Identify accuracy requirements and limitations for measured data and map development
1. Accuracy Requirements
Accuracy refers to how close a measurement is to the true value. In engineering surveying, accuracy is dictated by:
Purpose of the survey (e.g., boundary vs. topographic)
Instrument precision
Environmental conditions
Error sources (systematic, random, and blunders)
Key Points from References:
Cuomo (Surveying Principles, 2nd Ed.):
Emphasizes classification of surveys by required accuracy: high precision (control surveys), moderate (topographic), low (reconnaissance).
Discusses acceptable error ratios: e.g., 1:10,000 for control surveys.
Ghilani (Elementary Surveying, 15th Ed.):
Introduces accuracy standards like FGDC standards for digital mapping.
Describes error propagation and statistical measures (e.g., standard deviation, confidence intervals).
Wolf & Brinker (9th Ed.):
Details the precision and accuracy expectations in horizontal and vertical control.
States limits for acceptable misclosure in leveling (e.g., 0.02 ft × √distance in miles).
Lindeburg (CERM, 15th Ed.):
Presents formulas for adjustments, error balancing (e.g., compass rule, transit rule).
Includes typical tolerances and class standards (e.g., Class I, II surveys).
Measured data in surveying is limited by:
Instrumental constraints
Observer skill
Environmental factors (temperature, humidity, obstructions)
Terrain and accessibility
References Discuss Limitations:
Moffitt & Bossler (10th Ed.):
Discuss limitations due to refraction and curvature in vertical measurements.
Acknowledges terrain complexity affecting line-of-sight measurements.
Anderson & Mikhail (7th Ed.):
Detailed discussion of systematic vs. random errors.
Explains how redundant measurements help identify and minimize limitations.
Cuomo & Ghilani:
Emphasize that GPS/RTK systems may lose signal or degrade precision in urban canyons or forested areas.
Map development must conform to:
Scale and accuracy standards
Datum and coordinate system consistency
Proper symbology and metadata
Guidance from References:
Definitions of Surveying and Associated Terms (ACSM):
Defines accuracy, precision, error, resolution, and scale.
Standardizes terminology used in professional map creation.
Kavanagh & Slattery (8th Ed.):
Covers construction staking and how accurate layout supports successful construction.
Describes techniques for creating as-built maps that meet contract specs.
Subdivision Map Act:
Outlines legal requirements for map filing, monumentation, and boundary accuracy.
Section 66445 defines required data elements and surveyor’s responsibilities.
Perform traverse survey calculations (e.g., closure, error, side shots)
In surveying, a traverse is a series of connected lines whose lengths and directions are measured to establish control points or define boundaries. Traverse surveys are fundamental in engineering and mapping tasks.
Types of Traverses
Open Traverse: Does not return to the starting point or a known location.
Closed Traverse: Starts and ends at known points; allows for error checking and adjustments.
1. Angular Misclosure
In a closed traverse, the sum of measured interior angles should equal:
(n−2)×180∘(for polygon with n sides)(n - 2) \times 180^\circ \quad \text{(for polygon with n sides)}(n−2)×180∘(for polygon with n sides)
Misclosure = Measured sum − Theoretical sum
Correction: Distribute the misclosure equally or proportionally (e.g., compass rule).
After computing coordinates of the final point:
Misclosure (e)=(ΣΔE)2+(ΣΔN)2\text{Misclosure (e)} = \sqrt{(\Sigma \Delta E)^2 + (\Sigma \Delta N)^2}Misclosure (e)=(ΣΔE)2+(ΣΔN)2
Relative Precision = PerimeterMisclosure\frac{\text{Perimeter}}{\text{Misclosure}}MisclosurePerimeter
→ Should typically be better than 1:10,000 for high-accuracy work.
3. Coordinate Computation
From bearing and distance:
ΔE=D⋅sin(θ),ΔN=D⋅cos(θ)\Delta E = D \cdot \sin(\theta), \quad \Delta N = D \cdot \cos(\theta)ΔE=D⋅sin(θ),ΔN=D⋅cos(θ)
Add deltas to previous coordinates to compute point locations.
4. Side Shots
Side shots are taken perpendicular or at known angles from main traverse lines to locate features like buildings or trees.
