LESSON 11

MEASUREMENT OF HORIZONTAL DISTANCES

WARNING! DO NOT PROCEED IF YOU HAVE NOT READ AND

UNDERSTAND LESSON 10

TARGET

This lesson will be dealing with, combined corrections, surveys with tape, and
determination of measurement of obstructed line

After going through this lesson, you should be able to:

1. solve problems involving combined correction
2. discuss surveys with tape
3. solve problems involving measurement of obstructed lines

REMEMBER
To make this learning material help you, don’t just read the lesson like reading a
novel or pocketbook. Reading alone will make you forget easily. Instead, write or jot down
important terms and events transpired in the discussion. This is the best way that you can
visualize and interpret the words/ instrument carefully. For problem solving and
computation discussion see to it that you have calculator, paper and pen or pencil. Write
the numbers/ essential details being talked about. There are two important questions that
should be answered in studying involving computation, the How it is done? and most
important the why it is done? As much as possible answer the “how, why” question in
order not to forget easily the discussion. Do not be satisfied just to know the “how” part.

ANCHOR
You have learned on our previous lesson that correction due sag, can be done and
normal tension can be computed by the use of the following formula.

The magnitude of error due to sag depends on the weight of the tape, the
𝑤 2 𝐿3
unsupported length, and the tension applied. It can be computed by C S = (when
24𝑃2
𝑊 2𝐿
the weight of the tape per unit length w is given) and CS = (when the total
24𝑃2
weigh of the tape W is given).
 Wind correction is similar to the effect of sag but is usually much less.

Normal tension is the applied pull which will lengthen the tape to equal the
0.204𝑊 √𝐴𝐸
shortening caused by the sag. It can be computed by P N =
√(𝑃𝑁 −𝑃𝑆 )

IGNITE

Combined Correction

The correction for the effect of incorrect length of tape, temperature, tension, slope
and sag may be combined as a single net correction per tape length. Each correction is
computed separately and identify which makes the tape “too short” or “too long”.
Since the sign of each correction can be determined during the computation, it is
then a matter of adding these quantities algebraically to apply the corrections.

Surveys with Tape

Tape is not limited to measurement of distances. It can also be used in erecting

perpendicular lines, measure and lay off angles, determine obstructed distances, locate
irregular boundaries and determine areas of different shapes.

1. Erecting Perpendicular to a line

A. Chord Bisection Method

1. Two equal lengths, mb and mc are measured on each side of point m

2. With b as center and taking any convenient length of tape as radius, an arc of
a circle is drawn
3. The same procedure is repeated at pont c
4. The intersection of two arcs locate point d, and line dm is the deaired
perpendicular to line AB
 B. 3:4:5 Method

1. Point A is selected on line MN where a perpendicular is to be erected.

2. From A along line MN, measure 3.0 m to set point B
3. Then with the zero end of tape held by the first tapeman at B and the 10-m mark
held by the second tapeman at A, a loop is formed by the third tapeman to bring
the 5-m and 6-m marks together.
4. The third tape man then pulls each part of the tape taut to locate point C on the
ground.
5. The line joining points A and C is the desired perpendicular line MN

Note: Although this task is better and easier performed by three tapeman, it is still
possible for just one person to perform the layout by fastening the tape ends to
stakes securely anchored at points A and B. Any other length in the proportions
3,4 and 5 can be used such as 6,8 and 10 and 12,16 and 20.

\
2. Measuring angle with tape

1. Lay out any convenient length L along the lines OB and OC to establish points
a and b
2. If the chord distance ab (or d) is measured and bisected, the angle BOC can
be computed using
𝜃 𝑑/2
sin =
2 𝐿
3. The above equation is valid only if the lengths of Oa and Ob are equal.
4. If unequal lengths are laid out, as AB and AC on the figure below.

