Module – 2 Tacheometry

Tacheometry:
Basic principle, types of tacheometry, distance equation for horizontal and
inclined line of sight in fixed hair method, problems.

Tacheometry:
Tacheometric is also called
tachemetry or telemetry. It is the branch of
surveying in which both horizontal and
vertical distances between stations are
determined from instrumental observations.
Tacheometric is also called tacheometry. The Theodolite
method is rapid and convenient. Although
the accuracy of tacheometry does not
compare favourable with that of chaining but
it is best adapted in obstacles such as steep
ground, deep ravines, stretches of water which make chaining difficult.
The instrument employed for tacheometric purpose, is
Stadia hair
generally know as a tacheometer which is similar to theodolite
having diaphragm fitted with two additional horizontal wires, called
stadia hairs.

Situation where tacheometry can be used:

 When obstacles like river, broken ground, stretches of water, Diaphragms
tacheometer gives speed and accuracy to work.
 In rough country where measurement of horizontal and vertical distances are
difficult inaccurate and slow.
 In locating contours and filling details in a topographic survey, this method is
fast and best.
Purpose:
The primary project of tacheometry is the preparation of contoured plans. It
is considered to be rapid and acurate in rough country and has thus been widely
used by engineers in location surveys for railways, canals, reservoirs, etc. Whenever
surveys of higher accuracy are carried out, tacheometer provide a good check on
distances measured with a tape or a chain.
Difference between Theodolite and Tacheometer
Theodolite Tacheometer
It is used for measurement of horizontal It is used for measurement of horizontal
and vertical angle. and vertical distances.
In Theodolite survey distances are In Tacheometer survey direct
measurement by chain or tape. measurement of distances are possible.
Suitable for plane and hilly area with less Suitable in case obstacles like never
obstacles. broken ground.
More statices are required in Theodolite Less statices are required in
survey Tacheometer survey

G. Ravindra Kumar, Associate Prof, CED, Govt Engg College, Chamarajanagar Page 1 of 23
Module – 2 Tacheometry

Systems of tacheometric measurement:

The various systems of tacheometric measurements may be classified as
under:
1. The stadia hair systems
2. The tangential systems
The Stadia hair systems: the stadia hair system may further be divided into two:
1. Fixed hair method 2. Moveable hair method.
Fixed hair method: In this, stadia hairs are kept at fixed interval and the intercept
on the levelling staff (or stadia rod) varies, depending upon the horizontal distance
between the instrument station and the staff. The intercept used in computation is
deduced by subtracting the lower stadia reading from the upper stadia reading.
When the staff intercept is more than the length of the staff, only half intercept is
read, which is equal to the difference between central stadia hair reading and the
lower/upper stadia hair reading.
This method can be suitable employed even when horizontal sight are not
possible. For inclined sights, reading may be taken by holding the staff either vertical
or normal to the line of sight. This is most common method of tacheometry and the
name stadia hair method generally refers to this method.
Movable hair method: In this method, the intercept on the levelling staff is
kept constant and the distance between the stadia hairs are variable. Targets on the
staff at a known distance apart are fixed and the stadia hairs are adjusted such that
the upper hairs bisects the upper target and the lower hair bisects the lower target,
In this case a provision is made for the measurement of the variable interval
between the stadia hairs. For inclined sights, readings may be taken by holding the
staff either vertical or normal to the line of sight as in the case of fixed hair method.
2. The tangential method: In this method, the stadia hairs are not used.
Readings on a staff are taken against the horizontal cross hair. To measure the
staff intercept, two pointing of the telescope are therefore, necessary. Full metre
value readings are taken to avoid the decimal part and also for simplification of
computations. This method is not adopted as two vertical angles are required to
be measured for one single observation.

Dist
anc
v u A
e
b B’
for
i O S
mul c C
F
a
d A’ f B
for a
hori D

zon
tal sight:

G. Ravindra Kumar, Associate Prof, CED, Govt Engg College, Chamarajanagar Page 2 of 23
Module – 2 Tacheometry

Assuming ‘O’ is the optical centre of the object lens of the external focusing
telescope: a, b, c represent the three horizontal hairs. A, B, C represent respective
points on the staff which appear cut by three hairs, ‘ab’ is the length of the image on
the staff intercept AB.
Let, f = Focal length of the object lens
i = Stadia hair interval ab
S = staff intercept AB
D = Horizontal distance from the axis of the theodolite to staff
d = The distance between the optical centre of the object glass and the axis
of the theodolite.
With the basic knowledge of optics, it is clear that the rays from A and B which pass
through the exterior principal focus of the objective F, travel parallel to the principal
axis after refraction at A’ and B’.
Proof:
A’B’ = ab = stadia hair distance = i
From similar triangles ABF and A’B’F
CF OF

AB A' B'
OF  AB
CF 
A' B'
AB = s, OF = f, A’B’ =i.
f
CF   s
i
f
But D = CF + f + d = s  f d
i
f
D   s   f  d  Tacheometric Distance equation formula
i
D  K  s  C  Tacheometric Distance equation formula
K and C are Tacheometric constants, K is multiplying constant and C = Additive
constant.

