Compass Survey

• Chain surveying can be used when the area to

be surveyed is comparatively small and is fairly
flat.
• But when the area is large, undulated and
crowded with many details, triangulation
(which is the principle of chain survey) is not
possible. In such an area, the method of
traversing is adopted.
 Traversing
• In Traversing, the framework consist of a number of connected
lines. The length are measured by a chain or a tape and the
directions measured by angle measuring instruments. In one of
the methods, the angle (direction) measuring instrument is the
compass. Hence, in compass surveying directions of survey lines
are determined with a compass and the length of the lines are
measured with a tape or a chain. This process is known as
Compass Traversing
• When lines form a circuit which end at starting point, it is
Known as a closed traverse.
• If circuit is ends elsewhere, it is said to be to be open
traverse.
DEFINITIONS AND IMPORTANT TERMS
Meridian
The reference line with respect to which horizontal angle
of survey line are measured is known as meridian.
• True Meridian
• Magnetic Meridian
• Arbitrary Meridian
Bearing
The horizontal angle measured in clockwise or
anticlockwise direction between the reference meridian
and the survey line is termed as bearing of the survey line.
Different types of bearings are defined based on different criteria.

Based on meridian
Azimuth or True Bearing
Magnetic Bearing
Arbitrary Bearing
Based on direction
Fore Bearing
Back Bearing
Based on designation
Whole circle bearing
Quadrantile bearing (or Reduced bearing)
Based on meridian

Azimuth or True Bearing:-

The azimuth or true bearing of a line is its horizontal angle from
the North direction of the true meridian measured clockwise.

In Figure 19.2, azimuth of a line OA is given by NOA (= 52°),

measured from the North (Geographical) and that of line OB is
NOB (= 208°)
Magnetic Bearing:-

The horizontal angle which a line makes with the magnetic meridian
measured from Magnetic North line is called magnetic bearing. It
varies with time. Magnetic meridian of a line can be measured in the
field by using prismatic compass (Figure 19.3).

Arbitrary Bearing:-
The horizontal angle of a line measured with respect to an arbitrary
meridian is called arbitrary bearing.
 Based on direction
Any straight line has two diametrically opposite directions. The
direction in which a survey work proceeds is known as forward
direction and the opposite direction is known as backward direction.
Thus, there are two types of bearing depending upon the direction of
the line for which it is being is determined.
1. Fore Bearing
2. Back Bearing
 Fore Bearing
The bearing of a line measured in the forward direction (i.e., along the
progress of survey) is known as fore bearing.
In Figure 19.4, fore bearing of the line AB is given by NOB.

Fore bearing = Back bearing ± 180°

 Back Bearing
The bearing of a line measured in the backward direction (i.e.,
opposite to the direction of progress of survey) is known as back
bearing.
In Figure 19.5, the back bearing of the line AB is NOA (= 223°).
NOA is also called bearing of the line BA. Thus,

Back Bearing = Fore Bearing ± 180°

 Based on designation
The angle representing bearing is designated depending on the
measurement of the angle either in clockwise and anti-clockwise
direction measured either from the North or from the South limb
whichever provides minimum angle.
1. Whole circle bearing (Azimuthal system)
2. Quadrantal bearing ( Reduced bearing)
 Whole Circle Bearing
The whole circle bearing (W.C.B) of a line is the horizontal angle
measured clockwise from the North limb of the meridian. It varies
from 0° to 360°.
In Figure 19.6, The whole circle bearing (W.C.B) of the line OA is
52° and that of line OB is 208°.
 Quadrantal Bearing (or Reduced Bearing)
The quadrantal bearing (Q.B.) also known as reduced bearing (RB) of a
line is defined by the acute angle which the line makes with the meridian.
Thus, it depends on the quadrant in which the line presents. It is measured
in clockwise or anti-clockwise direction either from the North or from the
South limb of the meridian whichever is nearer and thus provides minimum
angle. Figure 19.7 represents different types quadrantal bearings of lines.
The bearings of OP, OQ, OR and OS are respectively, N 70° E, S35° E,
S55° W, and N30° W. In all cases, values of bearing of angles lie between
0° and 90°.

