UNIVERSITY OF NUEVA CACERES COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

Week 2: Taping and Error

I. Introduction
For many centuries, surveyor measured distance using cords, lines, or ropes that were treated
with wax. This device is outdated today, today we use such as tape, theodolite or electronic distance
measurement that is accurate and fast way to measure distances.

An important topic in surveying is the standardization of equipment weather it is a tape or any

electric measuring instrument against a standard. It may the equipment has been subjected to
damaged, shaken out of adjustment, weather change and so on. Then it will need to adjust the
equipment or make mathematical corrections to adjust or compensate the resulting error.

II. Objective
After completion of this course the student should be able to:

a) identify the errors in measurements

b) adjust and make mathematical correction to the different error in equipment
c) use the different equipment required for taping and,
d) understand different technique to execute taping in horizontal and slope surfaces.

III. Distance by Taping

A. Equipment required for Taping

Steel Tapes

Fiber Glass Tapes

FUNDAMENTALS OF SURVEYING v.1.0 BY JUDY BRAVO TORDILLA, RCE

UNIVERSITY OF NUEVA CACERES COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

Range Pole- used for sighting points, for

making ground points and for lining tape men
in order to keep them going in the right
direction.

Taping Pins- also known as Chaining pins used

for marking the ends of tapes or intermediate
point while taping.

Plumb bobs- is a pear shaped or globular

weight which is suspended on a string or wire
and used to established vertical line

Woven Tapes- commonly 50 ft in length with

graduation marks at 0.25-in intervals. they can
be either metallic or nonmetallic. Nonmetallic
are made of very strong synthetic yarns and
covered with specific plastic coating that is not
affected by water. Metallic tapes are made
with a water-repellent fabric into which fines
brass, or copper wires are placed.
Hand Level- used for taping and rough
determination of elevation. it consists of a
metal sighting tube on which mounted a
bubble tube.

Clamping Handles- Leather thong is usually

placed through the loops provided at the ends
of the tapes

FUNDAMENTALS OF SURVEYING v.1.0 BY JUDY BRAVO TORDILLA, RCE

UNIVERSITY OF NUEVA CACERES COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

 Taping on the level ground

If taping is done on fairly smooth and level ground where there is little underbrush, the tape can
rest on the ground. The taping party consist of the head tape man and rear tape man. the head
tape man leaves one taping pin with the rear tape man for counting purposes and perhaps to
mark the starting point. The head tape man takes the zero end of the tape and walks down the
line towards the end.
Readings for cut and add tapes

Figure 2.1

Refer to figure 2.1 The rear tape man and calls out the footmark, say 70ft and the head tape man
reads from the tape end the number of tenths and perhaps estimate to the nearest hundredth, say
0.43, and call this out. This value is subtracted from 70ft to give 69.57 ft.

Figure 2.2

Refer to figure 2.2 For the newer steel tapes with extra divided foot, the procedure is almost
identical except that the rear tape man would, for the example just described, hold the 72 ft mark
at the taping pin in the ground. He or she would call out 72 ft and the head tape man would read
and call 0.53 ft, is giving the same total of 72.53 ft.

Taping along Slopping Ground

Three Methods on Measuring Sloping distances:

The tape is held The tape is held along the slope Similar to slope taping
Holding the Tape Horizontal

Dynamic Taping
measured along the slope

and it will be necessary to

horizontally , but one determine the difference method, slope
or both tapeman must between two the ends of the distances are measure.
tape for each position of the
use a plumb bob, as tape or to measure the vertical
A transit or theodolite
shown in figure 1.9 angle involved Once this is is set up at each taping
done. the horizontal distance point and the vertical
for each measurement can be
computed by trigonmetry . angle is measured to
Note: that slope are often the next taping point
expressed in terms of grade and the horizontal
that is the number of feet of
vertical change in elevation per distance is computed
100 feet of horizontal distance

FUNDAMENTALS OF SURVEYING v.1.0 BY JUDY BRAVO TORDILLA, RCE

UNIVERSITY OF NUEVA CACERES COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

Figure: 2.3 Holding the tape horizontal

Figure: 2.4 Taping on Slope

Break Chaining- used to describe the procedure

for measuring directly horizontal distance on
sloping ground, or
through obstacles that do not permit the use of
a full tape length. The procedure used in breaking
tape is the same as ordinary chaining on level
ground, except that the distances are measured by
using portions of a tape.

