Traverse Surveying

In chain surveying, the area to be surveyed is divided into a number of triangles. This method
is suitable for fairly level ground covering small areas. But when the area is large, undulating
and crowded with many details, triangulation (which is the principle of chain surveying) is not
possible. In such an area, the method of traversing is adopted.
In traversing, the framework consists of a number of connected lines. The lengths are measured
by chain or tape and the directions identified by angle-measuring instruments. In one of the
methods, the angle measuring instrument used is the compass. Hence, the process is known as
compass traversing.

Some Important Definitions:

1. True Meridian:
The line or plane passing through the geographical north pole, geographical south pole
and any point on the surface of the earth, is known as the ‘true meridian’ or
‘geographical meridian’. The true meridian at a station is constant.
The angle between the true meridian and a line is known as ‘true bearing’ of the line. It
is also known as the ‘azimuth’.

2. Magnetic Meridian:
When a magnetic needle is suspended freely and balanced properly, unaffected by
magnetic substances, it indicates a direction. This direction is known as the ‘magnetic
meridian’.
The angle between the magnetic meridian and a line is known as the ‘magnetic bearing’
or simply the ‘bearing’ of the line.

3. Arbitrary Meridian:
Sometimes for the survey of a small area, a convenient direction is assumed as a
meridian, known as the ‘arbitrary meridian’. Sometimes the starting line of a survey is
taken as the arbitrary meridian.
The angle between the arbitrary meridian and a line is known as ‘arbitrary bearing’ of
the line.
4. Designation of Magnetic Bearing:
Magnetic bearings are designated by two systems:
(a) Whole Circle Bearing (WCB) and
(b) Quadrantal Bearing (QB).

(a) Whole Circle Bearing (WCB):

The magnetic bearing of a line measured clockwise from the north pole towards the
line, is known as the ‘whole circle bearing’ of that line. Such a bearing may have any
value between 00 and 3600. The whole circle bearing of a line is obtained by prismatic
compass.

For example, from the above figure,

𝑊𝐶𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐴𝐵 = 𝜃1
𝑊𝐶𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐴𝐶 = 𝜃2
𝑊𝐶𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐴𝐷 = 𝜃3
𝑊𝐶𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐴𝐹 = 𝜃4
(b) Quadrantal Bearing (QB):
The magnetic bearing of a line measured clockwise or counterclockwise from the North
pole or South pole (whichever is
nearer the line) towards the East or
West, is known as the ‘quadrantal
bearing’ of the line. This system
consists of four quadrants – NE,
F
SE, SW and NW. The value of a
quadrantal bearing lies between 00
and 900, but the quadrants should
always be mentioned. Quadrantal
bearings are obtained by the
surveyor’s compass.
A

D
 For example, from the figure,
𝑄𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐴𝐵 = 𝑁 𝜃1 𝐸
𝑄𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐴𝐶 = 𝑆 𝜃2 𝐸
𝑄𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐴𝐷 = 𝑆 𝜃3 𝑊
𝑄𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐴𝐹 = 𝑁 𝜃4 𝑊

5. Reduced Bearing (RB):

When the whole circle bearing of a line is converted to quadrantal bearing, it is termed
as the ‘reduced bearing’. Thus, the reduced bearing is similar to the quadrantal bearing.
Its value lies between 00 and 900, but the quadrants should be mentioned for proper
designation.
The following table should be remembered for conversion of WCB to RB:
WCB between Corresponding RB Quadrant
0 0
0 and 90 𝑅𝐵 = 𝑊𝐶𝐵 NE
900 and 1800 𝑅𝐵 = 1800 − 𝑊𝐶𝐵 SE
0 0 0
180 and 270 𝑅𝐵 = 𝑊𝐶𝐵 − 180 SW
0 0 0
180 and 270 𝑅𝐵 = 360 − 𝑊𝐶𝐵 NW

6. Fore and Back Bearing:

Every line has two bearings: one is observed along the progress of the survey or forward
direction and is called ‘fore bearing’ and the second is observed in the reverse or
opposite direction and is called ‘back bearing’.
Consider the line AB shown in figure. Here, we consider the direction of meridian as
upward and the bearing is measured clockwise from the meridian. The bearing as
measured at A along the progress of survey A to B is θ. So, the angle or bearing θ is the
fore bearing of the line ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐴𝐵 .

