Hand Signals Used in Land Surveying

There are times on a jobsite when crew members may be too far away
from one another to hear each other. In these situations, Land Surveyors
and Construction workers use hand signals to communicate over distance
and noise

Hand Signals Used in Land Surveying

There are times on a jobsite when crew members may be too far away
from one another to hear each other. In these situations, Land Surveyors
and Construction workers use hand signals to communicate over distance
and noise

DUTIES OF A CHAINING CREW MEMBER

During a typical chaining operation, it is possible that many and varied
duties other thanthe actual chaining itself are to be undertaken as part of
the whole process. To prepare the field chaining party for the task ahead,
we shall presentsome of these duties, as applicable. In somecases, these
duties can be modified or tailored, contingent upon the mission, terrain
features, and other conditions that may affect the speed andaccuracy of the
operation
GIVING HAND AND VOICE SIGNALS
During fieldwork, it is essential that you communicate with the other
members of the survey party over considerable distances. Some-times you
may be close enough to use voice communication; more often, you will use
hand signals.
Avoid shouting because it is the sign of a beginner. Standard voice signals
between chain-men must be used at all times to avoid misunder-standing.
There are also several recommended hand signals. Those shown are
recommended, but any set of signals mutually agreed upon and
understood by all members of the party can also be used. It is important to
face the person being signaled. Sometimes, if it is difficult for you to see the
other person, it helps to hold white flagging in your hand when giving
signals. When signals are givenover snow-covered areas, red or orange
flagging is more appropriate.

