Latitude and Departure

Chapter 5: Traverse and Traverse Computation

General Surveying 1

Frank Stephen Balbanera

Geodetic Engineer | Instructor
Latitudes & Departures

• The latitude of a line is its projection onto the

reference meridian or a north-south line.

• Latitudes are sometimes referred to as

northings or southings.

• Latitudes of lines with northerly bearings are

designated as being North (N) or positive (+)
those in a southerly direction are designated
as South (S) or negative (-).

𝐿𝑎𝑡 = 𝑑 cos ∝
Latitudes & Departures

• The departure of a line is its projection onto the

reference parallel or an east-west line.

• Departures are sometimes referred to as

eastings or westings.

• Departures of lines with easterly bearings are

designated as being East (E) or positive (+)
those in a westerly direction are designated as
West (W) or negative (-).

𝐷𝑒𝑝 = 𝑑 sin ∝
 𝐿𝑎𝑡𝑎𝑏 = 𝑑𝑎𝑏 cos ∝𝑎𝑏 𝐿𝑎𝑡𝑔ℎ = 𝑑𝑔ℎ cos ∝𝑔ℎ
𝐷𝑒𝑝𝑎𝑏 = 𝑑𝑎𝑏 sin ∝𝑎𝑏 𝐷𝑒𝑝𝑔ℎ = 𝑑𝑎𝑏 sin ∝𝑔ℎ
Latitude is (+), departure is (+) Latitude is (+), departure is (-)
 𝐿𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑓 = 𝑑𝑒𝑓 cos ∝𝑒𝑓 𝐿𝑎𝑡𝑐𝑑 = 𝑑𝑐𝑑 cos ∝𝑐𝑑
𝐷𝑒𝑝𝑒𝑓 = 𝑑𝑒𝑓 sin ∝𝑒𝑓 𝐷𝑒𝑝𝑐𝑑 = 𝑑𝑐𝑑 sin ∝𝑐𝑑
Latitude is (-), departure is (-) Latitude is (-), departure is (+)
Illustrative Problem 5-1
Given in the accompanying tabulation are notes for an open traverse. Determine the latitude
and departure of each course and tabulate observed and computed values accordingly.
Illustrative Problem 5-1
Given in the accompanying tabulation are notes for an open traverse. Determine the latitude
and departure of each course and tabulate observed and computed values accordingly.
Formula: 𝐿𝑎𝑡 = 𝑑 𝑐𝑜𝑠 ∝
𝐷𝑒𝑝 = 𝑑 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ∝

Solution: a. Determining the Latitudes 𝐿𝑎𝑡 = 𝑑 𝑐𝑜𝑠 ∝

𝐿𝑎𝑡𝐴𝐵 = 𝑑𝐴𝐵 cos ∝𝐴𝐵 = 550.30 cos 28°10′ = +485.13 𝑚

𝐿𝑎𝑡𝐵𝐶 = 𝑑𝐵𝐶 cos ∝𝐵𝐶 = 395.48 cos 69°35′ = −137.96 𝑚
𝐿𝑎𝑡𝐶𝐷 = 𝑑𝐶𝐷 cos ∝𝐶𝐷 = 462.70 cos 27°50′ = −409.17 𝑚
𝐿𝑎𝑡𝐷𝐸 = 𝑑𝐷𝐸 cos ∝𝐷𝐸 = 631.22 cos 50°00′ = +405.74 𝑚
𝐿𝑎𝑡𝐸𝐹 = 𝑑𝐸𝐹 cos ∝𝐸𝐹 = 340.05 cos 25°05′ = −307.98 𝑚
𝐿𝑎𝑡𝐹𝐺 = 𝑑𝐹𝐺 cos ∝𝐹𝐺 = 275.86 cos 90°00′ = 0.00 𝑚
Formula: 𝐿𝑎𝑡 = 𝑑 𝑐𝑜𝑠 ∝
𝐷𝑒𝑝 = 𝑑 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ∝

Solution: b. Determining the Departures 𝐷𝑒𝑝 = 𝑑 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ∝