VI. ERRORS IN MEASUREMENT

Errors - is the difference between a measured value and the “true” value. Every time we conduct
measuring it contains some errors. Errors can be minimized by using different technique and
appropriately precise equipment
A. Types of Error
Systematic Random
Defined as those
Error errors for which the Error
magnitude and the also known as accidental error. This error
algebraic sign can be present due to no human can perform
determined. It is easy perfectly.
for the surveyor to
eliminate this kind of
error Let’s say we have point B that is 126.90m from
point A, if the available measuring tape has a
An example of this error is by length of 100 m long, an intermediate point must
the effect of temperature on be set first at 100 m and the remaining length of
steel tape. Let’s say that at 26.90 m must be measured from the intermediate
90°F, 100m steel can expand point. Random errors occur as the surveyor lay
to 100.03 m so we have a out the first 100 m it may be a little too short, the
systematic error of 0.3 mark may actually be 99.99 or 99.98 and, so on
knowing this error the when the final length 26.90 m to measured out
surveyor can subtract 0.03 m two more errors may exist.
each time the full length of
tape is used at that This example gives us the two important
FUNDAMENTALS OF SURVEYING v.1.0 BY JUDY BRAVO TORDILLA, RCE
temperature. characteristics of random error. First, the
magnitude of random error is unknown
and the second is because the surveyor is
estimating too high on one occasion and
probably too low
UNIVERSITY OF NUEVA CACERES COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

B. Source of Errors:
1. Instrumental Error - due to imperfection or faulty adjustment of the instrument this error will
arise, for example the measuring tape is too long or a leveling instrument is not properly
adjusted.
2. Personal Error - these arise from limitations of the human senses of sight, touch and hearing.

2. Natural Error - these are caused due to variations in nature like variations in wind,
temperature, humidity, refraction, gravity and magnetic field of the earth.
Most Probable Value Refers to a quantity which, nased on available data, has more chances of beign corrected than any other.

•MPV= Ẋ= ∑ = (𝑋 + 𝑋 + 𝑋 + 𝑋 + ⋯ + 𝑋 )/𝑛

Residual Define as the difference between any measured value of a quantity and its most Probable Value
•v= X -X
• Where v= residual; X = measurement made of a particular quantity; X = most probable value of the quantity measured
Define as the range whitin which there is a 50% chance that the true value of the measured quantity lies inside or outside the limit
Probable Error thus set

•Where:
•PEs = Probable error of any single measurement of series
𝑽𝟐 𝑽𝟐
•PEm= Probable error of the mean PEm= 0.6745 ∑ PEs= 0.6745 ∑
• ±∑ 𝒏 𝟏 𝒏(𝒏 𝟏)
𝑉 =
𝑠𝑢𝑚𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑢𝑎𝑙
•n= number of observation

Accuracy - indicates how close a given High Accuracy Low Accuracy

measurement to its true value. The
greater the accuracy, the smaller the
error.
Low Precision
Precision - refers to the degree of
refinement and consistency with which
any physical measurement is made.

Mistakes - are inaccuracy in measurement

because of some aspect of surveying
operation is performed by surveyor with High precision
carelessness, inattention poor judgement
and improper execution.
FIGURE 2.5
In figure 2.5 it illustrates the difference
between accuracy and precision.

I. Distance Correction

 Types of Correction:

FUNDAMENTALS OF SURVEYING v.1.0 BY JUDY BRAVO TORDILLA, RCE

UNIVERSITY OF NUEVA CACERES COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

Incorrect Tape Length

Rules for Correction

In measuring a given distance with a In measuring a given distance with a
tape that is too long the surveyor will tape that is too short the surveyor
make a positive correction (Tape too will make a negative correction (Tape
long,add) too short,subtract)

Example 1:
1. A distance is measured with 100-m steel tape and is found to be 865.24m. Later a tape is
standardized and is found to have an actual length of 100.05m. What is the correct distance
measured?

Solution:

Measured Value = 865.24m

.
Total Correction= (+0.05) ( ) = + 0.43 m
Corrected Distance = 865.60 m

Example 2:
A distance is measured with a 50m steel tape and is found to be 2320.35m. Later the tape
standardized and is found to have an actual length of 49.93m. What is the correct distance
measured?

Solution:

Measured Value = 2320.35m

.
Total Correction= (-0.07) ( ) = - 3.25 m
Corrected Distance = 2317.10 m

Correction Due to Slope

When Distance are measured along the slope, the equivalent horizontal may
correspondingly be determined by applying approximate slope correction

The correction for slope derived by using Pythagorean Theorem:

FIGURE 2.6

FUNDAMENTALS OF SURVEYING v.1.0 BY JUDY BRAVO TORDILLA, RCE

UNIVERSITY OF NUEVA CACERES COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

Since the Triangle ABC is a right triangle;

s2 = d2 +h2

Transposing terms and factoring out;

Where: (refer to figure 2.6)
h2 = s2 -d2 = (s-d) (s+d)
s= measured slope distance between point A and B.
h= difference in elevation between A and B
Since Ch =(s-d)
d= equivalent horizontal distance AC
h2 =Ch (s+d) or 𝐶 = ; it is safe to Ch = Slope Correction or the difference between the slope length and
( )
the horizontal distance, Ch =s-d
assume that s=d therefore, 𝐶 =

