The Compass

Chain surveying can be used when the area to be surveyed is comparatively small and is
fairly flat.

However, when large areas are involved, methods of chain surveying alone are not sufficient
and convenient.
In such cases, it becomes essential to use some sort of instrument that enables angles or
direction of the survey lines to be observed. In engineering practice, the following are the
instruments used for such measurements:
1. Instruments for the direct measurement of directions :
(i) Surveyor's Compass
(ii) Prismatic Compass
2. Instruments for measurements of angles
(i) Sextant
Dr. T. M. Rengarasu 2
(ii) Theodolite
 Traverse Survey
Traversing is a type of survey in which a number of connected survey lines form the
framework and me directions and lengths of the survey line are measured with the help of
an angle (or direction) measuring instrument and a tape (or chain) respectively.

When the lines form a circuit that ends at the starting point it is known as a closed traverse.
If the circuit ends elsewhere, it is said to be an open traverse.

Dr. T. M. Rengarasu 3
 BEARINGS AND ANGLES
The direction of a survey line can either be established (a) in relation to each other, or (b) in
relation to any meridian. The first will give the angle between two lines while the second will
give the bearing of the line.

Bearing. Bearing of a line is its direction relative to a given meridian is any direction such as
(I) True Meridian (2) Magnetic Meridian (3) Arbitrary Meridian.

True Meridian. True meridian through a point is the line in which a plane, passing that
point and the north and south poles, intersects with the surface of the earth. It, thus
passes through the true north and south. The direction of the true meridian through a
1 point can be established by astronomical observations.
True bearing. The true bearing of a line is the horizontal angle that it makes with the
true meridian through one of the extremities of the line. Since the direction of the true
meridian through a point remains fixed,
Dr. T.the true bearing of a line is a constant quantity.
M. Rengarasu 4
 BEARINGS AND ANGLES
Magnetic Meridian. Magnetic meridian through a point is the direction shown by a
freely floating and balanced magnetic needle free from all other attractive forces.
the direction of the magnetic meridian can be established with the help of a magnetic
2 compass.
Magnetic Bearing. The magnetic hearing of a line is the horizontal angle which it makes
with the magnetic meridian passing through One of the extremities of the line. A
magnetic compass is used to measure it.

Arbitrary Meridian. An arbitrary meridian is any convenient direction toward a

permanent and prominent mark or signal, such as a church spire or the top of a
chimney. Such meridians are used to determine the relative positions of lines in a small
3 area.
Arbitrary Bearing. The arbitrary bearing of a line is the horizontal angle that it makes
with an arbitrary· meridian passing through one of the extremities. A theodolite
or1extant is used to measure. Dr. T. M. Rengarasu 5
 DESIGNATION OF BEARINGS
The are two common systems of notation of hearings
(a) The whole circle hearing system (W.C.B.) or the Azimuthal system.
(b) The Quadrantal hearing (Q.B.) system.

In this system, the hearing of a line is measured with magnetic north (or with south) in a
clockwise direction. The value of the bearing thus varies from 00 to 360°. Prismatic Compass
graduated on this system.

The Quadrantal Bearing System: (Reduced bearing) In this system, the bearing of a line is
measured or south, whichever is nearer. Thus, both North eastward or westward from the
north and South are used as reference meridians and the directions can be either clockwise
or anticlockwise depending upon the position of the line. In this system. therefore, the
quadrant, in which the line lies, will have to be mentioned.
Dr. T. M. Rengarasu 6
 FORE AND BACK BEARING
The bearing of the line, whether
expressed in the W.C.B. system or in
the Q.B. system, differs according to
the observation is made from one
end of the line or from the other.

If The bearing of a line AB is measured from A

towards B it is known as forward bearing or fore
bearing (FB). If the beginning of the line AB is
measured from B towards A, is known as
backward bearing or Back Bearing (BB), since it
is measured in the backward direction.
𝜑 = 180° ± 𝜃
Dr. T. M. Rengarasu 7
CALCULATION OF ANGLES FROM BEARINGS

Knowing the bearing of two lines, the angle

between the two can very easily be calculated
with the help of a diagram.

𝛼 should be marked clockwise.