Explanations of the hand signals shown in figure above are as

follows:
1. ALL RIGHT. The “all right” is given by the instrument man when the
alignment is OK fora plumb line, a range pole, a stake, a hub, or any other
device used as a target, or when the instrument man has finished all
activities at your location. It is given by waving both arms up and down
while extending them out horizontally from the shoulders. If the instrument
man, in aligning a target, extends both arms out horizontally from the
shoulders without waving them, the signal means that the target should be
held steady while a quick check of its position is being made.
2. MOVE RIGHT OR LEFT. This signal is given by the instrument man
when lining in a target on a predetermined line. It is given by moving the
appropriate hand outward from the shoulder. A slow motion of the hand
means that you must move a long distance; a quick, short motion means
that you must move a short distance.
3. GIVE ME A BACKSIGHT. This signal is given when the instrument man
wants a target held at a previously located point. It is given by extending
one arm upward with the palm of the hand forward.
4. GIVE ME A LINE OR THIS ISA HUB. This signal, given by the rodman
or the chainman, is intended to indicate a hub or to ask for a line on the
point indicating the exact location. It is given by holding a range pole
horizontally overhead, then moving it to a vertical position in front of the
body. Sometimes the range pole tip is set on the ground to serve as a
pivot. Then the pole may be swayed slowly to the left and/or right until the
instrument man picks up the signal.
5. PLUMB THE ROD. The signal to plumb the rod to the desired direction
(right or left) isgiven by extending the appropriate arm upward and moving
the hand in the direction the top of the rod must be moved to make it
vertical.
6. ESTABLISH A TURNING POINT. This signal is given when the
instrument man wants a turning point established during traversing or
leveling operations. It is given by extending either arm upward and making
a circular motion.
7. THIS IS A TURNING POINT. The rodman gives this signal to indicate a
turning point. This is done using a leveling rod and applying the method
described in 4.
8. WAVE THE ROD. This signal, given by the instrument man to the
rodman, is important to get the lowest stadia reading. The instrument man
(or woman) extends one arm upward, palm of the hand forward, and waves
the arm slowly from side to side. The rodman then moves the top ofthe
leveling rod forward and backward slowly about a foot each way from the
vertical.
9. FACE THE ROD. To give this signal, the instrument man extends both
arms upward to indicate to the rodman that the leveling rod is facing in the
wrong direction.
10. REVERSE THE ROD. The instrument-man gives this signal by holding
one arm upward and the other downward, and then reversing their
positions with full sidearm swings.
11. BOOST THE ROD. The instrument man gives this signal by swinging
both arms forward and upward, palms of the hands upward. This signal is
used when the instrument man wants the leveling rod raised and held with
its bottom end at a specified distance, usually about 3 ft, above the ground.
12. MOVE FORWARD. The instrument man gives this signal by extending
both arms outhorizontally from the shoulders, palms up, then swinging the
forearms upward.
13. MOVE BACK. The instrument man gives this signal by extending one
arm out horizontally from the shoulder, hand and forearm extended
vertically, and moving the hand and forearm outward until the whole arm is
extended horizontally.
10. REVERSE THE ROD. The
rodman receives the signal to
reverse the rod by the instrument
man raising
both arms above the head and
slowly reversing both arms in a
circular motion towards one side
of the
body.
11. USE THE LONG ROD. The
instrument man extends both arms
downward and gently raises them
over
his head to signal the usage of the
long rod.
12. MOVE FORWARD. This
signal is given by the instrument
man with both arms extended
horizontally,
arms gently bent at the elbows, and
hands elevated into a vertical
position. The rodman is directed to
proceed forward using this signal.
13. MOVE BACK. This signal is
used by the instrument man to tell
the rodman to step back further.
He
moves his right hand from a
vertical position with his palm
facing the rodman to a horizontal
position
with his palm facing down to pass
the command.
14. UP OR DOWN. The
instrument man raises his arm
above his shoulder to elevate the
rod, or lowers his
arm below his waist to lower the
target for the rodman to slide the
target up or down on the rod. The
arm is brought back to a horizontal
position when the raised or
lowered target approaches the
appropriate setting.
15. PICK UP THE
INSTRUMENT. When a new level
set up is requested, the chief of the
party notifies the
instrument man by extending both
arms downward then quickly rising
them up as if lifting an object.
16. COME IN. Usually at the end
of the day's work or when
necessary, the leader of party or
the
instrument man will utilize this
signal to direct any member of the
survey party to come in or gather.
It's
done by moving the arm in a
circular manner from below the
waist to the front of the rod.
RAISE FOR RED. In a leveling
operation, the instrument man
delivers this signal to determine
the
immediate whole-foot mark after
reading the tenths and hundredths
of a foot. This frequently occurs
when the rodman is close to the
instrument or when something
blocks the whole-foot mark.
EXTEND THE ROD. This signal
is given by the instrument man
when an adjustable rod has to be
extended.
When the instrument's height
exceeds the standard length of the
unextended adjustable level rod,
this
occurs.
1 . A l l r i g h t 2 . M o v e r i g h t o r l e f t 3 . G i v e m e a b a c k s i g h t 4.Give me a line
or this is a hub5 . P l u m t h e r o d 6.Establish a turning point7 . T h i s i s a t u r n i n g
p o i n t 8 . W a v e t h e r o d 9 . F a c e t h e r o d 10. Reverse the rod11. Boost the rod12. Move
forward13. Move back14. Up or down15. Pick up the instrument16. Come in

GIVING HAND AND VOICE SIGNALS

During fieldwork, it is essential that you communicate with the other members of the survey party over considerable
distances. Some-times you may be close enough to use voice communication; more often, you will use hand signals.
Avoid shouting; it is the sign of a beginner. Standard voice signals between chain-men must be used at all times to
avoid misunderstanding. There are also several recommended hand signals, most of which are shown in figure 12-1.
Those shown are recommended, but any set of signals mutually agreed upon and understood by all members of the
party can also be used. It is important to face the person being signaled. Sometimes, if it is difficult for you to see
the other person, it helps to hold white flagging in your hand when giving signals. When signals are given over
snow-covered areas, red or orange flagging is more appropriate.