Determination of tacheometric constants (K and C) :

S4
S2 S3
S1

0.924
B
G. A
Ravindra Kumar, Associate
25 m Prof, CED,50
Govt
m Engg College,
75 Chamarajanagar
m 100 m Page 3 of 23

25 m 25 m 25 m 25 m
Module – 2 Tacheometry

1. Measure a line AB 100 meters long on a fairly level ground and fix pegs at
25m intervals.
2. Set up the instrument at A and centre it over the ground point accurately.
3. Obtain the staff intercepts s1, s2, s3 and s4 by taking stadia reading on a staff
held vertically at each peg, keeping telescope horizontal by setting the vertical
circle verniers to read zero.
4. Substitute the different values of D and s in the tacheometric distance
formula, i.e. D= k s + C, to get four quadratic equation.
5. Solve the quadratic equations in pairs to get the values of tacheometric
constants.
6. Mean values are the required values of the constants.
f 
D  K S  C   S  f  d
i 
f = focal length of the object lens = distance between the object lens and the
plane of cross hairs,
d = distance between the object lens and the vertical axis of the theodolite.
i = Stadia interval.

Problem: (A.M.I.E, 1972 summer)

Determine the constants of a tacheometer from the following taken with it:
Distance of staff from the Reading against stadia wires
tacheometer vertical axis Lower wire Upper wire
30m 1.086m 1.383m
60m 0.924m 1.521m

Solution:
Staff intercept (S1) = THR – BHR = 1.383 – 1.086 = 0.297m THR = Top hair reading
Staff intercept (S2) = THR – BHR = 1.521 – 0.924 = 0.597m MHR = Middle hair reading
BHR = Bottom hair reading
1.521

1.383 S2
S1
1.086
0.924

30 m
60 m
D1 = KS1 + C ---- (1), D2 = KS2 + C ----(2)

G. Ravindra Kumar, Associate Prof, CED, Govt Engg College, Chamarajanagar Page 4 of 23
Module – 2 Tacheometry

Subtracting eq (1) from eq (2)

60  K  0.597  C
30  K  0.297  C
30  K  0.3
30
K  100
0.3
C = 0.3

Problem: ®
Two distances of 20 m and 100 m were accurately measured out and the
intercepts on the staff between the outer stadia webs were 0.196 m at the former
distance and 0.996 at the latter. Calculate the tacheometric constants:
Solution:
Staff intercept (S1) = 0.196 m
Staff intercept (S2) = 0.996 m

S2 = 0.996
S1 =0.196

20 m
100 m
D1 = KS1 + C ---- (1), D2 = KS2 + C ----(2)

Subtracting Eq (1) from Eq (2)

100  K  0.996  C
20  K  0.196  C
80  K  0.8
80
K  100
0.8
100  K  0.996  C
C  100  100  0.996  0.4

June 2012 / 10CV44 – 08 marks: ®

Sighted horizontally, tacheometric reads 1.645 and 2.840 corresponding to
stadia wires, are vertical staff 120 m away. The focal length of the object glass is
200 mm and the distance from the object glass to the trunnion axis is 150 mm,
Calculate the stadia interval.
Solution:
Given: D = 120m, S = 2.840 – 1.645 = 1.195 m, f = 200 mm = 0.2 m,
d = 150 mm = 0.15m. Stadia interval = i.

G. Ravindra Kumar, Associate Prof, CED, Govt Engg College, Chamarajanagar Page 5 of 23
Module – 2 Tacheometry

f 
D K S  C  S  f  d
i 
 0.2 
120     1.195  0.2  0.15 
 i 
 0.239 
120     0.35 
 i 
0.239
Stadia interval i   1.99 x 10 -3 m  1.99 mm
120 - 0.35 

Problem: ®
The stadia reading with horizontal sight on a vertical staff held 50m away
from a tacheometer were 1.284 and 1.780. the focal length of object glass way
25cm. The distance between the object glass trunnion axis of the tacheometer was
15cm.Calculate the stadia interval (A.M.I.E, 1981 Winter).
Solution:
Given: D = 50 m, S = 1.780 – 1.284 = 0.496 m, f = 25 cm = 0.25 m,
d = 15 cm = 0.15 m. Stadia interval = i.

f 
D K S  C  S  f  d
i 
 0.25 
50     0.496  0.25  0.15 
 i 
 0.124 
50     0.40 
 i 
0.124
Stadia interval i   2.5 x 10 -3 m  2.5 mm
50 - 0.40 
Anallactic lens:
A concave lens specially provided in a telescope between the object lens and eye
piece to eliminate the additive constant (f + d) from the tacheometric distance
equations is known as an anallactic lens. It is fitted in external focussing telescopes
only.
Advantages of an anallactic lens:
The main advantage of an anallactic lens are:
i) By the introduction of anallactic lens the calculation of distances and heights, is
very much simplified. If the multiplying constant is 100 and additive constant is
0, the horizontal distance is obtained by simply multiplying the staff intercept
by 100.
ii) The anallactic lens is sealed against moisture or dust.
iii) The loss of sight can be compensated for by the use of slightly larger object
glass.

