Svy 211 Lab Report (Chain and Compass Survey)
Svy 211 Lab Report (Chain and Compass Survey)
GROUP: TEN
COMPASS SURVEYING
Compass surveying entails determining the position of an object by utilizing angular measurements from
a compass alongside linear measurements obtained with a chain or tape. It finds application various scenarios:
● When the area to be surveyed is extensive, precluding the use of chain surveying, compass surveying is
preferred.
● In cases where the terrain features obstacles and irregularities that make chaining impractical.
● In time-sensitive situations, compass surveying offers a more expedient option.
For land perimeter determination, geometric principles like the Sine and Cosine rules, along with Heron’s
Formula, are employed:
Where s = (𝑎+𝑏+𝑐)/2
Compass surveying is typically avoided in regions containing iron cores, power lines, or other magnetic
structures due to their natural magnetic properties and electromagnetic influences. Instead, traversing is
employed in compass surveying, where a sequence of straight lines connects various points of interest on the
plot. A magnetic compass is a crucial tool in surveying for determining the magnetic bearings of survey lines.
The type of compass used dictates whether bearings are measured in Whole Circle Bearing (W.C.B) or
Quadrantal Bearing (Q.B) systems. Fundamentally, a magnetic compass operates on the principle that when a
strip of steel or iron is magnetized and balanced to pivot freely at its midpoint, it aligns itself with the magnetic
meridian at the location of use.
Several main types of magnetic compasses exist, including the prismatic compass, surveyor’s compass, and level
compass.
The process of conducting a compass survey involves several key steps:
Reconnaissance: This initial step involves a thorough inspection of the survey area. The surveyor examines the
terrain, noting boundaries, roads, rivers, and any obstacles to compass lines. Stations are selected, and
preliminary sketches known as index sketches or key plans are prepared to guide the survey.
Marking Stations: Once the survey area has been assessed, stations are marked to serve as reference points.
Ranging rods, wooden pegs, nails, spikes, or cross marks embedded in stones are used to mark stations,
depending on the firmness of the surface.
3
These steps lay the groundwork for accurate compass surveys, ensuring reliable measurements and precise
mapping of the surveyed area.
Preliminary Work
- Before initiating the survey, preliminary work is essential.
-The surveyor should identify three permanent sites, such as building corners, to serve as reference points.
- These reference points will be used to mark the station and aid in locating it using ties.
Precautions: The following points should be kept in view while booking the field notes.
(i.) All the measurements should be recorded as soon as they are taken.
(ii.) Each compass line should be recorded on a separate page of the field book.
(iii.) Figuring and writing should be neat, and legible overwriting of the figures should be avoided completely.
(iv.) The notes should be complete, and nothing should be left to memory.
(v.) Notes should be so full and neat that the draftsman who is unfamiliar with the area surveyed may plot easily
(vi.) Neat reference sketches should be given in the field book, and explanatory notes should be added.
4
(vii.) The field book should be kept clean, and no entry should be made in it, nor should it be rubbed. If an entry
is wrong, a line should be drawn through it, and the count entry is made over it. If an entire page of the Field
book is to be discarded, it should be crossed and marked canceled and reference of the other page in which the
correct entries are made should be given on the canceled page.
Advantages
• Portability and light weight make compasses convenient for fieldwork.
• Fewer settings are required to fix them on a station.
• Directional errors in one survey line do not affect others.
• Suitable for retracing old surveys.
Disadvantages
• Less precision compared to more advanced surveying methods.
• Susceptibility to various errors like those related to magnetic meridian and local attraction.
• Errors can arise from imperfect sighting of ranging rods and inaccurate leveling.
AIM:
The aims of this practical are:
• To know the dimensions of a given portion of land.
• To determine the bearing and distances of survey boundaries.
• To calculate the area of the portion of land using a compass survey method.
• To test the ability of students on compass survey methods.
OBJECTIVES:
The objectives of this practical are:
• To carry out station marking around the corners of the plot.
• Determine the distance between two stations using 100m tape.
• Take compass readings across the plot. • Calculate area of the plot.
SCOPE:
The scope of this practical is as follows:
• Reconnaissance diagram
• Measuring of distances
• Measuring of bearings
• Corrections of forward and backward bearing readings
• Calculation of area using graphical method
PERSONNEL:
S/N NAME MATRIC NO
INSTRUMENTS USED:
While conducting the experiment, the following instruments were used:
1. Linen tape with a length of 100m
2. Ranging poles
3. Magnetic compass
4. Tripod stand
Diagrams:
• Linen Tape:
It's a 100m long variegated strip of tightly woven material. When conducting compass surveys, it is used to
measure distances between corners. It's utilized by extending the tape until it's fully stretched, and then taking
readings.