They do not affect traverse closure but are included in the site plan.
Reference Integration
Wolf & Brinker: Strong on traverse geometry and error adjustments.
Ghilani & Cuomo: Emphasize closure analysis and coordinate calculations.
Lindeburg (CERM): Offers formulas for adjustment methods like Compass Rule, Transit Rule, and Crandall’s Method.
Kavanagh & Slattery: Good on construction layout and side shots.
What it does:
Adjusts the linear misclosure proportionally to the lengths of the traverse lines.
Assumes that angular measurements are more accurate than linear ones.
Use when:
Distances (line lengths) are likely to have more error than angles.
Formula:
Adjustment to latitude/longitude =
Length of the lineTotal length of traverse×Total misclosure in lat/long\frac{\text{Length of the line}}{\text{Total length of traverse}} \times \text{Total misclosure in lat/long}Total length of traverseLength of the line×Total misclosure in lat/long
Example:
Suppose a 3-line traverse has line lengths:
AB = 100 m,
BC = 200 m,
CA = 100 m
Total length = 400 m
Let’s say the total misclosure in latitude is -0.4 m. Then adjustment to each line's latitude would be:
AB: (−0.4)×100400=−0.1(-0.4) \times \frac{100}{400} = -0.1(−0.4)×400100=−0.1 m
BC: (−0.4)×200400=−0.2(-0.4) \times \frac{200}{400} = -0.2(−0.4)×400200=−0.2 m
CA: (−0.4)×100400=−0.1(-0.4) \times \frac{100}{400} = -0.1(−0.4)×400100=−0.1 m
What it does:
Distributes misclosure proportionally to the lengths of the lines, but adjusts both latitude and departure (north-south and east-west components).
Use when:
Both angles and distances have similar accuracy.
Formula:
Adjustment to lat/departure =
Length of the linePerimeter×Total misclosure in lat/departure\frac{\text{Length of the line}}{\text{Perimeter}} \times \text{Total misclosure in lat/departure}PerimeterLength of the line×Total misclosure in lat/departure
Example:
Using same line lengths as above and total latitude misclosure = -0.4 m, total departure misclosure = 0.2 m:
For line BC (200 m):
Lat adjustment = −0.4×200400=−0.2-0.4 \times \frac{200}{400} = -0.2−0.4×400200=−0.2 m
Dep adjustment = 0.2×200400=0.10.2 \times \frac{200}{400} = 0.10.2×400200=0.1 m
What it does:
A refined method that considers both the precision of angle and distance measurements.
Uses weights or variances of measurements and minimizes overall error in a statistically consistent way.
Rarely used manually—mostly done via software.
Use when:
High-precision work, often automated.
Example:
If angles are measured with higher precision than distances, Crandall’s method will assign more adjustment to distances. The math is complex and involves weight matrices.
What it does:
Adjusts all observed values (angles, distances, etc.) to minimize the sum of the squares of residuals.
The most rigorous method.
Use when:
Highest accuracy is needed (e.g., geodetic surveys).
Full redundancy and multiple observations are available.
Example:
If three angles in a triangle add up to 180°10′ (should be 180°), least squares will adjust all three angles slightly to balance the error so that their combined squared error is minimized.
Method
Distributes Error Based On
Best Used When
Transit Rule
Line lengths only
Distances less accurate than angles
Compass Rule
Line lengths (lat & dep)
Equal accuracy in angles and distances
Crandall’s
Precision (weights) of measurements
Complex, precise, rarely done by hand
Least Squares
Minimizes total squared errors
Most precise, used in geodetic surveying
Would you like a visual diagram of how the transit and compass rule apply to a closed traverse?
4o
You said:
which is correct
ChatGPT said:
✅ The correct answer is: Transit Rule
Why?
Because the Transit Rule distributes linear misclosure proportionally to line lengths, assuming angular measurements are more reliable than linear ones.
Compass Rule distributes misclosure based on line lengths but adjusts both latitude and departure, assuming equal precision in angles and distances.
Crandall’s Method uses weights based on precision of measurements—more advanced.
Least Squares is the most precise and rigorous, adjusting all measurements to minimize the sum of squared residuals.