G. Ravindra Kumar, Associate Prof, CED, Govt Engg College, Chamarajanagar Page 6 of 23
Module – 2 Tacheometry

Disadvantages of an anallactic lens:

i) It increases absorption of light, decreasing the brightness of image.
ii) It also adds to the initial cost of manufacturing the telescope.
iii) It cannot be cleaned easily.
iv) In case of adjustable, it is a potential source of error unless proper field check
is made peridodically.

Distance and Elevation formulae for staff vertical: Inclined sight

Angle of elevation:

THR
MHR S
THR = Top hair reading
BHR
MHR = Middle hair reading
BHR = Bottom hair reading
r

B
V

MHR Inst axis 

S1

BM
Inst station
(A) D

Horizontal distance (D)  KScos 2 θ  C  cos θ

sin 2θ
Vertical distance (V)  KS  C  sin θ
2
S = Staff intercept = Top hair reading – Bottom hair reading
i) If Height of instrument axis is known
Elevation at B = Height of Instrument axis at A + V – r
ii) If a reading is taken on BM,
Height of Instrument axis = RL of BM + staff reading on BM (S1)
Elevation at B = Height of Instrument axis at A + V – r
iii) If the Elevation of instrument station at A is known
Elevation at B = RL at station A + h + V – r
Note:
If anallactic lens is fitted, C = 0
Horizontal distance (D)  KScos 2 θ

G. Ravindra Kumar, Associate Prof, CED, Govt Engg College, Chamarajanagar Page 7 of 23
Module – 2 Tacheometry

sin 2θ
Vertical distance (V)  KS
2

Elevation of the staff station for angle of depression:

MHR


S1
V

BM Inst station
THR
(A)
MHR S

r BHR
B
D

Horizontal distance (D)  KScos 2 θ  C  cos θ

sin 2θ
Vertical distance (V)  KS  C  sin θ
2
S = Staff intercept = Top hair reading – Bottom hair reading
i) If Height of instrument axis is known
Elevation at B = Height of Instrument axis at A – V – r
ii) If a reading is taken on BM,
Height of Instrument axis = RL of BM + staff reading on BM (S1)
Elevation at B = Height of Instrument axis at A – V – r
iii) If the Elevation of instrument station at A is known
Elevation at B = RL at station A + h – V – r
Note:
If anallactic lens is fitted, C = 0
Horizontal distance (D)  KScos 2 θ
sin 2θ
Vertical distance (V)  KS
2

Dec 2014/ Jan 2015 /10CV44 – 10 marks: ®

G. Ravindra Kumar, Associate Prof, CED, Govt Engg College, Chamarajanagar Page 8 of 23
 Module – 2 Tacheometry

A tacheometer was setup at a station ‘A’ and the readings on a

vertically held staff at B were 2.255, 2.605 and 2.955. the line of sight being at
a inclination of +80 24’. Another observations on the vertically held staff at B.M gave
the readings 1.640, 1.920, and 2.200, the inclination of the line of sight being +1 0 6’.
Calculate the horizontal distance between A and B, and the elevation of B if the RL
of BM is 418.685 metres. The constants of the instruments were 100 and 0.3.

Solution: 2.955
2.605 0.70

2.255
r2

B
2.200
0.56 V2
1.920

1.640 r1
10 6’ 80 24’
V1

BM =
418.685
Inst station
(A)
D

i) Observation to BM:
K = 100, S = 2.200 – 1.640 = 0.560, C = 0.3,  =10 6’ ,
central hair reading r1 = 1.920 m
sin 2θ
Vertical distance (V1 )  KS  C  sin θ
2
sin 2  10 6
Vertical distance (V1 )  100  0.560   0.3  sin 10 6  1.081 m
2
Elevation of collimation at the instrument = R L of BM + r1 – V1
Elevation of collimation at the instrument = 418.685 + 1.920 – 1.081 = 419.524m.
ii) Observation to B:
K = 100, S = 2.955 – 2.255 = 0.700, C = 0.3,  =80 24’
central hair reading r2 = 10.160 m
Horizontal distance b/w A and B  (D)  KScos 2θ  C  cos θ
 
D  100  0.700  cos 2 80 24  0.3  cos 80 24  68.80 m
sin 2θ
Vertical distance (V2 )  KS  C  sin θ
2

G. Ravindra Kumar, Associate Prof, CED, Govt Engg College, Chamarajanagar Page 9 of 23
 Module – 2 Tacheometry

sin 2  8 0 24 
Vertical distance (V2 )  100  0.700   0.3  sin 8 0 24   10.160 m
2

R L of B = Elevation of collimation at the instrument + V2 – r2

R L of B = 419.524 + 10.160 – 2.605 = 427.079 m.

