.

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 Field Exercise No. 4
Determination of Lot Area Using a Tape

Objectives :

1. To learn the different methods of using the tape to solve the practical
field problems.
2. To find the area of an irregular polygon

Instruments:
1 - 50-m steel tape
3 - Range poles
1 - set of marking pins
5 - hubs

Organization:
1 - Team leader
1 - Front tapeperson
1 - Rear tapeperson
2 - Range pole persons

PROCEDURE :

1. Set 5 hubs in an open field such that the hubs define the comers of a five-
sided irregular polygon. In a clockwise direction, denote the corners of the lot
with letters A toE. Refer to Figure 4.1 for guidance.
2. Divide the lot into triangles as shown in the figure.
3. For triangle ABE:
i.With the tape measure distance AB and AE. Determine angle BAE.
ii.To determine angle BAE: Set a point B' along AB, 10 m from A. Along
line AE, set a point E’, also 10m from A. Measure distance BE’. Divide
B’E’ by 2.
iii. To get angle BAE:

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 FIGURE 4.1 - IRREGULAR POLYGON

iv. Area of triangle ABE = 1/2 (AB)(AE)(sin BAE)

4. For Triangle BCE

i. Measure distance BC, CE, and EB. Let BC=a, CE=b, EB=c.
ii. To compute for area of triangle BCE, use

Where s = 1/2 (a+b+c)

5. For Triangle CDE:

i. Set one range pole each at points C & E. The front tapeperson sets the
O-mark of the tape at D. The rear tapeperson stretches the tape such that
the tape is approximately perpendicular to line CE and selects an exact
mark beyond the line CE.
ii. The front tapeperson sets the O-mark accurately over the hub at D and
holds firmly the tape. The rear tapeperson pulls the tape taut and slowly
swings the tape mark he is holding until it crosses the line CE. The points
where the tape mark crosses the line are determined by a range pole
handler stationed at either E or C. At the instant the mark crosses the line,
the range pole handler signals the rear tapeperson who sticks a pin at the
point of crossing. The tape mark will cross the line at two points, one on
the side of E and another on the side of C. Denote the points F and G.
iii. Measure the distance FG. Find the midpoint. Denote the midpoint D'.
Measure with the tape the distance DD' .
iv. Compute for the area of the triangle CDE:

6. To get the area of the lot, add the areas of the three triangle.

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 Field Exercise No. 5
Determination of Area of Lot Using Compass and
Pacing and by Compass and Tape

Objectives :

1. To get familiar with the compass and how to use it.

2. To solve practical field problems with the use of compass, pacingm and
tape.

Instruments:
1 - compass
1 - 50-m steel tape
2- range poles
5 - hubs
1 - set of pins
Organization:
1 - Team leader
1 - Front tapeperson
1 - Rear tapeperson
1 - Recorder
2 - Range pole persons

PROCEDURE :
A AREA DETERMINATION USING COMPASS AND PACING
1. The students are shown the compass and the parts are identified.
2. The manipulation of the compass is demonstrated. Students are then
instructed on how bearings are taken and read.
3. Using the same lot used in Field Exercise No. 4, the area of the lot is
determined with the use of the compass and by pacing.
4. Denote the corners of the lot with letters A to E in a clockwise direction.
Dividethe lot into triangles as shown in Figure 5.1.

FIGURE 5.1

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 5. For triangle ABE: Get the magnetic bearings of lines AB and AE. One
member of the team paces from A to B then B to A and computes the paced
distance AB using the individual’s pace factor. Another member does the
same for line AE.
6. For triangle BCE, the bearings and paced distance of lines BC and BE are
taken. The area of the lot is computed similar to step 5.
7. For triangle CDE, the lines CD and CE are observed and used for the area
computation.
8. The area of the lot is the sum of the areas of the 3 triangles.

B AREA DETERMINATION USING TAPE AND COMPASS

1. Perform similar procedure as in part A of this exercise but use the tape in
determining the distances.
2. Compute the area of the lot using the readings recorded.

C DETERMINATION OF PERCENTAGE ERROR

1. To determine the pecentage error between the two methods, use the formula:

D DETERMINATION OF APPROXIMATE TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION OF

LOT
1. Get and record the bearings and tape distances of the lines AB, BC, CD, DE,
and EA.
2. Also observe the back bearings to find out if there is local attraction by
observing the compass bearings of AE, ED, DC, CB, and BA.
3. Make necessary corrections in the distances and bearings of the lines.
4. Plot the lot area indicating bearings and distances.

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 5. Field Exercise No. 6
Measurement of Angles by Repition

Objectives :

1. To get familiar with the perts and manipulation of the transit.

2. To learn techniques of setting up the transit.
3. To learn how to read the horizontal circle and vernier and how to set
readings on the vernier.