Explanations of the hand signals shown in figure 12-1 are as follows:

1. ALL RIGHT. The "all right" is given by the instrumentman when the alignment is OK for a
plumb line, a range pole, a stake, a hub, or any other device used as a target, or when the
instrumentman has finished all activities at your location.

It is given by waving both arms up and down while extending them out horizontally from the
shoulders. If the instrumentman, in aligning a target, extends both arms out horizontally from the
shoulders without waving them, the signal means that the target should be held steady while a
quick check of its position is being made.

2. MOVE RIGHT OR LEFT. This signal is given by the instrumentman when lining in a target
on a predetermined line. It is given by moving the appropriate hand outward from the shoulder.
A slow motion of the hand means that you must move a long distance; a quick, short motion
means that you must move a short distance.

3. GIVE ME A BACKSIGHT. This signal is given when the instrumentman wants a target held
at a previously located point. It is given by extending one arm upward with the palm of the hand
forward.

4. GIVE ME A LINE OR THIS ISA HUB. This signal, given by the rodman or the chainman, is
intended to indicate a hub or to ask for a line on the point indicating the exact location. It is given
by holding a range pole horizontally overhead, then moving it to a vertical

Figure 12-1.-Surveyors hand signals.

position in front of the body. Sometimes the range pole tip is set on the ground to serve as a pivot. Then the pole
may be swayed slowly to the left and/or right until the instrumentman picks up the signal.

5. PLUMB THE ROD. The signal to plumb the rod to the desired direction (right or left) is given by extending the
appropriate arm upward and moving the hand in the direction the top of the rod must be moved to make it vertical.

6. ESTABLISH A TURNING POINT. This signal is given when the instrumentman wants a turning point
established during traversing or leveling operations. It is given by extending either arm upward and making a
circular motion.

7. THIS IS A TURNING POINT. The rodman gives this signal to indicate a turning point. This is done using
a leveling rod and applying the method described in 4.

8. WAVE THE ROD. This signal, given by the instrumentman to the rodman, is important to get the lowest stadia
reading. The instrumentman extends one arm upward, palm of the hand forward, and waves the arm slowly from
side to side. The rodman then moves the top of the leveling rod forward and backward slowly about a foot each way
from the vertical.
 SURVEYOR SYMBOLS &
SIGNS
The following guide is a simplified description of a variety of
markings that are used by land surveyors. Throughout an
active shale gas field, the first signs of pending expansions
are the simple markings of stakes, flags, and pins. Many
months or even years before the chain saw fells the first
tree or the first dozer blade cuts the dirt at a well pad
location, the surveyors have “marked the target” on behalf
of their corporate tactical command staff.

The three most commonly used markings are the

simple stakes, flags and pins. These surveyor symbols are
common to any construction project and guarantee that
everything gets put in the right place. In an active gas field,
these marking tools are used for all aspects of exploration
and production:

 access roads to well pads,

 widening the traveled portion of the roadway,
 well locations,
 ponds and impoundment locations,
 temporary water pipeline paths,
 surface disturbance limits,
 compressor stations,
 gas processing sites, and
 rights-of-way for roads and pipelines.
Common surveyor symbols & signs

urveyor flags and tapes: These are a selection of typical

surveyor tapes, also called flags or ribbons. Many other
specialty color combinations are available to the
professional surveyor.
Surveyor flags and tape: Sometime the flags or streamers
are just attached to trees, fence posts, or put on a stake to
make them visible above the weeds. There might be no
markings on the stake, or only simple generic markings. This
could just mean that this is the correct road and turn here. It
could also signal a proposed or approximate location for
some future work.

