Government Engineering College,

Bhavnagar
Civil Engineering Third Sem.

Subject : Surveying
Topic : Theodolite Traversing
Group No : 05

Name: Enrollment No.:

 Gamit Tarun T.  130210106016
 Patel Yash H.  130210106042
 Seta Nayan D.  130210106048
 Bariya Raunak J.  130210106005
 Contents
1. Theodolite Traversing
2. Different methods of Traversing
3. Closing Errors
4. Computation of latitude and departure
5. Check in closed or open traverse
6. Balancing of Traverse
 A traverse is a series of
connected lines whose
lengths and directions are
measured in the field.

 The system of surveying

in which the angles are
measured with the help of
a theodolite, is called
Theodolite surveying
Different methods of Traversing
1. Fast angle method
2. Loose needle method
3. Included angle method
4. Direct angle method
5. Deflection angle method
1. Fast angle method
In this method, the
magnetic meridian is
established only at the
starting station.

This method is used to

measure the magnetic
bearings and lengths of
traverse legs
2. Loose Needle method
In the loose needle method, the direction of the
magnetic meridian is established at each traverse
station and the direction of the line is determined with
reference to the magnetic meridian.

In this method the linear measurements are done with

the help of chain or tape.

It is also known as “ Free Needle Method “

3. Included angle Method
This method is more accurate
than the fast needle method.
Traversing by the method of
included angles is the most
commonly used method.

In this method, the magnetic

bearing of any one line is
measured in the field.
4. Direct angle method

This method is similar to the method of included

angles explained in the precending section.
However, in this method, direct angles or the angles to
the right are measured.
This method is generally used in open traverse.
5. Deflection angle method

 This method is suitable for open traverse and is mostly

employed in the survey of rivers, coast line, roads,
railways, canals, etc.
 Closing Errors
If the condition of a closed
traverse are not satisfied,
there is an error of closer.

The distance by which a

traverse fails to close is
known as ‘Closing error’ or
‘ Error of closure’.
Computation of latitude and
departure
1. Latitude:-
The Latitude of a line
is its orthographic projection on
the N-S axis representing the
meridian.
2. Departure:-
The departure of a
line its orthograohic projection on
the axis perpendicular to the
meridian.
 Check in closed or open traverse
1. Check in closed traverse
I. Error in linear measurement
For important work the most satisfactory
method of cheking the linear measurement consists in
chaining of each line should be done twice, along opposite
directions.

2. Checks in an open traverse

I. Tie line or cut-off line

II. Auxiliary point
 Balancing of Traverse
A traverse is balanced by applying corrections to
latitudes and departures. This is called balancing a
traverse. In case of closed traverse, the algebraic sum
of latitudes and departures must be equal to zero.
The following are common methods of adjusting a
traverse:-
1. Bowditch’s Rule
2. Transit Rule
3. Third Rule
4. Graphical Construction Method
1. Bowditch’s Rule

2. Transit Rule

3. Third Rule

4. Graphical construction Method