Thus, reduced bearing of a line is designated by the direction from which it

is measured (i.e., either N for North or S for South) followed by the value
of the angle at the end, the direction to which it is measured (i.e., either E
for East or W for West).
The Following Table Should be Remembered
for Conversion of WCB to RB
The Following Table Should be Remembered
for Conversion of RB to WCB
 Computation of Angles
Observing the bearing of the line of a closed traverse, it is possible to
calculate the included angles, which can be used for plotting the
traverse.
• At the station where two survey lines meet, two angles are formed, an
exterior angle and an interior angle. The interior angle or included angle
is generally the smaller angle (< 180 0).
 Principle of Compass Surveying
• The Principle of Compass Survey is Traversing; which involves a
series of connected lines the magnetic bearing of the lines are
measured by prismatic compass and the distance (lengths) of the are
measured by chain. Such survey does not require the formulation of
a network of triangle.
• 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, iron ore deposits, electric cables conveying
currents, and so on.
 Types and Uses of Compass
Compass: A compass is a small instrument essentially
Consisting of magnetic needle, a graduated circle, and a line
of sight. The compass can not measure angle between two
lines directly but can measure angle of a line with reference
to magnetic meridian at the instrument station point is called
magnetic bearing of a line. The angle between two lines is
then calculated by getting bearing of these two lines.
There are two forms of compass available:
1. The Prismatic Compass
2. The Surveyor’s Compass
 The Prismatic Compass
The prismatic compass is a magnetic compass which consists of the
following parts:-

Cylindrical Metal Box: Cylindrical

metal box is having diameter of 8 to
12 cm. It protects the compass and
forms entire casing or body of the
compass. It protects compass from
dust, rain etc.
Pivot: Pivot is provided at the centre
of the compass and supports freely
suspended magnetic needle over it.
Lifting Pin and Lifting Lever: A lifting pin is
provided just below the sight vane. When the sight
vane is folded, it presses the lifting pin. The lifting
pin with the help of lifting lever then lifts the
magnetic needle out of pivot point to prevent
damage to pivot head.
Spring Brake or Brake Pin: To damp the
oscillation of the needle before taking a reading and
to bring it to rest quickly, the light spring brake
attached to the inside of the box is brought in
contact with edge of the ring by gently pressing
inward the brake pin.
Magnetic Needle: Magnetic needle is the heart of the
instrument. This needle measures angles of a line from
magnetic meridian a the needle always remains pointed
towards north and south pole at the two ends of the
needle when freely suspended on any support.
Graduated Circle or Ring: This is an aluminum
graduated ring marked with 0 to 360 to measure all
possible bearings of lines, and attached with the magnetic
needle. The ring is graduated to half a degree.
Glass Cover: It covers the instrument box from the
top such that needle and graduated ring is seen from
the top.
Sun Glasses: These are used when some luminous
objects are to be bisected. These are placed in front
of the eye slit and in bunch of three or four shades of
different colours to give sharp picture of the object
only.
Reflecting Mirror: It is used to get image of an
object located above or below the instrument level
while bisection. It is placed on the object vane.
Prism: Prism is used to read graduations on ring and
to take exact reading by compass. It is placed exactly
opposite to object vane. The prism hole is protected by
prism cap to protected by prism cap to protect it from
dust and moisture.
Object Vane: Object Vane is diametrically opposite to
the prism and eye vane. The object vane is carrying a
horse hair or black thin wire to sight object in line with
eye sight.
Eye Vane: Eye Vane is a fine slit provided with eye
hole at bottom to bisect the object from the slit and to
take reading simultaneously from the eye hole. This
eye vane is provided with prism and can be lifted up
and down by the stud to bisect the object of higher
level.
 The Surveyor’s Compass
• This instrument is more or less obsolete these days and
not often used for land surveying. Its construction is
somewhat similar to prismatic compass except that it has
plane sight vane with a narrow vertical slit in place in
prism.
• The graduations on scale vary from 0o to 90o with 0o at
North and South and 90o at East and West positions
marked. The magnetic needle is edge bar type while the
circular graduated scale is fixed with the box. Thus, here,
instead of whole circle bearing, reduced bearings are
recorded.
• It is similar to a prismatic compass except that it has only
plain eye slit instead of eye slit with prism and eye hole.
• This compass is having pointed magnetic needle in place
of broad form needle as in case of prismatic compass.
 Working of the Prismatic
Compass

• When the needle of the compass is suspended

freely. It always points towards the north.
Therefore, all the angles measured with prismatic
compass are with respect to north (magnetic
meridian).
• “The horizontal angle made by a survey line with
reference to magnetic meridian in clockwise
direction is called the bearing of a line.’
• While using the compass, it is usually mounted
on a light tripod which is having vertical spindle
in the ball and socket arrangement to which the
compass is screwed.
 Temporary Adjustment of a
Prismatic Compass
The following procedure should be adopted after the prismatic compass on
the tripod for measuring the bearing of a line:
Centering: Centering is the operation in which compass is kept exactly
over the station from where the bearing is to be determined. The centering
is checked by dropping a small pebble from the underside of the compass.
If the pebble falls on the top of the peg then the centering I correct, if not
then the centering is corrected by adjustment the legs of the tripod.
Levelling: Levelling of the compass is done with the aim to freely swing
the graduated circular ring of the prismatic compass. The ball and socket
arrangement on the tripod will help to achieve a proper lever of the
compass. This can be checked by rolling round pencil on glass cover.
Focusing: The prism is moved up or down in its slide till the graduations
on the aluminum ring are seen clear, sharp and perfect focus. The position
of the prism will depend upon the vision of the observer.
 Observing Bearing of a line
• Consider a line AB of which the magnetic bearing is to be observed.
• Let the ranging rod be fixed at B in line AB and the compass is
centered on A.
• Turn the compass in the direction of line AB.
• When B is bisected by the vertical hair. i.e. when ranging rod at B
comes in line with the slit of eye vane and the vertical hair. i.e. when
ranging rod at B comes in line with the slit of eye vane and the
vertical hair of the object vane, the reading, under the vertical hair
through prism is taken, which gives the bearing of line AB. The
enlarged portion gives actual pattern of graduations marked on ring.
 Magnetic Declination

• The horizontal angle between the magnetic meridian and true

meridian is known as ‘Magnetic declination’
• When the north end of the magnetic needle is pointed towards the
west side of the true meridian the position is termed as
‘Declination West (ӨW).
• When the north end of the needle is pointed towards east side of
the true meridian the position is termed as ‘Declination East (Ө E)
Determination of True bearing and and Magnetic Bearing

True Bearing = Magnetic Bearing Declination

Use + sign when declination is towards East
Use – sign when declination is towards West

