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A FIELD REPORT ON TRIANGULATION BY RABI SHRESTHA

Technical Report · August 2020

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 CHAPTER I

A FIELD REPORT ON
TRIANGULATION
A REPORT BY RABI SHRESTHA
-frozenrabi28@gmail.com

1
Contents
1. Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 5
1.1 Background ........................................................................................................................ 5
1.2 Objective: ............................................................................................................................... 6
1.3 Scope and limitation ................................................................................................................ 6
1.4Technical terms ........................................................................................................................ 6
2. Method ........................................................................................................................................ 8
2.1 Instrument used ...................................................................................................................... 8
2.2 Area of the project ................................................................................................................... 8
2.3 Scope of work .......................................................................................................................... 8
2. 4Methodology: .......................................................................................................................... 9
2.4.1 Reconnaissance and planning: ........................................................................................... 9
2.4.2Monumentation and D-card: ............................................................................................... 9
2.4.3 Angular measurement: ...................................................................................................... 9
2.4.4Field computation: ............................................................................................................. 9
2.4.5 Office computation: ........................................................................................................ 10
2.4.6 Source of error: ............................................................................................................... 11
3. Output, Analysis and Discussion .............................................................................................. 12
4. Conclusion and Recommendation: ........................................................................................... 13

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List of table

Table 1: Coordinates of Triangulation

3
Lists Of Abbreviations
BM Benchmark

D-CARD Description card

FB ForeBearing

FS Foresight

GPS Global positioning system

HI Height of instrument

RO Reference Object

VDC Village Development Committee

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1. Introduction

1.1 Background
Triangulation is the process of measuring the angle of chain of triangles formed by stations
marked on the surface of earth.
Principle of triangulation
 If all the three angles and the length of one side of a triangle are known, then,
by simple trigonometry the length of remaining sides of the triangles can be
calculated.
 Again, if the co-ordinates of any vertex of the triangle and azimuth is known
then remaining vertices may be computed.

Purpose of triangulation:

 Establishing accurately located control points for plane and geodetic surveys of large
areas.
 Establishing accurately located control points in connection with aerial surveying
 Accurate location of engineering projects such as Centre lines, terminal points and
shafts for long tunnels, and Centre lines and abutments for long span bridges.
 To establish horizontal control for topographic survey.

Classification of triangulations:

First Order or Primary Triangulation:

The first order triangulation is of the highest order and is employed either to
determine the earth’s figure or to furnish the most precise control points to which
secondary triangulation may be connected. The primary triangulation system
embraces the vast area (usually the whole of the country). Every precaution is taken in
making linear and angular measurements and in performing the reductions.

Secondary Order or Secondary Triangulation:

The secondary triangulation consists of a number of points fixed within the

framework of primary triangulation. The stations are fixed at close intervals so that
the sizes of the triangles formed are smaller than the primary triangulation. The
instruments and methods used are not of the same almost refinement.

Third Order or Tertiary Triangulation:

The third-order triangulation consists of a number of points fixed within the

framework of secondary triangulation, and forms the immediate control for detailed
engineering and other surveys. The sizes of the triangles are small and instrument
with moderate precision may be used.

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 Fourth order:

The first, second and third order stations provide the framework for fourth order
stations, which are the skeleton for cadastral surveying. Fourth order cadastral stations
are stations which are mainly used for mapping.

1.2 Objective:
The main objective of project is:

 To establish fourth order horizontal control point by the method of triangulation.

Sub objective of project:

 To learn the basics of fourth order triangulation.

 To measure horizontal and zenithal angle.

 To know the method of preparation of description cards.

 To established vertical control point by trigonometric leveling.

1.3 Scope and limitation

Triangulation is the method of establishing horizontal control point. We had established 7
control points by the method of triangulation which can be further used for the densification
of the control points. Also it can be used for the different kinds of survey such as cadastral,
topographical, and engineering and many more. It can also be used as a framework for
detailing. It can be used to calculate the area for engineering works.