Similarly, the bearing as measured at B in the opposite direction of the progress of the
survey A to B, along clockwise direction is 𝜃1 . The bearing 𝜃1 is the back bearing of
the line ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐴𝐵 .
From the figure, it is clear that the fore bearing and back bearing of a line differ exactly
by 1800, i.e.
𝐵𝑎𝑐𝑘 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 = 𝐹𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 ± 1800
Use positive sign when fore bearing is less than 1800 and use negative sign when it is
more than 1800.
In case of quadrantal bearing system, the numerical value of fore bearing and back
bearing is equal but the quadrants are just opposite.
For example, if the fore bearing is N300E, then its back bearing is S300W.
 We also see from figure that the fore bearing of the line AB is equal to the back bearing
of the line BA, i.e. the opposite direction of the progress of the survey.

7. Magnetic Declination:
The horizontal angle between the magnetic meridian and true meridian is known as
‘magnetic declination’.
When the north end of the magnetic needle is pointed towards the west side of the true
meridian, the position is termed as Declination West (θ W).
When the north end of the magnetic needle is pointed towards the east side of the true
meridian, the position is termed as Declination East (θ E).

Remember the following:

Determination of true bearing and magnetic bearing:
(𝑎)𝑇𝑟𝑢𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 = 𝑀𝑎𝑔𝑛𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 ± 𝐷𝑒𝑐𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛
Note: Use the positive sign when declination is east and the negative sign when
declination is west.
(𝑏) 𝑀𝑎𝑔𝑛𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 = 𝑇𝑟𝑢𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 ± 𝐷𝑒𝑐𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛
Note: Use the positive sign when declination is west and the negative sign when
declination is east.

8. Dip of the Magnetic Needle:

If a needle is perfectly balanced before magnetization, it does not remain in the balanced
position after it is magnetized. This is due to the magnetic influence of the earth. The
needle is found to be inclined towards the pole. This inclination of the needle with the
horizontal is known as the ‘dip of the magnetic needle’.

9. Local Attraction:
A magnetic needle indicates the north direction when freely suspended or pivoted. But
if the needle comes near some magnetic substances, such as iron ore, steel structures,
electric cables conveying current; etc. it is found to be deflected from its true direction
and does not show the actual north. This disturbing influence of magnetic substances is
known as ‘local attraction’.
To detect the presence of local attraction, the fore and back bearings of a line should be
taken. If the difference of the fore and back bearings of the line is exactly 1800 then
there is no local attraction.
If the FB and BB of a line do not differ by 1800 then the needle is said to be affected by
local attraction, provided there is no instrumental error.
To compensate for the effect of local attraction, the amount of error is found out and is
equally distributed between the fore and back bearings of the line.
For example, consider the case when
 𝑂𝑏𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑣𝑒𝑑 𝐹𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐴𝐵 = 600 30/
𝑂𝑏𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑣𝑒𝑑 𝐵𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐴𝐵 = 2400 0/
𝐶𝑎𝑙𝑐𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝐵𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐴𝐵 = 600 30/ + 1800 = 2400 30/
1
𝐶𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝐵𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐴𝐵 = (2400 0/ + 2400 30/ ) = 2400 15/
2
Hence,
𝐶𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝐹𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐴𝐵 = 2400 15/ − 1800 0/ = 600 15/

Principle of Compass Surveying:

The principle of compass surveying is traversing, which involves a series of connected lines.
The magnetic bearings of the lines are measured by prismatic compass and the distances of the
lines are measured by chain. Such survey does not require the formation of a network of
triangles.
Interior details are located by taking offsets from the main survey lines. Sometimes subsidiary
lines may be taken for locating these details.
Compass surveying is recommended when
1. A large area to be surveyed
2. The course of a river or coast line is to be surveyed and
3. The area is crowded with many details and triangulation is not possible.

