Geodetic Astronomy

Department of Geodetic Engineering

Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry
GE 12 – General Surveying II
 Objectives
⚫ Visualize the different parts of the celestial sphere.
⚫ Differentiate the celestial coordinates systems.
⚫ Carry out simple celestial coordinates system
transformations using astronomic triangles.
⚫ Distinguish different special star positions.
⚫ Apply significant corrections to errors in astronomic
observations.
⚫ Identify various methods of astronomic
observations, particularly in azimuth determination.

Department of Geodetic Engineering

Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry
GE 12 – General Surveying II
 Outline
⚫ Geodetic Astronomy
⚫ Celestial Sphere
⚫ Celestial Coordinate System
⚫ Astronomic Triangle
⚫ Special Star Positions
⚫ Astronomic Observations
⚫ Azimuth Determination
⚫ Errors and Corrections

Department of Geodetic Engineering

Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry
GE 12 – General Surveying II
 Astronomic Observations

Department of Geodetic Engineering

Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry
GE 12 – General Surveying II
Department of Geodetic Engineering
Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry
GE 12 – General Surveying II
 Azimuth
Φ, λ

Department of Geodetic Engineering

Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry
GE 12 – General Surveying II
 Astronomic Observations
⚫ Common problems in surveying which employ knowledge
of geodetic astronomy are the determination of:

1. Latitude
2. Time/Longitude
3. Azimuth

Department of Geodetic Engineering

Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry
GE 12 – General Surveying II
Instruments for Astronomic Observations
⚫ Observatory (High-precision) Instruments
– Permanently installed in laboratories
– Used for repeated measurements of time and latitude

⚫ First-order (Precision) Instruments

– Portable instruments which can provide standard deviations of less
than 0.3”.
– Used to establish the astronomic/natural coordinates of the origin of
a geodetic network, for first order triangulation, trilateration, and
traverse.
– For determining the size, shape and orientation of the best fitting
ellipsoid.

Department of Geodetic Engineering

Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry
GE 12 – General Surveying II
Instruments for Astronomic Observations (1st order)

Department of Geodetic Engineering

Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry
GE 12 – General Surveying II
Instruments for Astronomic Observations

⚫ Second-order (Geodetic) instruments

– Provides standard deviations of less than 1.0”.
– for astro-geodetic determination of the geoid.
– 2nd order triangulation azimuth checks.
– control for small scale topographic mapping and aerial surveys.

⚫ Lower order (Surveying) instruments

– Used for property and engineering surveys.
– For solar and Polaris observations.

Department of Geodetic Engineering

Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry
GE 12 – General Surveying II
Instrument for Astronomic Observations (2nd order)

Department of Geodetic Engineering

Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry
GE 12 – General Surveying II
Instruments for Astronomic Observations (3rd order)

Department of Geodetic Engineering

Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry
GE 12 – General Surveying II
Department of Geodetic Engineering
Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry
GE 12 – General Surveying II
 North Celestial Pole

Celestial
equator
Earth

Celestial sphere

Department of Geodetic Engineering

Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry
GE 12 – General Surveying II
 Recall: Special Star Positions
* Assuming that the observer
is situated between the zenith
equator and the north n Star type
pole, a star’s behavior
may be:
1
Northern
2 Circumpolar Stars

Southern
Circumpolar Stars 3

5
Equatorial Stars

Department of Geodetic Engineering

Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry
GE 12 – General Surveying II
 Recall: Special Star Positions

1. Rising/Setting
2. Prime Vertical Crossing
3. Culmination
4. Elongation

Department of Geodetic Engineering

Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry
GE 12 – General Surveying II
 Recall: Rising/Setting
⚫ Instant when the star intersects the celestial horizon of
the place (for equatorial stars only).

Department of Geodetic Engineering

Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry
GE 12 – General Surveying II
 Recall: Prime Vertical Crossing
⚫ Instant when the star intersects the prime vertical circle.

Department of Geodetic Engineering

Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry
GE 12 – General Surveying II
 Recall: Culmination/Transit
⚫ Instant when the star intersects the celestial meridian.

Department of Geodetic Engineering

Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry
GE 12 – General Surveying II
 Recall: Elongation
⚫ Occurs when the hour circle and vertical circle of star are
perpendicular to each other (for Type 1 stars only).

Department of Geodetic Engineering

Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry
GE 12 – General Surveying II
 LATITUDE () – the angular distance
Z measured from the equator along the
NCP meridian of longitude to the vertical
line through the observer’s station
z
DECLINATION () – the angular
P
distance measured from the equator
EQ  along the hour circle to the celestial
h body

ALTITUDE (h) – the angular distance

measured from the horizon along the
HOR hour circle to the celestial body
UPPER CULMINATION POLAR DISTANCE (P) – the angular
(NORTH OF ZENITH) distance measured from the polar
axis along the hour circle to the
=h–P celestial body
 = h +  - 90
ZENITH DISTANCE (z) – the angular
 = 90 – z – P
distance measured from the vertical
=-z
axis along the hour circle to the
celestial body
 LATITUDE () – the angular distance
Z measured from the equator along the
NCP meridian of longitude to the vertical
line through the observer’s station
z
DECLINATION () – the angular
P
distance measured from the equator
EQ h  along the hour circle to the celestial
body

ALTITUDE (h) – the angular distance

measured from the horizon along the
HOR hour circle to the celestial body
UPPER CULMINATION POLAR DISTANCE (P) – the angular
(SOUTH OF ZENITH) distance measured from the polar
axis along the hour circle to the
=+z celestial body
 =  + (90 – h)
ZENITH DISTANCE (z) – the angular
 = 180 – P - h
distance measured from the vertical
axis along the hour circle to the
celestial body
 LATITUDE () – the angular distance
Z measured from the equator along the
NCP meridian of longitude to the vertical
line through the observer’s station
DECLINATION () – the angular
z
P
distance measured from the equator
EQ along the hour circle to the celestial
body

 ALTITUDE (h) – the angular distance

h measured from the horizon along the
HOR hour circle to the celestial body
UPPER CULMINATION POLAR DISTANCE (P) – the angular
(SOUTH OF ZENITH – BELOW THE distance measured from the polar
EQUATOR) axis along the hour circle to the
celestial body
 = 90- h - 
ZENITH DISTANCE (z) – the angular
distance measured from the vertical
axis along the hour circle to the
celestial body
 LATITUDE () – the angular distance
Z measured from the equator along the
NCP meridian of longitude to the vertical
line through the observer’s station
z
DECLINATION () – the angular
P
distance measured from the equator
EQ along the hour circle to the celestial
h body

ALTITUDE (h) – the angular distance
 
measured from the horizon along the
HOR hour circle to the celestial body
LOWER CULMINATION POLAR DISTANCE (P) – the angular
(NORTH OF ZENITH) distance measured from the polar
axis along the hour circle to the
=h+P celestial body
 = 90 – z + P
ZENITH DISTANCE (z) – the angular
 = 180 – z – 
distance measured from the vertical
axis along the hour circle to the
celestial body
 Recall: Time Computation
⚫ Astronomic observations can be used to determine the
Apparent Time (TT) using certain methods of computation.
⚫ By the Cosine Formula (derived from the PZS Triangle):

cos (90°- H) = [cos (90°- ϕ)][cos (90°- δ)] + [sin (90°- ϕ)][ sin (90°- δ)][cos(t)]

sin (H) = sin(ϕ) sin(δ) + cos (ϕ) cos (δ) cos (t)
cos (t) = [ sin (H) – sin (ϕ) sin (δ) ] / [ cos (ϕ) cos (δ) ] *
where: t = 24-h or h, hour angle

* Other forms of equation: Sine, Cosine

and Tangent formula (half-angles)

Department of Geodetic Engineering

Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry
GE 12 – General Surveying II
 Recall: Observer’s Location on Earth
Prime Meridian Parallels of
Latitude
Meridian Circle
Reference Planes used:

