MEASURING HORIZONTAL DISTANCES

2.1 Introduction
Horizontal distances can be measured using several methods. The most common method is using
a measuring tape. Below is the list of the methods used in this course to measure horizontal
distances:
1- Pacing: Count the number of steps multiplied by the length of each step. The length of each
step should be calculated before taking the measurements. This method can be used when
there is no available measuring device.
2- Distance Estimation skills: Some people have skills to estimate distances with good
approximations. This method is not accurate and used for rough estimations only
3- Measuring tapes: For long distances, cloth measuring tapes are common, especially in
construction surveys. Metallic measuring tapes can be used for shorter distances.
4- Measuring wheel: Distance is measured by each rotation of the wheel on the ground surface.
The circumference length of the wheel flange is the length of each rotation. It is used on
relatively long distances such as the length of streets. It can also be used to measure the
length of horizontal curves. Vehicle odometers can be used for long distances as well.
5- Historical surveyor’s chain: It consisted of a chain made of individual links, the distance
between each link is known.
6- Electronic measurements: Electronic equipment can be used to measure distances.
However, this equipment requires experienced and it is expensive.

2.2 Purpose
The purpose of this section is to learn how to measure horizontal distances and set out straight
lines, using several techniques.

2.2 Equipment
In this section, four tests will be conducted
Test 01 - Setting out straight lines:
 3 Ranging Poles
 Measuring Tape
 Chalk (markers)
 Plumb bob
Test 02 - Electronic measuring wheel
 Measuring Wheel
  Chalk (markers)
Test 03 - Pacing
 Measuring Wheel
 Chalk (markers)
Test 04 - Horizontal distance of ground surface with a slope
 3 Ranging Pole
 Bubble Level
 Measuring Tape
 Chalk (markers)
 Plumb bob

2.3 Procedure
Test 01 - Setting out straight lines:
A straight line is the shortest distance between two points on a map or between two
points.
1. First, hold a ranging pole vertically (you can use a plumb bob).
2. Place two ranging poles, one at point A and another one at point B. The observer
stands 1 or 2 meters behind pole (A), closes one eye, and places himself in such a
position that pole (B) is completely hidden behind pole (A). Assume the distance
between points (A) and (B) is 25 m.
3. Place pole (C) by another person in between (A) and (B), pole (C) should be
moved to a place which is hidden behind pole (A), is on the straight line
connecting (A) and (B).
4. Make sure that all poles (A, B, and C) are aligned on a straight line.

Test 02 - Electronic measuring wheel:

5. Use the electronic measuring wheel to measure the distance between two points
(A) and (B). Starting from point (A) towards point (B). Assume the distance
between points (A) and (B) is 25 m.
6. Use the electronic measuring wheel to measure the distance between the two
points, starting from point (B) towards point (A)
7. Calculate the average distance between points (A) and (B).

Test 03 - Pacing
8. Walk in a straight line from point (A) to (B) counting the number of steps.
Assume the distance between points (A) and (B) is 25 m.
9. Count the number of steps walking in a straight line from point (B) to (A).
10. Calculate the pace factor (the length of your footstep) dividing the distance
between points (A) and (B) by the number of steps.
11. Calculate the average pace factor
 12. Count the number of steps walking in a straight line from point (B) to (C).
Assume the distance between points (B) and (C) is 10 m.
13. Multiply the number of steps by your pace factor.
Test 04 - Horizontal distance of ground surface with a slope
14. Place two pegs (A and B) into the soil (or you can mark points A and B using
chalk)
15. Place a measuring rod horizontally between points A and B (you can use a pole
and measuring tape) with a carpenter level placed on the rod; move the end of the
rod up or down until the bubble of the level is between the marks (which means
the measuring rod is horizontal)
16. Hang a plumb bob just above the center of point B and read the horizontal
distance

1.4 Calculation
Calculate the average length and the pacing factor using the following equations:
L ( AB ) + L( BA)
L ( avg ) = ( 2−1)
2
number of paces
Pacing factor= (2−2)
Distance
Use the following datasheets for your calculations:
Location: Student(s):
Date:
Weather:
Temperature: