VIT UNIVERSITY

AU- GEM 2007

VIT UNIVERSITY
AU- GEM 2007

Plane table surveying also called plane

tabling, is a method of surveying in
which field work and office work are
done simultaneously on a Plane table.
The field observations are taken and
recorded side by side on the sheet
fixed on the plane table and the map of
the area is obtained.
VIT UNIVERSITY
AU- GEM 2007

It is most suitable for the survey of details

between stations which have already being
fixed.

It is commonly employed for small and

medium scale mapping of comparatively large
areas where gates accuracy is not the main
consideration such as for topographical
surveys.
VIT UNIVERSITY
AU- GEM 2007

The equipment essentially

needed for plane tabling
is a Plane table and is
mounted on a tripod stand
with an alidade which
provides line of site and a
straight graduated edge,
Spirit level, Trough
compass and U-frame
Spirit Level
Alidade
ADVANTAGES:

It is one of the most rapid methods of surveying.

Field notes are not required, and thus the possibility of
mistakes in booking is eliminated.
Measuring of lines and angles is mostly dispensed with
since they are obtained graphically.
Since the maps are plotted in the field, there is no chance
of omitting necessary measurements.
The surveyor is fully confident about the true
representation of the area since he can always compare his
work with actual features on the ground and cannot,
therefore, outlook any essential detail.
The surveyor can check the accuracy of his work more
frequently and from any position he may desire, thus
eliminating all the error at the spot.
 Methods of Plane Table Surveying:
It may be classified under four
headings:
1. Radiation.
2. Intersection.
3. Traversing.
4. Resection.
VIT UNIVERSITY
AU- GEM 2007

Plane Table survey

Methods

Radiation
Intersection
Two point Problem
Traverse
Re section Three point Problem

27 th NOV 2007 Prof.P.Porchelvan

1. Radiation.
2. Intersection.
3. Traversing.
This method is just opposite to the method of intersection.

In the method of intersection, the plotted position of stations are

known and the plotted position of objects are obtained by
intersection.

In this method the plotted position of objects are known and the
plotted position of station is obtained.

If a, b and c are the plotted positions of objects A, B and C

respectively, to locate instrument station P on the paper, the
orientation of table is achieved with the help of a, b, c and then
resectors Aa, Bb, Cc are drawn to get the ‘p’ , the plotted position of
P.
The following methods are employed in the method of resection:

(a) by compass
(b) by back sighting
(c) by solving two point problem
(d) by solving three point problem.