Magnetic Bearing = True Bearing Declination

Use + sign when declination is towards West
Use – sign when declination is towards East
 Local Attraction
• North end of a freely suspended magnetic needle
will always point towards the magnetic north, if it is
not influenced by any other external forces except the
earth’s magnetic field. It is common experience that
the magnetic needle gets deflected from its normal
position, if placed near magnetic rocks, iron ore
deposits, steel structures, railway lines, iron electric
poles etc. Therefore , not reliable unless these are
checked against the presence of local attraction at
each station and their elimination.
 Adjustments and Corrections
• The presence of local attraction at any station may be
detected by observing the fore and back bearing of the
line. If the difference between fore and back bearing is
1800 , both end station are free from local attraction. If
not, the discrepancy may be due to local attraction.
• An error in observation of either fore and back bearing
or both .
• Presence of Local Attraction at either station.
• Presence of local Attraction at both the stations and all .
(a) The difference between fore bearings and back bearings of all the survey
lines are determined. The line having a difference of exactly 1800 is
selected as unaffected line. The magnitude and direction of error, i.e. the
deviation from 1800 and its sign (+ ve if more than 1800 and – ve if less than
1800) at other stations is determined. The corrections are thus applied to
other survey lines with reference to unaffected line.
(b) Included angles of all the survey lines are computed for closed
traverses. The sum of these included angles shall be equal to (2n – 4) right
angles, where n is number of survey lines in the traverse. The error if any in
the sum of included angles is then distributed either equally or in proportion
to the magnitude of angle, to all the angles once again starting from the
unaffected line. The bearings of other lines are corrected by taking the
corrected values of included angles.
(c) If no line can be located which has a 1800 difference between its fore
and back bearing, the survey line with minimum deviation is selected and
the error is equally applied in fore bearing and back bearing to bring the
difference to exactly 180o. The bearing of other lines are then corrected
following the procedure discussed above.
 Example : Following are the observed magnetic bearings of the traverse legs:

Line AB BC CD DA

FB (RB) S 59° 30' E N 78° 15' E N 59° 30' W S 30° 15' W

BB (WCB) 300° 30' 256° 00' 125° 15' 12° 45'

At what stations local attraction is suspected? Determine the correct

bearings of the traverse legs and also calculate the included angles.
 The FB of the lines are given in reduced bearing. Their equivalent WCB are

Line FB BB Correction
RB WCB WCB

AB S 59° 30' E 120° 30' 300° 30' 0 at A

BC N 78° 15' E 78° 15' 256° 00' 0 at B

CD N 59° 30' 300° 30' 125° 15' + 2° 15’ at C

W

DA S 30° 15' 210° 15' 27° 45' - 2° 30’ at D

W

The FB and BB of any line differs exactly by 180°, if the stations are free from local
attraction. In the given observation, the FB and BB of the line AB differs by 180° and thus
stations A and B are free from local attraction. The bearing of the lines observed at stations A
and B may be considered to be correct.
 Line Observed Correction Corrected Remarks
FB BB FB BB
AB 120° 30' 300° 30' 0 at A Station C,
120° 30' 300° 30'
D are
BC 78° 15' 256° 00' 0 at B 78° 15' 258° 15' affected
by local
attraction.
CD 300° 30' 125° 15' + 2° 15’ at C 302° 45' 122° 45'

DA 210° 15' 27° 45' - 2° 30’ at D 207° 45' 27° 45'

Given, FB of BC = 78° 15'

Therefore Correct, BB of BC = 78° 15' + 180° = 258° 15'
But, observed BB of BC = 256° 00'
Therefore Error at C = 258° 15' - 256° 00' = - 2°15'
Correction at C = 2° 15'
Observed FB of CD = 300° 30'
Correction at C = + 2° 15'
Therefore corrected FB of CD = 302° 45' - 180° = 122° 45'
and corrected BB of CD = 125° 15'
Error at D = + 2° 30'
or Correction at D = - 2° 30'
observed FB of DA = 210° 15'
Therefore corrected FB of DA = 210° 15' - 2° 30' = 207° 45'
and corrected BB of DA = 207° 45' - 180° = 27° 45' (Checked)
Included angle
As the traverse is running anti-clockwise the included angle will be the interior angles.
Angle at A = F.B. of AB - B.B. of DA = 120° 30' -27° 45' = 92° 45'
B = F.B of BC - B.B of AB = 78° 15' - 300° 30' = - 222° 15' + 360° = 137° 45'
C = F.B of CD - B.B of BC = 300° 30' - 256° 00' = 44° 30'
D = F.B of DA - B.B of CD = 210° 15' - 125° 15' = 85° 00'

