OBJECTIVE

Produce the topographic and detail plan of proposed area using surveying software.

FIELDWORK PROCEDURES
Tacheometry or detail survey is a continuation of traversing and leveling wherein all the
detail are observe from the traverse point with (x, y, h).
All the traverse point had the reduced level from the leveling.
The leveling data of traverse point is referred.
1. All the details including topography and man-made features have observed.
2. The instrument was setup over the traverse (i.e. stn 4). The pole with mini prism was put
at the back sight (stn 1) and foresight (stn 3).
3. The temporary adjustment (leveling, centering) over the point was performed.
4. The height of instrument (IH) was measured and recorded.
5. The bearing for line 4-1 was set as datum. The distance of stn4-stn1 was measured and
recorded. Used a final bearing from traverse sheet.
6. A pole was used as a target over the point. The pole height (HT) is measured and the
reading was recorded.
7. The horizontal bearing (HR), horizontal distance (HD) and vertical distance@ height
difference (VD) for each observation was recorded.
8. All the features surrounding the stn4 were observed. We make sure the HT was measured
and recorded for each observation.
9. The instrument was moved to the next station (i.e. stn2). The bearing for line 2-3 was set
as a datum. The process was repeated and all the features from stn2 were observed. The
IH at each station setup was measured.
10. Additional control point must be setup when it found missing or disturbed; or obstruction
of the features from observed station.

PROCEDURE:

1) Leveling

BS

FS

2) Set datum
Prism

Used a final bearing

from traverse sheet.

4
TS

3) Record HR, HD and VD for each observation

Building

DISCUSSION
Tacheometry is a method of measuring both horizontal distance and vertical elevation
of a point in the distance. In this experiment we used a total station which contains an EDM,
able to read distance by reflecting off a prism. Tacheometric surveys are usually performed to
measure the three dimensional location of points on the landscape so as to produce contour
and detail plans for further work, or to produce coordinates for area and volume calculations.
Observations are usually performed from known survey stations, often established by
traversing. One of the most common outputs from a tacheometric survey is a plan of survey
showing the features and contours.
Tacheometry also has the same errors like weve done in traversing. There are four
specific sources of errors needed to be emphasized in tachometry observations. They are staff
readings and tilt of the pole or staff. Observer tends to make wrong observation when
observing the staff reading, they might misread the staff marking scales and this brought to
the crucial error along the booking process. Besides, the tilting of the staff rod can influence
the accuracy of the height readings taken from the staff. When the staff is not truly vertical
(90 ) or almost to it, the reading taken is incorrect and lead to the failure of tachometry
process.
1. The tachometer should be in perfect adjustment for taking observation.
2. One should make sure the air bubble on the staff that holds the prism is located at
3.

the centre of the circle on the total station to avoid error while taking the reading.
Distance between surveyors eye and reference station (eg. A, B and C) should be

minimum one meter.

4. The multiplying and additive constants of the instrument should be periodically
checked to see that they indeed have the values that are being used.
5. The stadia rod (staff) should be accurately divided into parts. The graduations
should be uniform and free of errors. They should be marked bold for greater
visibility from a large distance.
Others errors due to manipulation and sighting are inaccurate levelling of the
instrument, inaccurate reading of horizontal line and vertical angles, poor focusing errors,
inaccurate bisection of the target, inaccurate reading of the staff intercept and lastly due to
errors in holding the staff.

Errors in conducting tachometry survey also caused by natural causes. These include
errors due to high winds. During high winds, it is difficult to keep the staff vertical and read it
accurately. Works should be undertaken during hot mid-day period. In very hot conditions,
the instrument should be protected with an umbrella to avoid errors due to the unequal
expansion of different parts of instruments. Work may also be hampered by bad visibility due
to strong sunlight and glare
Also, tacheometry is used for preparation of topographic map where both horizontal
and vertical distances are required to be measured; survey work in difficult terrain where
direct methods of measurements are inconvenient; reconnaissance survey for highways and
railways etc.; establishment of secondary control points and many others.