5. Measure the distance BC and the angle BAC can be computed using
(𝐴𝐶)2 +(𝐴𝐵)2 − (𝐵𝐶)2
cos A =
2(𝐴𝐶)(𝐴𝐵)
 (𝑠−𝐴𝐶)(𝑠−𝐴𝐵)
sin A = √
(𝐴𝐶)(𝐴𝐵)

where :

AB, AC and BC are the sides of the triangle ABC

S = (AB+AC+BC)/2

3. Laying off angles with tape

1. Along line AB, AP is laid out.

2. Then PP’ is erected perpendicular to the line at P by using a length which is
determined by multiplying the length of AP by the natural tangent of the angle to
be laid off. Or PP’ = L tan Ɵ
It is desired to lay off an angle Ɵ from line PA
1. The chord length is first determined from the equation d = 2L sin (Ɵ/2), where
Ɵ is the desired angle and l is any convenient length laid out along PA
2. Point m is established by laying put from P, along line PA a convenient length
of tape
3. The tape is then swung through an arc and accordingly the arc traced is
marked on the ground
4. With m as the center, the computed chord length is laid out and swung through
an arc and its intersection with the first arc establishes point n.
5. Line mn is the required chord length, the angle mPn is the required angle’

4. Determining obstructed distances.

It may not be possible in some instances to directly measure distances due to

obstruction. The required length may be inaccessible or difficult to measure. The
following are some of the indirect methods that could be employed to determine
obstructed distances:

After measuring the unobstructed lines, trigonometric functions, laws, theorem

and principles in trigonometry can be employed to solved for the required
obstructed measurements.
1. Point C is established away from the obstruction
2. It can be observed that the lines AC and BC intersect at right angle.
3. Both line are measured as accurately as possible.
4. AB can be computed by Pythagorean theorem

AB = √(𝐴𝐶 2 + 𝐵𝐶 2

The length of line AB can not be determined because of an obstruction between

the line AB.

1. The head tapeman anchors one end of the tape at B and swings it using
any convenient radius.
2. The rear tapeman positions himself at point A and lines in the other end
of the tape with a distant point at D, then directs the marking of points a
and b on the ground where the end of the tape crosses line AD.
3. The mid-point of line ab is located to establish point C, with th the line
established perpendicular to line AC
4. The length of AB can be determined by Pythagorean theorem
1. A line BD of predetermined length is established perpendicular to line ABC.
2. The length of line BC is measured and AB is computed by similar triangles.

𝐴𝐵 𝐵𝐷
=
𝐵𝐷 𝐵𝐶

1. At a convenient location along shoreline, AC is set out perpendicular to AB

and its length is measured
2. With the use of a tape, angle BCA is determined by the chord method.
3. The required length can be determined by using tangent function
𝐴𝐵
tan BCA =
𝐴𝐶
AB = (AC) tan BCA
1. Point C is established at a suitable location away from the obstruction
2. Lengths of AC and BC are measured
3. On the extension of both lines, points D and E are established such that CD =
(AC)/2 and CE = (BC)/2
4. The length of AB is parallel to and twice the length of DE which can be measured
5. By similar triangles, AB can be determined.

1. BD and BC are established perpendicular to line ABC

2. The distance between the two perpendiculars is measured and with points D and
E lined up with A.
3. The length of AB can then be determined by similar triangles.

𝐴𝐵 (𝐴𝐵+𝐵𝐶)
=
𝐵𝐷 𝐶𝐸
AB(CE) = BD (AB+BC)
= BD(AB) + BD(BC)
AB(CE) – BD(AB) = BD(BC)
AB[(CE) - (BD)] = BD(BC)
𝐵𝐷(𝐵𝐶)
AB =
(𝐶𝐸−𝐵𝐷)
 1. Establish a line CD, parallel to and equal in length to AB
2. Perpendicular offsets AC and BD are established by tape
3. If AC and BD are equal in length, CD when measured should be equal in
length to AB

1. 1. Point C is first selected such that it is a certain distance away from the
obstructed line
2. The lengths of AC and BC are then measured and their respective middle points
(D and E) established
3. The length of AB is twice that of DE
1. From the prolongation of the preceding line, a 60 degrees angle is laid off
at A and a sufficient length is laid out to clear the obstruction.
2. Another 60 degrees angle is laid off at C and the distance CB is taped
equal to AC.
3. Point B should fall on the prolongation of the original line, and the
measurement may be continued further.
4. The length of AB should be equal to either AC or CB.

