CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Surveying is one of the oldest and most important arts and science practiced by
human because from the earliest time. it has been necessary to mark boundaries
and divide lands. Surveying has been now become indispensible to our modern
way of life.

Surveying contains to play a vital role in many branches of engineering for e.g.
surveyor contains are required to plan , construct and maintain highway, railways,
building, bridges, tunnels, canals, land sub-division, sewage system, pipelines etc.

Traditionally surveying can be said to be the involvement of research

determination of the relative positions of points above or below the surface of the
earth and maps/ historical evidence in order to accurately determine land
boundaries etc.

In more generic sense, surveying can be regarded as the discipline which

encompass all method of gathering and processing information about the physical
earth and environment by the use of manual and digital instrument..

In conclusion

The work of a surveyor can be divided into

1. Research analysis and decision making

2. Field work or data processing
3. Computing or data processing
4. Mapping or data presentation
5. Stake outs (guiding construction operations)

1.1.1 CLASSIFICATION OF SURVEYING

Surveying can be divided into

Plane survey

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Geodetic survey

1. Geodetic survey: is a survey carried out to determine the size, shape and
gravity field of the earth. It is also the science of geodesy. This survey is
typically carried out with great precision, often over long distance. Geodetic
survey data is used to control and check other less precise survey.
2. Plane survey: a survey that is commonly practiced and it treats the earth as a
flat or plane surface. The curvature of the earth has no effect on the results
thus the computation and the result can be referenced to a plane or field
surface. It is used to determine legal boundaries for engineering survey.

Branches of plane survey

a. Control survey: it involves carrying out survey to establish accurate

horizontal and vertical positions of selected points or stations. These points
are used to reference other survey. It is categorized according to precision
and accuracy
b. Deformation survey: this is a type of survey where the 3 dimensions
positions of specific points are determined. it is used to know if the structure
or object is changing shape or position
c. Mining survey: it refers to that, which seeks to determine the position and
dimension of underground passages of a mine. Also the features that include
horizontal and vertical positions, length, slope of the tunnels etc.
d. Hydrographic survey: it is carried out to ascertain the depth and bottom
configuration of water bodies.
e. As-built survey : it involves making measurement and observations to verify
the location and dimensions of completed parts of land to determine the
amount of work accomplished up to a given data
f. Engineering survey: this type of survey is carried out before, during and
after all engineering construction. It is also known as design- data survey.
g. Route survey: it deals with the route or course; that a highway or utility line
follows just as the name implies.
h. Photogrammetric survey: it is the art and science together with technology of
obtaining reliable information about physical objects and the environment
through processes of recording , measuring and interpreting images and
patterns of electromagnetic radiant energy and other phenomena.

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i. Military survey : it is a reconnaissance that is done by ‘’AVENI OO’’ the
military together information that employs visual observation and several
different other methods to learn about the enemies activities resources and
location
j. Cadastral survey: this is referred to as legal survey. It is the survey carried
out to demarcate the boundaries of properties meant for legal purposes.
Legal survey are usually made for one of the following purposes
i. To acquire data and prepare plans to write a legal description of a
specific parcel of land needed for the processing of “ certificate of
occupancy ” (C of O)
ii. To re-establish the boundaries of a parcel of land for which a survey has
already been done.
iii. To sub-divide a parcel of land into various pieces according to a specific
plan showing the predetermined size, shape and location for each parcel
k. topographical survey

This is a survey made to determine the configuration of the earth surface and to
locate natural and cultural features of it. It is done by the co-ordinates of all
selected points on the ground. In other words the location(x,y) and the elevation
are measured with respect to some reference system and are presented as
contours on plan. The end product of producing a topographical plan is as
follow

Plotting with bearing and distance method

Plotting with grid method

Plotting with coordinate method

Moreover, the map or plan can plot in the following means;

Digital means (using the computer system)

Mechanical method (plotting manually)

1.2 AIMS AND OBJECTIVE

The aim of this project is to run a perimeter traverse of the area to demarcate to
boundary and also to obtain the spot height to produce a topographical map of a

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 section of Federal Polytechnic Nekede Owerri West, Local Government Area,
and Imo State.