• Ranging Poles:
During measurements, ranging poles are vertically positioned at the corners of the plot. They are
commonly utilized to identify stations, points, and sight those stations, as well as to range straight lines.
Typically, two thin, light bamboo woods, teak, pine, or deodar, are used for this purpose.
7
• Magnetic Compass:
A magnetic compass is utilized to determine the magnetic bearings of a line.Bearings can be measured in
two ways: the whole bearing system (WBS) and the quadrantal bearing system (QBS). This determination is
solely based on the type of compass used for the measurements.
When a thin strip of steel or iron is magnetized and suspended at its center, allowing it to freely
oscillate along the vertical axis, the strip aligns itself with the magnetic meridian at the observation point. The
functioning principle of a magnetic compass is as follows:
The magnetic needle's purpose is to locate the magnetic meridian. Through the compass, a line-of-sight
aids in sighting the other end of the survey line. A graduated circle is employed to read the directions of the
lines. It can be attached either to the box or to the needle. To house the above parts, a compass box is used. The
entire assembly is then supported by means of a tripod or a suitable stand.
In general, it is used to determine the bearings of survey lines by reading a graduated circle through a peephole.
8
The figure below illustrates the sectional view of a surveyor's compass. It comprises a circular brass box housing
a magnetic needle. This needle swings over a brass circle, which is divided into 360 degrees.
9
It consists of a pair of sights used to measure the horizontal angle along the north-south axis. The surveyor's
compass is typically mounted on a tripod and leveled using a ball and socket mechanism.
The temporary adjustments for the surveyor's compass are:
i. centering
ii. leveling
iii. focusing the prism
i. Centering: This involves positioning the instrument directly over the station point. It can be achieved by
adjusting the tripod stands or using a plumb-bob. Alternatively, dropping a pebble from the center to the bottom
of the instrument can verify centering.
ii. Leveling: The instrument should be held so that the graduated disc swings freely. When viewed from the top
edge, it must appear level. If it is not used as a hand instrument, a tripod is used to support the instrument for
levelling.
iii. Focusing the Prism: Till the readings are observed sharp and clear, the prism attachment is slid up and down
for proper focusing.The permanent adjustments are sometimes necessary for the surveyor's compass like:
a. adjustments in Levels
b. adjustment of needle
c. adjustment of Sight vanes
d. adjustment of the Pivot
10
A magnetic compass is a crucial tool in surveying for determining the magnetic bearings of survey lines. The
type of compass used dictates whether bearings are measured in Whole Circle Bearing (W.C.B) or Quadrantal
Bearing (Q.B) systems. Fundamentally, a magnetic compass operates on the principle that when a strip of steel or
iron is magnetized and balanced to pivot freely at its midpoint, it aligns itself with the magnetic meridian at the
location of use.
Reconnaissance Diagram
2.We rapidly sketched a reconnaissance diagram to get a general idea of how the site appeared and to note
noteworthy aspects on the site, such as permanent infrastructure such as sidewalks and buildings.
4.We measured the distances between the ranging poles and installed
them on each station. Ground measurements were collected where
practicable, but they were not taken in all situations.
The walkways' distances from the boundary line were also accurately
Measured.
DATA PROCESSING
In the table below are the bearings observed and appropriate corrections of the forward and backward bearings:
.Using heron’s formula to find the area of triangles and sum them up.
Heron’s formula:
Area,A = 𝑠( 𝑠 − 𝑎 )(𝑠 − 𝑏)( 𝑠 − 𝑐) where s =(a+b+c)/2
Triangle 1(∆ABC): : a = 51.749m, b =98.111m, c = 65.287m
s=
(51.749m + 98.111m + 65.287m)/2
∴ s = 107.5735m2
area1 =
(107. 5735𝑚) (107. 5735𝑚 − 51. 749𝑚)( 107. 5735𝑚 − 98. 111𝑚)( 107. 5735𝑚 − 65. 287𝑚)
∴ A1 ≃ 1550.1327m²
Triangle 2(∆ADC): a = 78.313m, b =51.749 m, c = 49.999m
15
=
s=(78.313m + 51.749m + 49.999m) /2
∴ s = 90.031m
Area = 90. 031𝑚 90. 031𝑚 − 78. 313𝑚 90. 031𝑚 − 49. 999𝑚 90. 031𝑚 − 51. 749𝑚
PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED:
The major problems encountered during the survey were:
i. Local attraction
Ii. The boundary lines were not completely level.
iii.Sagging of the chain.
