Module 1

Class Orientation

After the learners have gone through the lessons contained in this module, they are
expected to:

1. Acquire practical knowledge on the proper usage of surveying instrument;

2. Discuss the rules and regulations in using laboratory instrument;
3. Familiarize the different hand and voice signals during laboratory fieldworks;
4. Know the do’s and don’ts in conducting laboratory fieldworks;
5. Recognize the different surveying laboratory instrument and equipment; and
6. Demonstrate the proper care and usage of surveying laboratory instrument.

1.1 Laboratory Instrument Use Rules and Regulations

All laboratory procedures cover some elements of danger. Surveying equipment is

being used under most stressful conditions. The equipment is exposed to extreme
weather conditions, used in dusty construction areas and is subject to bumpy
transportation. Proper care in the methods by which equipment is used, stored,
transported, and adjusted is a major factor in the successful completion of the survey.

The instructor/professor is responsible for training all students in the use of

equipment for its intended purpose and the maintenance of all surveying instruments,
equipment, tools, and supplies. Should there be a need for additional assistance or
training to deal with problems that arise during the course of the survey, an instructor or
professor should be notified about it.
1.1.1 Development of Surveying Instruments

Surveying instruments were developed gradually. It is believed that, an extensive

use of surveying instruments came about during the early days of the Roman Empire.
This remarkable engineering ability of Romans is clearly demonstrated by their extensive
construction of structures and buildings which continue to exist even up to these modern
eras.

Table 1. Traditional Surveying Instruments and their Uses

Astrolabe
- One of the best known of the measuring
instruments during ancient times invented by
Hipparchus and developed by Ptolemy
sometime in 140 BC.
- Used in locating and predicting the position of
the sun, moon, planets, and stars; determining
local time given local altitude and vice versa;
surveying; and triangulation
Semicircumferentor
- An early surveying device which was used to
measure and lay-off angles and establish line of
sight by employing the peep-sight.
Plane Table
- One of the oldest types of surveying instruments
used in field mapping.
- A device used in surveying and related
disciplines to provide a solid and level surface on
which to make field drawings, charts and maps.
Dioptra
- It was perfected by Heron of Alexandria
- Used in leveling and for measuring horizontal
and vertical angles.
- Greek astronomers used dioptra to measure
position of stars.
Merchet
- A device used for measuring time.

Roman Groma
- Roman surveyors used the groma as an
instrument for aligning or sighting points.
- Principal roman surveying instrument.
Libella
- It has an A-frame with a plumb bob suspended
from its apex and was used to determine the
horizontal.
Vernier
- Invented by Pierre Vernier
- It is a short auxiliary scale placed along the
graduated scale of the instrument, by means of
which fractional parts of the smallest or least
division of the main scale.
Compass
- Used to determine the direction of lines and in
calculating angles between lines.
- A compass, magnetic compass or mariner’s
compass is a navigational instrument for
determining direction relative to the Earth’s
magnetic poles.
Gunter’s Chain
- Measuring device used for land survey (22
yards) designed by Edmund Gunter
- It is also called surveyor’s chain.
Chorobates
- It was composed of a wooden frame, made in
the form of a beam which was fitted with a water
level, and two supports at the end of the beam.
The beam had a plumb bob at each end.
Telescope
- It is an instrument designed for the observation
of remote objects by the collection of
electromagnetic radiation. Accredited to
Lippershey in 1607
Engineer’s Transit
- Invented by Young and Draper
- Known as the universal surveying instrument

Theodolite
- The transit and theodolite are used by the
surveyor to measure both horizontal and vertical
angles.

Dumpy Level
- The surveyor uses a level to determine
elevations.
- In conjunction with a level, the surveyor will use
a "level rod" to read an elevation up or down from
the level of the telescope.
1.1.2 Modern Surveying Tools

Revolutionary changes have taken place in last few years in surveying instruments
that are used for measuring level differences, distances and angles. With rapid
advancements in the technology and availability of cheaper and innovative electronic
components, these instruments have become affordable and easy to use.

