FIELD WORK NO.

3
TAPING ON SLOPING GROUND

Presented to

School of Civil, Environmental, and Geological Engineering

Intramuros Manila

In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the course

CE120-05F Fundamentals of Surveying

By

Aguilar, Marc Zachary C.

Andalis, Kaela Sophia S.

Arboleda, Vlado Vlademier P.

Bao, Patrick Andrey T.

Bautro, Lyka Rose N.

Borromeo, Cloyd Emzon P.

Bulusan Jr., Manny P.

to

Engr. Sheendoulle Fabregas

INTRODUCTION

One essential practice in the surveying industry is "taping," which is a way to precisely

measure distances. While taping is frequently used on both level and uneven ground, its use on

sloping terrain is particularly intriguing and difficult. The surveying technique has a new level of

complication when tape is applied to sloped land. In this procedure, surveyors measure the

distances between two points using a flexible measuring tape, exactly as they would on level or

uneven ground. Thoughtful consideration of elevation variations and trigonometric calculations

are added when slopes are present. We will go into the fundamentals and details of taping on

sloping ground in this introductory investigation of the surveying field. The group will look at the

particular methods, equipment, and mathematical ideas involved, all of which are essential for

precisely measuring distances in terrains with different slopes. Professionals working in fields

including civil engineering, environmental management, and geospatial sciences, as well as

anyone interested in understanding the complexities of surveying in the real world, must

understand how to apply taping on sloping land. By the end of the field, the readers will have a

better understanding of the interesting field of surveying, where accuracy and careful attention to

detail are essential when dealing with the difficulties of measuring distances on slopes.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this fieldwork are the following:

• To develop the skills in determining the horizontal distance of a sloping ground by

breaking the tape method up and down the slope.

• To acquire the skills in determining the horizontal distance of a sloping ground by using

the tape and the Abney hand level.

INSTRUMENTS

1. 2 Range Poles

- Utilized for the purpose of temporarily marking points that must be visible from a

distance. It is also used to mark straight lines on the field.

- Used to have an aligned and straightened taping process.

Figure 1.1: Range Poles

2. Chalk (For Pavements)

- Used to mark points as well as long straight lines on flat surfaces.

- Used to mark end points called points A and B.

Figure 1.2: Chalk

3. 2 Plumb Bobs

- A pointed weight tied to the end of a string that is used to locate a vertical reference

line known as a plumb.

Figure 1.3: Plumb Bobs

4. 50 Meter Tape

- Utilized for measuring distances up to 50 meters in length

- Used to measure the length of the course from point A to point B.

Figure 1.4: 50 Meter Tape

5. Abney Hand Level and Magnifying Lens

- Used for measuring vertical angles and slopes.

Figure 1.5: Abney Hand Level and Magnifying Lens

METHODOLOGY

Figure 2.1: Taping Using The First Method

Breaking the tape method: Measuring Uphill

During this task, students were instructed to choose two locations on a sloped

surface, with point A located at the bottom and point B positioned at the top. The students

took measures to ensure that point A was visible from point B along a direct path.

Afterwards, the students strategically positioned range poles to enhance precision and

verify the straightness of the path. After that, the individual responsible for operating the

tape position began the measurement process from the initial point of 0 meters. To ensure

accuracy and precision, the students employed a plumb bob as a means of verifying the

correctness of the measurement. After ensuring that the tape is positioned horizontally and

aligned, the students proceeded to mark the designated place on the ground. Students have

engaged in this process repeatedly until the entire length of the tape has been utilized. Upon
completion of the experiment, the students proceeded to measure and collect the data.

Subsequently, they performed computations on the acquired data.

Breaking the tape method: Measuring Downhill

In this particular work, students continued to utilize points A and B; nevertheless,

there was a reversal or vice versa in their usage. Consequently, the tape man B now holds

the tape starting at the 0 mark. The students position range poles behind pin points. Students

utilized plumb bobs as a means of verifying accuracy. Subsequently, the students proceeded

to reestablish their pin markings on the ground. After that, the students carefully executed

their responsibilities by doing numerous retries, thereby accumulating a sufficient number

of trials and data points for computational analysis.