Compass surveying is not recommended for areas where local attraction is suspected due to the
presence of magnetic substances like steel structures, iron ore deposits, electric cables
conveying current and so on.

Traversing:
Surveying which involves a series of connected lines is known as ‘traversing’. The sides of the
traverse are known as ‘traverse legs’.
A traverse may be of two types – closed and open.

1. Closed Traverse:
When a series of a connected lines forms a closed circuit, i.e. when the finishing point
coincides with the starting point of a survey, it is
called a ‘closed traverse’. Here, ABCDEA
represents a closed traverse. Closed traverse is
suitable for the survey of boundaries of ponds,
forests, estates, etc.

2. Open Traverse:
When a sequence of connected lines extends along a general direction and does not
return to the starting point, it is known as ‘open traverse’ or ‘unclosed traverse’. Here,
ABCDE represents an open traverse.
 PROBLEMS ON TRAVERSE SURVEYING
Problem-1:
Convert the following WCBs to QBs.
(𝑎) 𝑊𝐶𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐴𝐵 = 450 30/
(𝑏) 𝑊𝐶𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐵𝐶 = 1250 45/
(𝑐) 𝑊𝐶𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝐷 = 2220 15/
(𝑑) 𝑊𝐶𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐷𝐸 = 3200 30/
Solution:
(𝑎) 𝑄𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐴𝐵 = 𝑁 450 30/ 𝐸
(𝑏) 𝑄𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐵𝐶 = 1800 0/ − 1250 45/ = 𝑆 540 15/ 𝐸
(𝑐) 𝑄𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝐷 = 2220 15/ − 1800 0/ = 𝑆 420 15/ 𝑊
(𝑑) 𝑄𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐷𝐸 = 3600 0/ − 3200 30/ = 𝑁 390 30/ 𝑊

Problem-2:
Convert the following QBs to WCBs.
(𝑎) 𝑄𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐴𝐵 = 𝑆 360 30/ 𝑊
(𝑏) 𝑄𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐵𝐶 = 𝑆 430 30/ 𝐸
(𝑐) 𝑄𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝐷 = 𝑁 260 45/ 𝐸
(𝑑) 𝑄𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐷𝐸 = 𝑁 400 15/ 𝑊
Solution:
(𝑎) 𝑊𝐶𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐴𝐵 = 1800 0/ + 360 30/ = 2160 30/
(𝑏) 𝑊𝐶𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐵𝐶 = 1800 0/ − 430 30/ = 1360 30/
(𝑐) 𝑊𝐶𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝐷 = 𝑔𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑛 𝑄𝐵 = 260 45/
(𝑑) 𝑊𝐶𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐷𝐸 = 3600 0/ − 400 15/ = 3190 45/