𝐷𝑒𝑝𝐴𝐵 = 𝑑𝐴𝐵 sin ∝𝐴𝐵 = 550.30 sin 28°10′ = +259.76 𝑚

𝐷𝑒𝑝𝐵𝐶 = 𝑑𝐵𝐶 sin ∝𝐵𝐶 = 395.48 sin69°35′ = +370.64 𝑚
𝐷𝑒𝑝𝐶𝐷 = 𝑑𝐶𝐷 sin ∝𝐶𝐷 = 462.70 sin27°50′ = +216.04 𝑚
𝐷𝑒𝑝𝐷𝐸 = 𝑑𝐷𝐸 sin ∝𝐷𝐸 = 631.22 sin 50°00′ = +483.54 𝑚
𝐷𝑒𝑝𝐸𝐹 = 𝑑𝐸𝐹 sin ∝𝐸𝐹 = 340.05 sin25°05′ = +144.16 𝑚
𝐷𝑒𝑝𝐹𝐺 = 𝑑𝐹𝐺 sin ∝𝐹𝐺 = 275.86 sin 90°00′ = +275.86 𝑚
c. Tabulated Solution

Latitude Departure
Course Distance Bearing
+N -S +E -W
AB 550.30 m N 28-10 E 485.13 259.76
BC 395.48 S 69-35 E 137.96 370.64
CD 462.70 S 27-50 E 409.17 216.04
DE 631.22 N 50-00 E 405.74 483.54
EF 340.05 S 25-05 E 307.98 144.16
FG 275.86 Due East - 275.86
c. Tabulated Solution

Course Distance Bearing Latitude Departure

AB 550.30 m N 28-10 E 485.13 259.76

BC 395.48 S 69-35 E -137.96 370.64
CD 462.70 S 27-50 E 409.17 216.04
DE 631.22 N 50-00 E 405.74 483.54
EF 340.05 S 25-05 E -307.98 144.16
FG 275.86 Due East 0 275.86
 Error of Closure
• The linear closure of error (LEC) is usually a
short line of unknown length and direction
connecting the initial and final stations of the
traverse.
• The length of the linear closure of error and the
angle that this line makes with the meridian is
determined by the following.
 Error of Closure
• The linear error of closure does not indicate the
precision of the measurement until it is
compared with the total length of the traverse.

• RP (Relative Precision) is defined by the ratio of

the linear error of closure to the perimeter or
total length of the traverse.

𝐿𝐸𝐶
RP = Where:
𝐷 RP = Relative Precision
LEC = linear error of closure
D = total length or perimeter of the traverse
Illustrative Problem 5-2
Given in the accompanying tabulation are the observed data for a closed traverse obtained
from a transit-tape survey. Determine the following quantities; latitude and departure of each
course, linear error of closure, bearing of the side of error, and the precision of the
measurements. Tabulated observed and computed values.

Length in m Azimuth from

Line
(d) South (α)
AB 233.10 302-30
BC 242.05 265-15
CD 191.50 200-00
DE 234.46 153-35
EF 270.65 74-08
FA 252.38 33-00
Solution
A. Solve first for its bearing

∝𝐴𝐵 = 360 − 302°30′ = 𝑆 57°30′ 𝐸

∝𝐵𝐶 = 265°15′ − 180° = 𝑁 85°15′ 𝐸
∝𝐶𝐷 = 200° − 180° = 𝑁 20° 00′ 𝐸
∝𝐷𝐸 = 180° − 153°35′ = 𝑁 26°25′ 𝑊
∝𝐸𝐹 = 𝑆 74°08′ 𝑊
∝𝐹𝐺 = 𝑆 33°00′ 𝑊
Solution
B. Determine Course Latitudes

𝐿𝑎𝑡𝐴𝐵 = 𝑑𝐴𝐵 cos ∝𝐴𝐵 = 233.10 cos 57°30′ = −125.24 𝑚

𝐿𝑎𝑡𝐵𝐶 = 𝑑𝐵𝐶 cos ∝𝐵𝐶 = 242.05 cos 85°15′ = +20.04 𝑚
𝐿𝑎𝑡𝐶𝐷 = 𝑑𝐶𝐷 cos ∝𝐶𝐷 = 191.50 cos 20°00′ = +179.95 𝑚
𝐿𝑎𝑡𝐷𝐸 = 𝑑𝐷𝐸 cos ∝𝐷𝐸 = 234.46 cos 26°25′ = +209.98𝑚
𝐿𝑎𝑡𝐸𝐹 = 𝑑𝐸𝐹 cos ∝𝐸𝐹 = 270.65 cos 74°08′ = −74.00 𝑚
𝐿𝑎𝑡𝐹𝐺 = 𝑑𝐹𝐺 cos ∝𝐹𝐺 = 252.38 cos 33°00′ = −211.66 𝑚
Solution
B. Determine Course Departures