1. Equator for measuring

latitude
2. Primary Meridian for
measuring longitude

Department of Geodetic Engineering

Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry
GE 12 – General Surveying II
 Azimuth Determination
⚫ Stars, when observed, may be used to determine the
azimuth of a line.
⚫ Given the NPD of a body from an almanac and;
⚫ Observed values of altitude, horizontal angle, and time, we
can determine the azimuth of the body and the line of interest
of the observer.
⚫ Azimuth determination from solar observations are applicable
only to Project Control Surveys (Primary, Secondary and
Tertiary) and NOT for Geodetic Control Establishment.
⚫ Equipment needed: Theodolite with a solar eyepiece,
Range pole, Calibrated watches or chronometer.

Department of Geodetic Engineering

Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry
GE 12 – General Surveying II
Department of Geodetic Engineering
Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry
GE 12 – General Surveying II
 Solar Observations: Field Procedure
Here we assume that we want to determine the
astronomical azimuth of a line T1-T2 from solar
observations. HA=0°

1. Set-up and level the theodolite at T1.

HA
2. Backsight T2 and set the horizontal circle reading to
almost (0°00’00”). It is advisable to not set the
reading at exactly zero but instead record the initial
horizontal circle reading and apply this correction
later on during the computations. Record also the
magnetic azimuth of such line to be used for
comparison on the computed azimuth of the line.
3. With the telescope in direct position, sight the sun at
its 1st position and record the Horizontal Circle
Reading, Time, and Altitude (Vertical Circle
Reading).
Department of Geodetic Engineering
Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry
GE 12 – General Surveying II
 Solar Observations: Field Procedure
TANGENT METHOD

Note: The time interval between two consecutive readings should not
exceed two minutes; the total time of observation should not
exceed ten minutes.
Department of Geodetic Engineering
Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry
GE 12 – General Surveying II
Department of Geodetic Engineering
Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry
GE 12 – General Surveying II
Department of Geodetic Engineering
Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry
GE 12 – General Surveying II
 Solar Observations: Field Procedure
4. Still on the direct position, sight the sun at its 2nd position.
Reverse the telescope and sight the sun at its 3rd and 4th
position. Record the Horizontal Circle Reading, Time, and
Altitude (Vertical Circle Reading). This completes the 1st Set
of Readings (SET I).
5. With the telescope STILL in reverse position, continue to
take the 2nd Set of readings with the sun at its 5th and 6th
position.
6. Direct the telescope and sight the sun at its 7th and 8th
positions. This comprises Set II of the observations.
7. Sight the other end of the line again (T2) and check whether
the reading is still the same as that of the previous one. It
must give the same reading; otherwise, the instrument is
disturbed.
Department of Geodetic Engineering
Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry
GE 12 – General Surveying II
 Solar Observations: Computations
1. Compute for the mean of the horizontal circle readings, time,
and altitude.
2. Based on the tabular values, determine the parallax and
refraction correction and apply this correction to the mean
altitude to get the corrected altitude H.
3. Now we want to get the North Polar Distance of the sun at the
time and date of observation. This is tracked by space
observatories and are tabulated (Ephemeris) on star
catalogues. PAGASA publishes an almanac which tabulates
the NPD of the sun at 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. everyday for an entire
year. Since it would not be likely that our time of observation is
exactly 8 a.m. and 2 p.m., we have to correct the NPD from the
table.
Department of Geodetic Engineering
Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry
GE 12 – General Surveying II
 Solar Observations: Computations
4. The correction is determined by finding the difference in hours
of the time of observation from 8 a.m. or 2 p.m., whichever is
nearer, and multiplying this difference with the hourly variation
of the sun’s rate of motion. The rate of motion is predicted by
observatories based on Kepler’s law of planetary motion and is
tabulated along with the ephemeris of the sun.
5. The correction is Added algebraically to NPD to get the
corrected NPD. (Denoted as P).
6. For tertiary controls, the latitude of the place may be
determined by scaling a map or by the mean latitude as
published on the almanac. (ex: Davao City is at 7.3° latitude).

Department of Geodetic Engineering

Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry
GE 12 – General Surveying II
 Recall: The Ecliptic System
60°
NEP Ecliptic
NCP
Meridian

Ecliptic Autumnal
Parallel Equinox 30°

Ecliptic
Latitude,
(β)
Ecliptic
Winter Longitude,
Solstice (λ) 0°
Summer
Solstice

0°
Vernal
Equinox Obliquity
of the
Ecliptic

SEP
Ecliptic Meridian of
the Vernal Equinox

Department of Geodetic Engineering

Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry
GE 12 – General Surveying II
 Recall: The Ecliptic System
60°
NEP Ecliptic
NCP
Meridian

Ecliptic Autumnal
Parallel Equinox 30°

180°

Ecliptic
Latitude,
(β)
Ecliptic
Winter Longitude,
270° 0°
Solstice (λ) 90°
Summer
Solstice

0°
Vernal
Equinox Obliquity
of the
Ecliptic

SEP
Go to Summary Table Definition of Terms
Ecliptic Meridian of
the Vernal Equinox

Department of Geodetic Engineering

Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry
GE 12 – General Surveying II
 NPD

21st JUNE
WAVE (+)
H.VAR (-)

21st MAR 21st SEPT 21st MAR

Department of Geodetic Engineering

Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry 21st DEC GE 12 – General Surveying II
 Solar Observations: Computations
7. However, for secondary and primary controls, latitude should
be determined by astronomical observations such as by
observing the altitude of the sun at exactly 12 noon. For
geodetic controls, it is advisable to observe other stars instead
of the sun such as the altitude of Polaris at any hour angle.
8. The azimuth of the sun(from the south) is computed from the
formula:

A = Az. of sun (PM); 360-A = Az. sun (AM) L = latitude of place of observation
P = corrected NPD S = (P + H + L)/2 or half sum of P, H and L
H = corrected altitude/vert. angle of sun
9. If the observation was made in the morning, the azimuth of the
sun is equal to 360° - A. If the observation was made in the
afternoon, the azimuth of the sun is equal to A.
Department of Geodetic Engineering
Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry
GE 12 – General Surveying II
 RECALL: The PZS Triangle

Department of Geodetic Engineering

Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry
GE 12 – General Surveying II
 Solar Observations: Computations
10. The mean horizontal angle between the sun and the backsight
point (T2) is computed by subtracting the Initial Horizontal
Circle Reading to the Mean Horizontal Circle Reading.
11. The azimuth of the line (T1-T2) is computed by subtracting the
mean horizontal angle to the azimuth of the sun.
12. Two azimuths are computed from the two sets of readings. The
difference between the two azimuths is multiplied to 0.33725 to
get the probable error. This probable error must be checked
against the tolerance standards for the corresponding
classification, otherwise the observation must be REJECTED.
Tolerance standards can be found on the Manual of Land
Surveying Regulations (DAO 98-12).

Department of Geodetic Engineering

Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry
GE 12 – General Surveying II
 Solar Observations: Computations
10. The mean horizontal angle between the sun and the backsight
point (T2) is computed by subtracting the Initial Horizontal
Circle Reading to the Mean Horizontal Circle Reading.
11. The azimuth of the line (T1-T2) is computed by subtracting the
mean horizontal angle to the azimuth of the sun.
12. Two azimuths are computed from the two sets of readings. The
difference between the two azimuths is multiplied to 0.33725 to
get the probable error. This probable error must be checked
against the tolerance standards for the corresponding
classification, otherwise the observation must be REJECTED.
Tolerance standards can be found on the Manual of Land
Surveying Regulations (DAO 98-12).

Department of Geodetic Engineering

Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry
GE 12 – General Surveying II
 Corrections Applied to Observed
Altitude, H
⚫ Index Correction (Instrumental error)

This occurs when the instrument’s initial vertical angle is not at the
zero level (vertical circle is not correctly oriented to gravity), even if the
telescope is set to be horizontally leveled. This error in measurement
is remedied by subtracting algebraically the index error of the
vertical circle to the value of the vertical angle of the celestial object
being observed.