Instruments:
1 - 50-m steel tape
3 - Range poles
1 - set of marking pins
5 - hubs

Organization:
1 - Team leader
1 - Transit Person
1 - Recorder
2 - Range pole persons

PROCEDURE :
A FAMILIARIZATION WITH THE TRANSIT
1. The tripod legs are set apart for stability. The transit is brought out of the box
and the base is screwed securely to the top of the tripod. The base plate is
approximately levelled by repositioning one or two legs of the tripod. The
tripod screws are tightened.
2. The instructor identifies the parts of the transit and explains the use and
purpose of each part. Manipulation of the clamps and tangent screws is
demonstrated. Then each team member is required to set up and level the
transit over the station.
3. To set up and level the transit over the station:
i. Drive the hub flush to the ground.
ii. Lift the transit bodily and bring it over the hub such that the plumb bob is
more or less over the hub. The legs of the tripod are spread such that
the eyepiece is at a comfortable height above the ground. The height of
the eyepiece when the telescope is horizontal should not be such that
the observer should stoop too low or stands on his/her toes to peep
through the eyepiece.
iii. Swing one or two legs when necessary in order to keep the base plate
approximately lelve. Tighten the tripod screws.

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 iv. Press each leg longitudinally into the ground for firmness being careful
to preserve the level position of the base plate and keeping the plumb
bob to within one centimeter of the nail on the hub.
v. Adjust the plumb bob string so that the plumb bob swings freely but close
to the hub.
vi. Loosen the levelling screws and move the shifting head accordingly to
bring the plumb bob to the center of the hub.
vii. Once centered, loosen the upper clamp, rotate the instrument head
about the vertical axis to bring the axis of the bubble tube peralle! to a
pair of levelling screws diagonally opposite each other.
viii. Manipulate one set of diagonally opposite screw to bring the
corresponding bubble centered in the bubble tube. Then the other
diagonally opposite pair of screws is likewise turned to center the bubble
of the other bubble tube. Both bubble tubes are re-centered to make their
respective bubbles exactly centered.
ix. Rotate the instrument 180 deg. in azimuth and eee if the bubbles have
moved. If they move out of center, bring them halfway back with the
corresponding levelling screws.

4. After all the group members have done the setting up and levelling of the
transit, they are drilled on reading the horizontal circle and vernier.
i. Take a look at the horizontal circle. Take note of how the graduations
are numbered, e.g. 0, 10, 20, etc. Then note how many long graduations
between numbers corresponding to the number of degrees between
numbers, e.g 0 deg. to 10 deg. - 10 graduations corresponding to 10
deg. Next, check the number of shorter graduations between the long
graduations. This is the least reading on the circle, e.g. 2 graduations
make three spaces, therefore 1 graduation is equal to 20’, 1 graduation
between two long graduations make the division 30’.
ii. Look at the vernier: Note the graduation corresponding to the O-mark
and the number of the last graduation. Note Down the type of venire.
Most transit venire are double direct venires. Note the number of
graduation either to the left or right of the O-mark. The least reading of
the venire equals the least reading of the circle divided by the number of
graduations of the venire: e.g. least reading of the horizontal circle is 20',
no. of graduations on the venire is 60, thus the least reading of the venire
is (20’)/60 = 20”
iii. After getting familiar with the graduation of the horizontal circle and
venire, readings are set by the instructor and the students are made to
practice reading and setting the readings.

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B MEASUREMENT OF ANGLES BY REPITITION
1. Drive a hub almost flush to the ground. Designate this point A. Set up and
level the transit over the point A. At a distance of not less than 50 meters drive
two hubs at random points. Standing at A and facing the two hubs, designate
the hub on the left as point B and the hub on the right as point C.
2. Set vernier A reading to 0-00'-00". Lock the upper clamp. With the lower clamp
open, sight the range pole held at B and bisect accurately using the lower
tangent screw.
3. Open upper clamp, sight the range pole at C, bisect accurately using the upper
tangent screw. Record reading on Vernier A & B. Close upper clamp.
4. Open the lower clamp; rotate the instrument clockwise; sight point B and
bisect range pole using the lower tangent screw. Repeat step 3. This is the
second repetition. Reading on vernier not to be recorded.
5. Repeat steps 4 to make three repetitions. Record vernier A and B readings.
6. Reverse the telescope. Open lower clamp; sight point C; bisect range pole at
C accurately using the lower tangent screw.
7. Open upper clamp; rotate the instrument counterclockwise; sight point B;
bisect accurately using the upper tangent screw.
8. Open lower clamp; sight point C; bisect range pole at C using the lower
tangent screw.
9. Repeat steps 7 & 8 to make three repetitions. Read and record readings of
Vernier A&B. Reading on Vernier A should be very close to 0-00'-00".
10. The explementary angle is measured similar to steps 2 to 9 using point C as
the initial point.