𝐿𝑎𝑡𝐴𝐵 = 𝑑𝐴𝐵 sin ∝𝐴𝐵 = 233.10 sin 57°30′ = +196.59 𝑚

𝐿𝑎𝑡𝐵𝐶 = 𝑑𝐵𝐶 sin ∝𝐵𝐶 = 242.05 sin85°15′ = +241.22 𝑚
𝐿𝑎𝑡𝐶𝐷 = 𝑑𝐶𝐷 sin ∝𝐶𝐷 = 191.50 sin20°00′ = +65.50 𝑚
𝐿𝑎𝑡𝐷𝐸 = 𝑑𝐷𝐸 sin ∝𝐷𝐸 = 234.46 sin 26°25′ = −104.31 𝑚
𝐿𝑎𝑡𝐸𝐹 = 𝑑𝐸𝐹 sin ∝𝐸𝐹 = 270.65sin74°08′ = −260.34 𝑚
𝐿𝑎𝑡𝐹𝐺 = 𝑑𝐹𝐺 sin ∝𝐹𝐺 = 252.38 sin 33°00′ = −137.46 𝑚
Solution
C. Determining the Precision of the
Measurements

D = 𝑑𝐴𝐵 + 𝑑𝐵𝐶 + 𝑑𝐶𝐷 + 𝑑𝐷𝐸 + 𝑑𝐸𝐹 + 𝑑𝐹𝐴

D = 233.10 + 242.05 + 191.50 + 234.46 + 270.65 + 252.38
D = 1,424.14 𝑚

෍ 𝐿 = 𝐿𝑎𝑡𝐴𝐵 + 𝐿𝑎𝑡𝐵𝐶 + 𝐿𝑎𝑡𝐶𝐷 +𝐿𝑎𝑡𝐷𝐸 + 𝐿𝑎𝑡𝐸𝐹 + 𝐿𝑎𝑡𝐹𝐴

෍ 𝐿 = −125.24 + 20.04 + 179.95 + 209.98 − 74.00 − 211.66

෍ 𝐿 𝑐𝑙 = −0.93 𝑚
෍ 𝐷 = 𝑑𝑒𝑝𝐴𝐵 + 𝑑𝑒𝑝𝐵𝐶 + 𝑑𝑒𝑝𝐶𝐷 +𝑑𝑒𝑝𝐷𝐸 + 𝑑𝑒𝑝𝐸𝐹 + 𝑑𝑒𝑝𝐹𝐴

෍ 𝐷 = 196.59 + 241.22 + 65.50 − 104.31 − 260.34 − 137.46

෍ 𝐷 𝑐𝐷 = 1.20 𝑚
Solution
C. Determining the Precision of the Measurements

𝑳𝑬𝑪 = 𝑪𝑳 𝟐 + 𝑪𝑫 𝟐 𝐿𝐸𝐶
𝑅𝑃 =
𝐿𝐸𝐶 = (−0.93)2 + (1.20)2
𝐷
1.52 m
𝐿𝐸𝐶 = 1.52 𝑚 Linear error of closure RP =
1424.14 m
−𝑐𝑑 𝑅𝑃 = 1: 936.93
tan 𝜃 =
−𝑐𝑙
−(+1.20)
tan 𝜃 = = −1.20/0.93
− (−0.93)

tan 𝜃 = −1.2930323
𝜃 = 𝑁 52°13′ 27.54" 𝑊
D. Tabulated Solution

Latitude Departure
Course Distance Azimuth Bearing
+N -S +E -W
AB 233.10 302-30 S 57-30 E 125.24 196.59
BC 242.05 265-15 N 85-15 E 20.04 241.22
CD 191.50 200-00 N 20-00 E 179.95 65.50
DE 234.46 153-35 N 26-25 W 209.98 104.31
EF 270.65 74-08 S 74-08 W 74.00 260.34
FA 252.38 33-00 S 33-00 W 211.66 137.46
 EXERCISE
A parcel of lot owned by Juan Dela Cruz
(Katibayan ng Orihinal na Titulo (OCT
No,XXX)) , also known as Lot 7, Csd-04-
013986-D, containing an area of 17,557
sq.m, located at Bgy. Irawan, PPC, has the
following technical description as described LINE LENGTH(d) BEARING
below. Assuming the traverse stations only
occupies on the points as described in the 1-2 265.53 S 15-31 E
title, compute for its azimuth, latitude and
2-3 66.94 S 78-01 W
departure, linear closure of error and
bearing of LEC, and relative precision. 3-4 259.58 N 15-33 W
4-1 66.95 N 72-55 E
Solution
A. Solve first for its azimuth