Department of Geodetic Engineering

Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry
GE 12 – General Surveying II
Department of Geodetic Engineering
Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry
GE 12 – General Surveying II
 Corrections Applied to Observed
Altitude, H
⚫ Parallax Correction (Natural error)

It is assumed that the celestial sphere is of infinite radius and that

vertical angle measured from a station on the earth’s surface is the
same as that if it would be measured from the center of the earth. But
for stellar or solar observations, these angles are not equal. There is
an error in this observed vertical angle due to the fact that it is
observed on the surface and not on the center of the earth. This error
is called parallax.

Parallax Correction is always added to the observed vertical angle,

and can be obtained from the astronomic almanac.

Department of Geodetic Engineering

Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry
GE 12 – General Surveying II
 p

Department of Geodetic Engineering

Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry
GE 12 – General Surveying II
 Corrections Applied to Observed
Altitude, H
⚫ Astronomic Refraction Correction (Natural error)
When a ray of light emanating from a celestial body passes through
the atmosphere of the earth, the ray is bent downward. Hence, the
sun or star appears to be higher above the observer’s horizon than
they actually are. The angle of deviation of the ray from its direction at
the surface of the earth is called the refraction of the ray.

Refraction Correction is always subtracted to the observed vertical

angle, and can be obtained from the astronomic almanac. Note also
that refraction correction is always greater in absolute value than
parallax correction.

Hence, the combined correction of parallax and refraction should be

subtracted from the observed altitude.
Department of Geodetic Engineering
Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry
GE 12 – General Surveying II
Department of Geodetic Engineering
Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry
GE 12 – General Surveying II
Corrections Applied to Observed Altitude

⚫ Sun’s semi-diameter Correction

Since a measurement may be taken more accurately to the edge, or

limb, of the disc than to the center, the altitude of the center is usually
obtained by measuring the of the upper or lower edge and applying a
correction equal to the angular semi-diameter. For most computations
for solar observations, the sun’s semi-diameter correction is canceled
out using the tangency method, which is the normal practice in
surveying.

Semi-diameter correction is positive if the lower limb of the sun is

observed, and negative when the sun’s upper limb is observed for
solar observations.

Department of Geodetic Engineering

Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry
GE 12 – General Surveying II
 Sun’s semi-diameter

RECALL:
Parallax
from
Earth.

Department of Geodetic Engineering

Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry
GE 12 – General Surveying II
Department of Geodetic Engineering
Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry
GE 12 – General Surveying II
Corrections Applied to Observed Altitude

⚫ Sequence of Altitude Correction

Strictly speaking, the corrections to the observed altitude must be

made in the following order: (1) instrumental corrections, (2)
Refraction, (3) Semi-diameter, and (4) Parallax corrections.

In practice, however, it is seldom necessary to follow this exact order.

There is a fifth correction applied to the observed altitude of stars or
the sun, the dip correction, but is only applied when the observation is
made at sea with the use of the sextant.

Department of Geodetic Engineering

Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry
GE 12 – General Surveying II
 Corrections Applied to Observed
Altitude: Example
1. An observation (Tangency method) is made on Polaris at
upper culmination and the observed altitude is 36˚14’. If the
declination of the Polaris is 88˚57’, with index error = -30”,
sun’s semi-diameter = 01’18”, refraction = 03”, parallax = 02”
determine the corrected altitude.

2. The sun was observed to have a zenith distance equal to

46˚12’10” when the theodolite was brought tangent to its upper
limb. The index error was at +10’30”, parallax at 0’32” and
astronomic refraction equal to 1’13”. If the sun’s semi-diameter
was 0˚26’, determine the true altitude of sun.

Department of Geodetic Engineering

Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry
GE 12 – General Surveying II
 Corrections Applied to Observed
Altitude: Example
1. An observation (Tangency method) is made on Polaris at
upper culmination and the observed altitude is 36˚14’. If the
declination of the Polaris is 88˚57’, with index error = -30”,
sun’s semi-diameter = 01’18”, refraction = 03”, parallax = 02”
determine the corrected altitude.