June/July 2014/ 10CV44 – 12 marks ®

A tacheometer was set up at station A and the following readings were obtained on
a vertically held staff:
Station Staff station Vertical angle Cross–hair readings in m Remarks
B.M -20 18’ 3.225, 3.55, 3.875 RL of B.M.=
A 437.655 m
0
B +8 36’ 1.650, 2.515, 3.380
Calculate the horizontal distance from A to B and the RL of B if the constants of the
instrument were k = 100 and C = 0.4.
Solution:
3.380

1.73
2.515

1.650
r2

B
V2

80 36’
V1 20 18’
3.875
3.550
0.65
3.225 r1
Inst station
(A) D
BM = 437.655

i) Observation to BM:
K = 100, S = 3.875 – 3.225 = 0.650, C = 0.4,  =20 18’ ,
central hair reading r1 = 3.550 m
sin 2θ
Vertical distance (V1 )  KS  C  sin θ
2

G. Ravindra Kumar, Associate Prof, CED, Govt Engg College, Chamarajanagar Page 10 of 23
 Module – 2 Tacheometry

Vertical distance (V1 )  100  0.650 


sin 2  2 018' 
 0.4  sin 2 018'  2.625 m
2

Elevation of collimation at the instrument station at A = R L of BM + r1 + V1

Elevation of collimation at the instrument station at A = 437.655 +3.550+2.625 =
443.830 m.
ii) Observation to B:
K = 100, S = 3.380 – 1.650 = 1.730, C = 0.4,  =80 36’
Central hair reading r2 = 2.515 m
Horizontal distance b/w A and B  (D)  KScos 2θ  C  cos θ
 
D  100  1.730  cos 2 80 36'  0.4  cos 80 36'  169.52 m
sin 2θ
Vertical distance (V2 )  KS  C  sin θ
2

Vertical distance (V2 )  100  1.730 


sin 2  8 0 36' 
 0.4  sin 8 0 36'  25.64 m
2 R
L of B = Elevation of collimation at the instrument at A + V2 – r2
R L of B = 443.830 + 25.64 – 2.515 = 466.955 m.

Problem ®
A tacheometer is set up at an intermediate point on a traverse course PQ and the
following observations are made on a vertically held staff:
Staff station Vertical angle Staff intercept Axial hair
readings
0
P – 6 20’ 2.46 1.675
Q + 40 20’ 1.86 1.880
The instrument is fitted with an anallactic lens and the constant is 100. Find the
gradient of the line joining station P and Q.
Solution: Let the instrument station be ‘O’

1.86
1.88

r2

Q
V2

40 20’
V1 60 20’

1.675
2.46
r1
Inst station
(O) D2
D1
P

G. Ravindra Kumar, Associate Prof, CED, Govt Engg College, Chamarajanagar Page 11 of 23
 Module – 2 Tacheometry

i) Observation from instrument station O to P:

K = 100, S = 2.46, C = 0,( fitted with anallactic lens),  =60 20’ ,
Central hair reading r1 = 1.675 m
Horizontal distance b/w O and P  (D1 )  KScos 2 θ  C  cos θ
 
D1  100  2.46  cos 2 6 0 20'  243 m
sin 2θ
Vertical distance (V1 )  KS  C  sin θ
2

Vertical distance (V1 )  100  2.46 


sin 2  6 0 20' 
 26.971 m
2
ii) Observation from instrument station O to Q:
K = 100, S = 1.86, C = 0,  =40 20’
Central hair reading r2 = 1.880 m
Horizontal distance b/w O and Q  (D2 )  KScos 2 θ  C  cos θ
 
D  100  1.860  cos 2 4 0 20'  14.014 m
sin 2θ
Vertical distance (V2 )  KS  C  sin θ
2

Vertical distance (V2 )  100  1.860 


sin 2  4 0 20'
 14.014 m

2

Vertical difference between PQ = V = r1 + V1 + V2 – r2

Vertical difference between PQ = V = 1.675 + 26.971 + 14.014 – 1.88 r2 =1.88

Vertical difference between PQ = V = 40.78 m

Q
V2

V
40 20’
V1 60 20’

r1 =1.675

Inst station
(O)
D1 =243m D2 = 184.94m
P

1
Horizontal distance between PQ = V = D1 + D2 = 243 +184.94 = 427.94 m
Q

Difference in level
Gradient of PQ  1 V = 40.78m
Distance b/w PQ
10.49
1 1 1
Gradient of PQ    P
Distance b/w PQ 427.94 10.49
D = 427.94m
Difference in level 40.78

G. Ravindra Kumar, Associate Prof, CED, Govt Engg College, Chamarajanagar Page 12 of 23
 Module – 2 Tacheometry

June/July 2013/10CV44 – 10 marks: ®

The following are the observations taken from a tacheometer station, Find the
Gradient of line AB. Tacheometric constant 100 and 0.3.

