CHAPTER 8

a. Control by Traversing – A series of horizontal distances and

CONTROL SURVEYS directions are observed to connect points whose positions are
to be determined. It consists of closed polygons with most of
A control survey provides a framework of survey points, whose relative
the sides and angles measured directly in the field.
positions, in two or three dimensions, are known to specified degrees of accuracy.
The areas covered by these points may extend over a whole country and form the
b. Control by Triangulation – if a large area is to be surveyed and
basis for the national maps of the country. Alternatively, the area may be relatively
where the methods of traversing would not be expected to
small, encompassing a construction site for which a large-scale plan is required.
maintain a uniform high accuracy over the entire area, this
The types of engineering project envisaged are the construction of long tunnels
procedure is appropriate. It consists of networks of geometric
and/or bridges, deformation surveys for dams and reservoirs, three-dimensional
figures with almost all of the angles measured directly in the
tectonic ground movement for landslide prediction, to name just a few. Hence
field and with relatively few of sides measured. The positions,
control networks provide a reference framework of points for:
elevations, lengths and directions of the lines joining these
1. Topographic mapping and large-scale plan production distant points need to be determined.
2. Dimensional control of construction work c. Control by Trilateration – it is the most accurate of the three
3. Deformation surveys for all manner of structures, both new and old methods of establishing horizontal control because distances
4. The extension and densification of existing control network. are measured more accurately than angles. It has an advantage
that checks can be made in the calculations while moving
through the system by more than one possible route.
8.1. CONTROL SURVEY
2. VERTICAL CONTROL
Control Surveying is referred to as the determination of the precise position
of a number of stations which are distributed over a large area. Establishing stations The Vertical Control consists of a system of benchmarks
of systems serves as the basis for originating other subordinate surveys for conveniently located for use when the elevations of contour points or other
engineering projects such as topographic and hydrographic mapping; planning, objects are to be observed. These are usually established on circuits run by
design and layout of highways and railroads; and delineation of property. There are the usual methods of differential leveling. This survey can be run either
two types of Control Survey which are laid out in the form of nets covering the Barometric, Trigonometric and Differential Leveling. Inertial and Satellite
areas to be surveyed. Dropper Systems are now also used in the establishment of vertical control.

1. HORIZONTAL CONTROL
8.2.TRIANGULATION
Horizontal Control surveys over extensive areas generally
establish geodetic latitudes and longitudes. When control surveys are Triangulation Method is based on the trigonometric proposition that if one
performed on smaller areas, plane rectangular coordinates are determined side and the three angles of a triangle are known, the remaining sides can be
directly without obtaining geodetic latitudes and longitudes. Establishment computed. The survey stations are points on the ground which define the vertices
of a network of triangulation stations is the main objective of horizontal of triangles forming parts of quadrilaterals or chains of triangles. Horizontal angles
control survey. The field procedures used includes:
and limited number of sides are measured to compute the position of other stations smokestacks, or water towers. The intersection stations are not occupied, but their
trigonometrically. positions are calculated; thus, they become available as local reference points.