Table 2. Modern Surveying Instruments and their Uses

Electronic Distance Measurement

- Direct measurement of distances and their
directions can be obtained by using electronic
instruments that rely on propagation, reflection
and reception of either light waves or radio
waves.
Total Station
- It is a light weight, compact and fully integrated
electronic instrument combining the capability of
an EDM and an angular measuring instrument
such as wild theodolite.
Real Time Kinematics
- Satellite navigation technique used to enhance
the precision of position data derived from
satellite-based positioning systems.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

- Commonly known as Drone
- An aircraft without a human pilot aboard
- Capture aerial data with downward –facing
sensors;
1.1.3 Rules and Regulations when using Laboratory Instruments

In general:
Surveying instruments are designed and constructed to provide years of reliable
use. Although constructed for rugged field conditions, can be damaged by one careless
act, or continued inattention to prescribed procedures for use, care, and adjustment of
the instrument.

Instruments for each lab assignment will be checked out at the beginning of the
lab and checked back in when the assignment is finished. Some important things to
remember about the use and care of the instruments are as follows:

1) Much of the instruments are very expensive and quite sensitive, great care should
be taken to protect the equipment from damage.
2) All instruments and tools should be kept as clean and dry as practicable,
particularly if they are to be transported or stored for any length of time.
3) Instruments should be transported in their cases when taken to and from the field.
These instruments may be carried on the tripod from station to station as long as
they are held vertically at all times.
4) Steel tapes should be straightened out prior to being wound onto their reels. Care
should be taken so that the tapes do not kink, bend or snap.
5) Malfunctioning instruments should be reported to the instructor.

1.1.4 Routine Care of Surveying Instrument

a. Frequently clean the instrument externally.

b. Dirt and dust should be removed only with a clean soft cloth or with a camel hair
brush.
c. Clean the external surfaces of lenses with a fine lens brush and, if necessary, use
a dry lens tissue. DO NOT loosen or attempt to clean the internal surfaces of any
lens.
 d. Cover an instrument whenever it is uncased and not being used for any length of
time, particularly if there is dust or moisture in the air.
e. After an instrument has been used in damp or extremely cold situations, special
precautions must be taken to prevent condensation of moisture inside of the
instrument. When working with the instrument in cold weather, it should be left in
the carrying case in the vehicle overnight. If stored in a heated room overnight, the
instrument must be removed from the carrying case. If the instrument is wet or
frost covered, remove it from its case, and leave it at room temperature to dry out.

1.1.5 Transporting

a. Any equipment or material carried in the passenger compartment should be firmly

secured.
b. Transport and store instruments in positions that are consistent with the carrying
case design.
c. Transport the instruments in their carrying cases placed in a compartment
cushioned with firm poly foam or similar material to protect them from jolting or
excessive vibrations.

1.1.6 Casing and Uncasing

a. Before removing an instrument, study the way it is placed and secured in the case.
The instrument must be replaced in the same position when returned to the case.
b. In removing the instrument from the case, carefully grip it with both hands, but do
not grip the vertical circle standard or where pressure will be exerted on tubular or
circular level vials.

1.1.7 Care of Instruments

a. To prevent loss of small equipment and tools, avoid laying them on the ground, on
vehicles, or on equipment which might be moved. When not in use, carry them in
scabbards and pouches.
1.1.8 Responsibility
1. Faculty’s Responsibility
a. Prior to the students performing any activities in the laboratory, it is the
responsibility of the lab instructor(s)/professor to provide a copy of the lab manual
to the students and concise safety guidance at the beginning of the semester.
b. The instructor should address reasonably foreseeable dangers, identify and clarify
any specific risk involved, explain proper procedures to be used, and present
comments concerning appropriate/inappropriate conduct during the laboratory
works.
c. Misbehavior of any type must not be tolerated.
d. Students should not be left unattended, except in an emergency where the
potential harm is greater than the perceived risk to students. Even then, the risk
should be minimized or responsibility transferred to another authorized person if
the situation permits.
e. Establish regular inspection schedules and procedures for checking safety and
first aid equipment.

2. Student’s Responsibility
a. Supervision. Never work in the field without the supervision of your
instructor/professor.
b. Attention. Always pay attention to the work; don’t fool around in the field.
c. Follow Instructions. Always perform laboratory works precisely as directed by the
instructor/professor.
d. Emergency Preparedness. Know what to do in the event of an emergency.
e. Labeling. Check labels of instruments before using them.
f. Apparel. Always wear appropriate protective equipment and apparel.
g. Brains. Use them. Safety begins with you.
h. Responsibility. Responsible use of equipment following the user manuals and
instructor/professor’s advice. Always follow the instructor/professor’s instruction.
1.1.9 Surveying Laboratory Hazards and Safety Rules
Surveying lab includes many fieldwork activities, such as those involving isolated,
or remote locations; extreme weather conditions; hazardous terrain; harmful wildlife; or
lack of ready access to emergency services, can expose students to significant risks to
their health, safety or well-being, at locations outside the direct supervisory control of the
University.

