Introduction :

Tacheometric survey (Tacheometry) is a branch of surveying in which horizontal and vertical

distance of points are obtained by optical measurement avoiding ordinary and slower process
of measurement tape. Tacheometric surveys are usually performed to produce contour and
details plans for further work, or to produce coordinates for area and volume calculations.
Observation are usually performed from known survey stations often established by
traversing.

Objective :

1) To understand the equations that are used to process the data.

2) To know what data to be collected.
3) To know how to record the data.
4) Plot the data to form a plan.
5) Interpolate contours to show relief (height).
Definition :

Tacheometry is a branch of angular surveying in which the horizontal and vertical distances
of points are obtained by optical means as supposed to the ordinary slower process of
measurements by tape or chain. Present day methods of tacheometry can be classified.

1) Stadia System : The theodolite is directed at the level staff and the distance is
measured by reading the top and bottom stadia hairs on the telescope view.
2) Electronic Tacheometry : Uses a total station which contains an EDM, able to read
distance by reflecting off a prism.
3) Substense Bar System : An accurate theodolite, reading to 1 of arc is directed at a
staff, two pointings being made and the small subtended angle measured.
4) Optical Wedge System : A special theodolite with a measuring device in front of the
telescope is directed at a staff. One pointing of the instrument is required for each set
of readings.

Instrument Used In Tacheometry :

An ordinary transit theodolite fitted with a stadia diaphragm is generally used for
tacheometric survey.

Principle of Tacheometry :

The principle of tacheometry is based on property of isosceles triangles, where the ratio of
distance of the base from apex and length of the base is always constant.

The situation where tacheometry can be used :

1) When obstacles like river, broken ground, stretches of water, tacheometry gives speed
and accuracy to work.
2) In rough country where measurements of horizontal and vertical distances are
difficult, inaccurate and slow.
3) In locating contours and filling details in a topographic survey. This method is fast.
Used of Tacheometry :

1) Preparation of topographic maps which require both elevations and horizontal

distances.
2) Survey work in difficult terrain where direct methods are inconvenient.
3) Detail filling.
4) Reconnaissance surveys for highways, railways and etc.
5) Checking of already measured distances.
6) Hydrography surveys and establishing secondary control.

Types of Electronic Distance Measurement Instrument

Electronic distance measurement equipment are incorporated along with theodolites that
possess automatic angle readout called as total station (electronic tacheometers) also called as
field to finish systems. These record distance and angles simultaneously.

EDM instruments are classified based on the type of carrier wave as :

1) Microwave instruments.
2) Infrared wave instruments.
3) Light wave instruments.