LINE LENGTH(d) BEARING

1-2 265.53 S 15-31 E
2-3 66.94 S 78-01 W
3-4 259.58 N 15-33 W
4-1 66.95 N 72-55 E
∝1−2 = 360° − 15°31′ = 344°29′
∝2−3 = = 78°01
∝3−4 = 180° − 15°33′ = 164°27
∝4−1 = 180° + 72°55′ = 252°55′
Solution
B. Determine Course Latitudes

LINE LENGTH(d) BEARING

1-2 265.53 S 15-31 E
2-3 66.94 S 78-01 W
3-4 259.58 N 15-33 W
4-1 66.95 N 72-55 E
𝐿𝑎𝑡1−2 = 𝑑1−2 cos ∝1−2 = 265.53 cos 15°31′ = −255.852 𝑚
𝐿𝑎𝑡2−3 = 𝑑2−3 cos ∝2−3 = 66.94 cos 78°01′ = −13.898 𝑚
𝐿𝑎𝑡3−4 = 𝑑3−4 cos ∝3−4 = 259.58 cos 15°33′ = +250.078 𝑚
𝐿𝑎𝑡4−1 = 𝑑4−1 cos ∝4−1 = 66.95 cos 72°55′ = +19.667𝑚
Solution
B. Determine Course Departures

LINE LENGTH(d) BEARING

1-2 265.53 S 15-31 E
2-3 66.94 S 78-01 W
3-4 259.58 N 15-33 W
4-1 66.95 N 72-55 E
𝐷𝑒𝑝1−2 = 𝑑1−2 sin ∝1−2 = 265.53 sin 15°31′ = 71.034 𝑚
𝐷𝑒𝑝2−3 = 𝑑2−3 sin ∝2−3 = 66.94 sin 78°01′ = −65.481 𝑚
𝐷𝑒𝑝3−4 = 𝑑3−4 sin ∝3−4 = 259.58 sin 15°33′ = −69.588 𝑚
𝐷𝑒𝑝4−1 = 𝑑4−1 sin ∝4−1 = 66.95 sin 72°55′ = +63.996𝑚
Solution
C. Determining the Precision of the
Measurements

D = 𝑑1−2 + 𝑑2−3 + 𝑑3−4 + 𝑑4−1

D = 265.53 + 66.94 + 259.58 + 66.95
D = 659.00 𝑚

෍ 𝐿 = 𝐿𝑎𝑡1−2 + 𝐿𝑎𝑡2−3 + 𝐿𝑎𝑡3−4 +𝐿𝑎𝑡4−1

෍ 𝐿 = −255.852 − 13.898 + 250.078 + 19.667

𝑐𝑙 = −0.005 𝑚

෍ 𝐷 = 𝑑𝑒𝑝1−2 + 𝑑𝑒𝑝2−3 + 𝑑𝑒𝑝3−4 +𝑑𝑒𝑝4−1

෍ 𝐷 = 71.034 − 65.481 − 69.588 + 63.996

𝑐𝐷 = −0.039 𝑚
Solution
C. Determining the Precision of the Measurements

𝑳𝑬𝑪 = 𝑪𝑳 𝟐 + 𝑪𝑫 𝟐 𝐿𝐸𝐶
𝑅𝑃 =
𝐿𝐸𝐶 = (−0.005)2 + (−0.039)2
𝐷
0.03932 m
𝐿𝐸𝐶 = 0.03932 𝑚 Linear error of closure RP =
659.00 m
−𝑐𝑑 𝑅𝑃 = 1/16760
tan 𝜃 =
−𝑐𝑙
−(−0.039)
tan 𝜃 = = 0.039/0.005
− (−0.005)

tan 𝜃 = 7.80
𝜃 = 𝑁 82°41′ 39.27" 𝐸
D. Tabulated Solution

Course Distance Azimuth Bearing Latitude Departure

1-2 265.53 344-29 S 15-31 E -255.852 +71.034
2-3 66.94 78-01 S 78-01 W -13.898 -65.481
3-4 259.58 164-27 N 15-33 W +250.078 -69.588
4-1 66.95 252-55 N 72-55 E +19.667 +63.996

Σ = -0.005 Σ = -0.039

Perimeter = 659.00 meters

Relative Precision = 1:16760
 Traverse Adjustment
Chapter 5: Traverse and Traverse Computation

General Surveying 1

Frank Stephen Balbanera

Geodetic Engineer | Instructor
Compass Rule

• The compass rule or Bowditch rule which is named after distinguished American
navigator Nathaniel Bowditch (1773-1838), is a very popular rule for adjusting a closed
traverse.

• It is based on the assumption that all lengths were measured with equal care and all
angles taken with approximately the same precision. It is assumed that the errors in any
side of the traverse is directly proportional to the total length of the traverse.