a. Traffic-related hazards
- It include collision risk
- Working in areas of poor visibility
 Whenever feasible, each student must face moving traffic at all times. If it is not
possible to face traffic, a lookout should be used.
 Whenever feasible, use radio communication.
 Whenever feasible, place a barrier between moving traffic and workers.
 In the absence of such physical protection exposes workers on foot to errant
vehicles, a person shall be assigned as a lookout.

b. Environmental hazards
- Hot and cold environment
- Bites & stings (e.g. snakes, leeches, spiders, bees)
- Unstable, uneven, soft or slippery surfaces/soils
- Concealed holes
- Dust conditions
 If you need to be in the area of plants you should wear long pants, long sleeves,
boots and gloves.
 Do not attempt to capture or kill snakes.
 Recognize poisonous plants and avoid contact.
 Wear proper clothing and bring water for hydration
c. Other Hazards
- Exposure to laser beam of total stations
- Construction works.
  Determine whether the laser beam of the instrument is low hazard to avoid risk of
injury to the eye.
 Wear appropriate safety gear such as hard hats, eye and ear protection.

d. Surveying equipment damage hazards

- Careless acts or inattention - Playing/tampering with lab tools
- Bad transporting/handling conditions - Unstable setups in hard/soft surfaces

e. Care for Surveying Equipment/Personal Care

 Surveying instruments are made of the mechanical components and electronics of
precision instruments. Basic maintenance operations should be undertaken with
great care.
 Use protective equipment for safety.

1.2 Surveying Fieldwork

1.2.1 Student Field Practice

In an elementary surveying
course, the students acquire a
certain extent of field practice to give
them a working knowledge of
surveying instruments and their
uses.

Members of the student

field parties should from time to time
alternately assume various duties
involved in the fieldwork.

Figure 1. Field Practice (Retrieved June 22, 2020)

1.2.2 Giving Hands and Voice Signals
During fieldwork, communication is essential. Sometimes you may be close
enough to use voice communication; but more often, hand signals will be necessary. Use
standard voice signals instead of shouting to avoid misunderstanding. Use hand signals
when circumstances require.

1 - All right
2 - Move right or left
3 - Give me a backsight
4 - Give me a line/This is a hub

5 - Plumb the rod

6 - Establish a turning point
7 - This is a turning point
8 - Wave the rod

9 - Face the rod

10 - Reverse the rod
11 - Boost the rod
12 - Move forward

13 - Move back
14 - Up or Down
15 - Pick up the instrument
16 - Come in
 Figure 2. Surveyor’s Hand Signals (Retrieved June 22, 2020)

1. All Right. The instrumentman gives the “all right” when the alignment is acceptable for
a plumb line, a range pole, a stake, a hub, or any other device used as a target, or
when the instrumentman has finished all activities at your location. The all right
consists of waving both arms up and down while extending them out horizontally from
the shoulders. If the instrument man, in aligning a target, extends both arms out
horizontally from the shoulders without waving them, the signals means hold the target
steady while a quick check of its position is made.

2. Move right or left. The instrumentman gives this signal when lining in a target on a
predetermined line. It consists of moving the appropriate hand outward from the
shoulder. A slow motion of the hand means that you must move a long distance; a
quick, short motion means that you must move a short distance.

3. Give me a backsight. This signals means the instrumentman wants a target held at a
previously located point. It consists of extending one arm upward with the palm of the
hand forward.
4. Give me a line/This is a hub. The rodman or chainman gives this signal to indicate a
hub or to ask for a line on the point indicating the exact location. It is given by holding
a range pole horizontally overhead, then moving it to a vertical position in front of the
body. Sometimes the range pole tip is set on the ground to serve as a pivot. Then the
pole may be swayed slowly to the left and/or right until the instrumentman picks up
the signal.

5. Plumb the rod. The signal to plumb the rod to the desired direction (right or left)
consists of extending the appropriate arm upward and moving the hand in the direction
the top of the rod must be moved to make it vertical.

6. Establish a turning point. The instrumentman gives this signal when he or she wants
a turning point established during traversing or leveling operations. It is given by
extending either arm upward and making a circular motion.

