Closed Traverse Survey

N.B. to plot this survey with a scale rule and protractor would be highly inaccurate.

Correcting Internal Angles

The sum of the internal angles of a closed traverse = ((2xN)-4) x 90 degrees.

Where N = the number of sides or angles.

For our traverse the following applies:

((2x4)-4) x 90 degrees

(8-4) x 90 degrees

4 x 90 degrees

=360 degrees
 Sum of Internal Angles

Line Horizontal distance Station Measured Internal Angle

AB A
BC B
CD C
DA D
Total

An error, an over measure, therefore of -

To correct divide the error by the number of angles and adjust each by the
result.

Corrected:

Station Adjusted Internal Angle

A
B
C
D
Total
Calculating Whole Circle Bearings from Adjusted Angles

To do this it is best to always work around the given geometric shape in the
same direction, and anti-clockwise is best, as it allows the internal angles
always to be added, removing the need to remember whether + or – should be
used.

This is why closed shapes such as the example are lettered or numbered anti-
clockwise – which is then referred to as the “forward‟ direction around the
loop.

Back Bearing + Observed Angle = Forward Bearing

Forward Bearing ± 180° (whichever is easiest) = Back
Bearing

Forward Bearing ± 180° (whichever is easiest) = Back

Bearing
Back Bearing + Observed Angle = Forward Bearing

ie the lines A→B, B→C, C→D, D→A of our traverse are the forward bearings

The method for finding the forward bearings uses one of the “loops‟ below,
just start with the information that you have, and work from there.

Exercise

The bearing of line A-B = 36 24’ 10”. Calculate the WCBs of the survey lines.
Use the survey drawing below as an aid, through each station draw the N-S
and E-W axes. This will act as an approximate guide.

A – D is a known bearing of 36 degrees 24’ 10”.

A – D is our control line, fixed before the survey begins, we work off it and
around to close on it. Therefore, to calculate our WCBs it is necessary to
calculate A – B first as our first sighting will be from station A back to station D.
We then work around through the stations anticlockwise.
FIRSTLY INSERT THE ADJUSTED INTERNAL INTO THE DRAWING ABOVE THEN
CALCULATE WCBs
TO CALCULATE BEARING A – B
Bearing A-D
Internal angle DAB
Bearing A-B

TO CALCULATE BEARING B- C
Bearing A-B
ADD 180°= Back bearing B-A
Internal angle ABC
Total of angles
Deduct 360° (Gone around the clock)
= Bearing B-C
TO CALCULATE BEARING C – D
Bearing B-C
ADD 180°= Back bearing C-B
Internal angle BCD
Bearing C-D

D–A
Bearing C-D
ADD 180°
Deduct 360°(Gone around the clock)
=Back bearing D-C
Internal angle ADC
Bearing D-A

TO CLOSE THE SURVEY

Bearing D-A
Add 180°
Deduct 360°(Gone around the clock)
=Bearing A-D