Stakes with simple markings: Flags with some type of

identification (it might be names or numbers). This one was
used for a proposed well pad access road location. There
are no dimensions given on these.
takes with simple flags and basic identification: The stakes
shown here all indicate an access route to be used for
equipment and trucks to get to a proposed pipeline right of
way. The “H310″ is the EQT name for the 30” OVC pipeline.
Control points: These three stakes are identifying a control
point that is outside the limits of disturbance (LoD). These
markings surround a pin to be used for reference.
Controls points: This stake is also identifying a control point
location. All control points will have some type of driven
metal rod, usually with a plastic cap identifying the
surveyor. Frequently there are three stakes with extra flags
or tape. They are always set off to the side of the intended
work area. They are not to be disturbed.
Control points: Another set of three stakes marking a
Control Point location. It is common to see triple stakes with
elaborate, multiple flags. Even if only two stakes are
present, there always will be a driven steel pin and
identifying cap.
Control points: This shows a close-up of the identifying cap
on a metal driven steel pin. Control point locations are not
meant to be disturbed as they are for future and repeated
reference. They might give the latitude and longitude on the
stake plus the altitude above sea level.

Control points: This is another, older control point location.

This represents a typical arrangement where the stakes
somewhat try to protect the metal pin from a bulldozer blade
by warning its operator.
Limit of disturbance: The “L O D” here means the limits of
disturbance. Beyond this point there should not be any trees
cut or dirt moved. The stakes shown here indicates that this
is the outside limit of where the contractor will be disturbing
the original contour of the surface soil
Limit of disturbance: The “L O D” means the limits of
disturbance of the proposed pipeline right of way. Beyond
this point there should not be any trees cut or dirt moved.
This could also be used for the outside edge of well pads or
access roads or pond locations.
Pipelines: Stakes with flags and “center line” markings are
usually for pipelines. Here you see the symbol for center
line: a capital letter “C” imposed on the letter “L”.

Surveyor flags and tape: Sometime the flags or streamers are just
attached to trees, fence posts, or put on a stake to make
them visible above the weeds. There might be no markings
on the stake, or only simple generic markings. This could
just mean that this is the correct road and turn here. It could
also signal a proposed or approximate location for some
future work.
 Simple surveyor’s flags or tape

Surveyor flags and tapes: These are a selection of typical

surveyor tapes, also called flags or ribbons. Many other
specialty color combinations are available to the
professional surveyor.

A selection of surveyor tapes

Stakes with simple markings: Flags with some type of

identification (it might be names or numbers). This one was
used for a proposed well pad access road location. There
are no dimensions given on these.
 Stake with simple markings

Stakes with simple flags and basic identification: The stakes shown
here all indicate an access route to be used for equipment
and trucks to get to a proposed pipeline right of way. The
“H310″ is the EQT name for the 30” OVC pipeline.

Stakes indicating an access route

Control points: These three stakes are identifying a control

point that is outside the limits of disturbance (LoD). These
markings surround a pin to be used for reference.
 Control point stakes

Controls points: This stake is also identifying a control point

location. All control points will have some type of driven
metal rod, usually with a plastic cap identifying the
surveyor. Frequently there are three stakes with extra flags
or tape. They are always set off to the side of the intended
work area. They are not to be disturbed.

Control point stake and pin

Control points: Another set of three stakes marking a Control

Point location. It is common to see triple stakes with
elaborate, multiple flags. Even if only two stakes are
present, there always will be a driven steel pin and
identifying cap.
 Control point stakes and pin

Control points: This shows a close-up of the identifying cap on

a metal driven steel pin. Control point locations are not
meant to be disturbed as they are for future and repeated
reference. They might give the latitude and longitude on the
stake plus the altitude above sea level.

Control point pin and cap

Control points: This is another, older control point location.

This represents a typical arrangement where the stakes
somewhat try to protect the metal pin from a bulldozer blade
by warning its operator.
 Control point pin protection

Limit of disturbance: The “L O D” here means the limits of

disturbance. Beyond this point there should not be any trees
cut or dirt moved. The stakes shown here indicates that this
is the outside limit of where the contractor will be disturbing
the original contour of the surface soil.