Problem-3:
The FBs of the following lines are given. Find the BBs.
(𝑎) 𝐹𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐴𝐵 = 3100 30/
(𝑏) 𝐹𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐵𝐶 = 1450 15/
(𝑐) 𝐹𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝐷 = 2100 30/
(𝑑) 𝐹𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐴𝐵 = 600 45/
Solution:
(𝑎) 𝐵𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐴𝐵 = 3100 30/ − 1800 0/ = 1300 30/
(𝑏) 𝐵𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐵𝐶 = 1450 15/ + 1800 0/ = 3250 15/
(𝑐) 𝐵𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝐷 = 2100 30/ − 1800 0/ = 300 30/
(𝑑) 𝐵𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐷𝐸 = 600 45/ + 1800 0/ = 2400 45/
Problem-4:
The FBs of the following lines are given. Find the BBs.
(𝑎) 𝐹𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐴𝐵 = 𝑆 300 30/ 𝐸
(𝑏) 𝐹𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐵𝐶 = 𝑁 400 30/ 𝑊
(𝑐) 𝐹𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝐷 = 𝑆 600 15/ 𝐸
(𝑑) 𝐹𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐷𝐸 = 𝑁 450 30/ 𝐸
Solution:
(𝑎) 𝐵𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐴𝐵 = 𝑁 300 30/ 𝑊
(𝑏) 𝐵𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐵𝐶 = 𝑆 400 30/ 𝐸
(𝑐) 𝐵𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝐷 = 𝑁 600 15/ 𝑊
(𝑑) 𝐵𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐷𝐸 = 𝑆 450 30/ 𝑊

Problem-5:
The BBs of the following lines are given. Find the FBs.
(𝑎) 𝐵𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐴𝐵 = 400 30/
(𝑏) 𝐵𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐵𝐶 = 3100 45/
(𝑐) 𝐵𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝐷 = 1450 45/
(𝑑) 𝐵𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐷𝐸 = 2150 30/
Solution:
(𝑎) 𝐹𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐴𝐵 = 400 30/ + 1800 0/ = 2200 30/
(𝑏) 𝐹𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐵𝐶 = 3100 45/ − 1800 0/ = 1300 45/
(𝑐) 𝐹𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝐷 = 1450 45/ + 1800 0/ = 3250 45
(𝑑) 𝐹𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐷𝐸 = 2150 30/ − 1800 0/ = 350 30/

Problem-6:
The BBs of the following lines are given. Find the FBs.
(𝑎) 𝐵𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐴𝐵 = 𝑁 300 30/ 𝑊
(𝑏) 𝐵𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐵𝐶 = 𝑆 400 15/ 𝐸
(𝑐) 𝐵𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝐷 = 𝑆 600 15/ 𝐸
(𝑑) 𝐵𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐷𝐸 = 𝑆 450 30/ 𝑊
Solution:
(𝑎) 𝐹𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐴𝐵 = 𝑆 300 30/ 𝐸
(𝑏) 𝐹𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐵𝐶 = 𝑁 400 30/ 𝑊
(𝑐) 𝐹𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝐷 = 𝑆 600 45/ 𝑊
(𝑑) 𝐹𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐷𝐸 = 𝑁 450 30/ 𝐸

Problem-7:
(a) The magnetic bearing of a line AB is 1350 30/ . What will be the true bearing, if the
declination is 50 15/ 𝑊.
(b) The true bearing of a line CD is 2100 45/ . What will be its magnetic bearing, if the
declination is 80 15/ 𝑊.

Solution:
(𝑎) 𝑇𝑟𝑢𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝐴𝐵 = 𝑀𝑎𝑔𝑛𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 − 𝐷𝑒𝑐𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛
= 1350 30/ − 50 15/ = 1300 15/

(𝑏) 𝑀𝑎𝑔𝑛𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝐷 = 𝑇𝑟𝑢𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 + 𝐷𝑒𝑐𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛

 = 2100 45/ + 80 15/ = 2190 0/

Problem-8:
The magnetic bearing of a line CD is 𝑆 300 15/ 𝑊. Find its true bearing, if the declination is
100 15/ 𝐸.

Solution:
First convert the RB to WCB and then follow the usual procedure to find the true bearing in
WCB. Finally, convert the true bearing to RB.
𝑅𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝐷 = 𝑆 300 15/ 𝑊
𝑊𝐶𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝐷 = 1800 0/ + 300 15/ = 2100 15/
Now,
𝑇𝑟𝑢𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝐵 = 𝑀𝑎𝑔𝑛𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 + 𝐷𝑒𝑐𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 (𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑡)
= 2100 15/ + 300 15/ = 2200 30/
𝑅𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑟𝑢𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝐷 = 2200 30/ − 1800 0/ = 𝑆 400 30/ 𝑊

Problem-9:
On an old map, a line was drawn to a magnetic bearing of 3200 30/ , when the declination was
30 30/ 𝑊. Find the present bearing of the line, if the declination is 40 15/ 𝐸.