Figure 2.2: Measuring Using The Second Method

 Tape and Abney hand level

Students employed a meter tape and an abney hand level to measure the angles and

lengths. The students positioned two locations, denoted as A and B, with an O-mark. The

appropriate angle and distance were determined by the utilization of the abney hand level,

which was positioned at the initial pole in order to establish a reference point at location

B. The students verified the alignment of the courses by visually assessing their

straightness. Ensuring alignment will provide pupils with proper guidance and prevent

mistakes.

After that, an individual proceeded to measure the slope distance and collected the

corresponding data. The angle of inclination or angle of depression was meticulously

determined by the students. After that, the students documented the computation derived

from the aforementioned process. The student had multiple relocations until they arrived

at their designated position.

COMPUTATIONS

A. TAPING ON SLOPING GROUND (UP HILL AND DOWN HILL

𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 = (𝑁𝑜. 𝑜𝑓 𝐹𝑢𝑙𝑙 𝑇𝑎𝑝𝑒 𝐿𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ)(𝑇𝑎𝑝𝑒 𝐿𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ) + 𝑃𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑇𝑎𝑝𝑒 𝐿𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ

Trial 1
𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒𝐴𝐵 = (5)(1 𝑚) + 0.31 𝑚

𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒𝐴𝐵 = 5.31 𝑚

Trial 2
𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒𝐵𝐴 = (5)(1 𝑚) + 0.39 𝑚

𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒𝐵𝐴 = 5.39 𝑚

 ∑ 𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒
𝑀𝑒𝑎𝑛 𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 =
𝑁𝑜. 𝑜𝑓 𝑇𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑙𝑠

5.31 𝑚 + 5.39 𝑚
𝑀𝑒𝑎𝑛 𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 =
2

𝑀𝑒𝑎𝑛 𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 = 5.35 𝑚

B. TAPING ON SLOPING GROUND USING TAPE AND ABNEY HAND LEVEL

𝐶𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 = (𝑆𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒) × cos (𝑉𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝐴𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒)

A-1
𝐶𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 = (2.13 𝑚) cos(50°)
𝐶𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 = 1.37 𝑚

1-2
𝐶𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 = (2.35 𝑚) cos(52°)
𝐶𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 = 1.45 𝑚

2-3
𝐶𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 = (2.4 𝑚) cos(54°)
𝐶𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 = 1.41 𝑚

3-B
𝐶𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 = (2.31 𝑚) cos(59°)
𝐶𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 = 1.19 𝑚
𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 = 1.37 𝑚 + 1.45 𝑚 + 1.41 𝑚 + 1.19 𝑚
𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 = 5.42 𝑚

QUESTION AND ANSWER

1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using the breaking the tape method in

measuring the horizontal distance of a sloping terrain?

- Breaking the tape method is a simple and cost-effective surveying method that requires

minimal equipment, such as a measuring tape or chain, and basic surveying tools. It is
 accessible for smaller-scale surveys or when sophisticated equipment is unavailable.

When performed correctly, it can provide reasonably accurate measurements,

especially over short to moderate distances. It can be used in various terrains, including

sloping terrain, where other methods may be challenging to apply. However, breaking

the tape method has limitations, such as limited precision compared to modern

surveying methods like total stations or GPS. It may not provide the same level of

precision as modern methods, especially for longer distances and irregular terrain.

Additionally, measuring distances on sloping terrain requires accounting for the vertical

component due to the slope, adding complexity to calculations and introducing

potential errors. Breaking the tape method can also face terrain challenges, such as

maintaining a straight line in rugged or heavily vegetated terrain, obstacles like rocks,

trees, and buildings, and human error. It is also time-consuming, especially when

dealing with long distances and complex terrains.

