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Glossary of Surveying Terms

Accuracy Ratio or Error Ratio
The error ratio is a means of expressing the magnitude of the error of the survey in relation to the
distance traversed by the survey. Intuitively, a unit of error is of greater importance in a short
traverse than in a longer traverse.
The error ratio is expressed as the quotient of the absolute value of the error and the distance
traversed. Always give the value with "1" in the numerator.

Thepermissible error ratio depends on the accuracy required for the survey. Ordinary taping
generally refers to work for which the error ratio does not exceed 1/5000. An accuracy ratio of
1/3000 may be allowed for rougher work, but there is very little additional care needed in the
procedures to attain the 1/5000 level. An accuracy ratio of 1/10,000 can be achieved by paying
careful attention to details.
Add Tape
An add tape has an additional major division at the head, beyond the zero mark of the tape, which
is subdivided into finer graduations, usually in tenths of a foot (or meter), sometimes in hundredths.
The use of this tape requires that the minor reading be added to the major division reading.
Some tapes have minor divisions at both the head and tail.
Adjustments
Since all real measurements are imperfect, some amount of error will accumulate in the course of a
survey. That error can be logically distributed throughout the survey by various adjustment
procedures (i.e., manipulation of the data to produce a more logical result). Adjustments can and
should be done with any set of measurements for which error can be assessed.
Adjustment procedures do not correct the errors in the measurements. They simply produce a set of
data that is self-consistent (e.g., the starting and ending points of a closed-loop leveling circuit have
the same elevation - which is physical reality). The adjusted values are not necessarily true - they
are just likely to be closer to the true values than the original measurements.
Azimuth
The angle to a line of sight, measured clockwise from (usually) a north meridian.
Backsight
A backsight is a reading taken on a position of known coordinate(s). Since a survey progresses
from a point of known position to points of unknown position, a backsight is a reading looking
"backward" along the line of progress.
The first reading of almost any survey job should be a backsight onto a fixed point of reference,
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usually a benchmark of some sort.