Hcorr = 36° 14’ 00” – (-30”) – (03”) + (02”)

= 36° 14’ 29”

Department of Geodetic Engineering

Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry
GE 12 – General Surveying II
 Corrections Applied to Observed
Altitude: Example
2. The sun was observed to have a zenith distance equal to
46˚12’10” when the theodolite was brought tangent to its upper
limb. The index error was at +10’30”, parallax at 0’32” and
astronomic refraction equal to 1’13”. If the sun’s semi-diameter
was 0˚26’, determine the true altitude of sun.

Department of Geodetic Engineering

Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry
GE 12 – General Surveying II
 Corrections Applied to Observed
Altitude: Example
2. The sun was observed to have a zenith distance equal to
46˚12’10” when the theodolite was brought tangent to its upper
limb. The index error was at +10’30”, parallax at 0’32” and
astronomic refraction equal to 1’13”. If the sun’s semi-diameter
was 0˚26’, determine the true altitude of sun.

Hcorr = 90° - (46° 12’ 10”) – (10’ 30”) + (00’ 32”)

– (01’ 13”) – (00° 26’)
= 43° 10’ 39”
Department of Geodetic Engineering
Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry
GE 12 – General Surveying II
 Corrections Applied to the NPD
⚫ The distance of the sun from the north pole is only given at specific
times (i.e. 8 am,2 pm) when solar observation is best suited for
azimuth determination. To allow surveyors to make use of solar
observations on other time slots during the day, the variations per hour
is added or subtracted (depending on the sign) to the sun’s given NPD
value.

⚫ To determine the necessary NPD correction, the time of observation is

subtracted with given time shown at the table, which is 8 if done in the
morning and 2 during the afternoon. This difference converted to
hours in decimal form, and then multiplied with corresponding variation
per hour. The product, which is in seconds, is added algebraically to
the given NPD.

Department of Geodetic Engineering

Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry
GE 12 – General Surveying II
Corrections Applied to the NPD: Example

⚫ Compute the corrected NPD, given the North Polar Distance

from the table to be 69°36’36.92”, hourly variations equal to –
36.2”, and the time of observation is 9:34:30.

SOLUTION:
DIFF IN HOURS = 09:34:30 – 08:00:00
= 01:34:30 (1.575)
CORRECTION = (-) 36.2’ X 1.575
= (-) 57.015”
CORRECTED NPD = 69° 36’ 36.92” + (-) 57.015”
= 69° 35’ 39.91”
Department of Geodetic Engineering
Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry
GE 12 – General Surveying II
 Azimuth Determination: Example

⚫ Compute the azimuth of T-1 to T-2 using the notes of the solar
observation using a wild T-2 theodolite by using the tangency
method.
Station Occupied: T-1;
Station Observed: T-2;
Latitude of T-1: 14°33’40.73”;
Initial Hor. Reading: 00°00’00”;
Final Hor. Reading: 00°00’00”;
Date: July 22, 1993;
North Polar Distance: 69°39’26.40”;
Hourly Variation: ± 00°00’29.64”;
Parallax and Refraction: 0’32”
Department of Geodetic Engineering
Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry
GE 12 – General Surveying II
 Azimuth Determination: Example/
Assignment
Position of Telescope Time Hor. Circle Reading Zenith angle
Direct 8:32:07 359°02’00” 48°33’48”
Direct 8:32:31 358°19’47” 48°49’59”
Reverse 8:33:09 178°19’44” 311°50’43”
Reverse 8:33:36 179°02’25” 311°25’17”
Reverse 8:33:54 179°02’12” 311°34’03”
Reverse 8:34:14 178°20’09” 311°34’03”
Direct 8:34:44 358°20’54” 47°46’17”
Direct 8:35:08 359°03’57” 48°12’50”

⚫ Determine the true azimuth of line T1-T2.