2. Give other methods of determining the horizontal distance between two points

- Aside from breaking the tape method and abney hand level and tape method, we can

also use the following to measure horizontal distance between the two points:

o Pythagorean Theorem;

o Sine Law;

o Cosine Law;

o Dynamic Taping; and more other methods

FINAL DATA SHEET

FINAL DATA SHEET

FIELD WORK 3 TAPING ON SLOPING GROUND
DATE: 09/02/2023 GROUP NO.: 1
TIME: 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm LOCATION: Mapua University Intramuros
WEATHER: Rainy PROFESSOR: Mr. Sheendoulle Fabregas

A. TAPING ON SLOPING GROUND (UP HILL AND DOWN HILL)

TRIAL LINE NUMBER OF PARTIAL TOTAL MEAN
FULL TAPE TAPE DISTANCE DISTANCE
LENGTH LENGTH (M) (M)
1 AB 5 0.31 5.31 5.35
2 BA 5 0.39 5.39

1 TAPE LENGTH = 1 Meter

B. TAPING ON SLOPING GROUND USING TAPE AND ABNEY HAND LEVEL
STATION STATION SLOPING VERTICAL CORRECTED TOTAL
OCCUPIED OBSERVED DISTANCE ANGLE DISTANCE DISTANCE
A 1 2.13 50o 1.40
1 2 2.35 52o 1.45 5 .42
2 3 2.40 54o 1.41
3 B 2.31 59o 1.19
 C. SKETCH
TAPING ON SLOPING GROUND (UP HILL AND DOWN HILL) [TRIAL 1 - AB]

TAPING ON SLOPING GROUND USING TAPE AND ABNEY HAND LEVEL

CONCLUSION

Unlike previous fieldworks that were simpler, this fieldwork proved to be more complex

and difficult. The group was tasked to make use of two surveying techniques in the completion of

the fieldwork (1) Breaking the Tape (Uphill and Downhill) (2) Tape and Abney Hand Level. These

techniques were made use of in finding measurements that are to be used in finding the mean

distance of the slope of the terrain, which in this case were stairs. The measured values were then

used in the following formulas (1) Total Distance =(No. of Full Tape Length)(Tape Length) +

∑ 𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒
Partial Tape Length) “ (2) 𝑀𝑒𝑎𝑛 = (3) Corrected Distance = (Sloping
𝑁𝑜.𝑜𝑓 𝑇𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑙𝑠

Distance)(cos(Vertical Angle)). Each respective formula was used in the determination of the total

distances in each surveying technique.

 The findings of the group yielded a total slope distance of 5.35 meters for the Breaking the

Tape method and 5.42 meters for the Tape and Abney Hand level method. The distances computed

for both methods were of near range making the results of the activity a success. The fieldwork

conducted proved to be a challenge for the group, but in the end was an enhanced knowledge for

the techniques in the surveying field. The group also experienced the usage of the Abney Level in

order to find the needed vertical angle that is to be used in the computation of the slope. With this,

the members of the group had been able to add another skill set at their disposal.

The complexity of this fieldwork, unlike previous fieldworks, had an effect on the results

of the computation of the total distances of each surveying technique. Some members of the group

found it arduous to use the Abney hand level due to their bodily constriction of height, therefore it

is recommended that there is a member who has enough height to make recording measurements

much easier. This constriction could lead to possible errors in measurement which can be evident

with the resulting calculations for this fieldwork. The group also expresses the continuous need

for utmost accuracy and precision when recording values to ensure measurements with the lowest

percentage errors.

REFERENCES

Davis, R. E., & Foote, F. S. (2014). Surveying: Theory and Practice (8th ed.). McGraw-Hill

Education.

Kanetkar, T. P., & Kulkarni, S. V. (2004). Surveying and Levelling. Pune: Everest Publishing

House.

Wolf, P. R., & Ghilani, C. D. (2018). Elementary Surveying: An Introduction to Geomatics (15th

ed.). Pearson.