MODULE 05:

TRAVERSE COMPUTATIONS

A traverse is a series of consecutive lines whose ends have been marked in the field and whose lengths and directions
have been determined from observations. In traditional surveying by ground methods, traversing, the act of marking
the lines, that is, establishing traverse stations and making the necessary observations, is one of the most basic and
widely practiced means of determining the relative locations of points.

There are two kinds of traverses: closed and open. Two categories of closed traverses exist: polygon and link. In the
polygon traverse, the lines return to the starting point, thus forming a closed figure that is both geometrically and
mathematically closed. Link traverses finish upon another station that should have a positional accuracy equal to or
greater than that of the starting point. The link type which is geometrically open but mathematically closed, must have
a closing reference direction. Closed traverses provide checks on the observed angles and distances, which is an
extremely important consideration. They are used extensively in control, construction, property, and topographic
surveys

Traverse Computations

There are various computations and adjustments required for a closed traverse. Some of these include determining
the latitudes and departures and their respective algebraic sums, calculating the total error of closure, balancing the
survey, determining the adjusted position of each traverse station, computing the area and in some instances, diving
a surveyed tract into smaller parts.

Latitudes and Departures

The line of latitude is its projection on the reference meridian or a north-south line. Latitudes are sometimes referred to
as Northings or Southings. Latitude of line with northerly bearing are designated as being North (N) or positive (+).
Those in a southerly direction are designated as south (S) or negative (-) on the other hand, the departure of line is its
projection on to the reference parallel or an East-West line. Departures are East (E) or positive (+); for line having
Westerly bearing are west (W) or negative (-).

Note:
∑ 𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑁 + ∑ 𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑆 = 0

∑ 𝐷𝑒𝑝𝐸 + ∑ 𝐷𝑒𝑝𝑊 = 0

Lat. AB = d AB cosθ AB
Dep. AB = d AB sinθ AB

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Error of Closure

For a closed traversed, this simply means that the algebraic sum of the north & south latitudes should be zero, and the
algebraic sum of the East and West departures should be also zero. The difference between the North and South
latitude designated as CL is called the closure in latitude. Also, the difference between the East and West departures
designated as CD is referred to as the closure in departure. The value of CL and CD assumed the sign which is
obtained by adding algebraically all latitudes and all departures respectively.

The linear error of enclosure (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 error of closure and the angle and that this line makes with the meridian is determined by the
following equations:

𝐿𝐸𝐶 = √(𝐶𝐿)2 + (𝐶𝐷)2

𝐶𝐿 = ∑ 𝑁𝐿 + ∑ 𝑆𝐿

𝐶𝐷 = ∑ 𝐸𝐷 + ∑ 𝑊𝐷

−𝐶𝐷
tan 𝜃 =
−𝐶𝐿

𝐿𝐸𝐶
𝑅. 𝑃. =
𝐷

Where:

R.P. – Relative Precision

D – Total length or perimeter of the traverse
LEC – Linear error of closure
CL – Closure in Latitude
CD – Closure in Departure
Θ – bearing angle of the side of error

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Sample Problem:

1. Given the accompanying tabulation are the observed data for a closed traverse. Determine the following
quantities: latitudes and departures of each course, linear error of closure, bearing of side of error and
precision of the measurements.

Length Azimuth from

LINE
(m) North
AB 233.10 122°30’
BC 242.05 85°15’
CD 191.50 20°00’
DE 234.46 333°35’
EF 270.65 254°08’
FA 252.38 213°00’

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2. Given below is the technical description of Lot 2081, Cebu Cadastre.

Distances
LINE Bearings
(m)
1-2 22.04 S 32°17’ W
2-3 10.00 S 36°25’ W
3-4 5.00 N 15°47’ W
4-1 19.95 N 73°07’ E

a. Determine the latitudes and departures of each line.

b. Compute for the error in closure and relative precision.

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