FGE 452: CADASTRAL SURVEYING

MOST COMMON COMPUTATIONS IN

CADASTRAL SURVEYING
16/03/2021
 ROAD SECANTS
Since every property requires to have access, it is necessary to
carry out computations relating to the said access. Ordinarily
these road/access computations may comprise of instances
where: -
1. A road of width (ω) intersects with another boundary or an existing
road
2. Two roads of equal width (ω) meet at an intersection
3. Two roads of unequal widths (ω1 and ω2 ) meet at an intersection
ROAD INTERSECTS WITH AN EXISTING BOUNDARY
A road of width (ω) intersects with another boundary or an existing road

ω Q


Length of Secant PQ = ω Cosec α =
sin 
 EQUAL WIDTH SECANTS
Two roads of equal width (ω) meet at an intersection

X
 
2 2


ω ω
Y

 
Length of Secant XY = ω Cosec =
2 sin 2
 UNEQUAL WIDTH SECANTS
2  1Cos
Hint: The basic formula for unequal width secants is Cot  where 1 and 2
1Sin
are the different road widths.

A
α
β ω1
B

ω2 From the diagram, α = β – (β - α)

Length of Secant AB = ω1 Cosec α = ω2 Cosec (β - α)

1 2

sin  sin(    )
1 sin(   )  2 sin 
1 sin  cos   1 sin  cos   2 sin 
1 sin  cot   1c os   2
1 sin  cot   2  1c os 
  1c os 
cot   2
1 sin 
 EQUAL AREA EXCHANGE

This is typical in instances where neighbouring plots

exchange equal area. Each plot retains the original
area but existing boundaries are changed. May occur
when
1. Owners agree to realign boundaries for better utilization of their
properties
2. Corrective action may be required in instances of encroachment
3. Where re-parcellation is carried out
EXAMPLE
The family house of the owner of plot number 17 encroaches across a boundary EF
onto plot number 18. Owners of these two plots have agreed to an equal area exchange
involving the two plots to rectify the problem, as shown on the Diagram. Point X is on a
bearing of 30120 35 at a distance of 65.21m from E. Beacon F is on a bearing of
184849 at a distance of 186.71m from E. Boundary FH has a bearing of 11824 45.
Using the data on the diagram, determine: -

i. The bearing and length of XK, the other portion of the new boundary
ii. Distance FK
iii. The size of the portions to be exchanged (to the nearest square metre)

A F
K
N
H

18
B
17
X

C
P
E
Note: sketch only
 USE OF PARALLEL SUBDIVISION BOUNDARIES

Given/ knowing the bearings of existing

boundaries of a plot, a request is made:
1. To subdivide the plot using a bearing that is parallel to an existing
boundary, and
2. For one of the subdivided portions to have a specified area/ size
Example:
Parcel ABCD is to be subdivided into two portions by a line EF, bearing 340 00 00 so
that the area of portion Y is 20ha.

Calculate the lengths of AE, EF and FD.

B
Portion X Portion Y

C D
F
 OTHER COMPUTATIONS
These will include:
1. Theoretical computations of corner beacons prior to placing beacons
on the ground – from a scheme plan
2. Demonstration of placings – show that the beacons that have been
placed/ put on the ground are in the correct position
3. Consistency and area checks on survey plans after they have been
drawn
4. Revision of coordinates of old beacons