(Compare to foresight).
Baseline
A baseline is a line used for reference in a survey job. It is often a centerline or a street line. A
baseline is not necessarily straight; e.g., the centerline of a street or pipeline will often curve. The
important aspect is that the baseline can be precisely located, then used for referencing other
measurements on the job site.
Selection of a baseline is entirely arbitrary. However, judicious selection can make the rest of the
job much easier.
Bearings
Bearings are used to indicate angular orientation with respect to the earth. Bearings consist of three
components:
The cardinal direction of the nearest end of the meridian (N or S);
The angle measured from the nearest end of the meridian;
The cardinal point indicating the direction of deflection from the meridian (E or W).
The angular measure is always within the range of 0-90 degrees.
Benchmarks
A benchmark (BM) is permanent marker (usually a bronze disk) at a point of determined location
(elevation and possibly horizontal coordinates). In a less formal sense, it is a point of fixed location
(such as a mark on a bridge abutment, a foundation, or a rock face). It can be used as a reference
point for surveys in its locality. Descriptions of benchmark locations and their elevations are
published by government agencies.
A temporary benchmark (TBM) is a point of fixed location that is used as a reference for a shortduration project. Its elevation may or may not be determined with respect to a larger coordinate
system. A TBM could be something like a nail in a tree or fencepost, a mark on a curb, or a sturdy
stake driven in an out-of-the-way area of a project site.
Booking Values
Booking simply means "entering the field data in the field book". A format appropriate for the type
of survey should be followed to make interpretation and retrieval easy.
Breakpoints
A breakpoint is a point where a change in some parameter of interest occurs. In surveying,
breakpoints are usually associated with changes in slope. A profile survey which records only
breakpoint stations can have equivalent (or even better) information to a survey which records a
regularly spaced set of stations, but with fewer entries (and less time in the field).
Control Points
Control Points are fixed points of known coordinates. Such information can give only elevation or
can include all coordinates. Control points are determined by high-accuracy surveys.
In a less rigorous sense, control points for a construction project can be established conveniently
around the project area using high-accuracy procedures. Such points would then be used throughout
the project for referencing subsequent survey work, such as locating foundations, pipes, etc.
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Cut Tape
A cut tape has the last major division at the head subdivided into finer graduations, usually in
tenths of a foot (or meter), sometimes in hundredths. The use of this tape requires that the minor
reading be subtracted from the major division reading.
Some tapes have minor divisions at both the head and tail.
Datum
A datum is a fixed starting point of a scale. For example, the datum-level for elevation is typically
taken as mean sea level. The datum for latitude is the prime meridian (through the Royal
Observatory in Greenwich, England).
Every datum is arbitrary. However, judicious selection of a datum can make life easier.
Electronic Distance Measurement, EDM
EDM is a relatively new technique that is still evolving and improving. It was first introduced in
1948 by Swedish physicist Erik Bergstrand. His device used visible light and could accurately
measure distances up to 25 miles at night. First introduced in 1957, microwave instruments can be
used day or night.
Current devices are either electro-optical instruments, which use laser or infrared light, or
microwave instruments. The former requires a passive reflector at the opposite end of the line,
while the latter method requires two identical instruments. Refer to the texts for more information
on EDM.
Field Books
Field books are standard forms for recording of survey data as it is collected. There are different
types of field books that are common for different types of surveys.
The pages of a field book are typically numbered in pairs, i.e., the left and right pages that face
each other are given one number and are considered as a unit containing related information.
The left side of the 'page' is usually ruled into six columns (some books have eight columns). The
right 'page' usually looks like a sort of graph paper. This is where most of the differences occur.
Various types are: transit, engineer's, cruiser's, leveling, etc. (Look at a catalog like Forestry Supply
or Ben Meadows for details.)
The transit book is very commonly used and is recommended for class use.
Field Notes
Field notes are a permanent record of field procedures and the data collected in those procedures.
Field notes should be made carefully. It is a common tendency to crowd information onto the
pages. Paper is cheap. Information isn't. Do not crowd information onto the page. Make entries
distinct so that you will be able to retrieve what you went out to find.
Use a medium-hardness pencil to obtain a clean, clear marking of data.
Print all entries neatly. Usage of case should be consistent throughout.
All computations should be checked and signed by the members of the survey team.
Sketches should be drawn to approximate scale with care taken to preserve the relative positions
and orientations of features.
Orient the sketch so that North will be toward the top of the page. Always include an arrow
indicating North on the sketch.
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Straightedges and curve templates are recommended for all line work. The improvement in clarity
is worth the additional time required to make the sketch neatly.
Mistakes in the entry of measured data cannot be erased. Line it out carefully and enter the correct
value adjacent to it (even using another line, if necessary :-).
Mistakes in other entries, such as calculated values, drawings, etc., may be cleanly erased and
reentered.
Notes that are copied (from another page or any other source) must be clearly labeled as copied. It
is unethical to represent copies as field notes.
Text entries on the sketch should read from the bottom or the right hand side. Consistency is
appreciated.
Note takers should verify all data by repeating it as it is written down. The team member making
the measurements should listen as the numbers are called back and confirm their accuracy.
Record data with appropriate precision. For example, if a length is measured to the hundredth of a
foot, write it that way. Do not drop trailing zeros, etc., that communicate the precision of the
measurement.
Enter data in the order in which they are collected to preserve the interdependencies of the
measurements.
If a page is to be "scrapped", write VOID across it, along with a diagonal line. Include a reference
to the page where the data can now be found.
Foresight
A foresight is a reading taken on a position of unknown coordinate(s). Since a survey progresses
from a point of known position to points of unknown position, a foresight is a reading looking
"forward" along the line of progress. Foresights may be taken on the "main circuit" of the survey or
on additional points of interest. Readings on additional points of interest are sometimes called
sideshots or intermediate foresights to distinguish them from the readings that form the main circuit
of the survey.
(Compare to backsight).
Hand Level
A hand level is a small scope fitted with a spirit level that is visible while looking through the
scope. It is used to make rough estimates of relative elevations.
Magnetic Declination
Magnetic declination is the horizontal angle between true north (i.e., the geographic meridian) and
magnetic north (i.e., the magnetic meridian).
There are two conventions for specifying the angle. One is to indicate the magnitude (e.g., 6o) and
direction as E or W of north. The other considers positive values to be toward the east and negative
values to be toward the west.
Magnetic declination is dynamic. It changes over time as the earth's magnetic field changes. There
is a more or less orderly tendency to shift about the same amount per year (as much as 5-10
minutes!). There are also cyclical fluctuations on yearly (about 1') and daily (about 8') periods. The
direction and rate of drift vary over time, so you should use information on magnetic declination
and drift from as close to the time of a survey as possible. Long term records from London show a
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variation of 16 degrees over four centuries.