FIGURE 6.1A - ANGLE MEASUREMENT (Telescope Direct)

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 FIGURE 6.1B - ANGLE MEASUREMENT (Telescope Reversed)

C COMPUTATIONS
1. Take the mean of the initial readings for Vernier A &B. Call this M;. Take the
mean of Vernier A and B readings for third repetition Call this M,. Compute
the mean of the closing readings for Vernier A and B.and denote this by M.
Subtract M; from M,. Call the difference D,. Subtract M, from M, and call this
D).
2. Divide D, by 3, call this alpha Divide D, by 3 and call the quotient beta.
3. To get the most probable value of the angle, add alpha and beta and divide
by 2. The valve of the explementary angle can be determined using the
above mentioned procedure.
4. Sum of the probable values of the angle and its explementary should be
equal to 360 degrees

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 Field Exercise No. 7
Determination of Inaccessible Height

Objective:
1. To determine the index error of the vertical circle of the transit
2. To determine the height of an inaccessible point

Instruments: Organization:
1 - Transit 1 - Team leader
1 - 50-m Steel tape 1 - Instrument man
1 - Leveling rods 1 - Recorder
2 - Range Poles 2 - Rod persons
2 - hubs

PROCEDURE:

A DETERMINATION OF INDEX ERROR OF THE VERTICAL CIRCLE:

1. Set and level the transit
2. Sight and bisect accurately five different high points and 5 different low points
in the direct and reverse positions of the telescope. Record the vertical circle
reading for each the telescope. Record the vertical circle reading for each
sighting. Adept the sign convention: For angles above the horizontal, positive;
below the horizontal, negative.
3. Compute for the index error:
a. Take the algebraic sum of all vertical circle reading in the direct position
of the telescope. Denote this as D.
b. Take also the algebraic sum of all vertical circle readings in the reverse
position of the telescope. Denote this as R.
c. Compute for index error using the formula

d. Change the sign of I.E. This is the index correction to be added

algebraically to all vertical circle readings in the direct position of the
telescope.

B. DETERMINATION OF INACCESSIBLE HEIGHT

I.Vertical Plane Method

1. Set the hub at a convenient distance from the base of flag-pole or similar
structure. Denote this as point A.
2. Set and level the transit at A. Sight and bisect the top of the flag-pole. Lock
upper and lower clamps. Record vertical circle reading. Designate this as
angle X.

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3. Depress the telescope and set the vertical circle reading to the computed
index error. Lock the telescope clamp.
4. The rod person holds the leveling rod vertically at the foot of the flagpole. The
instrument person takes the rod reading (intercept of the horizontal cross-hair
with the rod). Record the rod reading, denote this h1
5. Set another hub along the line of sight at a convenient distance from A. Denote
this point B. (Points A, B, and the food of the flagpole are on the same line).
6. Loosen lower and upper clamp. Transfer the transit to point B. Repeat step 2
and designate the vertical circle reading angle Y.
7. Repeat 3 and 4 and denote the rod reading h 2
8. Measure with the tape the distance AB.
9. Compute the height of the flagpole:
i. Apply the index correction to the observed values of X and Y.
ii. For the triangle FEB’ : EF = (EB’) tan (90 − Y)
EF = (h1 − h2) ( cot Y)

iii. For triangle A ‘DF: 𝐴 ‘ 𝐹 = 𝐴𝐵 + 𝐸𝐹

𝐴𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 𝑍 = 𝐴𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 𝑌 − 𝐴𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 𝑋

iv. Using the sine law:

𝐴′𝐹 𝐹𝐷 𝐴′ 𝐹 ′
= ; 𝐹𝐷 = ; 𝐷𝐺 = (𝐹𝐷) sin 𝑌
sin 𝑍 sin 𝑋 sin 𝑍

v. Height of flagpole 𝐷𝑐 = 𝐷𝐺 + ℎ1

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 II. Vertical and Horizontal Plane Method
1. Set two hubs at a convenient distance from the flagpole or similar structure
such that a geometrically strong triangle is formed by the two hubs and
the foot of the flagpole. Designate the two hubs as points A and B.
2. Set up and level the transit at point A. Set vernier A to 0- 00" - OU". Close
upper clamp.
3. Sight the top of the flagpole and bisect accurately using the lower tangent
screw. Record the vertical circle reading. Denote vertical angle as S.
4. Depress the telescope to a horizontal position and set the vertical circle to
the inner error.
5. A rodperson holds a leveling rod vertically at the foot of the flagpole. The
instrument person takes and record the rod reading.
6. Open the upper clamp. Sight point B and bisect accurately the range pole
held at B using the upper tangent screw. Record vernier A reading.
Designate the horizontal angle reading as X. Open all clamps.
7. Transfer transit to point B. Set up and level the transit. Set vernier A to 0-
00'-00". Close upper clamp.
8. Repeat steps 3, 4, and 5. Denote vertical angle as R.
9. Open upper clamp. Sight point A and bisect accurately using the upper
tangent screw. Record vernier A reading and denote as Y.
10. With the tape, measure distance AB.
11. Compute the height of the flagpole using the following procedure:
i) Apply the index correction to the observed value of the vertical
angles S and R.

ii) 𝐴𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 𝑍 = 180 − (𝐴𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 𝑋 + 𝐴𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 𝑌)

iii) 𝐴′𝐶’’ = 𝐴𝐶; 𝐵′𝐶’’ = 𝐵𝐶; 𝐷𝐶" = 𝐴𝐶 𝑡𝑎𝑛 𝑆

iv) Height of building (𝐷𝐶) = 𝐷𝐶" + ℎ1 𝑜𝑟 (𝐷𝐶) = 𝐷𝐶′ + ℎ2
12. Perform both computations and compare results.

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 Field Exercise No. 8
Determination of the Elevation of a Point by
Single Rodded Differential Levelling

Objectives :
1. To determine the elevation of a point from a point of known elevation
by circuit differential levelling.

Instruments:
1 - Engineer’s Level
2 - Levelling Rods

Organization:
1 - Observer
1 - Recorder
2 - Stadia rod handlers

PROCEDURE :
A FIELD
1. Designate the point of known elevation as bench mark number 1 (BM No.1)
and the point whose elevation is to be determined as BM No.2.
2. Set up the level at a convenient distance from BM no.1 in the general direction
to BM No.2.
3. “The rodperson seta the rod vertical on BM No.1. The observer takes and
records backsight (BS). (Designate this rodperson A).
4. Another rodperson B is established at the tuning point (TP) in the general
direction of BM No. 2 such that the distance between BM No.1 and the level
is almost equal to the distance between the TP and the level. (BS distance is
approximately equal to the FS distance). Rodperson B sets his/her rod vertical
on TP No. 1. The observer takes and records the foresight (FS).
5. Transfer the level to a point after TP No.1. Take a backsight on TP No.1.
6. Rodperson A moves forward and seta TP No. 2 observing the precaution that
BS distance is approximately equal to the FS distance. The rod is held vertical
on TP No.2 while the observer takes and records the FS.
7. ‘The process is repeated until BM No.2 is reached.
8. After the FS at BM No.2 is taken, the instrument is reset at another point in
the direction of BM No.1. Backsight is taken on BM No.2.
9. Same procedure is followed in returning to BM No.1. However, entirely new
TPs are established with the numbering continued from the last TP.

Precautions:
1. Keep the bubbles centered at the instant of sighting.
2. Select TPs such that the BS and FS distances are approximately equal.
3. Select locations of the level such that the FS and BS rod readings are between
the 1.0 and 2.0 meter marks.

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 4. The rodpersons should strive to hold the rods as plumb as possible specially
during sightings.
5. Avoid extending the rod when it is windy end line of sights very near the
ground surface when the atmosphere “boils”.

B COMPUTATIONS:
1. Compute the elevation of BM No.2 for each run.

HI (Height of Instrument) = Elevation of Previous Point + BS Elevation of

forward point = HI - FS

2. Check computations:
Elev. BM No.2 - Elev. of BM No.1 = Sum of BS - Sum of FS

3. Get the mean of the elevation of BM No.2 in the forward run and the return
run and the return run to get the most probable elevation of BM No.2.

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 Field Exercise No. 9
Determination of the Elevation of a Point by
Double Rodded Differential Levelling

Objectives :
To determine the elevation of a point from a point of known elevation with the
use of double rods and without returning to the point of beginning.

Instruments:
1 - Engineer’s Level
2 - Levelling Rods

Organization:
1 - Team Leader
1 - Observer
1 - Recorder
2 - Rod Persons
1 - Recorder

PROCEDURE :
A FIELD
1. Use the same points used in Field Exercise No.9. Use the same designation
for the points. (BM No.1 and BM No.2).
2. Set up and level at the convenient distance from BM No.1. Take and record
the backsight. The rod person at the backsight point (BM No.1) paces from
the B.S. point to the instrument.
3. The rodman sets 2 F.S. points in the general direction of BM No.2 at a distance
from the instrument equal to the number of paces from the B.S. point to the
level.
4. Designate the lower point TP1 L and the higher point TP1 H.
5. Two rod persons hold plumb the levelling rod in each of the TP’s.
6. The foresight reading on each rod is taken and recorded.
7. Transfer the level past the two turning points in the general direction of BM
No.2. not necessarily on a direct line joining the two BMs.
8. Set and level the instrument at the selected point.
9. Take and record the B.S. to the two rods on TP11 and TP1H.
10. The two rodpersons transfer to two forward points past the instrument at a
paced distance from the previous TPs to the instrument.
11. The F.S. is taken and recorded.
12. The above procedure is repeated until BM No.2 is reached.

