LESSON 6

MEASUREMENT OF HORIZONTAL DISTANCES

WARNING! DO NOT PROCEED IF YOU HAVE NOT READ AND

UNDERSTAND TRIGONOMETRY LM

TARGET

This lesson will be dealing with, measurement of distances.

After going through this lesson, you should be able to:

1. define/describe pace, taping, odometer and measuring wheel

2. solve problems pacing, stadia, and subtense bar

REMEMBER
To make this learning material help you, don’t just read the lesson like reading a
novel or pocketbook. Reading alone will make you forget easily. Instead, write or jot down
important terms and events transpired in the discussion. This is the best way that you can
visualize and interpret the words/ instrument carefully. For problem solving and
computation discussion see to it that you have calculator, paper and pen or pencil. Write
the numbers/ essential details being talked about. There are two important questions that
should be answered in studying involving computation, the How it is done? and most
important the why it is done? As much as possible answer the “how, why” question in
order not to forget easily the discussion. Do not be satisfied just to know the “how” part.

ANCHOR
You have learned on our previous lesson about angle and distance measurements’
relative precision and reliability.
IGNITE
Measurement of Distance

One of the basic operations of plane surveying is to determine accurately the

distance between two points. If the points are of different elevations, the distance is the
horizontal length between plumb lines at the points.

Methods of determining distance depends on the following

a. purpose from which the measurement is intended
b. required precision
c. cost
d. and other conditions

A. Distance by Pacing
Pacing is counting the number of steps or paces in a required distance. A pace is
defined as the length of a step in walking. It may be measured from heel to heel or from
toe to toe.
Pacing furnishes a rapid means of checking measurements taken by other
methods. It is suitable in determining approximate distance where a low precision of
measurement is sufficient. A good pacer may attain 1/200 relative of precision.
The pacer should know his or her pace factor to determine a particular distance by
pacing. Pace factor is multiplied to the counted paces between to points to compute the
horizontal distance. That is
HD = PF x number of paces
Note: Pace Factor (PF) can be computed by dividing the known distance with the
number of paces counted on that same distance

B. Distance by Taping
The most common method of measuring or laying out horizontal distance is by
taping. Taping is stretching of calibrated tape between two points and reading the
distance indicated on the tape. It is a form of direct measurement. Taping relative
precision varies from 1/1000 to 1/25000 or better.
C. Distance by Tachymetry
Tachymetry or Tacheometry is another procedure of obtaining horizontal
distances. It is based on the optical geometry of the instruments employed and is an
indirect method of measurement. Tachymetry is performed either by the use of stadia or
subtense bar.
a. Stadia Method
This method provides a rapid means of determining horizontal distance. It was
introduce by James Watt of Scotland and referred to at the time as micrometer for
measuring distance. Precision of stadia method depends on the following factors:
1. the refinement with which the instrument is manufactured
2. the skill of the observer
3. the length of distance being measured
4. the effects of refraction and parallax
Using this method the relative precision can be achieved is only between 1/300 to 1/1000,
which usually do not conform to the usual precision required in running line for most
engineering surveys. It is mostly used for topographic or reconnaissance survey.
The equipment for stadia measurements consist of a a telescope with two
horizontal hairs called stadia hairs and a graduated rod called stadia rod. It is important
that the line of sight is horizontal and intersect the rod at right angle.
The equation HD = ks + c is used in computing horizontal distances from stadia
intervals when sights are horizontal.
where:
HD = is the horizontal distance
c = the stadia constant (which is the distance from the center of the instrument to the
principal focus)
k = is the stadia interval factor of the instrument (most instrument are designed that this
value is made equal to 100)
Note: if stadia hair reading unit is meters k = 100, if in cm k = 1, the resulting unit
is m
s = is the difference of the upper stadia hair reading and the lower stadia hair reading
b. Subtense Bar Method
The subtense bar is a convenient and practical device used for quick and accurate
measurement of horizontal distances. The bar is 2 meters long, consists of a rounded
tube through which runs a thin invar rod. At each end of the frame the target marks are
housed. It is mounted horizontally on a tripod and placed perpendicular to the line of sight
by means of a sighting device on top of the bar

The procedure for determining the distance between points consists of setting up
the subtense bar at a distant station, and measuring the horizontal angle subtended by
the distance between the two targets. A theodolite, set up at the other end of the line to
be measured is used in measuring the subtended angle. Below is a top view of a typical
subtense measurement.
Based on the figure above, we can use our knowledge in trigonometry to derive the
formula in computing the horizontal distance using subtense bar method.