1.3 OBJECTIVE

1. Determination of natural and artificial features in the study area

2. The establishment of horizontal and vertical controls
3. To determine the height differences of points through a leveling operation of
the study area.
4. Determination of the area to study
5. To ascertain the topography of the terrain
6. To produce a proper plotting contour of the area studied
7. To produce a topographical map.

1.4 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The scope of this project is to estimate the extent of the area of land. It also covers
the following recce, documentation, traversing, grid, leveling, spot heighting,
detailing, computation and processing and presentation.

1.5 SIGNIFANCE OF THE STUDY

Topographical survey is made to determine the natural features of a place such as

rivers, hills, terrestrial terrain etc.

It certainly will help in the further development of good structure on it by several

individual, organization and government agencies in future.

1.6 THE STUDY AREA

The project site is of federal poly Nekede Owerri West Imo State. It
has an area of

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 CHAPTER TWO

2.1 LITERATURE REVIEW

The purpose of a topographical survey is to gather survey data about the natural
and man-made features of the land as well as it elevation . a three dimensional map
be produced in the office after collecting the field data. The work usually consists
of the following

1. Establishment of horizontal and vertical controls that will serve as the frame
work of survey
2. Determination of horizontal location and elevation of the ground points to
provide enough data for plotting
3. Identify natural and man-made features that may be required by the purpose
of the survey
4. Computing distance ,angles and elevations
5. Drawing the topographical map.

Topographical surveys are commonly identified with horizontal and vertical

control of third and lower order accuracies.

In modern mapping, a topographic map or topographic sheet is a type of map

characterized by large-scale detail and quantitative representation of relief features,
usually using contour lines, but historically using a variety of methods.
Topographic maps are detailed, accurate graphic representations of features that
appear on the Earth's surface. These features include:

Cultural: roads, buildings, urban development, railways, airports, names of places

and geographic features, administrative boundaries, state and international borders,
reserves

Hydrograph: lakes, rivers, streams, swamps, coastal flats

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relief: mountains, valleys, contours and cliffs, depressions

Vegetation: wooded and cleared areas, vineyards and orchards.

A map legend (or key) lists the features shown on that map, and their
corresponding symbols.

Topographic maps usually show a geographic graticule and a coordinate grid, so

you can determine relative and absolute positions of mapped features.

It is important to note that a map is merely a two or three dimensional

representation of the physical environment at a given time. Therefore, a map will
never be entirely up to date. Changes to the landscape and cultural features
regularly occur (such as roads, vegetation, and buildings), resulting in maps
becoming dated, although the rate of obsolescence varies depending upon location.

The term “TOPGRAPHICAL” originated in ancient Greece and continued in

Rome as the detailed description of a place. Topographical as the word implies is
derived from a Greek word (graphic) which means writing in classical literature. It
is established in different man-made and natural features of land. It can be very
beneficial to home owners and industrial owners or even properties under
construction. Land may include hills, tress, fences, building, ravines etc. this type
of survey provides exact figures of size, height and position of different changes
that have occurred over the course of time with regard to their presence or that of
any man-made structure.

In topographical survey, most of the measurements are done with a high quality
Gps unit or with electronic EDM instrument. There are many uses of topographical
survey and the included

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 a. Engineers and architects use the survey results for designing building and
other improvement
b. They are also used by government, military etc
c. Used for the formulation of a optimal plan for drainage ,grading and other
features.

In 1728 Encyclopedia explained that topographical survey is the science and

techniques of accurately determining of points or 3 dimensional positions of
points and the distance and angles between them, the points are often used to
establish land map and boundaries which shows ownership and governmental
purposes.

Topographical survey is a survey that is carried out which shows the

topography of the ground. The details and height information that is recorded
normally varies on the client specification and requirement (Cheemab 1963)

It is said to be a survey where the physical feature of the earth are measured and
also maps and plan are prepared to show their relative positions both horizontal
and vertical (Nilson 1971 )

Topographical survey as the science and art of making all necessary

measurement to determine relative position between 2 points and physical and
cultural details above or beneath the surface of the earth to depict them in a
visible form to show the points on the ground ( ASCN 1980 )

Topographical survey concerned all the details in general which include not only
relief also vegetation and man-made features and even local history and values
(Military surveyor 1993)

It is the process of determining the positions, both in plan and elevation of the
natural and artificial features of a terrain for the purpose of delineating them by the
means of conventional signs and symbols on a topographical map (Punma b.c,
2001)

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In basic principle and method of surveying view that topographical surveying is
the physical features of the earth which are measured and map/plan are prepared to
show their relative positions both vertical and horizontally (Mady 2004)

Lady Egenamba Juliet (2014) explained topographical survey as the process of

determining the positions of the earth surface of the natural and artificial features
of a giving locality and determining the configuration of the terrain.

