AP220

BACHELOR IN SURVEYING SCIENCE AND GEOMATICS (HONOURS)

GLS 418 PRINCIPLES OF SURVEYING

FIELD PRACTICAL REPORT COMPASS SURVEYING

Prepared for: Dr. Nabilah Naharuddin

Date of submission: 17 January 2021

Group : AP 220 1A

STUDENT’S NAME STUDENT ID

ALYA FARZANA BINTI MOHD AYUB 2020604906

NUR FAREHA SYUHADAH BINTI 2020462406

RAHMAT

NUR INTAN MARLISSA BINTI NAZRI 2020498856

NOR ARINA BINTI MOHD AZEMI 2020482972

AHMAD NAIM BIN MOHD SHAPRI 2020896924

SHAHIRUL AFFRIZAL BIN SHAIFUL 2020859148

AMRY
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

First of all, I would like to express my gratitude as we manage to complete this report on time.
The outcome of this report required a lot of guidance and the existence of many people.
Whatever we have done is only due to such guidance and assistance from everyone and we
were very thankful for that. Moreover, we would like to express our deep gratitude to our beloved
lecturer, Dr. Nabilah Naharuddin for being very patient, guiding and providing us all the support
and materials needed. This report cannot be done without proper cooperation with our group
members which is Nur Fareha Syuhadah, Nur Intan Marlissa, Nor Arina, Ahmad Naim, Shahirul
Affrizal, Alya Farzana. Last but not least, we would like to give credit to our classmates that have
helped us by giving information and moral support to finish this report.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction 4
1.1 Principle of compass surveying 4
2.0 The Equipment Used 5-6
3.0 Procedure of Setting Up Compass 7
3.1 Procedure For Observation of Compass Surveying 8-9
4.0 On-Site Observation 10-11
5.0 Booking of Compass Surveying 12
5.1-5.8 Calculation of Adjustment Survey Computation and 12-16
Coordinate

5.9 Pelan 17
6.0 Discussion 17-18

7.0 Conclusion 18
7.1 Individual Comments 19
8.0 References 20

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1.0 INTRODUCTION

Compass is a small instrument that consists of a graduated ring, magnetic needle

and line of sight. There are two forms of compass available which is the prismatic compass
and the surveyor’s compass. Compass cannot measure angles between two lines but
compass can measure angle with reference to magnetic meridian which is known as
magnetic bearing. Compass surveying is a branch of surveying that is determined by an
instrument called a compass. Compass surveying used to determine the point and
orientation on the ground angle. During surveying, the measured angles are horizontal angle
and vertical angle.

Compass surveying is the branch of surveying in which the position of an object is

located using angular measurements determined by a compass and linear measurements
using a chain or tape. Compass surveying is done by using traversing. A traverse is formed
by connecting the points in the plot by means of a series of straight lines. In Traversing, the
framework consists of a number of connected lines. In one of the methods, the angle
(direction) measuring instrument is the compass.This process is known as Compass
Traversing or Compass Surveying.

1.1 PRINCIPLE OF COMPASS SURVEYING

The principle of compass surveying involves a series of connected lines the magnetic
bearing of the lines are measured by prismatic compass or surveyor compass and distance
are usually measured by using a chain or tape. Such surveys do not require the formation of
a network of triangles. Compass surveying is recommended when the area is large,
undulating and crowded with many details. Compass surveying is not recommended for
areas where local attraction is suspected due to the presence of magnetic substances like
steel structures, electric cables conveying currents, and so on. Sometimes subsidiary lines
are also taken for locating these details.

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2.0 THE EQUIPMENT USED

Tripod
To stabilize the prismatic compass and used
clamps to clamp the prismatic compass to the
tripod. Tripod is used in combination with a
laser level or other leveling instrument. Tripods
are portable and provide support and stability
along both the side-to-side and up-and-down
axis of motion. Tripod also can support any of
the surveying instruments such as compass,
theodolites, total stations or others.

Measure tape
To determine the distance between prismatic
compass and station. Measure tapes are
available in different lengths and it can be
made of different materials.

Plumb Bob
To do centering, plumb bob will be used to
ensure that instruments will above directly to
survey stations.

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Ranging pole
Ranging pole is a surveying instrument
that is used for marking the position of
surveying stations and sightings of those
stations as well as for ranging straight
lines.

Prismatic compass
Surveyor compass is similar to a prismatic
compass except that it has only plain eye
slit instead of eye slit with prism and eye
hole. Surveyor compass used to
determine the direction of a line. This
compass is having a pointed magnetic
needle in place of a broad form needle as
in case of a prismatic compass.