Department of Geodetic Engineering

Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry
GE 12 – General Surveying II
 Solution
SET 1
TIME HA ZE
D 8 32 7 359 2 0 48 33 48
D 8 32 31 358 19 47 48 49 59
R 8 33 9 178 19 44 311 50 43

R 8 33 36 179 2 25 311 25 17
Ave 8 32 50.75 358 40 59 48 31 56.75

SET 2

TIME HA ZE
R 8 33 54 179 2 12 311 34 3
R 8 34 14 178 20 9 311 34 3
D 8 34 44 358 20 54 47 46 17

D 8 35 8 359 3 57 48 12 50
Ave 8 34 30 358 41 48 48 12 45.25
Department of Geodetic Engineering
Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry
GE 12 – General Surveying II
 Solution
⚫ Latitude: 14°33’40.73” ⚫ Latitude: 14°33’40.73”
⚫ NPD (P): 69°39’26.40” ⚫ NPD (P): 69°39’26.40”
⚫ Hourly Variation: +29.64” ⚫ Hourly Variation: +29.64”
⚫ Time (from 8am): 0.547431 hrs ⚫ Time (from 8am): 0.575 hrs
⚫ Corrected NPD: 69°39’42.63” ⚫ Corrected NPD: 69°39’43.44”
⚫ Zenith Angle: 48°31’56.75” ⚫ Zenith Angle: 48°12’45.25”
⚫ Altitude: 90-Z=41°28’3.25” ⚫ Altitude: 90-Z=41°47’14.75”
⚫ Error due to Parallax and ⚫ Error due to Parallax and
Refraction: -32” Refraction: -32”
⚫ Corrected Altitude: ⚫ Corrected Altitude:
41°27’31.25” 41°46’42.75”
⚫ S=62°50’27.30” ⚫ S=63°00’3.46”

Department of Geodetic Engineering

Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry
GE 12 – General Surveying II
 Solution
Set 1
A: 104°27’29.33”
Az (South): 360-104°27’29.33” =255°32’30.67”
Set 2
A: 104°26’43.00”
Az (South): 360-104°26’43.00” = 255°33’17”
Mean Az(South): 255°32’53.84”
Difference of Azimuth of Set 1 and Set 2: 46.33”
Probable error= 0.33725*46.33”=15.62”
Final and initial Reading of line T1-T2: (0+0)/2 =0°
358°40′ 59"+358°41′48"
MEAN HA: =358°41’23.5” -> 358°41’23.5” -0°
2
Az of T1-T2 = 255°32’53.84”-358°41’23.5” +360° = 256°51’30.34”
Department of Geodetic Engineering
Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry
GE 12 – General Surveying II
 References
⚫ Anderson, J. Mikhail, E. Surveying Theory and Practice
(7th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill Science, 1998.
⚫ Davis, R., Foote, F., etal. Surveying Theory and Practice.
New York: McGraw-Hill Book Company, 1981.
⚫ La Putt, J.P. Higher Surveying 2nd Edition. Baguio City:
Baguio Research & Publishing Center, 1986.
⚫ Mueller, I. Spherical and Practical Astronomy to Geodesy.
New York: F. Ungar Publications, 1969.
⚫ Wolf, P. and Ghilani, C. Elementary Surveying: An
Introduction to Geomatics Tenth Edition. Upper Saddle
River, N.J.: Prentice-Hall Inc., 2002.

Department of Geodetic Engineering

Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry
GE 12 – General Surveying II
 Thank you for listening! ☺

For more information about geodetic

astronomy (also called astronomic geodesy)
as applied in the practice of surveying in the
Philippines, please refer to the:
Official Gazette, DAO 98-12.

Department of Geodetic Engineering

Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry
GE 12 – General Surveying II
END OF LECTURE. THANK YOU!
• Next lecture: Introduction to
Global Positioning Systems
• For questions and other
concerns, you may email me at
[email protected]
with the subject [GE 12 SAB]
(Concern)

Department of Geodetic Engineering

Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry
GE 12 – General Surveying II