Nwokocha B. Peters Amins defines topographical survey as the measurement of

the features on the earth including the elevation of these features.

About.com defines topographical survey as the measurement of bond elevation,

often with the purpose of creating or topographical maps

According to the command of defend council topographical survey is the science

or art fully executed in measuring the physical features of the earth and the
scientifically control of delineating them in form of map to carried out in
construction works such as roads, dams ,bridges etc.

New English dictionary (wiktionary) explains topographical survey as a precise

description of a place or a detailed graphic representation of the surface of a place
or object.

2.2 PROCEDURE FOR TOPOGRAPHICAL SURVEY

a. Triangulation and traversing

Triangulation; this type of survey which is enclosed by vertical and horizontal

control points. The horizontal control represents the relative position of points. in
triangulation the whole are is divided into well conditioned triangles measured in
sides using inverse tapes or through tachometric techniques.

Traverse is a method in the field of surveying to establish control networks. It is

also used in geodesy. Traverse networks involve placing survey stations along a

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line or path of travel, and then using the previously surveyed points as a base for
observing the next point (WIKIPEDIA)

This can also be said to be a survey used especially for long narrow strips of
country in which a series of lines joined end to end are completely determined as to
length and azimuth and are often used as a basis for triangulation.

The purpose of traverse is to locate the unknown points relative to each other and
to locate all points within the traverse relative to a common grid. Three elements of
starting data are needed. They are the coordinates and height of a starting point and
an azimuth to a visible azimuth mark.

b. Location of contour; Contouring in surveying is the determination of

elevation of various points on the ground and fixing these points of same
horizontal positions in the contour map. A contour is located in the field
either directly or indirectly. Directly using a plane table survey method. The
area is divided in top squares and forming grid by taking cross sections at
points of internal by the use of leveling tachometry. Data is reduced and
contour lines are drawn by interpretation

Topographical map should be drawn in 3 phrases

1. Establishment of horizontal control producing a frame work for plotting

details
2. Construction contour lines from plotted points of elevation drawing features
and symbols
3. Plot all points of known elevation and location of artificial or natural
features for vertical control

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 Horizontal control is provided by two or more points on the ground precisely
fixed in position horizontally by distance and direction. It is the basis for map
scale and locating topographical features. Vertical control is provided by bench
mark in or near, which is useful in the following ways

1. Used in planning a triangulation scheme

2. Locating or sighting of an agricultural project
3. Used in planning and land use studies

2.3 PROBLEM OF SURVEY

a. Unsatisfactory equipment or field methods for a particular survey

b. Improper selection of traverse stations
c. Insufficient horizontal and vertical control of suitable precision

2.4 TERMINOLOGIES IN SURVEY

1. Relief: it refers to the vertical distance representing different points.

2. Mean sea level : the average height of the sea surface for all stages of tide
over
3. Ordinance datum: a fixed starting point of scale, e.g. sea level to which other
levels are related.
4. Station : a point on the traverse , this is known distance from the starting
point
5. Contour: These are lines drawn on a map joining points of equal elevations
with reference to a given datum above mean sea level