8.3. TRIANGULATION SYSTEM

Triangulation System consists of a network of connected triangles which
adjoin or overlap each other. The vertices of which are marked points on the earth’s
Example of Triangulation Network surface. There are different geometric figure arrangements used to form
triangulation systems which can be used for a particular survey. These are:
In triangulation, a large number of inherent checks and closure conditions
are available to detect blunders and errors in the field. It is preferred as a principal 1. Chain of Triangles – the simplest form of triangulation system since it
method for horizontal control surveys prior to electronic devices in the survey of involves a minimum of angular measurements and calculations for the
extensive areas. It is employed in every sizable city to form a network of amount of area covered. It is usually employed in long and narrow surveys
consistently accurate control measurements. It also needed for construction projects of low precision such as for a valley or a narrow body of water. There is
that required high accuracy of control locations such as bridges, tunnels, highways only one route through this type of system and it is necessary to frequently
and other engineering constructions. measure base lines as checks for the work.
2. Chain of Quadrilaterals – the most commonly used triangulation system
In executing triangulation surveys, intersection stations can be located as
which used in long and narrow surveys where high degree of precision is
part of the project. In this process, angles are observed from as many occupied
required. Each figure is composed of two pairs of overlapping triangles
points as possible to tall prominent objects in the area such as church spires,
 which gives the maximum opportunity for the distribution of angular errors. relative precision of angle and distance measurements. It is somewhat
In this triangulation system, there are eight independent angles to be complex and requires lengthy computations.
measured and four geometric conditions must be satisfied. It is the simplest
which permits rigorous closure checks and adjustments of observational 2. Approximate Method – this is a simple and convenient method used to
errors. The figure also allows point positions to be calculated by four adjusting the angles and sides of triangulation system. The two steps
independent routes for computational checks. involved in this method are:
3. Chain of Polygon – it is composed of a group of triangles having within it
a station which is at a vertex common to all triangles. It is used when a. Station Adjustment – the first step is to adjust the sum of angles
horizontal control is to be extended over a wide area involving a large about each station equal to 360 degrees. If the sum of the angles in
number of points such as large triangulation survey for a city. each station are not equal to 360 degrees, an adjustment is made by
determining the error. The error is distributed equally in each angle.
b. Figure Adjustment – it is performed only after the station
In a triangulation system, it is essential that the length of one side be adjustment. It requires the sum of interior angles for each triangle
measured directly from the interior horizontal angles to make possible calculation is equal to 180 degrees. If its sum of interior angles (using the
on remaining triangle sides in the net. It is also required to identify some adjusted angles from station adjustment) is not equal to 180
measurement for the purpose of checking or verifying the accuracy of both degrees, an adjustment is made by determining the error in each
computations and the field work. Such measurements may consist of check angles, triangle and this error is distributed equally in each interior angle.
additional base lines, check bases, or observed astronomical directions.
INSTRUCTIVE PROBLEM:
The measurement of base line forms the most important part of
8.1. For the given chain of triangles shown in the accompanying figure and
triangulation operations. The base line is laid down with great accuracy of
tabulation, perform approximate method to adjust the given angles.
measurement and alignment as it forms the basis for the computations of
triangulation system. The length of the base line depends upon the grades of the
triangulation.

8.4. ADJUSTMENT OF A CHAIN OF TRIANGLES

In the adjustment of measured quantities in triangulation, two basic
objectives are the removal of inconsistencies and prevention of error accumulation.
The adjustment of triangulation data may be undertaken by the exact method, these
are:
1. Method of Least Squares – it is the most frequently used in surveying. This
method based upon the theory of probability and is one which
simultaneously adjusts the angular and linear measurements to make the
sum of the squares of the residuals minimum. It is applied regardless of the
 ANGLE OBSERVE ANGLE OBSERVE ANGLE OBSERVE 8.5. STREGTH OF FIGURES
VALUE VALUE VALUE
a 250°20’00” b 50°29’20” c 59°10’30” The Strength of Figure is important factor to be considered in triangulation
d 280°39’10” e 79°21’00” f 150°10’20” system since it refers to the effect of the proportions of a triangle on the accuracy
g 75°20’20” h 50°15’30” i 84°14’00” with which the lengths of the sides can be computed. Strength of figure is not based
j 260°00’00” k 54°45’45” l 45°14’00” on an absolute scale. It’s an expression of relative strength and can be evaluated
m 310°31’30” n 49°28’00” quantitatively in terms of a factor of R (Strength of Figure) based on theory of
Solution: probability. The stronger figure has the smaller value or it is the route which will
provide the computed length of the final line with the smallest error.
The lengths of the triangle sides in triangulation system are computed by
the law of sines. The given data are the length of the base line and the horizontal
angles of each triangle. The effect of the size of the distance angles on the strength
of a figure is expressed by the quantity ∑(∆𝐴 2 + ∆𝐴 ∆𝐵 + ∆𝐵 2 ).