Vertical Staff Axial hair

Inst Station Staff station Bearing
angle intercept reading
P A 400 35’ - 40 24’ 2.175 1.965
P B 1170 05’ - 50 12’ 1.985 1.865

Solution:

40 24’ 50 12’
V1 V2

Inst station
2.175 (P)
1.965 1.865 1.985

r1
r2
A
D1 D2 B

i) Observation from P to A:
K = 100, S = 1.965, C = 0.3,  =40 24’, central hair reading r1 = 1.965 m
Horizontal distance b/w P and A  (D1 )  Kscos 2 θ  C  cos θ
 
D1  100  1.965  cos 2 4 0 24   0.3  cos 4 0 24   195.64 m
sin 2θ
Vertical distance (V1 )  KS  C  sin θ
2

Vertical distance (V1 )  100  1.965 


sin 2  4 0 24' 
 0.3  sin 4 0 24'  15.05 m
2
Elevation of collimation at the instrument at P = R L of staff station A + r1 + V1
Assuming, RL of staff station A = 100.000 m

G. Ravindra Kumar, Associate Prof, CED, Govt Engg College, Chamarajanagar Page 13 of 23
Module – 2 Tacheometry

Elevation of collimation at the instrument at P = 100 + 1.965 +15.05

=117.015 m.
ii) Observation from P to B:
K = 100, S = 1.985, C = 0.3,  =50 12’,
central hair reading r2 = 1.865 m
Horizontal distance b/w P and B  (D2 )  KScos 2θ  C  cos θ
 
D 2  100  1.985  cos 2 50 12'  0.3  cos 50 12'  197.17 m
sin 2θ
Vertical distance (V2 )  KS  C  sin θ
2

Vertical distance (V2 )  100  1.985 


sin 2  5 0 12' 
 0.3  sin5 0 12'  17.94 m
2
R L of B = Elevation of collimation at the instrument at P – V2 – r2
R L of B = 117.015 – 17.94 – 1.865 = 97.21 m.

Difference in level between A and B=100.00 – 97.21=2.79 m

A
(B being at lower level)
195.64
N 0
Gradient b/w P and Q: 40 35’
760 30’
Bearing of PA = 400 35’ P
1170 35’
Bearing of PB = 1170 05’
Included angle APB = Bearing of PB - Bearing of PA
Included angle APB = 1170 05’ - 400 35’ = 760 30’ () 197.17

Applying cosine rule, B

AB2  PA 2  PB 2  2  PA  PB  cos θ
AB 2  195.64 2  197.17 2  2  195.64  197.17  cos 76 0 30'  59,141.08 m2
AB  59,141.08 m2  243.19 m
Difference in level 1 1 1
Gradient of AB    
Distance b/w AB Distance b/w AB 243.19 87.16
Difference in level 2.79
 Gradient of AB = 1 in 87.16 (Fall from A to B)

Problem: ®
Determine the gradient from a point P to another point Q from the following
observations made with a tacheometer fitted with an anallactic lens. The constant of
the instrument was 100 and the staff was held vertically.
Vertical
Inst Station Staff station Bearing Staff readings
angle
P 1300 + 100 32’ 1.255, 1.810, 2.365
R 0 0
Q 220 + 5 06’ 1.300, 2.120, 2.940
Solution:
2.365
1.11 1.810
2.940
1.255 r 2.120 1.640
1

G. Ravindra Kumar, Associate Prof, CED, Govt Engg College, Chamarajanagar Page 14 of 23
1.300
P r2
V1 V2
Module – 2 Tacheometry

i) Observation from R to P:
K = 100, S = 2.385 – 1.255 = 1.110, C = 0 (anallactic lens)
 =100 32’ , central hair reading r1 = 1.810m
Horizontal distance b/w R and P  (D1 )  KScos 2θ  C  cos θ
 
D1  100  1.110  cos 2 10 0 32  107.29 m
sin 2θ
Vertical distance (V1 )  KS  C  sin θ
2

Vertical distance (V1 )  100  1.110 


sin 2  10 0 32 
 19.95 m
2
Elevation of collimation at the instrument at R = R L of staff station P + r1 – V1
Assuming, RL of staff station P = 100.000 m
Elevation of collimation at the instrument at R = 100 + 1.810 – 19.95 = 81.86 m.

ii) Observation from R to Q:

K = 100, S = 2.940 – 1.300 = 1.64, C = 0,  =50 06’,
central hair reading r2 = 2.120 m
Horizontal distance b/w R and Q  (D2 )  KScos 2θ  C  cos θ
 
D2  100  1.64  cos 2 50 06  162.06 m
sin 2θ
Vertical distance (V2 )  KS  C  sin θ
2

Vertical distance (V2 )  100  1.64 


sin 2  5 0 06 
 14.52 m
2
R L of Q = Elevation of collimation at the instrument at R + V2 – r2
R L of Q = 81.86 + 14.52 – 2.120 = 94.26 m.
Difference in level between P and Q=100.00 - 94.26=5.74m (P being at higher level)

Gradient b/w P and Q: N

Bearing of RQ = 2200
R 1300’
Bearing of RP = 1300

2200’ 107.29
Included angle PRQ = Bearing of RQ - Bearing of RP
162.06 900
P
G. Ravindra Kumar, Associate Prof, CED, Govt Engg College, Chamarajanagar Page 15 of 23
 Module – 2 Tacheometry

Included angle PRQ = 2200 - 1300 = 900

Since it’s a right angled triangle,
PQ  RP2  RQ2  107.29 2  162.06 2  194.36 m

Difference in level 1 1 1
Gradient of PQ    
Distance b/w PQ Distance b/w PQ 194.36 33.86
Difference in level 5.74

 Falling Gradient from P to Q = 1 in 33.86 (since P is at higher level)

Dec 2013/Jan 14/10CV44 – 08 marks: ®

The following observations were made using a tacheometer fitted with an anallactic
lens having the constant to be 100 and the staff held vertical.

Inst Height Staff WCB Vertical Hair Readings Remarks

station of Inst station angle
A 300 30’ 40 30’ 1.155, 1.755, R.L of O
O 1.550 2.355, =150.000
B 750 30’ 100 10’ 1.250,2.000, 2.750 m

Calculate (i) horizontal distance AB (ii) RL of A and B (iii) Gradient from A to B

Solution:
i) Observation from O to A:
K = 100, S = 2.355 – 1.155 = 1.20, C = 0 (anallactic lens)
 =40 30’ , central hair reading r1 = 1.755 m
Horizontal distance b/w O and A  (D1 )  KScos 2θ  C  cos θ
 
D1  100  1.20  cos 2 4 0 30'  119.26 m
sin 2θ
Vertical distance (V1 )  KS  C  sin θ
2

2.750
1.25 2.000
0 2.355
1.250 r 1.755 1.200
2

1.155
B r1
V2 V1
100 15’ 40 30’ A

1.550

Inst station (O)

150.000
D2 D1

G. Ravindra Kumar, Associate Prof, CED, Govt Engg College, Chamarajanagar Page 16 of 23
Module – 2 Tacheometry

Vertical distance (V1 )  100  1.200 


sin 2  4 0 30' 
 9.386 m
2
RL of station at A = RL of O + height of inst + V1 – r1
RL of station at A = 150.000 + 1.550 + 9.386 – 1.755 = 159.181 m

ii) Observation from O to B:

K = 100, S = 2.750 – 1.250 = 1.50, C = 0,  =100 15’,
central hair reading r2 = 2.000 m
Horizontal distance b/w O and B  (D2 )  KScos 2θ  C  cos θ
 
D 2  100  1.50  cos 2 10 0 15'  145.25 m

sin 2θ
Vertical distance (V2 )  KS  C  sin θ
2

Vertical distance (V2 )  100  1.50 


sin 2  10 0 15' 
 26.27 m
2
RL of station at B = RL of O + height of inst + V2 – r2
RL of station at B =150.000 +1.550 + 26.27 –2.000 =175.82 m (B is at higher
level)
Difference in level between A and B =175.82 -159.181=16.639 m (B being at higher
level) A
Horizontal distance and Gradient b/w A and B:
Bearing of OA = 300 30’ 159.181
0
Bearing of OB = 75 30’
300 30’
N 450
Included angle = Bearing of OB - Bearing of OA
Included angle AOB = 750 30’ - 300 30’ = 450 750 30’ B
145.25
O
Applying cosine rule,
AB 2  OA 2  OB 2  2  OA  OB  cos θ
AB 2  159.181 2  145.25 2  2  159.181  145.25  cos 45 0  13738.06 m2
AB  13738.06 m2  117.21 m
Difference in level 1 1 1
Gradient from A to B    
Distance b/w AB Distance b/w AB 117.21 7.044
Difference in level 16.639

 Raising Gradient from A to B = 1 in 7.044 (Since B is at higher level)

G. Ravindra Kumar, Associate Prof, CED, Govt Engg College, Chamarajanagar Page 17 of 23
 Module – 2 Tacheometry

Dec 2012 /10CV44 – 10 marks: ®

Following observations were taken with a tachemeter fitted with an anallactic lens
having value of constant to be 100 and staff held vertical.
Inst Station Staff station Bearing Vertical angle Staff readings
0 0
P N 37 W 4 12’ 0.910, 1.510, 2.110
O 0 0
Q N 23 E 5 42’ 1.855, 2.705, 3.555
Determine the Gradient between points P and Q.