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6. Level: This is an instrument used in surveying to measure the height of
distant points in relation to a bench mark (a point for which the height above
sea level is accurately known)
7. Spot heights: A point with a measured vertical position of less than third
order accuracy, measured relative to a reference datum. That means it is the
level at that particular point compared with a datum.
8. Field book : a book of recording survey data exercise.
9. Traverse: Traverse is a method in the field of surveying to establish control
networks. Traverse networks involve placing survey stations along a line or
path of travel, and then using the previously surveyed points as a base for
observing the next point.
10. Back sight: This is the first staff reading taken by the surveyor after the
leveling instrument is set up and leveled. B.S is generally taken on the point
of known reduced level as on the benchmark or a change point.
11.Foresight: This is the last staff reading taken before changing the instrument
to the other position. It is the staff reading taken on point whose RL is to
determined.
12. Reduced levels: Equating elevations of survey points with reference to a
common assumed datum. The elevation is positive or negative according as
point lies above or below datum.
13. Misclosure : is the normal accepted excess from a survey exercise
14.Bearing: it refers to the angles between the line and the north south
meridian.
15. Control: This are points whose vertical and horizontal positions have been
firmly established and they form the framework of every survey exercise and
errors which inevitably occurs are adjusted within the framework of these
stations or control
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16. Datum: This is a reference plane with respect to which RL of the other
survey points is determined. The datum surface may be real or imaginary
location with a nominated elevation of zero. The commonly used datum is
mean sea level.
17. Planimerty : it implies the location of both natural and artificial features in
their horizontal relationship to each other

3.5 NATURE OF THE TERRAIN

The terrain is relatively plane in some are while some areas are undulating

CONTOUR

Contour is a line joining two points having the same elevation. A contour line is
the intersections of a level surface with the ground, having each line in the
contour map join points with the same elevation. In other to plot a contour we
need both vertical and horizontal distance the method thus involves locating
points on the ground by distance measurements and finding their elevation
using level.

CONTOUR INTERVAL

It is the difference in elevation between two successive contours in a contour

map. It is necessary to keep the contour interval constant in a contour map
otherwise the map appears misleading. It is used in a particular case depends
upon many factors

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SCALE OF MAP

The contour interval should be such that it can be plotted to scale and is
distinguishable clearly in the map if the scale is too small. In general, the
contour interval should be inversely proportional to the scale to which it is
proposed to draw the map

THE TWO PEG TEST

It is also known as the test of ordinary level. it is conducted to confirm the true
state of correctness of the level

TIME AND EXPENSES

A small contour interval with require more filed work and paper interpretation
and plotting. A large contour interval will less time ad subsequently less paper
work. The time and money involved is thus a factor to be considered when
deciding the contour interval to be used

CHARACTERISTICS OF CONTOURS

1. As contour lines passing through a point is at right angle to the line

maximum slope at that point

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2. A contour line must necessarily close upon itself maybe not within the
contour map
3. Two contour lines of the same elevation cannot unit and contrive as one line.
4. Tow contour lines cannot intersect as this would mean that the point of
intersection has two elevations

ADVATNATGES OF CONTOUR

1. Inter-visibility between any points can be ascertained

2. The angle of the scope of the hill can be easily determined, but untrained
map reader cannot read the slope of the ground from a contour map
3. The height of every point between the contour can be read reasonably
accurately, directly from, the map

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 CHAPTER THREE

3.0 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

The research method used in this project is what is called ‘’COPAI’’ meaning
collecting, organizing, processing, analyzing and interpreting data.

This study was based on survey research. It has been achieved by going to the site
for reconnaissance and the end product is map/plan production.

The research methodology project commends from collecting the data from the
field, organizing the data, processing the data for information, analyzing the
information for result and interpreting the result.

The research is based on the collecting of data using the necessary field
observation done on the project site to gather the relevant information so as to
obtain as enumerated above ,a comprehensive map of the area was produced
showing the 3D(that is height , elevation ,horizontal and vertical distance) of the
terrain.

3.1 STEPS FOR SURVEYING

Reconnaissance

Observation and measurement

Presentation

3.1.1 RECONNISSANCE

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Just as the saying goes ‘’no good work without a good plan’’ same is surveying
without reconnaissance

It is a survey exercise been carried out on the terrain or project site to be worked
upon, so as to enable the worker (surveyor) get the overall picture of the terrain
(site) . The recce detail is a primary study of the area of interest and also existing
information concerning the place.

Existing map which is called a connection copy from the [previous survey and
other relevant documents could play a crucial roles during the recce.

Information gathered from the recce helps the surveyor in making practical
decision as to how best to approach the work

Survey methods to be applied, the most suitable station positions, instruments and
equipment to used, the amount and types of labour required etc.