Limit of disturbance stakes

Limit of disturbance: The “L O D” means the limits of

disturbance of the proposed pipeline right of way. Beyond
this point there should not be any trees cut or dirt moved.
This could also be used for the outside edge of well pads or
access roads or pond locations.
 Limit of disturbance ROW stakes

Pipelines: Stakes with flags and “center line” markings are

usually for pipelines. Here you see the symbol for center
line: a capital letter “C” imposed on the letter “L”.

Pipelines center line

Pipelines: Again you see the capital letter “C” super imposed
on top of the letter “L” used frequently for pipe line center
lines, but can also be used for proposed access roads.
Surveyor flags and tape: Sometime the flags or streamers are just
attached to trees, fence posts, or put on a stake to make
them visible above the weeds. There might be no markings
on the stake, or only simple generic markings. This could
just mean that this is the correct road and turn here. It could
also signal a proposed or approximate location for some
future work.
 Simple surveyor’s flags or tape

Surveyor flags and tapes: These are a selection of typical

surveyor tapes, also called flags or ribbons. Many other
specialty color combinations are available to the
professional surveyor.

A selection of surveyor tapes

Stakes with simple markings: Flags with some type of

identification (it might be names or numbers). This one was
used for a proposed well pad access road location. There
are no dimensions given on these.
 Stake with simple markings

Stakes with simple flags and basic identification: The stakes shown
here all indicate an access route to be used for equipment
and trucks to get to a proposed pipeline right of way. The
“H310″ is the EQT name for the 30” OVC pipeline.

Stakes indicating an access route

Control points: These three stakes are identifying a control

point that is outside the limits of disturbance (LoD). These
markings surround a pin to be used for reference.
 Control point stakes

Controls points: This stake is also identifying a control point

location. All control points will have some type of driven
metal rod, usually with a plastic cap identifying the
surveyor. Frequently there are three stakes with extra flags
or tape. They are always set off to the side of the intended
work area. They are not to be disturbed.

Control point stake and pin

Control points: Another set of three stakes marking a Control

Point location. It is common to see triple stakes with
elaborate, multiple flags. Even if only two stakes are
present, there always will be a driven steel pin and
identifying cap.
 Control point stakes and pin

Control points: This shows a close-up of the identifying cap on

a metal driven steel pin. Control point locations are not
meant to be disturbed as they are for future and repeated
reference. They might give the latitude and longitude on the
stake plus the altitude above sea level.

Control point pin and cap

Control points: This is another, older control point location.

This represents a typical arrangement where the stakes
somewhat try to protect the metal pin from a bulldozer blade
by warning its operator.
 Control point pin protection

Limit of disturbance: The “L O D” here means the limits of

disturbance. Beyond this point there should not be any trees
cut or dirt moved. The stakes shown here indicates that this
is the outside limit of where the contractor will be disturbing
the original contour of the surface soil.

Limit of disturbance stakes

Limit of disturbance: The “L O D” means the limits of

disturbance of the proposed pipeline right of way. Beyond
this point there should not be any trees cut or dirt moved.
This could also be used for the outside edge of well pads or
access roads or pond locations.
 Limit of disturbance ROW stakes

Pipelines: Stakes with flags and “center line” markings are

usually for pipelines. Here you see the symbol for center
line: a capital letter “C” imposed on the letter “L”.

Pipelines center line

Pipelines: Again you see the capital letter “C” super imposed
on top of the letter “L” used frequently for pipe line center
lines, but can also be used for proposed access roads.
 Pipelines center line

Pipelines: As shown here, “C” and “L” center line flags can also
be used for future well pad access roads.
Precise location markings: Stakes like this will usually have
a steel pin also associated with it. This stake gives the
latitude, longitude, and elevation of the site.

Permanent property lines: You may also find markings, like

this one inch steel rod with an alum cap, that denote
permanent property lines and corners of property.

Permanent property lines: Another kind of permanent

property line or corner marker is the “boundary survey
monument.” This is likely an aluminum cap on top of a one
inch diameter steel bar.