𝛼 =𝜑−𝜃

Dr. T. M. Rengarasu 8
 CALCULATION OF BEARINGS FROM ANGLES
°
𝜃2 = 𝜃1 + 𝛼 − 180
𝜃3 = 𝜃2 + 𝛽 − 180°
𝜃4 = 𝜃3 + 𝛾 − 180°
𝜃5 = 𝜃4 + 𝛿 + 180°

Add the measured clockwise angles to the bearing of the

previous line. If the sum is more than 180° deduct 180°. If the sum
is less than 180°, add 180°
Dr. T. M. Rengarasu 9
 Example
The following bearings were observed with a compass. Calculate the interior angles.
WCB Line Fore Bearing
θ1 AB 60°30'
θ2 BC 122°0'
θ3 CD 46° 0'
θ4 DE 205° 30'
θ5 EA 300° 0'

Dr. T. M. Rengarasu 10
 Example
𝐴መ = 𝑊𝐶𝐵𝐴𝐸 − 𝑊𝐶𝐵𝐴𝐵
𝐴መ = 300° − 180° − 60°30′
𝐴መ = 59°30′

𝐵෠ = 𝑊𝐶𝐵𝐵𝐴 − 𝑊𝐶𝐵𝐵𝐶
𝐵෠ = 60°30′ + 180° − 122°00′
𝐵෠ = 118°30′

𝐶መ = 𝑊𝐶𝐵𝐶𝐵 − 𝑊𝐶𝐵𝐶𝐷
𝐶መ = 122°00′ + 180° − 46°00′
𝐶መ = 256°00′

෡ = 𝑊𝐶𝐵𝐷𝐶 − 𝑊𝐶𝐵𝐷𝐸
𝐷 𝑆𝑈𝑀 = 540°
෡ = 46°00′ + 180° − 205°30′
𝐷
෡ = 20°30′
𝐷

෡ = 𝑊𝐶𝐵𝐸𝐷 − 𝑊𝐶𝐵𝐸𝐴
𝐷
෡ = 205°30′ + 180° − 300°00′
𝐷 Check: n − 2 × 180 = 5 − 2 × 180 = 540
෡ = 85°30′
𝐷 Dr. T. M. Rengarasu 11
 Magnetic Compass

Magnetic compass gives directly the magnetic bearings of lines. The bearings may either be
measured in the W.C.B. system or in Q.B. system depending upon the form of the compass
used. The bearings so measured are entirely independent on any other measurement.

The general principle of all magnetic compass depends upon the fact that if a long, narrow
strip of steel or iron is magnetized, and is suitably suspended or pivoted about a point near
its center so that it can oscillate freely about the vertical axis, it will tend to establish itself in
the magnetic meridian at the place of observation.

Dr. T. M. Rengarasu 12
 Magnetic Compass
The most essential features of a magnetic compass are :

a. Magnetic needle, to establish the magnetic meridian.

b. A line of sight, to sight the other end of the line.

A graduated circle, either attached to the box or to the needle, to read the directions
c. of the lines.

d. A compass box to house the above parts.

e. Tn addition, a tripod or suitable stand can be used to support the box

Dr. T. M. Rengarasu 13
The various compasses exhibiting the above features are
(l) Surveyor's compass
(2) Prismatic compass
(3) Transit or Level Compass

The lines of force of earth's magnetic field run generally from South to North. Near the
equator, they are parallel to the earth's surface. The horizontal projections of the lines of
force define the magnetic meridian.

The angle which these lines of force make with the surface of the earth is called the angle of
dip or simply the dip of the needle.

Dr. T. M. Rengarasu 14
In elevation, these lines of force (i.e. the North end of the needle), are inclined downward
towards the north in the Northern hemisphere and downward towards South in Southern
hemisphere.

At a place near 70° North latitude and 96° West longitude, it will dip 90°. This area is
called North magnetic pole. A similar area in Southern hemisphere is called the South
magnetic pole.

At any other place, the magnetic needle will not point towards the Norm magnetic pole
but it will take a direction and dip in accordance with the lines of force at the point.
Since the lines of force are parallel to the surface f the earth only at equator, the dip of the
needle will he zero at equator and the needle will remain horizontal.
At any other place, one end of the needle will dip downwards. By suitably weighting the
high end of the needle may be brought to Dr. T.a
M. horizontal
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