Types of reconnaissance include;

a. The offices reconnaissance

b. The field reconnaissance

OFFICE RECONNAISSANCE

This involves the specification and necessary information about the project
operation information like the type of observation required for the job collection of
the control pillar to be used for connection the survey

FIELD RECONNAISSANCE

This is carried out to have a general view of the area and location the control
stations. We selected station and drew our recce diagram properly. The visitation
made us know the type of measurement required and the way the work will be
carried out economically with time.

The following was taken into consideration when selecting control pillars or
stations during field reconnaissance
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 1. Indivisibility between stations
2. Safety of selected stations
3. Accessibility

Finally, after all these all information needed were obtained and the recce
diagram drawn

(DIAGRAM OF RECCE)

3.1.2 PERSONNEL INVOLVED

The following persons constituted the crew for this project work:

1. Richard Bianca ihuoma

2. Umanze grace amarachi 19/0027/SUG

3. Uche kasarachi sandar 19/0019/SUG

4. Ukasoanya glory Ginikanwa 19/0035/SUG
5. Simeon nkechi Esther
6. Unakalamba Benjamin
7. Peter Esther Bariledum

8. 3.2 MONUMENTATION

This is process of establishing permanent structures which can be beacon, metal

roads etc.

At the traverse station points which have been identified during the recce, we
used wooden pegs at each station on the perimeter. The pegs were driven into
the ground leaving 2cm to 5cm above ground surface.

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 3.3 INSTEUMENT USED

The following equipments were used in the course of executing the

topographical survey project

i. Machete: use for clearing of transverse lines and cutting of pegs

ii. Ranging poles: use for ranging of lines and indicating of stations of interest
iii. Level staff : used together with the level instrument in determining the
vertical distance of unknown points when placed on them
iv. Automatic level : used in obtaining the vertical distance of points right in the
field
v. Liner tape : (30m-50m) used for determining line distance
vi. Total stations and accessories: digital theodolite for angular measurement.
also used for determining vertical distance and northing and easting
coordinate
vii. Gps: global positioning system for getting the coordinate of control points
viii. Prismatic compass : used for getting or obtaining the bearing of a traverse
line
ix. Wooden pegs: used in notification of survey stations along selected points,
making the extent of the boundaries
x. Field book : for recording the observation and measurement which includes
angles, bearings, distance
xi. Calculator : used in computation of values
xii. Reflectors : it is a bisect target for the total station
xiii. Leveling tripods : it always goes with the leveling instrument as setting for
proper standing on table ground
xiv. Computation sheet and pen : this was used in doing the calculations

3.3.1 INSTRUMENT TEST

Instruments collected from the school store were tested for their authenticity.
Below was how the instruments were tested.

3.3.2 Instrument adjustment

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In order to ascertain the working condition of an instrumental adjustments are
made. These adjustments or correction which was made on the instrument to
determine its working state.

These adjustments are in two forms;

1. Temporary or station adjustments: this is done each time the instrument is

been set up for observation.
2. Permanent adjustment: it is carried out to correct specific problems in the
instrument. It is usually done in a while.

3.4 LEVEL INSTRUMENT (INSTRUMENT TEST)

Two pegs test was conducted to confirm the true state of the level. Two points
A and B 30m apart was selected on a fairly flat ground. The instrument was set
up at 15m from both points with necessary adjustments. Observations was
made to the staffs on A and B respectively

(DIAGRAM OF PROCEDURE)

Level instrument test set midway between A and B at 20m

Collimination method = Rise - fall

Rise = 3.462

Fall= 2.436

Collimination method = 1.026

3.5 DATA ACQUISITION

This involves the use of basic surveying methods to acquire data. In point
coordination the three control points established. in the study are a data was
acquired with a hand held GPS, automatic level was used to get the vertical
distance at 20 interval, steel tap of 30and 50 was used to get the transverse line,
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 a Manuel theodolite (2d) was used to get angular measurement and the yield
data for the project after ward acquired data was computed and presented. Also
the use of automatic level instrument to carry out leveling operation produced
result for computation and presentation.

3.6 ESTABLISHMENT OF CONTROL FOR PROJECT

The advent of GPS makes establishment of control easier, economical and

reliable the global positioning system is a satellite based radio navigation
system. The NAVISTAR GPS (navigation system with time and ranging)
provide précised three dimensional position navigation a time information equip
users.