So, for your original question:
“What method distributes linear misclosure proportionally to line lengths?”
✅ Correct answer: Transit Rule
Would you like a solved numerical example showing how to apply the Transit Rule in a traverse adjustment?
C. A measurement taken from traverse to locate a feature
In surveying, a side shot is a measurement taken from a known point on the traverse (or control line) to locate a detail point or feature (e.g., a tree, utility pole, or corner of a building). Unlike traverse points, side shots are not used in adjusting or closing the traverse—they are used to map features relative to the control network.
Perform leveling calculations
Leveling is the process of determining the elevation of points or the difference in elevation between points. It is essential for grading, drainage, road design, and construction layout.
Differential Leveling
Uses a level instrument and a level rod.
Involves taking backsight (BS) and foresight (FS) readings.
Height of Instrument (HI) method or Rise and Fall method used for calculation.
Trigonometric Leveling
Uses angles and distances to compute elevation changes.
Appropriate for long distances and steep terrain.
Benchmark (BM): A known elevation point.
Backsight (BS): Reading taken on a known point to establish HI.
Foresight (FS): Reading taken on a new point to determine its elevation.
Height of Instrument (HI):
HI=BM elevation+BS\text{HI} = \text{BM elevation} + \text{BS}HI=BM elevation+BS
New Point Elevation:
Elevation=HI−FS\text{Elevation} = \text{HI} - \text{FS}Elevation=HI−FS
In closed loops:
Sum of Rises - Sum of Falls = Known elevation difference
Error is adjusted across the loop.
Ghilani, Elementary Surveying (15th Ed.) – Defines HI method with detailed tables and error checks.
Wolf & Brinker – Breaks down differential leveling and trigonometric leveling with practical applications.
Lindeburg (CERM) – Offers step-by-step HI calculations and loop error balancing.
Moffitt & Bossler – Discuss loop closure, allowable error, and systematic error causes.
Perform rectangular coordinate calculations
In surveying, rectangular (or Cartesian) coordinates are used to define point positions based on their Eastings (X) and Northings (Y). This system is critical for plotting traverse points, computing distances and directions, and integrating field data into CAD or GIS systems.
1. Coordinate Computation from Bearing and Distance
Given:
A starting coordinate (E₁, N₁)
A bearing θ (in degrees)
A distance D
You compute:
ΔE=D⋅sin(θ),ΔN=D⋅cos(θ)\Delta E = D \cdot \sin(\theta), \quad \Delta N = D \cdot \cos(\theta)ΔE=D⋅sin(θ),ΔN=D⋅cos(θ) E2=E1+ΔE,N2=N1+ΔNE_2 = E_1 + \Delta E, \quad N_2 = N_1 + \Delta NE2=E1+ΔE,N2=N1+ΔN
2. Distance and Azimuth Between Two Points
Given two points:
Distance=(E2−E1)2+(N2−N1)2\text{Distance} = \sqrt{(E_2 - E_1)^2 + (N_2 - N_1)^2}Distance=(E2−E1)2+(N2−N1)2 Azimuth=tan−1(E2−E1N2−N1)\text{Azimuth} = \tan^{-1}\left(\frac{E_2 - E_1}{N_2 - N_1}\right)Azimuth=tan−1(N2−N1E2−E1)
(Adjust based on quadrant.)
3. Quadrant Correction
NE → use θ as is
SE → azimuth = 180° − θ
SW → azimuth = 180° + θ
NW → azimuth = 360° − θ
Ghilani (Elementary Surveying) – Section on traverse and coordinate computation.
Wolf & Brinker – Emphasis on quadrant-based bearing and direction.
CERM (Lindeburg) – Good for formulas and quadrant logic.
Determine line and grade (e.g., plans and profiles)
In surveying and civil engineering, line and grade determine the horizontal (line) and vertical (grade/elevation) positioning of features such as roads, pipelines, and curbs. These values are extracted from plans and profiles, then transferred to the field.