1.4Technical terms
 Layout of triangulation: The arrangement of the triangles of series is known as layout of
triangulation.
 Well conditioned triangle: A triangle is said to be well conditioned if its shape is such that
any error in measurement of an angle has minimum effect on computed length.
 Base line: It is the line whose length is measured.
 Centric: If we stay on the station.
 Eccentric: If we do not stay on the station.

Bearing: Horizontal angle between reference meridian and survey line which is measured in
clockwise and anticlockwise direction.

Fore Bearing (F.B): The bearing of a line in the direction of progress of survey is called F.B.

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Back Bearing (B.B): The bearing of a line in the direction opposite to the direction of
progress of survey is called B.B.
Meridian: The fixed reference line about which bearing is measured is called meridian.
Index error: When the instrument in face left, the vertical circle should read 90˚or 270˚,
when the line of sight is horizontal, if it does not the deviation is known as index error.
Azimuth: True bearing of a line is azimuth.

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2. Method

2.1 Instrument used

 Ranging rod with tripod
 Theodolite with tripod
 Wooden peg

2.2 Area of the project

The project area is located at Lalitpur district. It covers area of Champadevi Picnic spot (near Nepal
flag) , Pharping , Dukuchhap and Pharsidol.

2.3 Scope of work

Order of work: Fourth order

Type of triangulation: Braced quadrilateral with simple triangle

Numbering: fourth order numbering (1001-1007)

Angular unit: Degree, minute, second

Linear unit: meter

No. of sets: 3(000,060,120)

Least count: 1” (angle)

Least count: 1mm (distance)

Angular observation: Theodolite (J2-2)

Distance observation (Base line): Total station

Face to face tolerance: 2 cg

Index error tolerance: 5 cg

Set to set tolerance: 60 ccg

RO to RO tolerance: 30 ccg

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2. 4Methodology:

2.4.1 Reconnaissance and planning:

During planning, available instrument resources, human resources, purpose of survey was
kept on the mind. The area to be surveyed was examined by walking over the entire area.
During the reconnaissance, the intervisibility between stations was checked. The information
about path for easy access to the stations with instrument was provided. The stations were
chosen in such a way that it form well conditioned triangle.

2.4.2Monumentation and D-card:

All the control points selected on the reconnaissance phase were monument with the help of
marked wooden pegs. The distance between the three reference permanent structures was
measured and noted.The reference sketch of particular area was prepared. Hence, it helps to
relocate or find the station in the entire area. Information like grid sheet no, station name and
number, type of monument and its diagram, field sketch, location( district, VDC, ward), land
owner, local representative, visible station number and name, witness marks with direction
and dimension, sketch and description were filled to reach the station.

2.4.3 Angular measurement:

 Horizontal angle measurement: Three sets observation were taken in 000˚10’00”,
060˚20’00”, 120˚30’00”.RO was taken on previous station and interior angle was
measured between RO and next stations, finally RO was closed. To eliminate
collimation error, both face left and face right observation were taken.
 Zenithal angle measurement: Only one set observation was taken in any set while
observing horizontal angle. As like in horizontal angle measurement, to eliminate
index error, both face left and face right observation were taken. The index error was
then distributed equally to both face left and face right reading to get corrected
zenithal angles.
 Linear measurement: EDM (Electromagnetic distance measurement) instrument
was used for measuring distance of base line.

2.4.4Field computation:
Horizontal Angle: Mean value of face left and face right observation was calculated.
Opening and closing mean reading of RO was compared, if it lies within tolerance of 30 ccg,
necessary reduction to make 000˚10’00” to 000˚00’00”,60˚20’00”to60˚00’00”and

9
120˚30’00”to 120˚20’00”was done in each set and mean value of three sets was taken as the
observed value.

Zenithal Angle: Sum of face left and face right observation was calculated. If it was not
equal to 360˚ correction on face left and face right was applied using equal shift. Corrected
face left value and corrected face right value was noted.