Solution:
𝑇𝑟𝑢𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 = 𝑀𝑎𝑔𝑛𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 − 𝐷𝑒𝑐𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 (𝑤𝑒𝑠𝑡)
= 3200 30/ − 30 30/ = 3170 0/
The true bearing of a line is constant.
So, the present true bearing of the line is also 3170 0/ .
𝑀𝑎𝑔𝑛𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 = 𝑇𝑟𝑢𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 − 𝐷𝑒𝑐𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 (𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑡)
= 3170 0/ − 40 15/ = 3210 15/

Problem-10:
The bearings of the lines OA, OB, OC, OD are 300 30/ , 1400 15/ , 2200 45/ and 3100 30/
respectively. Find the angles < 𝐴𝑂𝐵, < 𝐵𝑂𝐶 and < 𝐶𝑂𝐷.

Solution:
 < 𝐴𝑂𝐵 = 𝐵𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝑂𝐵 − 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝑂𝐴
= 1400 15/ − 300 30/ = 1090 45/

< 𝐵𝑂𝐶 = 𝐵𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝑂𝐶 − 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝑂𝐵

= 2200 45/ − 1400 15/ = 800 30/

< 𝐶𝑂𝐷 = 𝐵𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝑂𝐷 − 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝑂𝐶

= 3100 30/ − 2200 45/ = 890 45/

Problem-11:
The fore bearings of the lines AB, BC, CD and DE are 450 30/ , 1200 15/ , 2000 30/ and
2800 45/ respectively. Find angles < 𝐵, < 𝐶 and < 𝐷.

Solution:

𝐼𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑟 < 𝐵 = 𝐵𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐴𝐵 − 𝐹𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐵𝐶
= (450 30/ + 1800 0/ ) − 1200 15/
= 2250 30/ − 1200 15/ = 1050 15/

𝐼𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑟 < 𝐶 = 𝐵𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐵𝐶 − 𝐹𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝐷
= (1200 15/ + 1800 0/ ) − 2000 30/
= 3000 15/ − 2000 30/ = 990 45/

𝐸𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑟 < 𝐷 = 𝐹𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐷𝐸 − 𝐵𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝐷
= 2800 45/ − (2000 30/ − 1800 0/ )
= 2800 45/ − 200 30/ = 2600 15/

𝐼𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑟 < 𝐷 = 3600 0/ − 2600 15/ = 990 45/

Problem-12:
A traverse is done by three stations A, B and C in clockwise order in the form of an equilateral
triangle. If the bearing of AB is 800 30/ , find the bearings of the other sides.

Solution:

𝐹𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐴𝐵 = 800 30/

𝐹𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐵𝐶 = 𝐵𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐴𝐵 − < 𝐵
= (800 30/ + 1800 0/ ) − 600 = 2000 30/

𝐹𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝐴 = 𝐵𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐵𝐶 + 𝑒𝑥𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑟 < 𝐶
= (2000 30/ − 1800 0/ ) + (3600 0/ − 600 0/ )
= 3200 30/

𝐹𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐴𝐵 = 𝐵𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝐴 − < 𝐴
= (3200 30/ − 1800 0/ ) − 600 = 800 30/ (Checked)

Problem-13:
Aa traverse ABCDA is made in the form of a square taking in clockwise order. If the bearing
of AB is 1200 30/ , find the bearing of the other sides.