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B. Computation and Record Keeping

Sample Field Notes and Computation:

Sta. BS HI FS Elev. Remarks

BM No. 1.326 21.787 20.461

1

TPIL 1.472 22.114 1.145 20.642

TPIH 1.373 22.168 0.992 20.795

TP2L 1.218 22.356 0.976 21.138

TP2H 1.298 22.524 0.942 21.226

TP3L 1.421 22.723 1.054 21.302

TP3H 1.313 22.726 1.111 21.413

BM No.2 1.286 21.437

21.440

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 Field Exercise No. 10
Topographic Survey by Transit And Stadia

OBJECTIVE :
To prepare a topographic map of an area by conducting a topographic survey
using transit and stadia

INSTRUMENT : 1 transit 1- 50m. Tape

1 level 2- range poles
2- leveling or stadia rods

ORGANIZATION :
Transit Team Leveling Team
1 instrument man 1 instrument man
1 front tapeman/ rodman 1 backsight rodman
1 rear tapeman/ rodman 1 foresight rodman
1 foresight 1 recorder/computer
1 backsight
1 recorder

GENERAL PROCEDURE :

I. Determine of stadia constant of transit

II. Reconnaissance
Ill. Establishment of Horizontal Control
IV. Establishment of Vertical Control
V. Locating Details
VL Computation and Plotting

I. DETERMINATION OF STADIA CONSTANT

1. Check the transit telescope whether it is internal or external focusing.

2. Set and level the transit on a level area.
3. On a straight line set stakes 25 meters apart. Set at least 3 points.
4. Center the transit telescope bubble. The rodman holds vertically the stadia
rods over the points. Take and record the rod readings for the upper and
lower stadia hairs.
5. Compute the value of k. For internal focusing telescope, f+c = 0 ; k = D/S;
Where D is the measured distance, S is the stadia interval = Rod Reading
upper stadia hair less rod reading lower stadia hair. For external focusing
telescope : f+c = 0.30; K = ( D-0.30)/s.

II. RECONNAISSANCE

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 1. Prepare stakes.
2. Go around the area to be surveyed. Drive stakes at point where the greatest
number of details could be seen. Details may be changes in the ground
elevation, edges of roads and waterways, intersection of roads, building
corners, property corners, fences, culverts, trees and other natural and man
made features.
3. The stakes will serve as traverse stations and bench marks, hence should be
such that they are intervisible and semi-permanent.

III. ESTABLISHMENT OF HORIZONTAL CONTROL

1. Start the traverse from a point of known position. If there are none in the area,
start from the first traverse station.
2. If the traverse starts from a point of known position, orient the transit to
another point using the known azimuth. If not, accurately orient the transit to
magnetic south
3. Run a closed circuit traverse using the stakes set during reconnaissance as
traverse stations.

IV. ESTABLISHMENT OF VERTICAL CONTROL

1. Start from established bench mark. If none is available, start from the first
traverse station. Assume and elevation.
2 Run a closed level circuit connecting the traverse stations so that elevations
may be determined.

V. LOCATING DETAILS

1. Set and level the transit at a traverse station. Orient the transit using
the computed azimuth of the station occupied and the rear station.
2. In orienting, the computed azimuth of the line is set on vernier A. Close the
upper clamp and reverse the telescope. The rear station is bisected using the
lower tangent screw. After the rear station is bisected, open the upper clamp
and plunge the telescope to the direct position.
3. Measure the height of the transit. The height is the vertical distance from the
top of the stake to the horizontal axis of the telescope.
4. The rodman holds the stadia rod at the selected points considered essential
in determining contours and the land features.
5. The instrument man sights at the rod and sets the horizontal cross hair to a
.

rod reading equal to the height of the transit.

6. Read and record the azimuth, stadia interval and vertical angle.

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7. At each station, as many as necessary side shots are taken. The rule is to
take more shots as can be allowed on time constraints. Taped distances
should also be measured.
8. Step I to 7 are done in the traverse stations where details are to be taken

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 Field Exercise No. 11
Triangulation For a Bridge Site

OBJECTIVES :
To establish the control points for a low order triangulation system needed to
stake out a site for a short - span bridge.

To learn how to apply the approximate method of adjusting a quadrilateral and

how to determine the length of the bridge and the lengths of other unknown
sides of the quadrilateral.

INSTRUMENTS:
Engineer's transit 4 Range poles
Steel tape Hubs or steel pins

PROCEDURE:

1. Establish two end points defining the length of an imaginary bridge and, two
other points within the vicinity of the imaginary bridge site in order to form a
triangulations figure in the shape of a quadrilateral. Call these points A, B,
C, and D with line AB defining the length and centerline of the imaginary
bridge. Use hubs to mark these points.
2. Designate lines AD and BC as the base line and check base respectively.
Measure accurately their respective length of each line.
3. Set up and level the instrument at A and measure the horizontal angles by
repetition ( refer to FE 6 CE311). Record the observed values accordingly.
4. In a similar process, also measure the horizontal angles at stations D,B and
C.
5. Tabulate observed and calculated values accordingly.

COMPUTATIONS :

1. Apply corrections for all horizontal angles ( refer to Field Exercises 6).
2. The sum of the corrected interior angles of the quadrilateral must be equal to
(n-2) 180 deg., where n represents the number of sides.
a. The first step is to add all the interior angles of the quadrilateral then
subtract the sum ( n-2 ) 180 deg. The difference, if any, is divided by
the number of interior angles ( or 8 ). The resulting value is added
algebraically to each interior angle in order to make the sum of the
interior angles equal to (n-2) 180 deg. From the accompanying figure
the following equation should be satisfied:

2 + 3 + 5 + 6 + 8 + 9 + 11 + 12 = (𝑛 − 2)180

b. The next step is to check if the sum of opposite angles at the

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 intersection of the diagonals are equal. From the accompanying
sample figure the following equation should also be satisfied:

2 + 6 += 8 + 12

The values of these angles which were previously adjusted are

compared and the difference between them, if any is divided by 4 and
distributed to the angles, adding to the smaller pair of angles and
subtracting from the larger pair.

The following equation should also be satisfied:

5 + 9 = 3 + 11

A similar procedure of computation is employed to adjust these 4

angles as was used for the previous four.

3. Determining Length of the Imaginary Bridge and Other Unknown Sides.

a. From the accompanying figure, the length of the imaginary
bridge (AB) is determined from triangle ABD and using the sine
law, or

𝐴𝐵 𝐴𝐷
=
sin 11 sin 6

Where AB is the length of the imaginary bridge, AD is the

measured base line and angles 6 & 11 are adjusted interior
angles of the quadrilateral.

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 Field Exercise No.12
Hydrographic Survey

OBJECTIVES:
Measurement of discharge using a current meter.

INSTRUMENTS:
1 current meter
1 stop watch batteries
1 steel tape
1 tag line reel complete with tag line
1 sounding lead

PROCEDURE:
1. Establish stationing across the stream by using a tag line provided with tags
to mark the stations.
2. Determine the depth of water by using a sounding lead. Record the depth.
3. Assemble current meter parts including its electrical circuit connections and
test in air if it is in good working condition.
4. Lower carefully the instrument into the water and hold it steadily at the depth
of observation, first at 0.2 depth at a vertical and then at 0.8 depth of the
same vertical (0.2 and 0.8 Depth Method).
5. Listen to ticking sound and observe the regularity of their intervals while the
current meter bucket wheel revolves in water.
6. If, with the aid of a stop watch, you find the intervals to be uniform, begin to
observe by conveniently selecting a tick to observe as the initial time of
observation.
7. Count the second tick as 1, the third as 2, the fourth tick as 3, and so on.
Continue the observation until sufficient number of revolutions and time in
seconds are well within the horizontal and vertical values of the current
meter rating table.
8. After a complete set of observations in one vertical, move to the next
vertical and repeat the observation, and so on until finished. "
9. Obtain the velocities from the rating table.
10. Compute the discharge of the channel.

Note:
a. In determining the mean velocity in a section used in making a
discharge measurement, the mean velocity normal to the measuring
section must be measured at each vertical.
b. The current meter rotating vanes should be allowed to function for
about one minute for lower velocities before observations are made.

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DATA:

Data Diet from Depth Depth of Revs. Time Velocity (m/s) At

IP Obs.(m) (s) pt
Mean @ Vert

Section Area (sq.m) Mean Depth (m) Mean Velocity (m/s) Discharge (cu.m/s.)