2.4.5 Office computation:

Arithmetic check:

a. For each set calculation the sum of angle in face left and face right position.
Divide the sum by 2 and deduce full circle if necessary.
b. Calculate sum of RO’s of each set and multiply by number of directions.
Deduce full circle if necessary.
c. Calculate the sum of all reduced angle and multiply it by number of sets.
Deduce full circle if necessary.
d. ∑a= ∑(b +c)

Adjustment of observed angle:

 Angle condition:
a. Sum of three angles of plane triangles should be equal to 180˚.
b. Sum of the eight angles of braced quadrilateral should be equal
to 360˚.
c. Ø1+ Ø 2= Ø5+ Ø6
d. Ø3+ Ø4= Ø7+ Ø8
e. ∑ log sin Ø l = ∑log sin Ø r
In above condition Ø1, Ø2, Ø3……… Ø8 are the angle of braced
quadrilateral.
 Adjustment of braced quadrilateral:
1. Determine the sum of the angle and subtract it from 360˚ to get
total error. Distribute the discrepancy equally in all angle.
2. Determine the sum of angle (Ø1+ Ø 2= Ø5+ Ø6) / Ø3+ Ø4=
Ø7+ Ø8 If not equal, determine the discrepancy. Correct each
angles by one –fourth of discrepancy.
3. Find the value of log sin Ø l and log sin Ø r.
4. Determine the discrepancy m i.e. m= ∑log sin Ø r-∑ log sin Ø l.
5. Determine correction to the angles:
Correction to Ø1= f1 / ∑f2 * m
…………………………..
………………………….

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 Correction to Ø8= f8 / ∑f2 * m
Where f1,f2.f3,….. f8 are difference for 1” for log sin Ø 1, log sin Ø
2 2 2 2 2
2, log sin Ø 3…… log sin Ø 8 and ∑f = f1 +f2 +.f3 +….. f8

Computation of lengths:-

By the help of strength of figure best route to be followed was known. Then by using the best
route, calculation of length using sine rule was done.

Computation of azimuths, latitudes and departures:

By the help of known azimuths of the line and angle, other unknown azimuth was calculated.

The latitudes and departure of the lines was calculated as:

Latitudes= L cosø

Departure=L sinø

Where ø is the azimuth of line.

Computation of Easting and northing:

By adding or subtracting the calculated departure and latitude with known coordinates,
unknown easting and northing were determined.

Computation of Reduced level:

We have ∆h = dcotZ + i – t

Where, d= length of two station

Z= Zenithal angle

i =instrument height

t= target height

By adding or subtracting the calculated ∆h with known reduced level, unknown reduced level
of every station were determined.

2.4.6 Source of error:

 Error due to inaccurate centering:-If the center of theodolite does not coincide with
the ground station mark, the horizontal angles measured at this station are affected
with an error, known as centering error. This error depends on the distance between
theodolite center and ground station mark. This error varies inversely with length of
the sight. It is eliminated by accurate centering.

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  Error due to inaccurate leveling:-Inaccurate leveling introduces serious error in
horizontal angle and zenithal angle measurement. This error can be eliminated by
accurate leveling of both bubbles.

 Collimation error:-If the axis of telescope is not parallel to the line of collimation, this
error is introduced. This error can be eliminated by taking mean of two face left and
face right observation.

 Index error:- When the instrument in face left, the vertical circle should read 90˚or
270˚, when the line of sight is horizontal ,if it does not the deviation is known as
index error. This error is eliminated by taking face left and face right observation.

 Error due unequal graduation:- If the graduation of the lower plate are unequal , the
observed angle on different portion will be apparently different. This error can be
minimised by measuring the angles on different zeros and taking mean of all values of
the angle.

3. Output, Analysis and Discussion

The Co-ordinates of triangulation stations calculated were:

Station Easting(m) Northing(m) Reduced Level(m)

1001 330270.169 3055736.925 1491.920
1002 330301.375 305447.835 1384.356
1003 330011.694 3053506.962 1301.765
1004 331824.566 3054150.768 1381.823
1005 331582.809 3055925.514 1336.310
1006 332243.184 3055589.346 1362.767
1007 330707 3057156.000 1543
Table1 : Coordinates of Triangulation

The control points which we had established were of Fourth order (cadastral stations)
which can be used for mapping i.e. cadastral and Topographical mapping.

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 4. Conclusion and Recommendation:
Hence triangulation station of fourth order was established which can be further used for
map making purposes i.e. cadastral mapping and topographical mapping. It can also be used
for different engineering projects.

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