The equipment was initiated and developed by the united state department of
defense (D.O.P) for navigation today it is supplemented by what is known as ‘’
Corps’’ continuously operating reference station which is occupied by GPS
receivers that collects GPS data continuously. The use of GPS today is because
of its accurate results.

(DIAGRAM OF CONTROL)

The following steps were taken while operating the GPS:

1. The red button was pressed to switch it on

2. The page button was pressed twice and held on a point of interest for about 5
minutes to initiate and during which it will give data in rectangular or
geographical coordinates

3.6.1 PRECAUTION

1. The leveling staffs were held vertically at all observation station to avoid errors
2. Observation at every station was carefully checked and the measurement were
often done twice to ensure accuracy of the result of the reading
3. The instrument tripod was fixed firmly to ground and instrument centered to
avoid parallax

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4. The instrument was carefully clamped to the tripod to prevent it from falling
and getting damaged

3.7 TRAVERSING USING THE THEODLITE AND MEASURING TAPE

Traversing is a method of surveying in which a frame work of traverse is

established in the field to be surveyed. Distance of traverse lines are determined
chain or tape, the plan tabling methods, while the angular relationship between
these lines are gotten by the use of prismatic compass.

In the course of this project, measuring tape, theodolite and compass was used

1. After getting the distance and bearing with the measuring tape and
compass, the theodolite was placed at cp1 which is a control point that was
established with a GPS device (origin)
2. The instrument was properly leveled vertically and directly above the
indicated point on the ground called centering
3. A back sight angle observation was made on face left to cp2 that also
established with the Gps device and then circle reading was taken
4. Another back sight was also taken but on face right to same station and the
circle reading also taken
5. The theodolite (2d) was then turned to angle to station FPN 001 and the
foresight circle reading was obtained, face left and face right reading was
taken.

Finally the instrument was moved immediately to station 001 on both faces and
then foresight station 002 on both face also, likewise the other station

3.7.1 INSTITU CHECK

This is the survey process that is been carried out to cross check if the beacon is
in the right position or it have been shifted.

3.7.2 FIELD OBSERVATION

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These are the observation made on site. These include the following

a. Angular measurement
b. Linear measurement
c. Leveling
d. Grid leveling
e. Contouring
f. Detailing

3.7.3 LEVELING

Leveling determines the different in height of points on the ground. The

perimeter leveling commenced from known control points and closed back on
the same control point. The heighten value of the control were used to
determine the height of the boundary points

Automatic level and one staff were used to carry out this observation , the
instrument was set half way between the staff and necessary adjustment was
carried out before observation was taken back sight and foresight were taken to
the staff and the staff were booked respectively.

(DIAGRAM OF THE LEVELLING PROCEDURE)

Hence, the leveling was done for the following purpose

a. To prepare contour map for fixing sites for reservoirs, irrigation site, dams
and fix alignments of roads
b. To prepare a layout map for water supply

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3.7.4 GRID LEVELLING

This is a leveling method adopted in order to produce spot height for contouring.
For this study, an interval of 30m was marked from one end to another in the entire
study are. The grid was done in an order shown below….

(5.00m)

(5.00m)

GRID DIAGRAM

3.7.5 CONTOURING

Contouring is an essential part of topographical survey. It is obtained through

longitude sectioning, cross sectioning and spot level on grids is commonly
employed and are interpolated to obtain the desired contours. Contours are useful
in computing the capacity of reservoirs and help in understanding the nature of a
terrain.

Method of contouring

1. Direct contouring

It include

a. vertical contour
b. horizontal contour
2. Indirect contouring

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It includes

a. By estimate
b. By mechanical interpolation
c. By calculation
d. Graphical method

3.7.5 DETAILING

The position of detail found on the study area, such as houses ,roads and water
tanks etc. in the course of our study, we used subsidiary lines between distance
survey stations. We used the offset method of either the direct (perpendicular
offset) or indirect method (oblique offset) with the aid of a prismatic compass and
measuring tape.

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 CHAPTER FOUR

4.0 DATA PROCESSING AND PRESENTATION

In survey, the last stage is the presentation. In this stage, the data obtained from
the field observations and measurements are processed by arithmetic logic unit.

This data procession enables the data to be useful information while plotting.