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 3.0 PROCEDURE TO SETTING UP PRISMATIC COMPASS

1. Setting the prismatic compass at the station : The prismatic compass is set up at the first
station which is the bearing of the survey line is required to be measured.
2. Centering : The compass is set so that its centre lies exactly above the station under
consideration. This is achieved by suspending a plumb bob from the centre hook provided. If
the conical end of plumb bob lies exactly over the station (X is marked over station for
accuracy), the compass is considered to be exactly centered.
3. Levelling : The compass is required to be levelled so that the aluminium ring is in horizontal
plane and hence free to rotate on pivot. The levelling can be checked by a spirit level or by
rolling a pin on the compass box. If the round pin does not roll, the level is correct. If not
levelled correctly, the level can be adjusted by moving the legs of the tripod. Some
instruments are provided with a ball and socket arrangement.
4. Observing the angle : Once the compass is centered over the station and levelled, the
process of bearing measurement can start. Let AB be the survey line the bearing of which is
required to be measured. The instrument is set at A and a ranging rod is fixed at B. The
compass is turned so that line of sight is aligned in the direction of AB by making an eye slit
of observation vane, vertical hair of object vane and ranging rod at B in the same horizontal
line.
5. Local Attraction : The bearings measured by prismatic compass are magnetic bearings
measured with reference to magnetic north of the earth. Apart from the fact that magnetic
meridian changes from place to place on earth and with time of observation, external
magnetic influence existing locally at a place can influence the readings seriously. The local
presence of magnetic rocks, iron ore deposits, steel structures, railway lines, iron electric
poles etc. can seriously deflect the magnetic needle of compass from its normal positions.

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3.1 PROCEDURES FOR OBSERVATION OF COMPASS SURVEYING

The procedures of conducting the closed traverse should be followed by marking the
stations first , measurement of bearing, measuring of length and taking notes of the
details.

A. Observation on station 2

1. Fix a station point with “kaki tiga berjajar” at station 3 and 1.

2. Set up the prismatic compass at station 2 that has attached to the tripod
3. Make centering, leveling and removing parallax as step in 3.0 (procedure to set up
prismatic compass)
4. Make sure the target also have be centered by using plumb bob
3. Then, through the compass bisect the target “kaki tiga berjajar” to station 1
4. Take a backward bearing of line 2-1.
5. Note down the details and calculation on the field book.
6. Rotate the compass in clockwise direction to the station 3
7. Take a forward bearing of line 2-3 and note down the details on the field book.

B. Observation on station 3

8. After has determined on station 2, move the instrument to the station 3

9. Fix a station point with “kaki tiga berjajar” at station 4 and 2.
10. Set up the prismatic compass at station 3 that has attached to the tripod
11. Make centering, leveling and removing parallax as step in 3.0 (procedure to set
up prismatic compass)
12. Make sure the target also have be centered by using plumb bob
13. Then, through the compass bisect the target “kaki tiga berjajar” to station 2
14. Take a backward bearing of line 2-3.
15. Note down the details and calculation on the field book.
16. Rotate the compass in clockwise direction to the station 4
17. Take a forward bearing of line 3-4 and note down the details on the field book.

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 C. Observation on station 4

18. After has determined on station 3, move the instrument to the station 4
19. Fix a station point with “kaki tiga berjajar” at station 1 and 3.
20. Set up the prismatic compass at station 4 that has attached to the tripod
21. Make centering, leveling and removing parallax as step in 3.0 (procedure to set
up prismatic compass)
22. Make sure the target also have be centered by using plumb bob
23. Then, through the compass bisect the target “kaki tiga berjajar” to station 3
24. Take a backward bearing of line 3-4.
25. Note down the details and calculation on the field book.
26. Rotate the compass in clockwise direction to the station 1
27. Take a forward bearing of line 4-1 and note down the details on the field book.

D. Observation on station 1

28. After has determined on station 4, move the instrument to the station 1
29. Fix a station point with “kaki tiga berjajar” at station 2 and 4
30. Set up the prismatic compass at station 1 that has attached to the tripod
31. Make centering, leveling and removing parallax as step in 3.0 (procedure to set
up prismatic compass)
32. Make sure the target also have be centered by using plumb bob
33. Then, through the compass bisect the target “kaki tiga berjajar” to station 4
34. Take a backward bearing of line 4-1.
35. Note down the details and calculation on the field book.
36. Rotate the compass in clockwise direction to the station 1
37. Take a forward bearing of line 1-2 and note down the details on the field book.
38. After surveying all of the station, measure the distance between the station
points 2-3, 3-4, and 4-1 and 1-2 by using the measuring tape.