Solution:
 𝐹𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐴𝐵 = 1200 30/

𝐹𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐵𝐶 = 𝐵𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐴𝐵 − < 𝐵
= (1200 30/ + 1800 0/ ) − 900 0/ = 2100 30/

𝐹𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝐷 = 𝐵𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐵𝐶 + 𝑒𝑥𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑟 < 𝐶
= (2100 30/ − 1800 0/ ) + (3600 0/ −900 0/ ) = 3000 30/

𝐹𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐷𝐴 = 𝐵𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝐷 − < 𝐷
= (3000 30/ − 1800 0/ ) − 900 0/ = 300 30/

𝐹𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐴𝐵 = 𝐵𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐷𝐴 − < 𝐴
= (300 30/ + 1800 0/ ) − 900 0/ = 1200 30/ (Checked)

Problem-14:
A closed traverse is conducted with five stations A, B, C, D and E taken in anticlockwise order,
in the form of a regular pentagon. If the FB of AB is 300 0/ , find the FB’s of the other sides.

Solution:

Interior angle of pentagon,

(2𝑁 − 4) × 900 (2 × 5 − 4) × 900
= = = 1080
5 5

𝐹𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐴𝐵 = 300 0/

𝐹𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐵𝐶 = 𝐵𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐴𝐵 + < 𝐵
= (300 0/ + 1800 0/ ) + 1080 = 3180 0/

𝐹𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝐷 = 𝐵𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐵𝐶 + < 𝐶
= (3180 0/ − 1800 0/ ) + 1080 = 2460 0/

𝐹𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐷𝐸 = 𝐵𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝐷 + < 𝐷
= (2460 0/ − 1800 0/ ) + 1080 = 1740 0/

𝐹𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐸𝐴 = 𝐵𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐷𝐸 − 𝑒𝑥𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑟 < 𝐸
= (1740 0/ + 1800 0/ ) − (3600 0/ − 1080 ) = 1020 0/
 𝐹𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐴𝐵 = 𝐵𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐸𝐴 − 𝑒𝑥𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑟 < 𝐴
= (1020 0/ + 1800 0/ ) − (3600 0/ − 1080 ) = 300 0/ (Checked)

Problem-15:
The following are the fore and back bearings of the sides of a closed traverse:

Side FB BB
AB 1500 15/ 3300 15/
BC 200 30/ 2000 30/
CD 2950 45/ 1150 45/
DE 2180 0/ 380 0/
EA 1200 30/ 3000 30/
Calculate the interior angles of the traverse.

Solution:

𝐸𝑥𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑟 < 𝐴 = 𝐵𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐸𝐴 − 𝐹𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐴𝐵
= 3000 30/ − 1500 15/ = 1500 15/

(a) 𝐼𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑟 < 𝐴 = 3600 0/ − 1500 15/ = 2090 45/

𝐸𝑥𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑟 < 𝐵 = 𝐵𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐴𝐵 − 𝐹𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐵𝐶
= 3300 15/ − 200 30/ = 3090 45/

(b) 𝐼𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑟 < 𝐵 = 3600 0/ − 3090 45/ = 500 15/

(c) 𝐼𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑟 < 𝐶 = 𝐹𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝐷 − 𝐵𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐵𝐶

= 2950 45/ − 2000 30/ = 950 15/

(d) 𝐼𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑟 < 𝐷 = 𝐹𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐷𝐸 − 𝐵𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝐷

= 2180 0/ − 1150 45/ = 1020 15/
 (e) 𝐼𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑟 < 𝐸 = 𝐹𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐸𝐴 − 𝐵𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐷𝐸
= 1200 30/ − 380 0/ = 820 30/

Check: The sum of the interior angles should be equal to (2𝑁 − 4) × 900 . In this case,

= (2𝑁 − 4) × 900
= (2 × 5 − 4) × 900 = 5400

Sum of calculated interior angles,

=<𝐴+<𝐵+<𝐶+<𝐷+<𝐸
= 209 45 + 500 15/ + 950 15/ + 1020 15/ + 820 30/ = 5400
0 /

Problem-16:
The following are the bearings of a closed traverse:

Side FB BB
AB 𝑁 450 30/ 𝐸 𝑆 450 30/ W
BC 𝑆 600 0/ 𝐸 𝑁 600 0/ 𝑊
CD 𝑆 100 30/ 𝑊 𝑁 100 30/ 𝐸
DA 𝑁 750 45/ 𝑊 𝑆 750 45/ 𝐸
Calculate the interior angles of the traverse.