 Gentle Slope – classified when it is not greater than 20%

ℎ
𝐶 =
2𝑠

 Steep Slope (Between 20% and 30%)

𝐶 = ±

Plus, Sign (+) = Rising Slope

Minus Sign (-) = Falling Slope

 Verry Steep Slopes (greater than 30%)

𝐶 = 𝑠(1 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠 ∅)

Example: 3
Slope Distance AB and BC measures 320.2 m and 650.72m, respectively the difference in
elevation are 11.11m for A and B, and 9.05m for points B and C. Using the formula for gentle
slopes, determine the horizontal Length line of ABC. Assume that the line AB has a rising slope
and BC a falling slope.

FUNDAMENTALS OF SURVEYING v.1.0 BY JUDY BRAVO TORDILLA, RCE

UNIVERSITY OF NUEVA CACERES COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

Solution:

 𝐶 =
h
𝑠 −𝑑 =
2s
𝑑 = 𝑠 −
.
= 320.20 −
( . )
d1 = 320.00m (horizontal length of AB)

 𝑑 = 𝑠 −
9.05
𝑑 = 650.72 −
2(650.72)
𝑑 = 650.65𝑚 (horizontal length of line BC)

d= d1 + d2
d= 975.65 m (horizontal length of line ABC)
Correction Due to Temperature

The tape lengthens as the temperature rises and shortens as temperature falls.
Any changes in length of a tape due to variations in temperature is critical when
undertaking precise measurements. Tape used in surveying is standardized at a
specific temperature

Ct =CL (T-Ts )

Where:

C= is the coefficient of linear expansion or the amount of change in length per unit length per
degree change in temperature.
L= length of the tape or length of the line measured.
T= is the observed temperature of the tape at the time of measurement.
Ts = temperature at which the tape was standardized.
 If tape was made of steel, C= 0.0000116 per degree Celsius.
 The resulting sign of Ct will be either (+) positive or (-) negative and is added algebraically
to the length measured to obtained correct length.

Example: 4
A steel tape with a coefficient of linear expansion of 0.0000116 /1°C is known to be 50m long at
20°C . The tape was used to measure a line which was found to be 532.28 meters long when the
temperature was 25°C. Determine the.) Temperature correction per tape length, b.) Correction
for the measured line, and c.) Correct length of the line.

FUNDAMENTALS OF SURVEYING v.1.0 BY JUDY BRAVO TORDILLA, RCE

UNIVERSITY OF NUEVA CACERES COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

Solution:
a.) correction per tape length due to temperature

Ct =CL (T-Ts)

= 0.0000116(50) (25°-20°)
= +0.0029 (The positive sign indicate that the tape is too long)

b.) Correction for the measured line

Ct ‘=CL (T-Ts)
= 0.0000116(532.28) (25°-20°)
= 0.03087m

c.) Correct length of measured line

L’= L ± Ct ‘
532.28m +0.03087m
L’ = 532.310m (the correction is added since the tape is too long)

Correction Due to Tension

During the standardization of the tape is subjected to a certain amount of standard

pull or tension on its end. A.) If the pull is greater than the standard pull, the tape
elongates and become too long. B.) When insufficient pull is applied it will stretch
less than its standard length thus, making it too short.

Modulus of Elasticity:

𝑼𝒏𝒊𝒕 𝑺𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝑷/𝑨

E= =
𝑬𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒑𝒆𝒓 𝑼𝒏𝒊𝒕 𝑳𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒕𝒉 𝒆/𝑳

By substituting the quantity, (Pm – Ps) to P and computing for the value of the elongation, e or
Cp, the following formula is obtained.

(𝑷𝒎 𝑷𝒔) 𝑳
𝑪𝒑 = and L’ = L±𝑪𝒑
𝑨𝑬

Where:
Cp = Correction due to incorrect pull applied on the tape (m)
Pm = pull applied to the tape during measurement (kg)
Ps = standard pull for the tape or pull for which the tape is calibrated (kg)
L= measure length of line

FUNDAMENTALS OF SURVEYING v.1.0 BY JUDY BRAVO TORDILLA, RCE

UNIVERSITY OF NUEVA CACERES COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

A= cross section area of the tape (sq.cm)

E= Modulus Elasticity of the tape material (kg.cm2) for steel tape usually varies from 2.0 X106 to 2.10X106 kg/cm2
L’ = corrected length of the measured line (m)
Its cross-section area can be determined by:

𝑊
𝐴=
𝐿(𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 𝑊𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡)

Where:
W= total weight of the tape
L= Length of tape
Unit weight usually for steel is approximate 7.866X10 -3 Kg/cm3