7. This is a turning point. The rodman gives this signal to indicate a turning point. He or
she does this using a leveling rod and applying the method used in the signal that tells
observers to give the signaler a line or identifies a hub.

8. Wave the rod. This signal, which the instrument man gives to the rodman, is important
to get the lowest stadia reading. The instrumentman extends one arm upward, palm
of the hand forward, and waves the arm slowly from side to side. The rodman then
moves the top of the leveling rod forward and backward slowly about a foot each way
from the vertical.

9. Face the rod. To give this signal, the instrumentman extends both arms upward to
indicate to the rodman that the leveling rod is facing in the wrong direction.

10. Reverse the rod. The instrumentman gives this signal by holding one arm upward and
the other downward, and then reversing their positions with full sidearm swings.
11. Boost the rod. The instrumentman gives this signal by swinging both arms forward
and upward, palms up. The instrumentman uses this signal when he or she wants the
leveling rod raised and held with its bottom end at a specified distance, usually about
three feet, above the ground.

12. Move forward. The instrumenman gives this signal by extending both arms out
horizontally from the shoulders, palms up, then swinging the forearms upward.

13. Move back. The instrumenman gives this signal by extending one arm out horizontally
from the shoulder, hand and forearm extended vertically, and moving the hand and
forearm outward until the whole arm is extended horizontally.
14. Up or Down. The instrumentman gives this signal by extending one arm out
horizontally from the shoulder and moving it upward or downward. This directs the
rodman to slide the target up or down on the rod.

15. Pick up the instrument. The party chief gives this signal by imitating the motions of
picking up an instrument and putting it on the shoulder. The party chief or other
responsible party members gives this signal, directing the instrumentman to move
forward to the point that has just been established.

16. Come in. The chief of party gives this signal at the end of the day’s work and at other
times, as necessary.

17. Signals for numerals. Left arm extended diagonally up and out from the left shoulder
shows a simple system for numerals:
 One - Right arm extended diagonally down to the right from the body.
 Two - Right arm extended straight out from the body.
 Three - Right arm extended diagonally up and out from the right shoulder.
 Four - Left arm extended diagonally up and out from the left shoulder.
 Five - Left arm extended straight out from the body.
 Six - Left arm extended diagonally down to the left from the body.
  Seven - Both arms extended diagonally down and out of the body.
 Eight - Both arms extended straight out from the body.
 Nine - Both arms extended diagonally up and out from the body.
 Zero - Hitting the top of the head with an up and down motion of the palm.

1.2.3 Field Notes

Most of the assignments in this lab will be carried out in the field. Field notes are
the records of work done in the field. They typically contain measurements, sketches,
descriptions, and many other items of miscellaneous information. A record of each field
assignment shall be kept in your field note. Your field note shall be kept neat and orderly
as it will be collected and graded periodically throughout the quarter.
Whether prepared manually, created by a data collector, or a combination of these
forms, surveying field notes are the only permanent records of work done in the field. If
the data are incomplete, incorrect, lost, or destroyed, much or all of the time invested in
making the measurements and records have been wasted.

1.2.4 Surveying Field Notes

- Constitute the only reliable and permanent record of actual work done in the field.
- Field notes become the official record of a survey.
- It should be kept for future reference.
- In many engineering applied surveys the field notes are used for referred to by
office personnel who have not seen the field site or who are not familiar with
conditions on the project site.
- The notes should be recorded in the conventional and generally used format and
not according to whims of the field surveyor.
- It is essential that notes be intelligible to others without verbal explanations.

Each field book entry shall include, at minimum, the following information:
- page numbers - lab title
- field measurements - calculations
- weather conditions & ground cover - date of field work
 - date of field work - crew number
- crew members - crew member assignments
- procedure - list of equipment used
- your signature - sketch

1.2.5 General Requirements of Handwritten Field Notes

The following points are considered in appraising a set of field notes:

a. Accuracy. This is the most important quality in all surveying operations.
b. Integrity. A single omitted measurement or detail can nullify use of the notes for
computing or plotting. Notes should be checked carefully for completeness before
leaving the survey site and never “fudged”to improve closures.
c. Legibility. Notes can be used only if they are legible.
d. Arrangement. Note forms appropriate to a particular survey contribute to accuracy,
integrity, and legibility.
e. Clarity. Advance planning and proper field procedures are necessary to ensure clarity
of sketches and tabulations, and to minimize the possibility of mistakes and omissions.