The expression determining the relative strength of two or more possible

systems of figure is
𝐷−𝐶
𝑅= ∑(∆𝐴 2 + ∆𝐴 ∆𝐵 + ∆𝐵 2 ) = 𝐹 ∑(∆𝐴 2 + ∆𝐴 ∆𝐵 + ∆𝐵 2 )
𝐷

Where:
𝑅 = Relative strength of figure
𝐷 = Number of directions observed (forward and back), not including
the fixed or known side of a given figure.
𝐶 = Number of geometric conditions to be satisfied in a given figure
or equal to (𝑛′ − 𝑠 ′ + 1) + (𝑛 − 2𝑠 + 3)
𝐷−𝐶
𝐹 = a factor for computing strength of figure and equal to
𝐷
𝑛′ = number of line observed in both directions, including the fixed or
known side of a given figure.
𝑠′ = number of occupied stations
𝑛 = total number of lines in figure, including fixed or known line.
𝑠 = total number of stations
INSTRUCTIVE PROBLEM: 8.5. REDUCTION TO SEA LEVEL
8.2. In the following figures, determine the strength of figure factors. The conditions The commonly used datum in elevation by means of mean sea level. It is
given are that all stations are occupied and all lines are observed in both important in triangulation system that the base line is reduced to sea level lengths
directions. without correction so that all other lines are correspondingly reduced by
ℎ
computation. The derivation of the sea level reduction factor (𝑓𝑆𝐿 ) is 𝑓𝑆𝐿 = (1 − ).
𝑅
Where the 𝑅 is the radius of curvature, but if the 𝑅 is not given, the average radius
of curvature is 6,372,226 m or 20,906,000 ft. and ℎ is the average elevation above
sea level of the two points.

a.
INSTRUCTIVE PROBLEM:
8.3. A line measurement 5,000.00 m at an average elevation of 200 m. If the average
radius of curvature in the area is 6,354,243 m, determine the equivalent sea
level length.
Solution:

b.

8.4. The elevation above mean sea level of the two endpoints of a base line for a
triangulation system, as determined by differential leveling, are 613.45 m and
615.22 m, respectively. Determine the mean sea level length of the line if its
actual measured horizontal length is 4,125.85 m.
c. Solution:
8.6. EQUATION FOR ELEVATION OF THE LINE OF SIGHT
In triangulation work where there are problems regarding the intervisibility
of triangulation stations and in the construction of observation towers, these are
resolved with the use of the formula:
𝑑
ℎ = ℎ1 + (ℎ2 − ℎ1 ) ( 1 ) − 0.065𝑑1 𝑑2
𝑑3

where:
ℎ = elevation of line of sight at obstruction (meters)
ℎ1 = elevation of the first station (meters)
ℎ2 = elevation of the second station (meters)
𝑑1 = distance between first station and obstruction (kms)
𝑑2 = distance between obstruction and second stations (kms)
𝑑3 = distance from first station to second station (kms)
INSTRUCTIVE PROBLEM:
8.5. Hill A, with an elevation of 540.235 m, is on a line between Hill B and Hill C.
It is 16.608 km from Hill B and 11.878 km from Hill C. The elevations of Hill
B and Hill C are 535.139 m and 546.371 m, respectively. If a line of sight
originating from Hill B is directed toward Hill C, determine the following:
a. Whether Hill C is visible from Hill B.
b. Height of identical towers which could be constructed at Hill B and Hill C
so that the line of sight clear Hill A by 3 meters.
c. Height of tower which could be constructed on Hill B so that the line of
sight would clear the ground at Hill A by 3 meters, if no tower is to be
constructed on Hill C.
d. Height of a tower which could be constructed on Hill C so that the line of
sight would clear the ground at Hill A by 3 meters.
e. Of the three options stated in requirements b, c and d, which would be the
most economical?
Solution:
8.7. SPHERICAL EXCESS INSTRUCTIVE PROBLEM:

The correction for the curvature at the earth has to be considered when the 8.6. The interior angles in triangle ABC are A = 58°30’30”, B = 64°17’25”, and C
control system contains triangles of sufficiently large sizes. It will be expected that =57°12’17”. The distance from A to B has been found from preliminary
the sum of horizontal angles of each triangle would be larger than 180° since these calculations to be 36,285.55 m. Determine the spherical excess in the triangle
angles are measured not in parallel planes but in a plane perpendicular to the and the corrected values for each angle.
direction of gravity at the position of the station. The amount by which the sum of
Solution:
the angles of a triangle exceeds 180° is called the Spherical Excess.
Spherical excess is dependent on the area of the triangle and on the latitudes
of the vertexes. It is approximately equal to 1 second for every 196 square
kilometers. The excess is divided between the three angles of the triangle, the
corrections being subtracted from the observed values. A more exact value for
determining the spherical excess in seconds is given by the formula:
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎
𝑒" = 8.7. In the accompanying figure, the lengths of the sides of triangle ABC, as
𝑅2 sin 01"
measured with an EDM instrument, are AB =
923.245 m, BC = 517.328 m, and CA =
896.126 m. The azimuth from south of side CB
8.8. TRILATERATION
is 340°15’20” and the coordinates of Station B
Trilateration is another method used in extending horizontal control. It is are xb = 10,150.022 m and yb = 9,450.085 m.
based on the trigonometric proposition that if the three sides of a triangle are known, Assuming that the given lengths are free from
the three angles can be computed. From this data, the directions of the lines and systematic errors, determine the following
positions of the points in the triangle can then be determined. Trilateration is ideally preliminary data which are to be used in
suited when there is a need to densify control such as on large engineering projects subsequent adjustment by trilateration:
or surveys of wide metropolitan areas.
a. Interior angles of the figure.
The geometric figures used in trilateration, although not as standardized, b. Azimuth from south of sides AB and CA
are similar to those employed in triangulation. Stations should be intervisible and c. Coordinates for points A and C.
are therefore placed in elevated locations, sometimes using towers to elevate
Solution:
instruments and observers when necessary.
Because of intervisibility requirements and the desirability of having
essentially square networks, trilateration is ideally suited to densify control in
metropolitan areas and on large engineering projects. Trilateration computations
consist of reducing observed slope distances to horizontal lengths, then to the
ellipsoid, and finally to grid lengths if the calculations are being done in state plane
coordinate systems.
SOLUTIONS AND ANSWERS TO INSTRUCTIVE PROBLEMS: Adjusted angles:
8.1. 𝑎′ = 250°20′ + 3.33′′ = 250°20′ 3.33′′
𝑏 ′ = 50°29′ 20′′ + 3.33′′ = 50°29′ 23.33′′
𝑐 ′ = 59°10′ 30′′ + 3.33′′ = 59°10′ 33.34′′
About Station B:
𝑠𝑢𝑚 = 280°39′ 10′′ + 79°21′ = 360°00′10′′
𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = 360° − 360°00′ 10′′ = −10′′
−10′′
𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑟. = = −5′′
2

Adjusted angles:
𝑑′ = 280°39′ 10′′ − 5′′ = 280°39′ 05′′
𝑒 ′ = 79°21′ − 5′′ = 79°20′ 55′′
About Station C:
ANGLE OBSERVE ANGLE OBSERVE ANGLE OBSERVE
VALUE VALUE VALUE 𝑠𝑢𝑚 = 150°10′ 20′′ + 75°20′ 20′′ + 50°15′ 30′′ + 84°14′ = 360°0′10′′
a 250°20’00” b 50°29’20” c 59°10’30”
𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = 360° − 360°0′ 10′′ = −10′′
d 280°39’10” e 79°21’00” f 150°10’20”
g 75°20’20” h 50°15’30” i 84°14’00” −10′′
𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑟. = = −2.5′′
j 260°00’00” k 54°45’45” l 45°14’00” 4
m 310°31’30” n 49°28’00” Adjusted angles:
𝑓 ′ = 150°10′ 20′′ − 2.5′′ = 150°10′ 17.5′′
Station Adjustment: (Note: The sum of the angles about each station must equal to 360°.
If this condition is not satisfied an error exists and the observed angles need to be adjusted.) 𝑔′ = 75°20′ 20′′ − 2.5′′ = 75°20′ 17.5′′
About Station A: ℎ′ = 50°15′ 30′′ − 2.5′′ = 50°15′ 27.5′′
𝑠𝑢𝑚 = 250°20′ + 50°29′ 20′′ + 59°10′ 30′′ = 359°59′50′′ 𝑖 ′ = 84°14′ − 2.5′′ = 84°13′ 57.5′′
𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = 360° − 359°59′ 50′′ = 10′′ About Station D:
10′′ 𝑠𝑢𝑚 = 260° + 54°45′ 45′′ + 45°14′ = 359°59′45′′
𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑟. = 3
= 3.33′′
 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = 360° − 359°59′45′′ = 15′′ 𝑒 ′′ = 79°20′ 55′′ − 8°23′ 31.94′′ = 70°57′23.06′′

𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑟. =
15′′
= 5′′ 𝑔′′ = 75°20′ 17.5′′ − 8°23′ 31.94′′ = 66°56′ 45.56′′
3
Considering triangle ACD:
Adjusted angles:
𝑠𝑢𝑚 = 𝑐 ′ + ℎ′ + 𝑘′ = 59°10′ 33.34′′ + 50°15′ 27.5′′ + 54°45′ 50′′
𝑗 ′ = 260° + 5′′ = 260°00′05′′
𝑠𝑢𝑚 = 164°11′ 50.84′′
𝑘 ′ = 54°45′ 45′′ + 5′′ = 54°45′ 50′′
𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = 180° − 164°11′ 50.84′′ = 15°48′ 9.16′′
𝑙 ′ = 45°14′ + 5′′ = 45°14′ ′05′′
15°48′ 9.16′′
About Station E: 𝐶𝑜𝑟𝑟. = = 5°16′ 3.05′′
3

𝑠𝑢𝑚 = 310°31′ 30′′ + 49°28′ = 359°59′30′′ Adjusted angles:

𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = 360° − 359°59′ 30′′ = 30′′ 𝑐 ′′ = 59°10′ 33.34′′ + 5°16′ 3.05′′ = 64°26′ 36.39′′

𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑟. =
30′′
= 15′′ ℎ′′ = 50°15′ 27.5′′ + 5°16′ 3.05′′ = 55°31′ 30.55′′
2
𝑘 ′′ = 54°45′ 50′′ + 5°16′ 3.05′′ = 60°01′ 53.05′′
Adjusted angles:
Considering triangle DCE:
𝑚′ = 310°31′ 30′′ + 15′′ = 310°31′ 45′′
𝑠𝑢𝑚 = 𝑙 ′ + 𝑖 ′ + 𝑛′ = 45°14′ ′05′′ + 84°13′ 57.5′′ + 49°28′ 15′′
𝑛′ = 49°28′ + 15′′ = 49°28′ 15′′
𝑠𝑢𝑚 = 178°56′ 17.5′′
Figure Adjustment: (Note: The sum of the three interior angles in each triangle should be
equal to 180°. If this condition is not satisfied, their sum is subtracted from 180° and to each 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = 180° − 178°56′ 17.5′′ = 1°03′ 42.5′′
of the three interior angles one-third of the difference is added algebraically.)
1°03′ 42.5′′
𝐶𝑜𝑟𝑟. = = 0°21′ 14.17′′
Considering triangle ABC: 3

𝑠𝑢𝑚 = 𝑏 ′ + 𝑒 ′ + 𝑔′ = 50°29′ 23.33′′ + 79°20′ 55′′ + 75°20′ 17.5′′ Adjusted angles:

𝑠𝑢𝑚 = 205°10′ 35.83′′ 𝑙 ′′ = 45°14′ ′05′′ + 0°21′ 14.17′′ = 45°35′ 19.17′′

𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = 180° − 205°10′ 35.83′′ = −25°10′ 35.83′′ 𝑖 ′′ = 84°13′ 57.5′′ + 0°21′ 14.17′′ = 84°35′ 11.67′′