Example: 5
A 30 m steel tape weighing 1.35kg is standard length under a pull of 5kg, supported for full length.
The tape was used in measuring a line 935 .55m long on smooth level ground under a steady pull
of 10kg. assuming E= 2.10 X106 kg/cm2 and the unit weight of steel to be 7.9 X10-3 kg/cm3 .
determine the following.

a.) Cross sectional area of the tape

b.) Cross section for increase in tension
c.) Correct length of the line measured

Solution:
a.) 𝐴 =
( )
1.35𝑘𝑔
𝐴=
100𝑐𝑚
30𝑚( )(7.9𝑋10 𝐾𝑔/𝑐𝑚 )
𝑚
𝐴 = 0.057𝑐𝑚

b.) Correction per tape length

( ( )
Cp=
)
= ( . )
.
=+ 0.00125m (the positive sign indicates that tape is too long)

C 0.00125𝑚
=
935.55 30𝑚
0.00125
𝐶 = (935.55)
30
Cpt= +0.04m (Total correction for measured line)

c.) Correct Length of line

L’= L ± Cp =935.55m + 0.04m

L’ = 938.63m (The correction is added since tape is too long)

FUNDAMENTALS OF SURVEYING v.1.0 BY JUDY BRAVO TORDILLA, RCE

UNIVERSITY OF NUEVA CACERES COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

Correction Due to Sag

A tape is attaining its correct length when it is fully supported and subjected to the pull for which
it was standardized. If the support is only at its ends or at the two points measured, it will sag
even if the standard pull is maintained because of its own weight. The correction due to sag is the
difference between the arc formed by the tape and the subtending chord.

a.) Tape Supported at

End Points

b.) Tape Supported at

End Points and
Midpoints

c.) Tape Supported at

End Points and
two intermediate
points

b.) Tape Supported at

End Points and
every quarter
points

c.) Tape Supported

throughout

FUNDAMENTALS OF SURVEYING v.1.0 BY JUDY BRAVO TORDILLA, RCE

UNIVERSITY OF NUEVA CACERES COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

The above figure shows the effects of sag on a tape supported at different points along its length.
The magnitude of the error due to sag depends on the weight of the tape, the unsupported length,
and the tension applied.
In determining the correction, the arc is assumed to be a parabola, and is computed by the
formula:

Cs = Eq.1

Since W= wL or w2 L2 by substituting this in equation 1 we obtain;

𝐶𝑠 = Eq.2

Where:

Cs = Correction Due to sag (m)

w= weight of tape per unit length
W= total weight of tape between support (kg)
L= interval between supports or the unsupported length of tape (m)
P= tension of pull applied on the tape (kg)

Example:6

A 50m tape is supported only its end and under a steady pull of 9kg. if the tape weighs 0.90kg.
determine the sag correction and the correct distance between the ends of the tape.

Given:

L= 50m (nominal length of the tape)

P= 8kg (Pull applied on ends of tape)
W= 0.90kg (total weight of tape)

Solution:

𝑊 𝐿 0.90 (50)
Cs = =
24𝑃 24(8𝑘𝑔)

= 0.211 m (correction due to sag between the two-end support)

L’= L -Cs =50-0.211m

FUNDAMENTALS OF SURVEYING v.1.0 BY JUDY BRAVO TORDILLA, RCE

UNIVERSITY OF NUEVA CACERES COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

L’=49.789m (correct distance between the ends of the tape)

Note: the effect of sag is always causes shortening of tape

Example 7: Combined Correction

A line was determined to be 2395.25m when measured with a 50m steel tape supported throughout its
length under a pull of 4kg at a mean temperature of 35°C. Tape used is of standard length at 20°C under
a pull of 5kg. Cross sectional area of tape is 0.03 sq.cm., coefficient of thermal expansion is
0.0000116/°C, Modulus of elasticity of tape is 2X106 kg/cm2.

a) Determine the error of tape the tape due to change in temperature.

b) Determine the error in tension
c) Determine the corrected length of the line

Solution:

a.) Temperature correction

Ct =CL (T-Ts)
Ct =(0.0000116)(2395.25) (35-20)
Ct= +0.4168m

b.) Tension correction

( ( )
= -8.333X10-4m
)
=
. ( )

C 8.333X10 𝑚
=
2395.25 50𝑚

Cpt= -0.0399

c.) Corrected Length

2395.25+0.4168m-0.0399
L =2395.6269m

II. Laboratory
Pls refer to your BB

a.) Taping on smooth and level ground

b.) Taping on uneven and sloping ground

III. Exercises
Refer to your BB

FUNDAMENTALS OF SURVEYING v.1.0 BY JUDY BRAVO TORDILLA, RCE