Solution:

2.110
1.20 1.510
3.555
0.910 r 2.705 1.70
1

1.855
P r2
V1 V2
40 12’ 50 42’ Q

Inst station
(O)
D1 D2

i) Observation from O to P:
K = 100, s = 2.110 – 0.910 = 1.200, C = 0 (anallactic lens)
 =40 12’ , central hair reading r1 = 1.510 m
Horizontal distance b/w O and P  (D1 )  Kscos 2 θ  C  cos θ
 
D1  100  1.200  cos 2 4 0 12  119.36 m
sin 2θ
Vertical distance (V1 )  Ks  C  sin θ
2

Vertical distance (V1 )  100  1.200 


sin 2  4 0 12 
 8.76 m
2

G. Ravindra Kumar, Associate Prof, CED, Govt Engg College, Chamarajanagar Page 18 of 23
Module – 2 Tacheometry

Elevation of collimation at the instrument at O = R L of staff station

P + r1 – V1
Assuming, RL of staff station P = 100.000 m
Elevation of collimation at the instrument at O = 100 + 1.510 – 8.76 = 92.75 m.
ii) Observation from O to Q:
K = 100, s = 3.555 – 1.855 = 1.70, C = 0,  =50 42’,
central hair reading r2 = 2.705 m
Horizontal distance b/w O and Q  (D2 )  Kscos 2 θ  C  cos θ
 
D 2  100  1.70  cos 2 5 0 42  168.32 m
sin 2θ
Vertical distance (V2 )  Ks  C  sin θ
2

Vertical distance (V2 )  100  1.70 


sin 2  5 0 42 
 16.80 m
2
R L of Q = Elevation of collimation at the instrument at R + V2 – r2
R L of Q = 92.75 + 16.80 – 2.705 = 106.845 m.
Difference in level between P and Q=106.845–100=6.845m (Q being at higher level)
Gradient b/w P and Q: Q
Bearing of P = N 370 W
P
Bearing of Q = N 230 E
Included angle POQ = Bearing of P + Bearing of Q 168.32 N
Included angle POQ () = 370 + 230 = 600 370 23
0 119.36

Applying cosine rule, W E

2 2 2 O
PQ  OP  OQ  2  OP  OQ  cos θ
S
PQ 2  119.36 2  168.32 2  2  119.36  168.32  cos 60 0  22,487.7 m2
PQ  22,487.7 m2  149.96 m
Difference in level 1 1 1
Gradient of PQ    
Distance b/w PQ Distance b/w PQ 149.96 21.91
Difference in level 6.845
 Raising Gradient from P to Q = 1 in 21.91 (since Q is at higher level).
Problem:
The elevation of a point P is to be determined by observation from two adjacent
stations of a tacheometric survey. The staff was held vertically upon the point and
the instrument is fitted with an anallactic lens, the constant of the instrument being
100. Compute the elevation of the point from the following data.

Inst Height Staff Vertical Staff reading Elevation of

station of axis point angle station
A 1.42 P +20 24’ 1.230, 2.055, 2.880 77.750 m
0
B 1.40 P -3 36’ 0.785, 1.800, 2.815 97.135 m
Also calculate the distances of A and B from P.
Solution:

30 36’
V2
2.880 2.815
G. Ravindra Kumar, Associate Prof, CED, Govt Engg College, Chamarajanagar Page 19 of 23
1.65 2.055 B = 97.135
1.800 2.03
Module – 2 Tacheometry

i) Observation from A to P:
K = 100, s = 2.880 – 1.230 = 1.650, C = 0 (fitted with anallactic lens),
0
 =2 24’ , central hair reading r1 = 2.055 m
Horizontal distance b/w A and P  (D1 )  Kscos 2 θ  C  cos θ
 
D1  100  1.650  cos 2 2 0 24'  164.7 m
sin 2θ
Vertical distance (V1 )  Ks  C  sin θ
2

Vertical distance (V1 )  100  1.650 


sin 2  2 0 24' 
 6.903 m
2
RL of P = R L of A + height of axis + V1 - r1 = 77.750 +1.42+6.903 – 2.055 =
84.018 m
ii) Observation from B to P:
K = 100, s = 2.815 – 0.785 = 2.03, C = 0,  =30 36’, central hair reading r2 =1.8 m
Horizontal distance b/w B and P  (D2 )  Kscos 2 θ  C  cos θ
 
D 2  100  2.03  cos 2 3 0 36'  202.100 m
sin 2θ
Vertical distance (V2 )  Ks  C  sin θ
2