SOLUTIONS:
To solve the above listed challenges, the following steps were taken:
i. At the sites with the least local attraction, the compass was positioned, and bearings were taken.
ii. While the survey was being conducted, all metallic things on the bodies of students (e.g., watches, chains,
etc.) were removed and set aside.
iii.To get the true distance of the boundary line, we divided each of the boundaries into shorter distances, took
measurements, and added the distances together.
iv.To avoid misleading measurements due to unleveled ground,we took measurements of the boundary lines
above ground level.
CONCLUSION
The angles between boundary lines, their bearings from one other, and the distance between stations can all be
determined using a compass survey. The area can be established by measuring these distances and
drawing them using CAD software. The sine rule can also be used to
16
find the plot's area as an alternative way. The measurements derived using compass surveying are not 100%
accurate, due to local attractions. But the values gotten will be close to the actual/real values.Thus, the area of the
Plot of Land we measured at the University of Lagos Lagoon Front is:
2821.655m²
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Ahead of future practical lab sessions, I make the following recommendations:
1. The students can be subjected to more challenging situations during the practicals.
2. More practicals can be done by the students to help them see different applications of Compass survey.
3. The students can be taken to a work site to view the compass Survey process being done in a professional
setting.
4. The students can be shown a sample of a compass Survey plan, which has been worked on by certified
surveyors.
17
CHAIN SURVEYING
When conducting a perimeter survey of land, a common method employed is the chain survey technique.
Primarily utilized for small parcels of land, it focuses on determining distances rather than intricate details,
resulting in relatively low accuracy. The absence of compass readings contributes to this limitation.
In such surveys, geometric principles come into play to calculate the area of the land plot. Techniques like the
Sine and Cosine rules and Heron’s Formula are applied to derive accurate measurements. These mathematical
tools enable surveyors to estimate the area enclosed by the perimeter of the land, providing valuable data for
various purposes such as land development, construction planning, and property valuation.
Where s = (𝑎+𝑏+𝑐)/2
1) Reconnaissance:
Before commencing the survey, conduct a thorough preliminary inspection of the designated area. This process,
known as reconnaissance, involves meticulously examining the terrain to be surveyed. After this inspection, the
surveyor should create an index sketch or key plan, detailing the boundaries, roads, rivers, and other relevant
features of the area. Walk the entire site, paying close attention to boundary markers and potential obstacles that
may affect the survey, such as changes in elevation or vegetation. Prepare detailed sketches, commonly referred
2) Marking Stations:
Once the reconnaissance phase is complete, proceed to mark stations along the survey lines. Use ranging rods,
wooden pegs, nails, or spikes to mark stations on firm ground. In cases where the ground is unsuitable for
traditional markers, consider embedding cross marks in stone to denote stations.
3) Reference Sketches:
18
After marking the stations, it is essential to create reference sketches to accurately locate each station. This
involves drawing ties from three permanent and easily identifiable sites, such as building corners, to the marked
stations. These reference sketches ensure the precise positioning of each station within the survey area.
With the stations marked and referenced, begin the process of running survey lines. Start chaining from the
designated baseline and progress along the predetermined survey lines. Lay the chain carefully and take offsets
to locate nearby features accurately. Whenever necessary, make ranges to ensure the accuracy of measurements.
Record all measurements and offsets meticulously in the field book for future reference.
Chain surveying is ideal for areas with relatively simple and level terrain.
1. It is particularly well-suited for creating large-scale plans, such as those required for fields or small land
parcels.
1. Chain surveying is not suitable for large-scale surveys covering extensive areas.
2. It may not be suitable for surveys requiring intricate details or extensive information.
3. Terrain with dense vegetation or significant changes in elevation may pose challenges to chain surveying
techniques.
• In most cases, such an ideal situation is not feasible. In most cases, an attempt should be made to obtain WELL
CONDITIONED TRIANGLES with no angle smaller than 30 degrees and no angle larger than 120 degrees.
• The chain is represented by one or two red or blue lines ruled down centrally along the length of each page in
the field book, which is an oblong book with a hinge at the narrow edge.
19
• The field job booking, or recording began at the bottom of the first page. Because the main chain line readings
and offset readings are separated in the double line book, it is preferable.
• A small rectangle or triangle is created in the field book to contain the chaining figure at the station points, and
the station points are lettered or numbered.
• The lines that intersect at the station point are also marked, and reference sketches are produced on a field
book, and then lines are run by chaining.
• When conducting a chain survey, the essential equipment should be brought along, as well as a reconnaissance
or preliminary assessment of the area.
• Then, the stations are marked, the reference sketches are drawn on a field book, and after this, the survey lines
are runby chaining.
Precautions:
The following points should be kept in view while booking the field notes. (i) All the measurements should be
recorded as soon as they are taken. (ii) Each chain line should be recorded on a separate page of the field book.
(iii) Figuring and writing should be neat, and legible overwriting of the figures should be avoided completely.