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4.0 ON-SITE OBSERVATION

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5.0 BOOKING OF COMPASS SURVEYING

5.1 CALCULATION OF INTERIOR ANGLE

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5.2 CALCULATION OF LOCAL ATTRACTION

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5.3 CALCULATION OF LATITUDE AND DEPARTURE

5.4 CORRECTION OF LATITUDE AND DEPARTURE

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5.5 CALCULATION FOR ADJUSTED LATITUDE AND DEPARTURE

5.6 CALCULATION FOR COORDINATE OF EACH LINE (NORTH AND EAST)

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5.7 CALCULATION FOR LINEAR MISCLOSURE AND TRAVERSE PRECISION

5.8 FINAL COMPUTATION OF ADJUSTED LATITUDE AND DEPARTURE WITH ITS

COORDINATE

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5.9 PELAN

6.0 DISCUSSION

During our site observation, we realised that we were countered several errors that may lead
to our result. Since, we are new students so we are still learning how to set up the
instruments properly, to observe the stations and until the booking. This makes our result
very unsatisfactory.

1. Instrumental Error
Instrument error are due to the lack of technical of the instruments:
● Magnetic need not perfectly straight or might be sluggish
● Plane of sight not vertical
● Needle having lost magnetism
● Cross hair is too thick or too loose

2. Human Error
● This error is basically because of our physical limitations, inconsistent setup
or our habits during the observation.
● Improperly levelling
● Improperly centering

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 ● Carelessness in reading and booking.

3. Natural Error
● Proximity of magnetic storms
● Due to atmosphere of cloudy or stormy
● Local attraction
- Influenced by other magnetic objects such as carrying rail,steels,
watches, smart phone, iron structure like bracelet, ring and so on.
- Effect to the magnetic needle where it is prevented to point towards
the magnetic north.

7.0 CONCLUSION

Compass Surveying is suitable for initial site survey work to provide a practically
accurate map. The bearing of a line is the horizontal angle which it makes with a reference
line (meridian). Depending upon the meridian, there are four types of bearings they are as
follows is true bearing, the true bearing of a line is the horizontal angle between the true
meridian and the survey line. The true bearing is measured from the true north in the
clockwise direction. Magnetic Bearing, the magnetic bearing of a line is the horizontal angle
which the line makes with the magnetic north. Grid Bearing, the grid bearing of a line is the
horizontal angle which the line makes with the grid meridian. Arbitrary Bearing, the arbitrary
bearing of a line is the horizontal angle which the line makes with the arbitrary meridian.
Compass surveying was formerly much used for land surveys but these days, it is little used
because of compass surveying catbee used in places which are surrounded by steely cre
which usually etices magnets due to their natural properties and electromagnetic properties
respectively.

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7.1 INDIVIDUAL COMMENTS

After doing these projects, I think compass surveying is kind of simple and easy to
set up. It is suitable for the project which has a lot of loops, trees and a lot of factors that
prevent normal surveying work. But as we know these basic equipment is not too accurate
and mostly used a long time ago before new surveying equipment existed. The errors seem
to happen a lot of time as my team is wearing a lot of things that have magnets which will
affect the magnetic field of the compass. Since the compass uses the magnetic field we
know that we cannot let any equipment that has a magnet but sometimes we do not aspect
things. In my opinion during these online classes, I have learnt a new knowledge and new
experience on this subject although I am a bit struggling to understand it. I already know
what the surveyor compass looks like and how to set up the surveyor compass on the tripod
when I watch the video on YouTube. My classmates are really helpful when we are
discussing with each other during the class in the WhatsApp group. My favourite lecturer, Dr
Nabilah Naharudin who is very kind and answers our questions patiently during the class.
Last but not least, in this first semester, we are not able to meet each other face to face due
to this pandemic that is still not over but it does not break my spirit to learn more in this
subject.

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8.0 REFERENCES

1. Compass Surveying. (2020). Retrieved 15 January 2021, from

https://www.slideshare.net/gauravhtandon1/compass-surveying-26300956#:~:
text=Principle%20of%20Compass%20Surveying%20%E2%80%A2,of%20a%
20network%20of%20triangle.
2. Estimating, S., & profile, V. (2020). PRINCIPLE OF COMPASS SURVEYING.
Retrieved 15 January 2021, from
http://surveyingestimating.blogspot.com/2018/08/principle-of-compass-surveyi
ng.html
3. Range Poles. (2020). Retrieved 15 January 2021, from
https://www.engineersupply.com/range-poles.aspx
4. Peg In Surveying ( Survey Stakes) | Types Of Peg | Uses Of Peg | Importance
Of Peg. (2020). Retrieved 15 January 2021, from
https://dreamcivil.com/peg-in-surveying/#_1_2_Uses_of_Peg_in_Surveying
5. What is a Tripod? How do Tripods for Laser Levels Work? | How To Use Laser
Level with Tripod | Laser Levels | Johnson Level & Tool Mfg Company. (2020).
Retrieved 15 January 2021, from
https://www.johnsonlevel.com/News/WhatisaTripodHowdoTripods
6. posts, V. (2020). 042: Surveying: The Procedure of Measuring Bearing with
Prismatic Compass. Retrieved 15 January 2021, from
https://pushpendraweb.wordpress.com/2017/12/24/042-surveying-the-proced
ure-of-measuring-bearing-with-prismatic-compass/

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