−25°10′35.83′′ 𝑛′′ = 49°28′ 15′′ + 0°21′ 14.17′′ = 49°49′ 29.17′′

𝐶𝑜𝑟𝑟. = 3
= −8°23′ 31.94′′

Adjusted angles:
𝑏 ′′ = 59°10′ 33.34′′ − 8°23′ 31.94′′ = 50°47′1.4′′
 ANGLE ADJUSTED ANGLE ADJUSTED ANGLE ADJUSTED 𝐷−𝐶 10−4 6
𝐹= 𝐷
= 10
= 10 = 𝟎. 𝟔𝟎
ANGLES ANGLES ANGLES
a' 250°20′ 3.33′′ b'' 50°47′1.4′′ c'' 64°26′ 36.39′′
c. 𝐷 = 10
d' 280°39′ 05′′ e'' 70°57′23.06′′ f' 150°10′ 17.5′′
g'' 66°56′ 45.56′′ h'' 55°31′ 30.55′′ i'' 84°35′ 11.67′′ 𝑛′ = 6
j' 260°00′05′′ k'' 60°01′ 53.05′′ l'' 45°35′ 19.17′′
m' 310°31′ 45′′ n'' 49°49′ 29.17′′ 𝑠′ = 5
𝑛=6
8.2. 𝑠=5
a. 𝐷=4
𝑛′ = 3 𝐶 = (𝑛′ − 𝑠 ′ + 1) + (𝑛 − 2𝑠 + 3) = (6 − 5 + 1) + [6 − (2 × 5) + 3]
𝑠′ = 3 𝐶=1
𝑛=3 𝐷−𝐶 10−1 9
𝐹= 𝐷
= 10
= 10 = 𝟎. 𝟗𝟎
𝑠=3
8.3. Determine the equivalent sea level reduction factor.
𝐶 = (𝑛′ − 𝑠 ′ + 1) + (𝑛 − 2𝑠 + 3) = (3 − 3 + 1) + [3 − (2 × 3) + 3]
ℎ 200
𝑓𝑆𝐿 = (1 − 𝑅) = (1 − 6,354,243) = 0.999968525
𝐶=1
𝐷−𝐶 4−1 3 Determine the equivalent sea level length.
𝐹= 𝐷
= 4
= 4 = 𝟎. 𝟕𝟓
𝐷 = 𝑑(𝑓𝑆𝐿 ) = 5,000(0.999968525)
b. 𝐷 = 10
𝑫 = 𝟒, 𝟗𝟗𝟗. 𝟖𝟒 𝒎
𝑛′ = 6
8.4. Determine the average elevation.
𝑠′ = 4
613.45+615.22
ℎ𝑚 = = 614.335 𝑚
𝑛=6 2

𝑠=4 Determine the equivalent sea level reduction factor. Using the average radius of
curvature, 6,372,226 m.
ℎ 614.335
𝑓𝑆𝐿 = (1 − 𝑅) = (1 − 6,372,226) = 0.9999035918
𝐶= (𝑛′ ′
− 𝑠 + 1) + (𝑛 − 2𝑠 + 3) = (6 − 4 + 1) + [6 − (2 × 4) + 3]
𝐶=4 Determine the equivalent sea level length.
𝐷 = 𝑑(𝑓𝑆𝐿 ) = 4,125.85(0.9999035918)
 16.608
𝑫 = 𝟒, 𝟏𝟐𝟓. 𝟒𝟓𝟐 𝒎 540.235 + 3 = 535.139 + 𝑥 + (546.371 + 𝑥 − 535.139 − 𝑥) ( )−
16.608+11.878
0.065(16.608)(11.878)
8.5. Note: Assume that the lengths of d1 and d2 are already reduced to their equivalent
lengths at mean sea level. 𝒙 = 𝟏𝟒. 𝟑𝟕𝟎 𝒎
The height of the tower to be constructed at Hill B and Hill C is 14.370 m.
c. Height of tower to be constructed on Hill B so that the line of sight clear
Hill A by 3 meters.

a. Is Hill C visible from Hill B? To determine if it is visible, determine the

Elevation at Hill A if it is greater than or less than to the given elevation.
𝑑
ℎ = ℎ1 + (ℎ2 − ℎ1 ) (𝑑1 ) − 0.065𝑑1 𝑑2
3

16.608
ℎ = 535.139 + (546.371 − 535.139) ( ) − 0.065(16.608)(11.878)
16.608+11.878

𝑑
ℎ = 528.865 𝑚 ℎ = ℎ1 + (ℎ2 − ℎ1 ) ( 1 ) − 0.065𝑑1 𝑑2
𝑑3

Since the value of ℎ is 528.865 which is less than to 540. 235, therefore, Hill C is 16.608
540.235 + 3 = 535.139 + 𝑥 + (546.371 − 535.139 − 𝑥) ( )−
not visible from Hill B. 16.608+11.878
0.065(16.608)(11.878)
b. There are towers to be constructed at Hill B and Hill C so that the line of
𝒙 = 𝟑𝟒. 𝟒𝟔𝟐 𝒎
sight clear Hill A by 3 meters.
The height of the tower to be constructed at Hill B is 34.462 m.
d. Height of tower to be constructed on Hill C so that the line of sight clear
Hill A by 3 meters.