1.2.6 The Field Notebook

- It should be of good quality rag paper, with stiff board or leather cover made to
withstand hard usage, and of pocket size.

Figure 3. Field Notebook (Retrieved June 22, 2020)

1.2.7 Types of Notes:

1. Sketches – drawn freehand and of liberal size.

2. Tabulations – series of numerical values observed in the field. It prevents mistakes,
allows easy checking, saves time, makes the calculation legible to others and
simplifies work.
3. Explanatory Notes – provide a written description of what has been done in the
field.
4. Computation – it should be clear and orderly in arrangement in order that these
will easily be understood by persons other than the one who made the
computations.
5. Combination of the Above – surveyor should be able to determine for himself which
type of combination would be most logical to use in portraying the type of data
gathered in the field.

1.2.8 Information Found in the Field Notebooks:

 Title of the field work or name of the project

 Time of day and date
 Weather condition
 Names of group members and their designations
 List of Equipment

1.2.9 Field Crews

Each student will be assigned to a 4 or 5 people crew. A crew chief should be
appointed for each lab assignment. All members should perform all computations of
survey data and works out necessary computational checks required in a fieldwork
operation.
1.2.10 The Composition of Field Crews:

 Chief of Party/Crew Chief – the person who is responsible for the overall direction,
supervision, and operational control at the survey party.
 Assistant Chief of Party – the person whose duty is to assist the chief of party and
conduct ground reconnaissance and investigates sites.
 Instrumentman – the person whose duty is to set up, level, and operate surveying
instruments such as the transit, engineer’s level, theodolite and total station.
 Technician – the person who is responsible for use and operation of all electronic
instruments required in a fieldwork operations.
 Compute – the person whose duty is to perform all computations of survey data
and works out necessary computational checks required in a fieldwork operation.
 Recorder – the person whose duty is to keep a record of all sketches, drawings,
measurements and observations taken or needed for a fieldwork operation.
 Head Tapeman – the person responsible for the accuracy and speed of all linear
measurements with tape.
 Rear Tapeman – the person whose duty is to assist the head tape man during
taping operations and other related work.
 Flagman – the person whose duty is to hold the flagpole or range pole at selected
points as directed by the instrument man.
 Rodman – the person whose primary duty is to hold the stadia or levelling rod when
sights are to be taken on it.
 Pacer – the person whose duty is to check all linear measurements made by the
tapeman.
 Axeman/Lineman – The person whose duty is to clear the line of sight of trees,
brush, and other obstructions in wooded area.
 Aidman – the person whose duty is to render first aid instruments to members of
the survey party.
 Utilitymen – the persons whose duties are to render other forms of assistance
needed by the survey party or as directed by the chief of party.
Key Points

1. The official written record of the survey is called Field Notes.

2. Field Notebook should be of good quality rag paper, with stiff board or
leather cover made to withstand hard usage, and of pocket size.
3. Fieldwork is a group work where students are require to work as a team to
complete tasks and gain experience that may stimulate interest to acquire
skills towards pursuing a career in geodetic engineering. It includes
reconnaissance, selection of station, measurement of lines and taking
offsets of different objects in the field.
4. Hazard is any object, situation, or behavior that has the potential to cause
injury, ill health, or damage to property or the environment.
5. Safety is the condition of being protected from or unlikely to cause danger,
risk, or injury.
6. Survey Field Crew consist of sufficient employees to safely and efficiently
complete the proposed work. It shall include a crew chief and survey
assistants.
7. Surveying Instrument is an angle measuring device which include
theodolites, levels, total stations, electronic measuring devices, and GPS
receivers.
References and Supplementary Materials

Books

1. Ghilani and Wolf. (2012). Elementary Surveying: An Introduction to

Geomatics. Thirteenth Edition, Prentice Hall, ISBN-13: 978-0-13-255434-3.
2. Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University. (2017). Lab Safety Manual. Vice
Deanship of Quality and Strategic Planning.

Online Supplementary Reading Materials

1. Dr. G. Padmanabhan. (2013). A Surveying Course as Summer Experience for

a Tribal College Pre-Engineering Program. American Society for Engineering
Education, Paper ID #5734; Retrieved June 22, 2020.
2. Laboratory Safety Guidance, Occupational Safety & Health Administration,
U.S. Department of Labor, Osha 3404-11r 2011.