Magnetic declination is usually indicated on maps in the area of the legend.
For a start into further investigations, see the NGDC Geomagnetism Home Page.
Meridian
A north-south reference line. It may be taken through the position of the instrument, or, in special
cases, through a reference point (such as the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, England, which
designates the Prime Meridian - 0o longitude).
Nadir
The nadir is that part of the celestial sphere that is directly below the observer. For a transit or
theodolite, it is the point directly below the vertical axis of the instrument. (Compare to zenith.)
Occupied Point
The physical point over which the instrument (level, transit, total station, etc.) is set up. It is the
point from which any measurements taken while at that point are reckoned. Often abbreviated in
notes as OC.
Orders of Surveys
The order of a survey is a way of expressing the accuracy of the work. The order of the survey can
have two levels of designators, namely, Order and Class.
Leveling:
The Federal Geodetic Control Subcommittee recommends the following formula for allowable
misclosures:

where C is the misclosure, in millimeters; m is a constant; and K is the total length leveled, in
kilometers.
Order of Survey
First-order Class I

m
4 mm

First-order Class II
5 mm
Second-order Class I 6 mm
Second-order Class II 8 mm
Third-order

12 mm

Pacing
Pacing is a "quick and dirty" method for estimating distances. One simply walks from one point to
another, counting steps. Knowing the length of one's step allows a quick estimation of the distance.
With practice, pacing estimates will typically be accurate to within 2%.
Pacing is most reliable on even terrain without obstructions. The more uneven or unstable the
surface (such as plowed ground or loose sand), the lower the accuracy. Pacing upslope tends to
shorten the step and pacing downslope tends to lengthen the step. If better accuracy is required, use
another method.
Plane Surveying
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Plane surveying is a subset of the general field of surveying in which it is assumed that a Cartesian
coordinate system is applicable or appropriate. The methods of plane surveying are appropriate for
most construction and planning tasks that are relatively small in scale.
Plane surveying is used to approximate the conditions on small portions of the surface of the earth
(which is, of course, spherical). You must assess the amount of curvature that will be involved in a
project and make the judgment as to whether or not it can be ignored, or what sort of corrective
procedures should be incorporated.
Plumb Bob
A plumb bob is carefully machined, pointed weight that is suspended with a string. It is used to
indicate a (local) vertical line through the point of suspension.
Plumb bobs are commonly used for locating an instrument precisely over a fixed point or to project
a vertical line between a tape and a point on the ground.
Reduction of Notes/Data
"Reducing notes" or "Reduction of data" is the process of extracting the desired information from
the field notes, i.e., the measurements and accompanying notes that were made in the field. This is
usually done in the office, but portions may need to be done in the field to check the accuracy of
work before leaving the site.
Rod
A rod is essentially a stick with precise markings on it. A variety of rods are available, which have
specialized markings for various tasks. Refer to a surveying text for more detail.
The most commonly used rod is the Philadelphia rod, which is marked in feet, tenths, and
hundredths. With care, and a vernier attachment, readings can be obtained to the thousandth of a
foot. Feet are typically marked with large, red numerals, with tenths marked with smaller, black
numerals. Each bar is 0.01 ft wide. The longer sides of the pointed bars mark multiples of 0.05 ft.
The rod may be marked on both sides - with scales in opposite directions. Make sure you are
looking at the correct side for the type of reading you want to make.
Rods usually have two or more sections so that they can be shortened for ease of handling and
transport. When using the rod in an extended position, make sure the extension is fully extended
and locked into place (or you may get some peculiar readings).

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Section of a Philadelphia Rod:

For very precise work, special rods are available. These have the scales marked on invar strips. (See
Tapes/Taping for more detail about invar.) Precision rods are equipped with bubble levels and braces to
help hold the rod plumb and steady.