Line Observed Correction Corrected Angle

FB BB FB BB
AB 120° 30' 300° 30' 0 at A
120° 30' 300° 30' <A = 92° 45'

BC 78° 15' 256° 00' 0 at B 78° 15' 258° 15' <B =137° 45'

CD 300° 30' 125° 15' + 2° 15’ at C 302° 45' 122° 45' <C = 44° 30'

DA 210° 15' 27° 45' - 2° 30’ at D 207° 45' 27° 45' <D = 85°

Note : In any traverse, running anti-clockwise, included angle at any stations = F.B. of the
forward line - B.B. of the backward line]
Calculation of Bearing (2nd method)
Bearing of the line AB = 120° 30' (correct)
B = 137° 45'
Bearing of the line BC = 258° 15' - 180° = 78° 15' (since traverse is anti-clockwise)
C = + 44° 30'
----------------
122° 45'
Bearing of the line CD = 122° 45' + 180° = 302° 45'
D = + 85° 00'
---------------------------
387° 45'
Bearing of CD = 387° 45' - 180° = 207° 45'
A = + 92° 45'
------------------------
300° 30'
Bearing of AB = 300 30' - 180 = 120 30' (checked)
 Plotting of Traverse Survey / Compass Surveying

The following are the five main methods of plotting a traverse survey:
1. Plotting by Parallel Meridians through Each Station
2. Plotting by Included Angles
3. Plotting by Central Meridian or Paper Protractor
4. Plotting by Rectangular Co-Ordinates
5. Plotting by Chords or Tangents
 Plotting by Parallel Meridians through Each Station
By Parallel Meridians through each station Having fixed the position of the
starting station A suitably on the paper, a line representing the magnetic
meridian is drawn through it. The bearing of the line AB is plotted with an
ordinary protractor and its length is marked off with the scale, thus fixing the
position of the station B. Through B a meridian is drawn, the bearing of BC is
set off and its length measured off with the scale. The process is repeated at
each station until all the lines are drawn. If the traverse is a closed one, the
last line should end on the starting station A; if it does not, the discrepancy is
referred to as the “closing error".
 Plotting by Included Angles
In this method the meridian is drawn through the starting point A and
the bearing of the line AB plotted and its length laid off with the
scale, thus fixing the point B. At B the included angle ABC as
calculated, from the bearings of AB and BC, is plotted with a
protractor and the length of BC is measured off with the scale. The
operation is repeated at each of the succeeding stations.
 Plotting by Central Meridian or Paper Protractor
This method consists of plotting the bearings of all the lines at any point in the
centre of the paper with reference to the meridian by using a large circular paper
protractor, and then transferring these directions to their proper positions by
drawing parallel lines with the help of a parallel ruler. Having marked the point
O in the centre of the paper, draw a line through O to represent the meridian.
Place the protractor with the 0 and 180° graduations coinciding with the line. At
O plot the bearings of all the lines with reference to the meridian. Having settled
the position of the starting point A, draw a line AB through it parallel to its
bearing marked at O with the help of a parallel ruler and measure its length with
the scale, thus fixing the point B as in fig Proceed similarly until all the lines are
drawn. This method is a compass traverse.
 Plotting by Rectangular Co-Ordinates
In this method each of the points of the traverse is plotted by its co-ordinates with reference to two
lines drawn through some Convenient point at right angles to each other. These lines are known as the
axes of co-ordinates and their point of intersection is called the origin of co-ordinates. One of the axes
OX called the X-axis represents the north and south line, (true, magnetic or arbitrary) and the other OY
known as the Y-axis is a line at right angles there to, and represents the east and west line. Any point
may be plotted by measuring with a scale X or Y co-ordinate along the X or Y axis and laying off the
other co-ordinate on the line drawn at right angles at this point. The advantage of this method is that
each point is plotted independently with reference to the meridian and the line at right angles to it
through a common origin and not with regard to the preceding one. Consequently, if any point is
wrongly plotted, the position of any of the succeeding points is not thereby affected. The errors of