• It may be stated as: the correction to be applied to the latitude (or departure) of any
course is equal to the total closure in latitude (or departure) multiplied by the ratio of the
length of the course to the total length or perimeter of the traverse.
Formula:
L’= (𝐿𝑎𝑡′)2 + (𝐷𝑒𝑝′)2
𝒅 𝒅
𝒄𝒍 = 𝑪𝒍 ( ) 𝒄𝒅 = 𝑪𝒅 ( ) 𝐷𝑒𝑝′
𝑫 𝑫 tan α =
𝑊ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒: 𝐿𝑎𝑡′
𝒄𝒍 = correction to be applied to the latitude of any course
𝒄𝒅 = correction to be applied to the departure of any course
𝑪𝒍 = total closure in latitude or the algebraic sum of the north
and south latitude (σ 𝑁𝐿 + σ 𝑆𝐿)
𝑪𝒅 = total closure in departure or the algebraic sum of the east
and west departures (σ 𝐸𝐷 + σ 𝑊𝐷)
d = length of any course
D = total length or perimeter of the traverse
Lat’ & dep’ = adjusted latitude and departure
−𝑐𝑑
Note: 𝑳𝑬𝑪 = 𝑪𝑳 𝟐 + 𝑪𝑫 𝟐 tan 𝜃 =
−𝑐𝑙
Example. Given the accompanying tabulation are the observed data for a traverse
obtained from a transit-tape survey. By employing compass rule, determine the latitudes &
departures, linear error of closure, bearing of the side of error, and the relative error of
closure. Compute also for the corrections and the adjusted latitude and departure. Tabulate
values accordingly with the adjusted length and bearing.

Latitude Departure
Course Distance Azimuth Bearing
+N -S +E -W
AB 233.10 302-30 S 57-30 E
BC 242.05 265-15 N 85-15 E
CD 191.50 200-00 N 20-00 E
DE 234.46 153-35 N 26-25 W
EF 270.65 74-08 S 74-08 W
FA 252.38 33-00 S 33-00 W
Solution
A. Determine Course Latitudes

𝐿𝑎𝑡𝐴𝐵 = 𝑑𝐴𝐵 cos ∝𝐴𝐵 = 233.10 cos 57°30′ = −125.24 𝑚

𝐿𝑎𝑡𝐵𝐶 = 𝑑𝐵𝐶 cos ∝𝐵𝐶 = 242.05 cos 85°15′ = +20.04 𝑚
𝐿𝑎𝑡𝐶𝐷 = 𝑑𝐶𝐷 cos ∝𝐶𝐷 = 191.50 cos 20°00′ = +179.95 𝑚
𝐿𝑎𝑡𝐷𝐸 = 𝑑𝐷𝐸 cos ∝𝐷𝐸 = 234.46 cos 26°25′ = +209.98𝑚
𝐿𝑎𝑡𝐸𝐹 = 𝑑𝐸𝐹 cos ∝𝐸𝐹 = 270.65 cos 74°08′ = −74.00 𝑚
𝐿𝑎𝑡𝐹𝐺 = 𝑑𝐹𝐺 cos ∝𝐹𝐺 = 252.38 cos 33°00′ = −211.66 𝑚
Solution
B. Determine Course Departures

𝐿𝑎𝑡𝐴𝐵 = 𝑑𝐴𝐵 sin ∝𝐴𝐵 = 233.10 sin 57°30′ = +196.59 𝑚

𝐿𝑎𝑡𝐵𝐶 = 𝑑𝐵𝐶 sin ∝𝐵𝐶 = 242.05 sin85°15′ = +241.22 𝑚
𝐿𝑎𝑡𝐶𝐷 = 𝑑𝐶𝐷 sin ∝𝐶𝐷 = 191.50 sin20°00′ = +65.50 𝑚
𝐿𝑎𝑡𝐷𝐸 = 𝑑𝐷𝐸 sin ∝𝐷𝐸 = 234.46 sin 26°25′ = −104.31 𝑚
𝐿𝑎𝑡𝐸𝐹 = 𝑑𝐸𝐹 sin ∝𝐸𝐹 = 270.65sin74°08′ = −260.34 𝑚
𝐿𝑎𝑡𝐹𝐺 = 𝑑𝐹𝐺 sin ∝𝐹𝐺 = 252.38 sin 33°00′ = −137.46 𝑚
Solution
C. Tabulated Solution