1. BD is set out perpendicular to the required length and point C is located at

its mid length
2. DE is next set out perpendicular to BD and point E is located so that it is in
line with points A and C
3. DE should be equal to AB.
Illustrative Example

1. A steel tape is 100 m long at a temperature of 20°C and a pull of 10 kg. It was used
to measure a distance of 624.95 m. of 32°C with an applied pull of 15 kg during
measurement with the tape supported at both ends. Coefficient of thermal
expansion is 0.0000116/°C and modulus of elasticity of 2 x 106 kg/cm2. Weight of
tape is 0.04 kg/m and a cross sectional area of 0.06 cm2.
a. Compute the sag correction
b. Compute the total correction for tension, sag and temperature
c. Compute the corrected length of the line by applying the combined corrections.

Given:

NL = 100 m
TS = 20°C
PS = 10 kg
L = 624.95 m
TM = 32°C
PM = 15 kg
C = 0.0000116/°C
E = 2 x 106 kg/cm2
w = 0.04 kg/m
A = 0.06 cm2

Required:

a. Sag Correction CST

b. Total Correction CTOT
c. Corrected length of the line L’

Illustration for sag correction

100 m 100 m 100 m 100 m 100 m 100 m 24.95 m

Solution:
a.
Sag correction for 1 full length of tape
𝑤 2 𝐿3
CS1 =
24𝑃2
 (0.04𝑘𝑔/𝑚)2 (100𝑚)3
CS1 =
24(15 𝑘𝑔)2
= 0.296 m

Sag correction for the fractional length (24.95 m)

𝑤 2 𝐿3
CS2 =
24𝑃2
(0.04𝑘𝑔/𝑚)2 (24.95𝑚)3
CS2 =
24(15 𝑘𝑔)2
CS2 = 0.005 m

Total sag correction CST

CST = CS1 (6) + CS2

= 0.296 m (6) = 0.005
CST = 1.781 m (too short)

b.
Temperature Correction
CTEMP = kL (TM – TS)
CTEMP = 0.0000116/°C (624.95 m) (32°C – 20°C)
CTEMP = 0.087 m (too long)

Pull Correction
(𝑃𝑀 −𝑃𝑆 )𝐿
CP =
𝐴𝐸
(15 𝑘𝑔−10 𝑘𝑔)(624.95 𝑚)
CP = 𝑘𝑔
(0.06 𝑐𝑚2 )(2 𝑥 106 )
𝑐𝑚2
CP = 0.026 m (too long)

Total Correction

CTOT = +0.087 m -1.781 m + 0.026 m

CTOT = -1.668 m

C.

Corrected length of line L’

L’ = 624.95 – 1.668 m
L’ = 623.282 m
 2. A surveyor wishes to measure the distance across a stream. He sets up his transit
at a point C on the bank of the stream, and sights on a point B on the other bank
directly opposite him. Then he turns the transit through a right angle, and measures
off a distance of 100 feet to point A. He moves the transit to A, and measures the
angle CAB, which he finds to be 50°. How wide is the stream?

Illustration:

Required:
width of the stream (a)

Solution:

𝑎
tan 50° =
𝑏
𝑎
tan 50° =
100 𝑓𝑡

a = (100 ft) tan 50°

a = 119.18 m or 119 m

More illustrative problems are available on your book. It is recommended that you
also read, understand and solve the illustrative problems from your book.

EXPLORE

After reading, understanding and solve problems on the topics, combined

corrections and surveys with tape you can now answer/solve the question/problems in
UE 2 problems 18 – 20

Note: Compile your work (UE 2). Follow the guide in compiling UE problems.
(Deadline of Submission will be posted on the GC. Thank you.)
 IN A NUTSHELL

In this lesson you have learned about, combined corrections, surveys with tape
and determination of measurement of obstructed line.
The correction for the effect of incorrect length of tape, temperature, tension, slope
and sag may be combined as a single net correction per tape length. Each correction is
computed separately and identify which makes the tape “too short” or “too long”.

Since the sign of each correction can be determined during the computation, it is
then a matter of adding these quantities algebraically to apply the corrections.

Tape is not limited to measurement of distances. It can also be used in erecting

perpendicular lines, measure and lay off angles, determine obstructed distances, locate
irregular boundaries and determine areas of different shapes.

After measuring the unobstructed lines, trigonometric functions, laws, theorem and
principles in trigonometry can be employed to solved for the required obstructed
measurements.