Sideshot or Intermediate Foresight

A shot onto an unknown point which is not a station on the traverse. Sideshots (or intermediate
foresights) are booked in the same way as regular foresights onto traverse stations, but are not
included in the calculations for vertical error of closure.
Sketch
A good sketch is invaluable. It will help to explain the job and show the orientations of various
important features. It is definitely worth taking a few minutes to produce a good sketch.
When you arrive at the job site, size up the whole thing. How is the job situated with respect to permanent
features in the area (roads, buildings, streams, fences, trees, etc.)? Begin by noting the permanent (or
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nearly so) features around the perimeter (and within) the job site. Drawing these provides a "frame" for
the rest of the sketch. Then draw in the details of the job site. If greater detail is needed than can be
shown at that scale, use auxiliary sketches (on following pages, if necessary) to get the important features
recorded.
(Preserving the approximate scale helps to communicate relative orientations, but it is not an absolute
requirement. Distortions in portions of a sketch can illuminate helpful details. Whether or not you use an
auxiliary sketch is a judgement call on your part. Which will provide the clearer picture?)
Always make the sketch with North at (or near) the top (or left side) of the page. Put an arrow with an
"N" on the sketch to indicate North. Include the scale of the drawing. Be reasonably precise.
Since every survey job involves a sequence of measurements, you must indicate what you use for
reference points. THESE ARE IMPORTANT! The survey is worthless if it cannot be repeated, and it
cannot be repeated if the reference points are not identified explicitly! Detailed descriptions of each
reference point must be included with the sketch.
How detailed? The description must contain enough information that someone else, who is not at all
familiar with the site, could locate the exact points with relative ease. Since many of the measurements
will be made to the hundredth (or even thousandth) of a foot, the descriptions must be very clear. There is
no room for ambiguity!
One advantage of doing a proper sketch is that it forces you to look at the whole job before you start
taking measurements. Looking over the job site, you will be able to plan your survey to make the
strongest set of measurements with the least amount of effort. A few minutes invested up front can save a
lot of time later on.
Stadia Tables
Stadia tables are compilations of the solutions of the equations for inclined stadia. With the vertical
angle reading, one can enter the table and find factors which are multiplied by the rod interval
(difference in readings between the upper and lower cross-hairs) to obtain the horizontal distance
and elevation difference between the instrument and the rod. A table (with very small type) can be
viewed/printed from here.
Staking
The placement of markers on a site to identify certain locations (such as the corners of a building,
the right-of-way of a road, the extent of the slope faces of a dam, etc.) with corresponding
information (such as cut or fill for earthmoving) is the process of staking out a project. It is the
transferal of information from the plan to the actual site --- in a manner that the work crews will
understand and use. It is therefore very important that the information be as simple and as clear as
possible.
There are many conventions and methods for staking and marking. The particular practice will
depend on the type of job and the type of information that must be communicated.
Staking must often be done several times during a project as various phases of the work will "erase"
these temporary markers.
Stations
The term station refers to a point on a baseline that is at a known distance from a starting/reference
point. The starting point is usually referenced as 0 + 00, but there are occasions where another
value might be assigned. It is generally desirable to have all stations noted by positive numbers,
since negative stations often lead to confusion of interpretation. Full stations are at integer
multiples of some base distance - usually 100 feet or 100 meters. The numeral to the left of the "+"
indicates the multiples of the base distance and the numeral on the right indicates numbers less than
the base distance.
For example, if the starting point was designated 0+00, a point 375.62 feet away (following the
baseline) would be noted as 3+75.62.
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The term "station" is also used more loosely to indicate any point used in a survey, such as
benchmarks and turning points. As in so many aspects of language, context is important.
Tapes/Taping
A tape is a flexible device used for measuring linear distances. There are tapes made of many
materials, such as cloth, kevlar, steel, and invar. The most common tape used by surveyors is the
steel tape. Standard lengths are 100 feet (for English unit surveys) or 30 meters (for SI unit
surveys).
Tapes are usually marked at every foot or meter. At the ends of the tape, there will be finer
divisions (tenths/hundredths of a foot, or decimeters/centimeters). Tapes are called "add" tapes if
the finer divisions are in a major unit beyond the ends of the regular length, e.g., beyond the zero
and 100-ft marks of an English tape. If, on the other hand, the divisions are marked inside the last
major units, the tape is called a "cut" tape. E.g., the decimeter/centimeter divisions are marked
between the zero and one-meter marks and between the ninety-nine and one hundred meter marks.
For high precision surveys, invar tapes are useful.Invar is a nickel-steel alloy that has a coefficient
of thermal expansion of 2.0x10-7 to 5.5x10-7 per Fahrenheit. Regular steel tapes have a coefficient
of thermal expansion of 64.5x10-7 per Fahrenheit, or 116x10-7 per Celsius.
Traverse
A traverse is a series of consecutive line segments whose lengths and directions are determined by
field measurements. A closed traverse either closes back upon its starting point, or begins and ends
on stations of known positions. An open traverse does not close on either itself or a station of
known position. As such, an open traverse does not provide any means for checking for errors and
mistakes. Open traverses should generally be avoided. If an open traverse must be used, the
procedure should be repeated to provide a check of accuracy.
Turning Point
A turning point is a station, either temporary or permanent, that is used as a pivot between
sequential instrument positions. Since a turning point is used to extend the primary survey, its
elevation must be precisely recoverable (at least for the time it takes to move the instrument and
take a backsight on it). A spot on rough ground (e.g., a plowed field) is unacceptable. A mark on
pavement, a rock face, top of a fence post or fire hydrant would be good. Surveyors will often carry
stakes that can be driven into the ground to provide a temporary solid surface for a turning point.
Vertical Error of Closure
The error of closure of a leveling survey refers to the cumulative error of the entire circuit. If a
circuit is run from a point of known (or assumed) elevation back to that point, then the starting
elevation and the ending elevation should be the same. In actual practice, errors are made in
measurements that result in a discrepancy between the two values. That discrepancy, expressed as a
raw vertical distance (in units such as feet or meters), is the error.
The allowable error in any such survey depends on the level of accuracy required for the job.
Various levels are accuracy are required for different orders of surveys.
Zenith
The zenith is that point of the celestial sphere that is directly overhead from the observer. For a
transit or theodolite, it is the point directly above the vertical axis of the instrument. (Compare to
nadir.)
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