𝑑
ℎ = ℎ1 + (ℎ2 − ℎ1 ) ( 1 ) − 0.065𝑑1 𝑑2
𝑑3
 𝑑 3.05′′
ℎ = ℎ1 + (ℎ2 − ℎ1 ) (𝑑1 ) − 0.065𝑑1 𝑑2 𝐶𝑜𝑟𝑟. = = 1.02′′
3 3

540.235 + 3 = 535.139 + (546.371 + 𝑥 − 535.139) (

16.608
)− 𝐴′ = 58°30′ 30′′ − 1.02′′ = 𝟓𝟖°𝟑𝟎′𝟐𝟖. 𝟗𝟖′′
16.608+11.878
0.065(16.608)(11.878)
𝐵′ = 64°17′ 25′′ − 1.02′′ = 𝟔𝟒°𝟏𝟕′ 𝟐𝟑. 𝟗𝟖′′
𝒙 = 𝟐𝟒. 𝟔𝟒𝟕 𝒎 𝐶 ′ = 57°12′ 17′′ − 1.02′′ = 𝟓𝟕°𝟏𝟐′ 𝟏𝟓. 𝟗𝟖′′
The height of the tower to be constructed at Hill C is 24.647m. 8.7. a. Determining interior angles of triangle
e. For the three options, the most economical will be the lesser height to be ABC. Using Cosine Law:
constructed. Since, there is two towers to be constructed at first option the value of
𝑎2 = 𝑏 2 + 𝑐 2 − 2𝑏𝑐 cos 𝐴
x will be multiply by 2 so that the total height of tower to be constructed is 28.74
m. Therefore, the most economical is the third option since it has a lesser value 𝑏2 +𝑐 2 −𝑎2
𝐴 = cos −1 2𝑏𝑐
of the height of the tower to be constructed.
(896.126)2+(923.245)2 −(517.328)2
8.6. Determining spherical excess. By Sine 𝐴 = cos −1
2(896.126)(923.245)
Law:
𝑨 = 𝟑𝟐°𝟓𝟗′ 𝟒𝟔. 𝟗𝟓′′
𝑎 𝑏 𝑐
= = ;
sin 𝐴 sin 𝐵 sin 𝐶 𝑎 2 +𝑐 2 −𝑏2
𝐵 = cos−1 2𝑎𝑐
𝑐 sin 𝐴
𝑎= sin 𝐶 (517.328)2 +(923.245)2 −(896.126)2
𝐵 = cos−1 2(517.328)(923.245)
36,285.55 sin 58°30′ 30′′
𝑎= sin 57°12′ 17′′
𝑩 = 𝟕𝟎°𝟑𝟕′ 𝟏𝟒. 𝟔𝟔′′
𝑎 = 36,808.07 𝑚
𝑎 2 +𝑏2 −𝑐 2
𝐶 = cos −1
Determining the area of the triangle. 2𝑎𝑏

(517.328)2 +(896.126)2 −(923.245)2

1 1
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 = 𝑎𝑐 sin 𝐵 = (36,808.07)(36,285.55) sin 64°17′25′′ 𝐶 = cos −1 2(517.328)(896.126)
2 2

𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 = 601,690,565.40 𝑠𝑞. 𝑚. 𝑪 = 𝟕𝟔°𝟐𝟐′ 𝟓𝟖. 𝟑𝟗′′

Determining the spherical excess in the triangle. To check: 180° = 32°59′ 46.95′′ + 70°37′ 14.66′′ + 76°22′ 58.39′′ = 180° (ok!)
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 601,690,565.40
𝑒 ′′ = 𝑅2 sin 00°00′01′′ = (6,372,160)2 sin 00°00′01′′

𝒆′′ = 𝟑. 𝟎𝟓′′
Determine the corrected values of each angle. (Note: The spherical excess is always
subtracted.)
b. Determining the azimuth from south of sides AB and CA. 𝑦𝐶 = 𝑦𝐵 ± 𝐿𝑎𝑡𝐵𝐶 = 9,450.085 + 486.914
𝐴𝑍𝐶𝐴 = 340°15′ 20′′ − 76°22′ 58.39′′ 𝒚𝑪 = 𝟗, 𝟗𝟑𝟔. 𝟗𝟗𝟗 𝒎 (y-coordinate of station A)

𝑨𝒁𝑪𝑨 = 𝟐𝟔𝟑°𝟓𝟐′ 𝟐𝟏. 𝟔𝟏′′

𝐴𝑍𝐴𝐶 = 263°52′ 21.61′′ − 180°

𝐴𝑍𝐴𝐶 = 83°52′ 21.61′′
𝐴𝑍𝐴𝐵 = 83°52′ 21.61′′ − 32°59′46.95′′
𝑨𝒁𝑨𝑩 = 𝟓𝟎°𝟓𝟐′ 𝟑𝟒. 𝟔𝟔′′

c. Determining coordinates of points A and C.

