FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM

UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA

PULAU PINANG LABORATORY MANUAL

COURSE ENGINEERING SURVEY

COURSE CODE CEG452
LEVEL OF OPENNESS 1
CATEGORY PARTIALLY OPEN ENDED
DEGREE OF OPEN-ENDED (%) 33
PERIOD OF ACTIVITY 2 WEEKS

TITLE ESTABLISH CONTROL POINT & COMPASS SURVEY

1.1 Introduction
Level 1 laboratory activity refers to condition where the problem and ways &
means are guided and given to the students. However the answers to the
assignment are left to the students to solve using the group creativity and
innovativeness. The activity is hoping to slowly introduce and inculcates
independent learning amongst students and prepare them for a much
harder task of open-ended laboratory activities.

In this laboratory activities, Prismatic compass or surveyor’s compass is used

by surveyors for measuring horizontal angles and for determining the
magnetic bearing of a line of sight; consists of a pivoted magnetic needle, a
graduated horizontal circle, and a sighting device. It only measures relative
directions. This compass is considered to be an accurate instrument for
surveying, and is generally used on a stand or tripod
1.2 Objectives
To measure magnetic bearings and horizontal angles.
PREAMBLE To measure horizontal distance

1.3 Learning Outcomes

At the end of the laboratory activities, students would be able to:
1. Identify and use right tools or equipment to achieve objective.
2. Analyze data for computation.
3. Work in group to produce technical report.

©FKA, UiTM, PULAU PINANG MAR-JULY 2021

FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA
PULAU PINANG LABORATORY MANUAL

1.4 Theoretical Background

What is a Prismatic Compass?

Prismatic compass or surveyor’s compass is an instrument used by surveyors
for measuring horizontal angles and for determining the magnetic bearing of a
line of sight; consists of a pivoted magnetic needle, a graduated horizontal
circle, and a sighting device. It only measures relative directions. This
compass is considered to be an accurate instrument for surveying, and is
generally used on a stand or tripod.

Components of a Prismatic Compass

The compass consists of a long, thin, pointed needle, made of magnetized
steel and there is a small conical-shaped bearing agate material at the centre.
The end of this needle which points north is the north end and the other end
is the south end. This is differentiated by a small metal pin which passes
horizontally through the near needle near its north end. The description of the
prismatic compass with its sketched is shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1 Prismatic Compass

All angular measurements must be checked for errors and adjusted to

provide accurate results. Errors that occur in prismatic compass surveying
are:

1. Instrumental Errors
These are due to faulty instruments. Typical errors in instrument are:
a. Pivot is not at the centre of the ring and blunt
b. Needle is not perfectly straight and sluggish
c. Vertical hair of the sight is thick
d. The graduated circle is not horizontal
e. The plane of sight is not vertical
f. The line of sight does not pass through the centre of the
graduated ring

©FKA, UiTM, PULAU PINANG MAR-JULY 2021

FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA
PULAU PINANG LABORATORY MANUAL

2. Errors of Manipulation and Sighting

This error acting independently on observations arise from lack of
perfection in the human eye and method of using the equipment.
Their effects, when known, may be eliminated. Errors that occur
include:
a. Inaccurate centering and leveling of the compass
b. Inaccurate sighting of plumb bobs
c. Carelessness in reading the graduated ring
d. Carelessness in recording the reading

3. Errors due to Natural Causes

These errors arise from sources that may be taken to act in similar
manner on successive observations, although their magnitude can
vary. They are not mistakes and as there is much chance of their
being positive or negative, the errors from these sources tend to
cancel out, that they tend to be compensatory. Errors due to natural
causes that occur in prismatic compass surveying are:
a. Magnetic changes at the location i.e. electromagnetic fields
b. Irregular variations due to magnetic storm
c. Variation in declination
d. Local attraction due to proximity of magnetic substance

2.0 Problem Statement

PROBLEM
Students are asked to set up equipment and perform measurements as
STATEMENT required in the objectives.

3.1 Apparatus

1. Prismatic Compass
2. Measurement tape
3. Ranging Pole
4. Mini optical point
5. Bubble level

3.2 Procedures

1. Establish three points (A,B and C) at the practical site.

WAYS & MEANS
2. Set up the instrument at station A. Centre and level the equipment
with the help of a plumb bob. The instrument is then temporarily
adjusted by levelling both the bubble tube for the instrument to be
perpendicular to the vertical axis.
3. The instrument is then adjusted for observation of bearings by
observing the magnetic north to determine the magnetic bearings for
the lines to be observed. (note: local attraction due to natural causes
can be neglected for the initial observation).
4. Fix to ranging poles at station B and C respectively.
5. From point A, measure bearings and distances of point B and C. The
readings are then recorded in Table 1 given.
6. Move the equipment to station B and measure bearing and distance of

©FKA, UiTM, PULAU PINANG MAR-JULY 2021

FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA
PULAU PINANG LABORATORY MANUAL

line BA.
7. Lastly, move the equipment to station C and measure bearing and
distance of line CA.

Table 1 : Data Acquisition Table for Prismatic Compass

Station Fore Back Included

Distance
From To Bearing Bearing Angle
B
A
C

4.0 Results, Analysis and Conclusion

The group will be required to submit a full technical report regarding the
outcome determined from the survey work. The technical report must include
a well-documented result to display results which include the introduction,
RESULTS
theory, apparatus, procedures, data tabulation of result, analysis, discussion
and conclusion.

The technical report is must be submitted 7 days after the completion of

survey period.

©FKA, UiTM, PULAU PINANG MAR-JULY 2021