Latitude Departure
Course Distance Azimuth Bearing
+N -S +E -W
AB 233.10 302-30 S 57-30 E 125.24 196.59
BC 242.05 265-15 N 85-15 E 20.04 241.22
CD 191.50 200-00 N 20-00 E 179.95 65.50
DE 234.46 153-35 N 26-25 W 209.98 104.31
EF 270.65 74-08 S 74-08 W 74.00 260.34
FA 252.38 33-00 S 33-00 W 211.66 137.46
 Solution

D. Total length or perimeter of the traverse

D = 𝑑𝑎𝑏 + 𝑑𝑏𝑐 + 𝑑𝑐𝑑 + 𝑑𝑑𝑒 + 𝑑𝑒𝑓 + 𝑑𝑓𝑎
D = 233.10 + 242.05 + 191.50 + 234.46 + 270.65 + 252.38
D = 1424.14 𝑚

E. Determining total closure in latitude and departure

෍ 𝑁𝐿 = 20.04 + 179.95 + 209.98 = 409.97 ෍ 𝐸𝐷 = 196.59 + 241.22 + 65.50 = 503.31

σ 𝑆𝐿 = −125.24 − 74.00 – 211.66 = - 410.90 ෍ 𝑊𝐷 = −104.31 − 260.34 − 137.46 = −502.11
𝐶𝑙 = −0.93 𝑚 (total closure in latitude)
𝐶𝐷 = 1.20 𝑚 (total closure in departure)
Solution 𝐶𝐿
𝒅 𝐾1 = ( )
𝒄𝒍 = 𝑪𝒍 ( ) 𝐷
F. Determining Correction for Latitude
𝑫 𝑐𝑙 = 𝑑𝐾1
−0.93
𝐾1 = = -0.00065302569
1,424.14

𝑐𝑙𝐴𝐵 = 𝑑𝐴𝐵 𝐾1 = 233.10 −0.00065302569 = −0.15222028733

𝑐𝑙𝐵𝐶 = 𝑑𝐵𝐶 𝐾1 = 242.05 −0.00065302569 = −0.15806486722
𝑐𝑙𝐶𝐷 = 𝑑𝐶𝐷 𝐾1 = 191.50 −0.00065302569 = −0.12505441881
𝑐𝑙𝐷𝐸 = 𝑑𝐷𝐸 𝐾1 = 234.46 −0.00065302569 = −0.15310840226
𝑐𝑙𝐸𝐹 = 𝑑𝐸𝐹 𝐾1 = 270.65 −0.00065302569 = −0.17674140183
𝑐𝑙𝐹𝐴 = 𝑑𝐹𝐺 𝐾1 = 252.38 −0.00065302569 = − 0.16481062255

Total = -0.93 m (solution check)

Solution 𝐶𝑑
𝒅 𝐾2 = ( )
𝒄𝒅 = 𝑪𝒅 ( ) 𝐷
G. Determining Correction for Departure
𝑫 𝑐𝑑 = 𝑑𝐾2
1.20
𝐾2 = = 0.00084261379
1,424.14

𝑐𝑑𝐴𝐵 = 𝑑𝐴𝐵 𝐾2 = 233.10 0.00084261379 = 0.19641327398

𝑐𝑑𝐵𝐶 = 𝑑𝐵𝐶 𝐾2 = 242.05 0.00084261379 = 0.20395466738
𝑐𝑑𝐶𝐷 = 𝑑𝐶𝐷 𝐾2 = 191.50 0.00084261379 = 0.1613605404
𝑐𝑑𝐷𝐸 = 𝑑𝐷𝐸 𝐾2 = 234.46 0.00084261379 = 0.19755922873
𝑐𝑑𝐸𝐹 = 𝑑𝐸𝐹 𝐾2 = 270.65 0.00084261379 = 0.22805342171
𝑐𝑑𝐹𝐴 = 𝑑𝐹𝐺 𝐾2 = 252.38 0.00084261379 = 0.21265886781

Total =1.20 m (solution check)

Solution
H. Adjusting the Latitudes 𝐴𝑑𝑗 𝐿𝑎𝑡 = 𝐶𝑜𝑚𝑝. 𝐿𝑎𝑡 ± 𝑐𝑙

𝐴𝑑𝑗𝑙𝐴𝐵 = −125.24 + 0.15222028733 = −125.09

𝐴𝑑𝑗𝑙𝐵𝐶 = 20.04 + 0.15806486722 = 20.20
𝐴𝑑𝑗𝑙𝐶𝐷 = 179.95 + 0.1250544188 = 180.08
𝐴𝑑𝑗𝑙𝐷𝐸 = 209.98 + 0.1531084022 = 210.13
𝐴𝑑𝑗𝑙𝐸𝐹 = −74.00 + 0.1767414018 = −73.82
𝐴𝑑𝑗𝑙𝐹𝐴 = −211.66 + 0.1648106226 = −211.50
Total = 0.00 (solution check)
Solution
I. Adjusting the Departures 𝐴𝑑𝑗 𝐷𝑒𝑝 = 𝐶𝑜𝑚𝑝. 𝐷𝑒𝑝 ± 𝑐𝑑