plotting cannot, therefore, accumulate. Also the position of each point can be checked by scaling the
distance between the point and the preceding one and by comparing it with the length measured in the
field.
 Plotting by Chords or Tangents
In this method the angles between the various lines are plotted by
geometrical construction with the help of a table of natural tangents. Having
fixed the position of the starting point, a line representing the meridian is
drawn through it (always pointing to the top of the paper) as in fig. To plot
the bearing of the first line AB, a length AB1 of 20 cm is marked off on the
meridian the bearing of the line AB (cm) is then laid off on this
perpendicular. A perpendicular is erected at B1 and distance B1B2 equal to
20 tan θ is marked off, where θ is the reduced bearing of the line A B. The
line joining the points A and B2 determines the direction of the first line AB.
On this line is scaled off the length of AB, thus fixing the position of the
point B. The process is repeated at the point B and continued at other point
till the last line has been drawn. This method is commonly used for plotting
open traverse.
 Distribution of closing error of traverse
When a closed traverse is plotted, it is generally found that last point does not
fall exactly at the starting point. Thus there is a closing error or error of
closure. If the closing error is greater than the permissible error, the field work
should be repeated. However , if the error within the permissible limits, it can
be adjusted. Generally , Bowditch’s rule is used for the adjustment of compass
traverse.
 Adjustment of closing error of traverse
1. To distribute the closing error A A1 (Fig. a), draw one horizontal line of length
equal to perimeter of traverse with some reduced scale.
2. Now mark the survey stations on it proportionally (Fig. b) and transfer closing
error of same length using roller scale to point a.
3. Join the point A and A1 with straight line. Also draw parallel lines at point b, c, d
and e.
4. Transfer B1 b, C1 c, D1 d and E1 e to point B1 , C1 , D1 and E1 respectively in
compass traverse.
5. Finally join new points to get corrected traverse ABCDEA after graphical
adjustment of closing error.
 Graphical adjustment of closing error in a closed traverse.
1) Draw a horizontal line AA1 equal to the length of perimeter of the traverse
to a suitable scale.
2) Mark the distances AB,BC,CD, etc on the line as per their lengths.
3) Draw a perpendicular ... errors
4) Join the the new points which gives the closed traversed. A, B, C, D and A.
Bowditch’s rule adjustment of closing error
1) By shifting each station from its plotted position by the amount which is
proportion to the distance of that station from the stating station .
2) The shift is always parallel to the direction of closing error
P =l
Error in side = € L ×( lenght of side/perimeter of transverse)
Sources of Error in Compass Survey
The errors may be classified as
(i) Instrumental Error
(ii) Error of manipulation and sighting(Personal Error)
(iii) Error due to external influence(Natural Error)
Instrumental Errors
• Needle not being perfectly straight
• The pivot being bent, i.e. not being at the centre of the
graduated circle.
• The needle being sluggish, i.e. the needle having lost its
magnetism
• The pivot point being dull
• The needle neither moving horizontally nor moving freely
on the pivot due to the dip of the needle.
• The plane of sight not passing through the centre of the
graduated ring
• The vertical hair being too thick or loose.
Error due to Manipulation and Sighting
• Inaccurate centring of the compass over the station occupied
• Inaccurate leveling of the compass box when the instrument is set up
• Imperfect bisection of the ranging rods at station or other objects
• Carelessness is reading the needle or in reading the graduate circle
through the prism in a wrong direction.
• Carelessness in recording the observed reading.
Error due to External Influences
• Magnetic changes in the atmosphere on a cloudy or stormy
day.
• Irregular variation due to magnetic storms, earthquakes, sun
spots, lunar perturbations etc.
• Variation in declination, viz, secular, annual and diurnal.
• Local attraction due to proximity of steel structure, electric
lines.