University Of Duhok

College Of Engineering
Civil Engineering Department

Surveying Practical 1
Chain (Tape) surveying

Prepared by: Dleen Ghanim

Group: B
Supervisor: Mr. Ageed Idrees
Introduction

Taping is the linear measurement of the horizontal distance

between two points using a surveyor’s tape.
It is a simplest method of Surveying in which no angles are
measured but the only linear measurement is taken in the field
by using a chain or tape measure.
It measures a series of straight lines on the ground with a chain or
tape measure and all fixed points relative to the line of traverse
either by right angles (offsets) or tie lines.
Tapes used in surveying are most often graduated in feet, one-tenth
and one-hundredth of a foot.

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Principle of chain surveying

The main principle of chain surveying is triangulation. With due

regard to this, the entire area to be surveyed is divided into
several suitable triangles.
Thus, a network of triangles is formed. As far as possible, the
triangles must be such that no angle of the triangles is less than 30
degrees and not greater than 120 degrees (well-conditioned
triangle).
Preferably, equilateral triangles must be formed. Hence, by
measuring the sides of the triangle and the sequence; the plotting
and preparation of the plan are accomplished.

By the end of the experiment student should be able to:

1- Lay out features using simple
tools. 2- To plot a map in the
office.

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Tools and equipment
1- Tape.

2- Pegs or Pins.

3- Hammer.

4- Ranging rod.

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Suitability of chain survey

➢ The ground is fairly level.

➢ A small area is to be surveyed.
➢ A small-scale map is to be prepared.
➢ The formation of well-conditioned triangles is easy.

Terms used in chain surveying

1. Base Lines
It is the main and longest line from which all
measurements to demonstrate details of the work are
taken. The base line passes through the center of the field.
2. Chain Line (Main Survey) Lines
The lines that join main stations are termed as chain line or
main survey lines.
3. Tie (Subsidiary) Lines
Line joining some fixed points as a Tie station on the main
survey line is called as Tie line. The advantage of tie line
appears while checking surveying accuracy in locating interior
details such as buildings and paths.
4. Check (Proof) Lines
The line joining between the apex of triangle and some fixed
point on survey line or on base line is called as check line. It
is used to examine the accuracy of the framework. The length
of check line measured on ground shall be consistent with its
length on the plan.

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 5. Offset
The offsets are the lateral measurement from the surveying
lines to fixed the position of various objects concerning the
survey lines. The types of offset:
I. Perpendicular Offsets.
II. II. Oblique Offsets.

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Procedure

1. Make a reconnaissance of the area and select a suitable

framework (chain lines) and stations.
2. Measure all the chain (based) lines once in each direction using
the direct measurement method.
3. Measure the offsets/or ties from every necessary point on the
details to the corresponding base line. 4. You may need some
measurements on the details (on the building sides…).
5. Measure the bearing of one of the chain lines by using the
prismatic compass.
6. Record all the information and measurements properly in
the booking papers.
7. Make the necessary calculations and corrections.
8. Draw the details in a suitable scale to produce a detailed map of
the area.

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Conclusion

Chain surveying is used for small-scale surveys to describe

the boundaries of plots and to locate the existing feature on
them.
I can say that taping on a level and on uneven ground is one of
the basics on surveying, Taping a distance on an uneven ground is
difficult because it is only supported at the ends of the distance, unlike
taping on a level ground where the tape is fully supported by the
ground .
Measuring by taping can also be used even though in cannot get you
the exact measurement but with some trials, you can improve
your precision as well as your accuracy.

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