In data processing, we have the following

a. Traverse computation
b. Angular reduction
c. Leveling reduction

4.1 TRAVERSE COMPUTATION

In the traverse computation, there are two methods of data processing. They
include the backward computation and the forward computation. We used the
backward computation.

4.1.2 BACKWARD COMPUTATION: This is computing from rectangular to

polar (that is from North to South coordinate columns in the computation sheet to
get the bearing and distances). In this case the Northing of A is subtracted from the
Northing of B and same applies to the easting to get the difference in Northing and
easting

NB – NA = ∆N

EB – EA = ∆E

Where:

NA = Northing coordinate of A

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NB = Northing coordinate of B

EA = Easting coordinate of A

EB = Easting coordinate of B

∆N = difference in Northing

∆E = difference in Easting

To get the bearing of AB: Tan AB = ∆ E

∆N
To get the distance of AB: L = √ ∆E2 +¿ ∆N2

4.1.3 AREA COMPUTATION

When traverse starts from a point and return on the same point an area is
enclosed. There are various methods of computing area; the most common in use is
the cross-coordinate method. This involves cross multiplying the coordinates of the
stations.

A = ( x1y2 + x2y3 + x3y4 +…..xnyn ) ─ (y1x2 + y2x3 + y3x4 +… ynxn)

Accuracy of computation was carried out using this formula

( √ ∆ E 2+ ∆ N 2
Total Distances )
-2

Format of traverse computation:

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From Back Dist. DN Arith. DE Arith. Northing. Easting. To
Statio Bearing
n Corr. Sum Sum Corr Corr Station

Final Corrected Corrected

Bearing

3.1.4 ANGULAR REDUCTION

Before computation is done, deduction of angles and corrections were applied to

the field book as shown in the preceding chapter on format for H.C.R observation.

To get the angles for both faces, L 2 ─ L1 and R1 ─ R2. To obtain the mean angle,
both angles are added and divided by two

Reduction of bearings: The formula for the reduction is

Back bearing + Angle = forward bearing

A C

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AB is the forward bearing; BA is the back bearing while BC is the forward
bearing. The angle is at B

Station SIGHT FACE Hz. Circ. R. ANGLES MEAN Distance

Format of Angle reduction

3.2 Leveling Reduction

There are two methods of deducting level, they include

1. Reduced by height of instrument method

2. Reduction by rise and fall method

(ATTACHMENT OF THE FIELD BOOK, TRAVERSE AND THE AUTO CARD

TOPOGRAPHICAL PLAN)

CHAPTER FIVE
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 5.0 SUMMARY, PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED, RECOMMENDATION
AND CONCLUSION

5.1 SUMMARY

Topographical survey involves taking measurements on the earth surface so as to

ascertain the topography and the natural and artificial features of the terrain.
Therefore, it covers all necessary traditional ground method of survey exercise
which includes; reconnaissance, documentation, traversing, leveling and detailing.
It also involves data processing and presentation.

3. The project site is at.

4. The importance of this study is to provide the required data which can be used
to ascertain the size, shape and features of the land and to produce a
topographic map which could be referred to for future purposes. This data could
be obtained through field procedures of data acquisition which involves taking
measurements of distances, bearings, angles, elevation of slopes, and spot
heights.
4.2 PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED

In the course of the study, we encountered several problems which includes:

a. Lack of manpower; most of us in the group were not available due to personal
reasons.
b. Another problem was with visibility; due to the changes over time, some points
mostly on the perimeter were difficult to access.
c. Also, lack of technical-know-how; many of us lacked technical knowledge
needed to carry out the work efficiently especially on how to use and handle
some of the equipments.

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d. Then finally, inadequate finance and poor transportation system also affected
us.

5. 3 RECOMMENDATION

I recommend that the school should allocate funds to the department of surveying
and geo-informatics which will enable them to buy and service their instruments.
Also more knowledge should be inculcated into the students on how to use these
equipments and to carry out a topographic survey more efficiently.

5.4 CONCLUSION

In conclusion, topographical survey covers all other areas of survey. In the

course of this project some areas of survey like cadastral, control, and engineering
survey was covered. From the results obtained from the course of this research, the
aim and objectives of the project has been achieved.

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