(iv) The notes should be complete, and nothing should be left to memory. (v) Notes should be so full and neat
that the draftsman who is unfamiliar with the area surveyed may plot easily (vi) Neat reference sketches should
be given in the field book, and explanatory notes should be added. (vii) The field book should be kept clean, and
no entry should be made in it, nor should it be rubbed. If an entry is wrong, a line should be drawn through it,
and the count entry is made over it. If an entire page of the Field book is to be discarded, it should be crossed and
marked canceled and reference of the other page in which the correct entries are made should be given on the
canceled page.
AIM:
The aims of this practical are:
1. To know the dimensions of a given portion of land.
2. To calculate the area of a given portion of land using chain survey.
20
OBJECTIVES:
The objectives of this practical are:
1. To carry out station marking around the corners of the plot.
2. Determine the distance between two stations using 100m tape.
3. Measure the baseline.
4. Calculate area of the plot.
SCOPE:
The scope of this practical is as follows:
1. Reconnaissance diagram
2. Measuring of distances
3. Calculation of area using Heron’s formula
PERSONNEL
INSTRUMENTS USED:
While performing the experiment, the following instruments were
used:
Diagrams:
1. Linen Tape:
It's a 100m long variegated strip of tightly woven material. When doing chain surveys, it is utilized to quantify
distances between corners. It's utilized by stretching the tape until it's completely covered, then taking readings.
2. Ranging Poles:
While measurements are taken, ranging poles are positioned vertically at the plot's corners. It's commonly used
for identifying stations, points, and sighting those stations, as well as ranging straight lines. Teak, pine, or deodar
are commonly used as two thin, light bamboo woods.
22
RECONNAISSANCE DIAGRAM:
PROCEDURE/METHODOLOGY:
DATA ACQUISITION:
To obtain the data, the following steps were taken:
1. We rapidly sketched a reconnaissance diagram to get a general idea of how the site appeared and to note
noteworthy aspects on the site, such as permanent infrastructure such as sidewalks and buildings.
2. After that, we chose the stations or corners of the site where we would take measurements.
3. We measured the distances between the ranging poles and installed them on each station. Ground
measurements were collected where practicable, but they were not taken in all situations.
6. The walkways' distances from the boundary line were also accurately measured.
7. The walkway's width was then measured. 8. Offset of any notable features available were taken.
25
26
DATA PROCESSING:
Calculations:
A B
98.111
B A
B C
78.313
C B
C D
49.999
D C
D A
65.287
A D
Using heron’s formula to find the area of triangles and sum them up.
Heron’s formula:
Area,A = 𝑠( 𝑠 − 𝑎 )(𝑠 − 𝑏)( 𝑠 − 𝑐) where s =(a+b+c)/2
Triangle 1(∆ABC): : a = 51.749m, b =98.111m, c = 65.287m
s=
(51.749m + 98.111m + 65.287m)/2
∴ s = 107.5735m2
area1 =
(107. 5735𝑚) (107. 5735𝑚 − 51. 749𝑚)( 107. 5735𝑚 − 98. 111𝑚)( 107. 5735𝑚 − 65. 287𝑚)
∴ A1 ≃ 1550.1327m²
Triangle 2(∆ADC): a = 78.313m, b =51.749 m, c = 49.999m
=
s=(78.313m + 51.749m + 49.999m) /2
∴ s = 90.031m
Area = 90. 031𝑚 90. 031𝑚 − 78. 313𝑚 90. 031𝑚 − 49. 999𝑚 90. 031𝑚 − 51. 749𝑚
PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED
The major problems encountered during the survey were:
SOLUTIONS:
To solve the above listed challenges, the following steps were taken:
1)To get the true distance of the boundary line, we divided each of the boundaries into shorter distances, took
measurements, and added the distances together.
2)To avoid misleading measurements due to unleveled ground, we took measurements of the boundary lines
above ground level.
3)Before taking readings, we tensioned the chain to ensure it was as straight as possible.
CONCLUSION:
A chain survey can be used to accurately estimate the distances between a plot of land's boundaries. Heron's
formula can be used to compute the area of the plot of land once these distances have been measured and the
length of the baseline has been determined.Because no compass readings were collected, the measurements
derived by chain surveying are not 100 percent accurate. However, the results will be close to the actual/real
results. Thus, the area of the Plot of Land we measured at the University of
Lagos Lagoon Front is:
2821.655m²
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Ahead of future practical lab sessions, I make the following
recommendations:
1. The students can be exposed to more practical sessions, so that they may encounter more challenges and look
to solve them
2. The students can be taken to a work site to view the Chain Survey process being done in a professional setting.
28
3. The students can be shown a sample of a Chain Survey plan,which has been worked on by certified surveyors.