From the right triangle having an angle of α/2 , base of D and height S/2
we have
𝛼 𝑆/2
tan =
2 𝐷
solving for D

𝑆/2
D= 𝛼
𝑡𝑎𝑛
2

since S = 2

2/2
D= 𝛼
𝑡𝑎𝑛
2

1
D= 𝛼
𝑡𝑎𝑛
2

𝛼
D= cot 2

where
D = the horizontal distance
α = the angle subtended by the targets

D. Distance by Graphical Method

Unknown distance may be determined through their relationship with known

distance geometrically. This method are widely used in plane table surveys and in
triangulation work. Determining distances by scaling from maps or aerial photographs
could also provide sufficiently accurate results.

E. Distance by Mechanical Devices

The mechanical devices are only applicable for low precision surveys or were quick
measurements are desired.
1. Odometer
A simple device that can be attached to a wheel for the purpose of roughly
measuring surface distance. The wheel is rolled over the distance to be measured
and the number of revolutions of the wheel is directly registered by the device. On
a fairly level terrain the odometer may provide a relative precision of 1/200.

2. Measuring Wheel
A measuring wheel is similar in operation to an odometer except that it is a more
portable and self-contained measuring device. It consists of a small wheel attached
to a rod and handle, and can be pushed by an operator

3. Optical Range Finder

This device is handheld or mounted on a small tripod, can be used to determine
the distance approximately by focusing . The operator looks through the eyepiece
ang sights a distant object such as flag or range pole which defines the other end
of the line to be measured. The object is the brought to sharp focus by focusing
knob. When the image split, as seen through the eyepiece, it is brought into
coincidence, then the corresponding distance is read on a graduated scale on the
range finder. For distance less than 500 meters, it is capable to provide a about /
relative precision.
F. Distance by Photogrammetry
Distance are measured with the aid of photographs taken from the aircraft with the
axis of the camera pointed vertically towards the terrain pictured. Using precise
camera/equipment relative precision can be attained at about 1/3000 to 1/5000

Problem Solving Example

1. A line 100 m long was paced by a surveyor four times with following data. 142,
145, 145.5, and 146. Then another line was paced for four times, with the following
results, 893, 893.5, 891, and 895.5.
a. Determine the pace factor.
b. Determine the mpv of the number of paces of the new line.
c. Determine the distance of the new line.

Solution:
a. Pace Factor
mpv of number of paces for 100 m distance

142,+145+ 145.5+146
mpv =
4
mpv = 144.6 paces

𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤𝑛 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒
PF =
𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤𝑛 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒
100 𝑚
PF =
144.6 𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑠

𝑚
PF = 0.691
𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑒

b. mpv of number of paces for the new line

893+ 893.5+ 891+895.5
mpv =
4
mpv = 893.3 paces

c. Distance of New line

HD = PF x mpv
𝑚
= (0.691 )(893.3 paces)
𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑒
HD = 617.3 m

2. A stadia rod was held at a distant point B is sighted by an instrument set up at A.

The upper and lower stadia hair readings were observed to be 2.45 m and 1.25 m,
respectively. If the interval factor k is 100, and the instrument constant c is zero,
determine the length of line AB.

Given:
k = 100
c=0

Solution

s = UHR – LHR
= 2.45 m – 1.25 m
= 1.2 m
HD = ks + c

= 100(1.2) + 0
HD = 120 m

3. A 2-m long subtense bar was set up at A and subsequently at B, and the subtended
angles to the bar, as read from the theodolite position somewhere along the middle
of line AB, were recorded as α = 0°24’15” and β = 0°20’30” respectively. Determine
the length of AB.

Illustration

α β
s s

A HD1 T HD2 B

𝛼
HD1 = cot
2

0°24’15”
= cot
2
HD1 = 283.5 m

β
HD2 = cot
2

0°20’30”
= cot
2

HD2 = 335.4 m

HDT = HD1 + HD2

= 283.5 m + 335.4 m
HDT = 618.9 m
More illustrative problems are available on your book. It is recommended that you
also read, understand and solve the illustrative problems from your book.

EXPLORE

After reading, understanding the topics in measurement of distances and solving

problems in measurement of distances you can answer/solve the question/problems in
UE 2 problems 1 – 3, 8 – 10

Note: Compile your work (UE 2). Follow the guide in compiling UE problems.
(Deadline of Submission will be posted on the GC. Thank you.

IN A NUTSHELL

In this lesson in surveying, the term distance between two points is understood to
mean the horizontal distance, regardless of the relative elevation of the two points.
Horizontal distance can be measured by pacing, taping, tachymetry, measuring
devices, photogrammetry and by graphical method.

Methods of determining distance depends on the following purpose from which the
measurement is intended, required precision, cost and other conditions. Different
methods employed in measuring distance gives different relative precisions.