𝐿𝑎𝑡𝐴𝐵 = 𝐴𝐵 cos 𝐴𝑍𝐴𝐵 = 923.245 cos 50°52′ 34.66′′ = +582.565 𝑚
𝐷𝑒𝑝𝐴𝐵 = 𝐴𝐵 sin 𝐴𝑍𝐴𝐵 = 923.245 sin 50°52′ 34.66′′ = +716.240 𝑚
𝑥𝐴 = 𝑥𝐵 ± 𝐷𝑒𝑝𝐴𝐵 = 10,150.022 + 716.240
𝒙𝑨 = 𝟏𝟎, 𝟖𝟔𝟔. 𝟐𝟔𝟐 𝒎 (x-coordinate of station A)
𝑦𝐴 = 𝑦𝐵 ± 𝐿𝑎𝑡𝐴𝐵 = 9,450.085 + 582.565
𝒚𝑨 = 𝟏𝟎, 𝟎𝟑𝟐. 𝟔𝟓𝟎 𝒎 (y-coordinate of station A)
Bearing Angle:
𝛽 = 360° − 340°15′ 20′′ = 19°44′40′′
𝐿𝑎𝑡𝐵𝐶 = 𝐵𝐶 cos 𝛽 = 517.328 cos 19°44′40′′ = +486.914 𝑚
𝐷𝑒𝑝𝐵𝐶 = 𝐵𝐶 sin 𝛽 = 517.328 cos 19°44′40′′ = −174.767 𝑚
𝑥𝐶 = 𝑥𝐵 ± 𝐷𝑒𝑝𝐵𝐶 = 10,150.022 − 174.767
𝒙𝑪 = 𝟗, 𝟗𝟕𝟓. 𝟐𝟓𝟓 𝒎 (x-coordinate of station A)
REVIEW EXERCISES:
8.1. Four hills A, B, C, and D are in straight line. The elevations are A = 247 m, B
= 236 m, C = 314 m, and D = 396 m, respectively. The distances of B, C and D
from A are 12 km, 45 km, and 60 km, respectively. Find the height of equal
towers on A and D to sight over B and C with a 3 m clearance. Consider the
effect of curvature and refraction of the earth.
8.2. The top of a mast signal 2000 meters away was sighted through a transit with
recorded vertical angle of 4°10’. The height of the mast is 6 meters and the HI
of the transit above the point where it is set up is 1.20 meters. The elevation of
the base of the signal B is 171.17 m. Compute the elevation of the point under
the transit A with due allowance for curvature and refraction correction, using
the formula h = 0.067K2.
8.3. Two points A and B are each distance 2000 m from a third point C, from which
8.7. Two stations A and B are 540 m apart. From the following triangulation stations
the measured vertical angle to A is 3°30’ and to B is 1°30’. What is the
C and D on opposite sides of AB, the following angles were observed: angle
difference in elevation between A and B considering the effect of the earth’s
ACD = 54°12’, angle DCB = 41°24’, angle ADC = 49°18’, and angle BDC =
curvature and refraction?
47°12’. Find the distance AC and BC to the nearest meter.
8.4. Two hills B and C have elevations of 590 m and 780 m, respectively. Hill A
which has an elevation of 676 m is in between B and C. A is located 18 km
from B and 15 km from C. Determine the clearance of obstruction of the line
of sight if an observer is in B so that C will be visible from B.
8.5. A and B are two points located on each bank of a river and near the abutments
of a proposed bridge. To determine its distance, a base line CD 180 m, long was
established on one bank of the river and the transit was set-up at stations C and
D and the azimuth were take as follows. Compute the length of line AB.
Line Azimuth
C–D 210°
C–A 260°
C–B 290°
D–A 301°
D–B 315°
8.6. In the quadrilateral shown, A = 33°00’, B = 34°30’, C = 40°30’ and D = 37°30’.
Find the values of E and F.