𝐴𝑑𝑗𝑑𝐴𝐵 = 196.59 − 0.19641327398 = 196.39

𝐴𝑑𝑗𝑑𝐵𝐶 = 241.22 − 0.20395466738 = 241.02
𝐴𝑑𝑗𝑑𝐶𝐷 = 65.50 − 0.1613605404 = 65.34
𝐴𝑑𝑗𝑑𝐷𝐸 = −104.31 − 0.19755922873 = −104.51
𝐴𝑑𝑗𝑑𝐸𝐹 = −260.34 − 0.22805342171 = −260.57
𝐴𝑑𝑗𝑑𝐹𝐴 = −137.46 − 0.21265886781 = −137.67
Total = 0.00 (solution check)
Solution
J. Tabulated Solution (Adjusted Latitude & Departures)
(See Solution H & I)

Adj. Adj.
Course Distance Azimuth Bearing
Latitude Departure
AB 233.10 302-30 S 57-30 E -125.09 196.39
BC 242.05 265-15 N 85-15 E 20.20 241.02
CD 191.50 200-00 N 20-00 E 180.08 65.34
DE 234.46 153-35 N 26-25 W 210.13 -104.51
EF 270.65 74-08 S 74-08 W -73.82 -260.57
FA 252.38 33-00 S 33-00 W -211.50 -137.67

Σ = 0.00 Σ = 0.00
Solution
K. Determining the Precision of the Measurements

𝑳𝑬𝑪 = 𝑪𝑳 𝟐 + 𝑪𝑫 𝟐 𝐿𝐸𝐶
𝑅𝑃 =
𝐿𝐸𝐶 = (−0.93)2 + (1.20)2
𝐷
1.52 m
𝐿𝐸𝐶 = 1.52 𝑚 Linear error of closure RP =
1424.14 m
−𝑐𝑑 𝑅𝑃 = 1: 936.93
tan 𝜃 =
−𝑐𝑙
−(+1.20)
tan 𝜃 = = −1.20/0.93
− (−0.93)

tan 𝜃 = −1.2930323
𝜃 = 𝑁 52°13′ 27.54" 𝑊
 Adj. Adj.
Line
Solution Lat. Dep.
AB -125.09 196.39
L. Determining Adjusted Length of each Course.
BC 20.20 241.02
Where Lat’ = adjusted Latitude CD 180.08 65.34
L’= (𝐿𝑎𝑡′)2 + (𝐷𝑒𝑝′)2
Dep’ = adjusted departure DE 210.13 -104.51
EF -73.82 -260.57

𝐿′𝐴𝐵 = (−125.09)2 + (196.39)2 FA -211.50 -137.67

𝐿′𝐴𝐵 = 232.844 𝑚 (Adjusted length of line AB)

𝐿′𝐵𝐶 = (20.20)2 + (241.02)2 𝐿′𝐸𝐹 = (−73.82)2 + (−260.57)2

𝐿′𝐵𝐶 = 241.865 𝑚 (Adjusted length of line BC) 𝐿′𝐸𝐹 = 270.824 𝑚 (Adjusted length of line EF)

𝐿′𝐶𝐷 = (180.08)2 + (65.34)2 𝐿′𝐹𝐴 = (−211.50)2 + (−137.67)2

𝐿′𝐶𝐷 = 191.568 𝑚 (Adjusted length of line CD) 𝐿′𝐹𝐴 = 252.359 𝑚 (Adjusted length of line FA)

𝐿′𝐷𝐸 = (210.13)2 + (−104.51)2

𝐿′𝐷𝐸 = 234.685 𝑚 (Adjusted length of line DE)
 Adj. Adj.
Line
Solution Lat. Dep.
AB -125.09 196.39
BC 20.20 241.02
M. Determining Adjusted Bearing of Each Course
CD 180.08 65.34
𝐷𝑒𝑝′ Where Lat’ = adjusted Latitude DE 210.13 -104.51
tan α = Dep’ = adjusted Departure
𝐿𝑎𝑡′ EF -73.82 -260.57
FA -211.50 -137.67