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 Field Exercise No. 13
Hydrographic Survey: Locating Soundings

A. SOUNDING BY READING TWO ANGLES FROM 2 FIXED POINTS

ON SHORE

INSTRUMENTS:

2 transits 3 watches
2 tripods 1 steel tape
1 sounding lead 1 boat

MEMBERS:
Boat Party: Transit Party
1 Chief of party/ recorder 1 transitman/ recorder per
1 Leadsman instrument
1 Coxswain

PROCEDURE :

1. Establish control points.

2. Set up an engineer’s transit over each of the 2 fixed points on shore.
3. Synchronize the watches to be used.
4. Dispatched a boat with the chief of party. By a common inter-party system of
signaling, the chief of party signals, with the aid of visible flags. These
signals are replied by the transit men ashore for an observation of sounding
positions. The transit men should always follow the boat signals in order to
read the angles simultaneously.
5. When the signal to be observe is given by the chief of party, the leads man
heaves his sounding lead some distance ahead in order to make the lead
line vertical by the time the boat is over the point sound. Then read the lead
line for observed depth.
6. Record the observed depth, time remarks and other necessary technical
information in the sounding record. The transit parties likewise do the same
data recording.
7. Continue the survey similarly using time interval specified for lead time
between observations until the area is fully covered.

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Data:
Date _____________________ Weather: ________________
Boat Party Sounding Record Locality : ________________

Position Time Observed Sounding Tide Reduced Remarks

Number h:m:s Correction Depth

Date : _________________________ Weather: ________________

Transit Party at Station:______ Locality : _________________

Station Station Time Azimuth Interior Remarks

Occ. Obs. h:m:s Angle

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B. POINTS ON SHORE

INSTRUMENT:
1 boat
1 steel tape
1 watch2 sextants
1 sounding lead

MEMBERS :
Boat party
1 chief of party/ recorder
1 left angleman
1 right angleman
1 leadsman
1 coxswain

PROCEDURE :
1. Establish control points. Sounding may be commenced following
a conveniently selected system of lines for the area to be surveyed.
2. The coxswain maneuvers the boat following instructions from the chief
of party.
3. When the chief of party gives the order to observe, the left angleman
measures the left angle between the left and center objects.
4. Simultaneously, the right angleman measures the right angle with another
sextant, the right angle being the angle between the center and the right
objects.
5. The leadsman at the same instance heaves the lead forward, calculating the
distance of heave to properly make the lead line vertical when the lead
touches the bottom, thus measuring the depth with the least amount of error
from the lead line position.
6. The recorder takes the observed data and properly records them on the record
book.
7. Similar procedure is followed until the whole designated area is surveyed.

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Data:

Soundings Locality :____________________

Date : _________________

Position Time Soundings Reduction for Angles Remarks

Number h:m:s (m) tide Left<Right<

HYDROGRAPHIC TERMS

BASIN - A large submarine depression of a general circular, elliptical, or

oval shape.
DEEP - The well- define deepest area in a submarine depression
DEPRESSION - A general term signifying any depressed or lower area in the
ocean floor
DEPTH - The maximum sounding measured in a deep
COAST - A zone of land of indefinite width bordering the sea
ISLAND - A land area (similar than a continent) extending above and
completely surrounded by water at mean water.
ISLET - A very small and minor island
SHORELINE - The line of contact between the land and a body of water
CREEK - A stream, less prominent than a river in any region, generally
tributary to a river or another creek.
RIVER - A stream relatively prominent in any extensive region.
REEF - Any coral elevation, or a detached rocky elevation that is
dangerous to surface navigation and may uncover. A rocky reef
is detached from shore but a coral reef may or may not extend
from the shore.
SHOAL - A detached non-coral or non-rocky area which is a meance to
surface navigation and may shift in position or change in shape.

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 Field Exercise No.14
Solar Observation

OBJECTIVE : To determine the true azimuth of a line by a direct

observation on the sun.

INSTRUMENT: Engineer’s transit Solar eyepiece

1-Range Pole
White card or paper
PROCEDURE:

1. Preparation Prior to Sighting the Sun.

a. Set up and level the instrument at one end of a line whose true direction
is to be determined.
b. Set the horizontal circle reading to zero, and take a sight on a mark at
the other end of the line with the telescope in direct position.
c. Attach the solar eyepiece. Release the upper clamp then,raise and point
the telescope as nearly as possible toward the sun without looking
through the telescope.
d. Hold a white card from 5 cm. to 10 cm. behind the solar eyepiece and
slowly rotate the telescope both in azimuth and altitude. When a circular
shadow is cast on the card clamp both motions.
e. Rotate the eyepiece until the cross hairs are also focused on the card.
Then, focus the telescope and make the image of the sun appear on the
white card as clearly and sharply as possible.
2. Sighting the Sun.
a. To make the observations, the image of the sun is brought tangent to the
cross hairs. Half of the observations should be made in one quadrant and
the other half with the sun in the opposite quadrant.
b. Loosen the upper motion and take a series of sights to the sun first with
the telescope in direct position.
c. Both vertical and horizontal cross hairs are brought tangent to the eastern
limb and the lower (for morning observation) or upper (for afternoon
observation) limb of the sun. The sequence of images observed by this
method are as shown in the accompanying figure.
d. For morning observations, the horizontal cross hairs is sighted a short
distance above the lower limb of the sun. Due to the sun’s apparent
movement in its orbit the horizontal cross hair approaches tangency. The
vertical cross hair should be kept continuously on the sun’s western limb
by means of the upper tangent screw.
e. The motion of the telescope is stopped at the instant when the horizontal
and vertical cross hairs are simultaneously tangent to the sun’s disk as