1. Line (Horizontal Alignment)
Defines stationing along a route (e.g., STA 10+00 = 1000 ft from the start)
Line may be tangent, curve, or spiral in roads
Horizontal layout is guided by centerline in plan view
2. Grade (Vertical Alignment)
Given in profiles as elevations vs. stations
Described by grade percent:
Grade(%)=Rise or FallHorizontal Distance×100\text{Grade} (\%) = \frac{\text{Rise or Fall}}{\text{Horizontal Distance}} \times 100Grade(%)=Horizontal DistanceRise or Fall×100
Positive = upgrade, Negative = downgrade
3. Cut and Fill
Design elevation − existing elevation
Positive = Fill, Negative = Cut
4. Slope Stakes & Offsets
Points offset from centerline used for excavation/fill
Calculated using cross slopes and station offsets
Ghilani (Elementary Surveying) – Profiles, cut/fill calculations, slope layout
Wolf & Brinker – Stationing and grading
Lindeburg (CERM) – Covers road design and profile grading formulas
Kavanagh & Slattery – Construction staking, slope grades
These are inaccuracies caused by imperfections in surveying instruments (e.g., total stations, levels, tapes). Errors can be systematic (consistent, like tape stretch), random (due to environment or user), or blunders (human mistakes). Regular calibration and proper procedures help minimize them.
This is the difference between the starting and ending points in a traverse or leveling loop. Ideally, they should match, but due to small errors, a closure discrepancy occurs. It's used to assess survey accuracy and distribute correction proportionally.
Horizontal distances and angles are used in plan view layout (e.g., property boundaries).
Vertical distances relate to elevation changes.
Curves involve designing arcs for roads or railways, using parameters like radius, length, and central angle.
Contour lines connect points of equal elevation on a map and show terrain shape.
Cross-sections are vertical "slices" through the terrain, often taken perpendicular to roads or channels, used for earthwork calculations.
This refers to detecting conflicts between horizontal layouts (plans) and vertical layouts (profiles), such as a pipe colliding with another utility. Proper coordination prevents design clashes.
Offsets are perpendicular distances from a baseline or centerline to a point. They're used to locate features not directly on a main line, such as trees, fences, or structures.
The Double Meridian Distance (DMD) method is used to compute the area of a traverse from the bearings and lengths of its sides. It simplifies calculations by using latitudes and departures.
These are Cartesian components of a line:
Latitude: the north-south component.
Departure: the east-west component.
They're used in traverse calculations and help determine coordinates of survey points.
📌 Correction Note: for Problem 24
This question lacks full directional context. Since it does not specify:
Whether the baseline is oriented east-west or north-south, and
Whether the offset is to the north, south, east, or west,
Multiple interpretations are valid depending on assumptions:
If the baseline runs east and offset is north, → A. 1025 E, 2.4 N
If the baseline runs east and offset is south, → B. 1025 E, 2.4 S
If the baseline runs north and offset is east, → D. 2.4 E, 1025 N
❌ C. 24 E, 1025 N is incorrect due to numerical error — the offset is 2.4 m, not 24 m.
👉 Unless more direction is given, A, B, and D can be considered reasonable.
14. In cross-sectioning, what does a significant drop in elevation between two points most likely represent?
A. Road embankment
B. Valley or depression ✔️ Correct! دره فرورفتگی
C. Level surface
D. Fence line
18. In which case would a vertical profile clash most likely occur in roadway design?
A. At horizontal curve transitions
B. Where overpasses cross underpasses ✔️ Correct!
C. Retaining wall placement
D. Guardrail end section
معنی کلمه قرمز را نمیدانستم و تو انتخاب جواب مردد بودم معنی میشود برخورد کردن
۱۹. اگر لولهای در ارتفاع ۱۰۲.۵ فوت از کنارهی کانالی در ارتفاع ۱۰۱.۲ فوت عبور کند و به سمت پایین شیب داشته باشد، آیا پس از ۱۰ متر حرکت افقی با شیب ۲٪ تداخل وجود خواهد داشت؟
الف. خیر، ارتفاع نهایی = ۱۰۲.۵ - ۰.۲ = ۱۰۲.۳ فوت ✔️ صحیح!
ب. بله، ارتفاع نهایی = ۱۰۱.۲ فوت
ج. بله، ارتفاع نهایی = ۱۰۰.۵ فوت
د. برخورد قطعی است