196.39 65.34 −260.57

tan α𝐴𝐵 = tan α𝐶𝐷 = tan α𝐸𝐹 =
−125.09 180.08 −73.82
α𝐴𝐵 = 57 ° 30’ 18.10” α𝐶𝐷 = 19 ° 56’ 33.84” α𝐸𝐹 = 74 ° 10’ 56.89”
(Therefore the bearing of the course AB is (Therefore the bearing of the course CD is (Therefore the bearing of the course EF is
S 57˚30’18.10” E) N 19˚56’33.84” E) S 74˚10’56.89 W)

241.02 −104.51 −137.67

tan α𝐵𝐶 = tan α𝐷𝐸 = tan α𝐹𝐴 =
20.20 210.13 −211.50
α𝐵𝐶 = 85 ° 12’ 33.16” α𝐷𝐸 = 26 ° 26’ 37.89” α𝐹𝐴 = 33 ° 03’ 39.56”
(Therefore the bearing of the course BC is (Therefore the bearing of the course DE is (Therefore the bearing of the course FA is
N 85˚12’33.16” E) N 26˚26’37.89” W) S 33˚03’39.56” W)
Solution
N. Tabulated Solution (Adjusted Length and Bearing)

(See Solution L & M)

Adjusted Adjusted
Course Distance Bearing
Length Bearing
AB 233.10 S 57-30 E 232.844 S 57-30-18.10 E

BC 242.05 N 85-15 E 241.865 N 85-12-33.16 E

CD 191.50 N 20-00 E 191.568 N 19-56-33.84 E

DE 234.46 N 26-25 W 234.685 N 26-26-37.89 W

EF 270.65 S 74-08 W 270.824 S 74-10-56.89 W

FA 252.38 S 33-00 W 252.359 S 33-03-39.56 W

Applying Rectangular Coordinates for Traverse
Chapter 5: Traverse and Traverse Computation

General Surveying 1

Frank Stephen Balbanera

Geodetic Engineer | Instructor
Illustrative Problem
Adj. Adj.
Using the adjusted latitude and departure of Course
Latitude Departure
a closed traverse, calculate the coordinates AB -125.09 196.39
of each station along the traverse.
BC 20.20 241.02

Assume coordinates of station A are CD 180.08 65.34

N = 20000.00, E = 20000.00. DE 210.13 -104.51
EF -73.82 -260.57
FA -211.50 -137.67

Σ = 0.00 Σ = 0.00
Solution
Adj. Adj.
Course
a. Calculating the Northings (Y-coordinates): Latitude Departure
AB -125.09 196.39
Station A = 20000.00
Station B = 20000.00 – 125.09 BC 20.20 241.02
= 19874.91 CD 180.08 65.34
Station C = 19874.91 + 20.20 DE 210.13 -104.51
= 19895.11 EF -73.82 -260.57
Station D = 19895.11 + 180.08
FA -211.50 -137.67
= 20075.19
Σ = 0.00 Σ = 0.00
Station E = 20075.19 + 210.13
= 20285.32
Station F = 20285.32 – 73.82
Y Coordinate of A = 20211.50 – 211.50 = 20000.00
= 20211.50
Solution
Station Northings Eastings
A 20000.00
B 19874.91
C 19895.11
D 20075.19
E 20285.32
F 20211.50
Solution
Adj. Adj.
Course
b. Calculating the Eastings (X-coordinates): Latitude Departure
AB -125.09 196.39
Station A = 20000.00
Station B = 20000.00 + 196.39 BC 20.20 241.02
= 20196.39 CD 180.08 65.34
Station C = 20196.39 + 241.02 DE 210.13 -104.51
= 20437.41 EF -73.82 -260.57
Station D = 20437.41 + 65.34
FA -211.50 -137.67
= 20502.75
Σ = 0.00 Σ = 0.00
Station E = 20502.75 – 104.51
= 20398.24
Station F = 20398.24 – 260.57
Y Coordinate of A = 20137.67 – 137.67 = 20000.00
= 20137.67
c. Tabulated Solution

Station Northings Eastings

A 20000.00 20000.00
B 19874.91 20196.39
C 19895.11 20437.41
D 20075.19 20502.75
E 20285.32 20398.24
F 20211.50 20137.67
 E (20285.32,20398.24) -104.51

210.13
65.34 D (20075.19,20502.75)

180.08
A (20000.00, 20000.00)

To Y-axis
-125.09

C (19895.11, 20437.41)
20.20

241.02
To X-axis

196.39
B (19874.91,20196.39)