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 shown in the white card. Also, the time is observed and the vertical and
horizontal circles read.
f. Make a second observation with the sun in the opposite quadrant. The
vertical cross hair is set a short distance to the right of the sun’s eastern
limb. The horizontal cross hair is kept continuously on the sun’s upper
limb by means of the vertical tangent screw. When the horizontal and
vertical cross hairs are simultaneously tangent to the sun’s disk, the
vertical and horizontal circles are read.
g. For the third sighting with the telescope in the reversed position, the
horizontal cross hair is sighted a short distance above the upper limb of
the sun. Due to the sun’s apparent movement in its orbit the horizontal
cross hair approaches tangency. The vertical cross hair should be kept
continuously on the sun’s eastern limb by means of upper tangent screw.
h. The motion of the telescope is stopped at the instant when the horizontal
and vertical cross hairs are simultaneously tangent to the sun’s disk as
shown in the white card. Also, the time is observed and the horizontal
circles read.
i. Make a fourth observation with the sun in the opposite quadrant. The
vertical cross hair is set a short distance to the right of the sun’s western
limb. The horizontal cross hair is kept continuously on the sun’s lower limb
by means of the vertical tangent screw. When the horizontal and vertical
cross hairs are simultaneously tangent to the sun’s disk, the vertical and
horizontal circles are read. The first four observations constitute the first
set of observations.
j. The second set of observations are done similarly as in the first set, but
this time starting with the first and second sightings done with the
telescope in the reversed position; and the third and fourth sightings done
with the telescope in the direct position.
k. For afternoon observations, the same procedure is used but this time first
observation is done at the upper limb of the sun with the vertical cross hair
kept continuously on the sun’s western limb.
l. Since the readings on the vertical and horizontal circles are observed in
opposite quadrants, the average values will actually represent
measurements to the center of the sun’s disk. The whole exercise should
take only ten minutes between 8:00 to 10:00 for morning observations and
between 2:00 to 4:00 for afternoon observations.
COMPUTATIONS :

1. Prior to the start of the observation the following data must be known in order
to determine the true direction of the line:
a. Magnetic azimuth from the station to mark
b. Latitude of the place of observation
c. Date of observation.
2. Different values needed for further computations will have to be referred to
the following tables and publications :

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 a. Refraction and Sun’s Parallax
b. Current Solar Ephemeris

3. The following values will have to be determine :

a. Mean horizontal angle from mark to sun
b. Mean vertical angle to sun
c. Mean time at place of observation
d. Sun's apparent declination on date and time of observation
e. True altitude of sun corrected for refraction and parallax
f. Azimuth of the sun
g. True azimuth of line
j. Magnetic declination of the place of observation
4. The azimuth of the sun is computed from the equation below :

𝐴 sin(𝑠 − 𝑙)
=
2 cos(𝑠 − 𝑝) 𝑥 cos(𝑠)
where :

A = true azimuth of the sun, measured from the south

counterclockwise in the afternoon
p = corrected north polar distance
h = corrected altitude of the sun
l = latitude of the place of observation

𝑝+ℎ+𝑙
𝑠=
2

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TABULATION:

Position of sun’s image/ Time Horizontal circle Vertical circle

telescope reading reading

SET I

SET II

REMARKS AND PRECAUTIONS :

1. To observed the sum it would be convenient to have four persons : one to hold
the white card, one to track the sun with the upper tangent screw, one to track the
vertical motion, and one to read and record the horizontal and vertical circles as
well as the time.
2. Corrections for refraction and parallax have to be made on all observed vertical
angles.
3. The stadia hairs should not be mistaken for the horizontal across the hair. This is
avoided by rotating the telescope about the horizontal axis until all the three hairs
are seen and identified accordingly.
4. To observed the sun directly through the telescope eyepiece may result in serious
injury to the eye.
5. A current edition of the Solar Ephemeris should be used for obtaining positions of
the sun and other selected stars.

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