Traverse surveys

• A traverse is a set of measurements taken at points along a route
• Open Traverse

  • Doesn’t loop
  • Beneficial for longer projects - pipelines
  • No error checking
• Traverse Surveying Equipment

  1. Tripod
  2. Total station
  3. Prism - distances
  4. Measuring tape
• Closed Traverse

  • Forms loop by connecting back to a known point
  • Perfect for boundaries (perimeter) or area surveys
  • Highly accurate due to constant set up locations
• A traverse survey involves measuring Distances and angles between connected points
• Advantages

  • High accuracy
  • Flexible for any shaped area
  • Errors can be easily found in closed traverse
  • Digital recording saves time as one interface calculates angles and distances
• Disadvantages

  • Open traverse doesn’t allow for error checking
  • Time consuming for set ups for longer projects
  • Requires trained personnel
  • Expensive equipment
• A closed traverse is a series of lines that return to the starting point and are used for defining boundaries and areas
• Set up

  1. Set and mark control and reference points
  2. Set up the tripod with the total station securely fastened on top
  3. Level the total station with the spirit level and screws
  4. Measure horizontal and vertical angles using the total station
  5. Measure distances using the prism which is connected to the total station
  6. Record the data then move to the next control point
• A open traverse is when a series of lines of connected lines extends in one direction and does not return to the starting point, those lengths and directions are measured to establish a network of points