Solution:

𝐼𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑟 < 𝐴 = 1800 0/ − (𝐹𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐴𝐵 + 𝐵𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐷𝐴)

= 1800 0/ − (450 30/ + 750 45/ ) = 580 45/

𝐼𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑟 < 𝐵 = 𝐵𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐴𝐵 + 𝐹𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐵𝐶
= 450 30/ + 600 0/ = 1050 30/

𝐼𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑟 < 𝐶 = 1800 0/ − (𝐵𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐵𝐶 + 𝐹𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝐷)

= 1800 0/ − ( 600 0/ + 100 30/ ) = 1090 30/

𝐼𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑟 < 𝐷 = 𝐵𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝐷 + 𝐹𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐷𝐴
= 100 30/ + 750 45/ = 860 15/
Check:
The sum of the interior angles should be
= (2𝑁 − 4) × 900
= (2 × 4 − 4) × 900 = 3600

Sum of calculated interior angles,

=<𝐴+<𝐵+<𝐶+<𝐷
= 58 45 + 1050 30/ + 1090 30/ + 860 15/ = 3600
0 /

Problem-17:
The following are the bearings observed in traversing, with a compass, an area where local
attraction was suspected. Calculate the interior angles of the traverse and correct them if
necessary.
Side FB BB
AB 1500 0/ 3300 0/
BC 2300 30/ 480 0/
CD 3060 15/ 1270 45/
DE 2980 0/ 1200 0/
EA 490 30/ 2290 30/

Solution:

(a) 𝐼𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑟 < 𝐴 = 𝐵𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐸𝐴 − 𝐹𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐴𝐵

= 2290 30/ − 1500 0/ = 790 30/

(b) 𝐼𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑟 < 𝐵 = 𝐵𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐴𝐵 − 𝐹𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐵𝐶

= 3300 0/ − 2300 30/ = 990 30/
𝐸𝑥𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑟 < 𝐶 = 𝐹𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝐷 − 𝐵𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐵𝐶
= 3060 15/ − 480 0/ = 2580 15/
 (c) 𝐼𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑟 < 𝐶 = 3600 0/ − 2580 15/ = 1010 45/
𝐸𝑥𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑟 < 𝐷 = 𝐹𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐷𝐸 − 𝐵𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝐷
= 2980 0/ − 1270 45/ = 1700 15/

(d) 𝐼𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑟 < 𝐷 = 3600 0/ − 1700 15/ = 1890 45/

(e) 𝐼𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑟 < 𝐸 = 𝐵𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐷𝐸 − 𝐹𝐵 𝑜𝑓 𝐸𝐴

= 1200 0/ − 490 30/ = 700 30/

Check: The sum of the interior angles should be equal to (2𝑁 − 4) × 900 . In this case,

= (2𝑁 − 4) × 900
= (2 × 5 − 4) × 900 = 5400

Sum of calculated interior angles,

=<𝐴+<𝐵+<𝐶+<𝐷+<𝐸
= 79 30 + 990 30/ + 1010 45/ + 1890 45/ + 700 30/ = 5410
0 /

Here,
𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = 5410 − 5400 = +10

60/
𝐶𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 = − = −12/
5
The error should be equally distributed among all the angles.

Surveying & Levelling- N N Basak (2nd Edition)

Note:
Problems on Local Attraction, Page No-103 to page-108
Problem-1, Problem-2

Sources of errors in a compass surveying, page No-120

Precautions to be taken in Compass surveying, Page No-121