Vertical distance (V2 )  100  2.03 


sin 2  3 0 36' 
 12.73 m
2
RL of P = R L of B + height of axis – V2 – r2
RL of P = 97.135 +1.40 – 12.73 – 1.800 = 84.005 m

Average Elevation of P   84.018  84.005   84.012 m

1
2

G. Ravindra Kumar, Associate Prof, CED, Govt Engg College, Chamarajanagar Page 20 of 23
 Module – 2 Tacheometry

Distance and Elevation formulae for staff Normal: Inclined

sight
a) Line of sight at an angle of Elevation:

L
 r

V
r cos 

MHR Inst axis 

S1 h

r sin 
BM Inst station L cos 
(A) D

Horizontal distance (D)  KS  C cos θ  r  sin θ

Vertical distance (V)  KS  C  sin θ

If the Elevation of the instrument station at A is known:

Elevation of staff station B = Elevation of instrument station at A + h + V – rcos 

If a reading is taken on BM,

Height of Instrument axis = RL of BM + staff reading on BM (S1)
Elevation at B = Height of Instrument axis at A – V – rcos 

Elevation of the staff station for angle of depression:

L cos 
L r sin 
D
MHR Inst axis

S1 
h
 V
BM Inst station
(A)

r cos 

G. Ravindra Kumar, Associate Prof, CED, Govt Engg College, Chamarajanagar Page 21 of 23
B
 Module – 2 Tacheometry

Horizontal distance (D)  KS  C cos θ  r  sin θ

Vertical distance (V)  KS  C  sin θ
Elevation of staff station B = Elevation of instrument station at A + h – V – r x cos 

If the Elevation of the instrument station at A is known:

Elevation of staff station B = Elevation of instrument station at A + h – V – rcos 

If a reading is taken on BM,

Height of Instrument axis = RL of BM + staff reading on BM (S1)
Elevation at B = Height of Instrument axis at A – V – rcos 

Problem: ®
In a tacheometer survey made with an instrument whose constants are 100
and 0.5, the staff was inclined so as to be normal to the line of sight for each
reading. Two sets of readings were as given below. Calculate the gradient between
the staff stations P and Q and the reduced level of each if that of R is 41.800 m.

Instr Station Height of Staff station Bearing Vertical Stadia

Inst axis angle Reading
P 850 + 40 30’ 1.000,
1.417,
1.833
R 1.600
Q 1350 - 40 00’ 1.000,
1.657,
2.313

Solution:
K = 100, C =0.5, r1 = 1.417, r2 = 1.657,
S1 = 1.833 – 1.00 = 0.833, S2 = 2.313 – 1.000 = 1.313,
1 = 40 30’, 2 = 40 0’, R.L = 41.800m
1.833
1.417
1.000 r1 cos 
D2 V1
0
4 30’ P
0
2.313 4 00’
V2 1.60
1.657
Inst station
1.000 (R)41.800
r2 cos  Q D1

G. Ravindra Kumar, Associate Prof, CED, Govt Engg College, Chamarajanagar Page 22 of 23
Module – 2 Tacheometry

Sight from R to P:
Horizontal distance (D1 )  KS1  C  cos θ  r1  sin θ
D1  100  0.833  0.5   cos4 0 30'  1.417  sin 4 0 30'  83.65 m
Vertical distance (V1 )  KS1  C   sin θ
V1  100  0.833  0.5   sin 4 0 30'  6.57 m
Elevation of P:
Elevation of staff station P = Elevation of instrument station at A + h + V1 – r1cos 
Elevation of staff station P = 41.800 + 1.60 + 6.57 – 1.417 x cos 40 30’ = 48.56 m.
Sight from R to Q:
Horizontal distance (D2 )  KS 2  C  cos θ  r2  sin θ
D 2  100  1.313  0.5   cos 4 0  1.657  sin 4 0  131.36 m
Vertical distance (V2 )  KS 2  C   sin θ
V2  100  1.313  0.5   sin 4 0  9.19 m
Elevation of Q:
Elevation of staff station Q = Elevation of instrument station at A + h – V1 – r1cos 
Elevation of staff station Q = 41.800 + 1.60 – 9.19 – 1.657 x cos 40 = 32.56 m.
Difference in elevation b/w P and Q = 48.56 – 32.56 = 16 m.
Gradient b/w P and Q: P
Bearing of P = 850 N 83.65
Bearing of Q = 1350 850

W E
R 1350
Included angle PRQ = Bearing of RQ – Bearing of RP
S
Included angle POQ = 1350 – 850 = 500
Applying cosine rule, 131.36
2 2 2
PQ  RP  RQ  2  RP  RQ  cos θ

Q
PQ 2  83.65 2  131.36 2  2  83.65  131.36  cos 50 0  10126.53 m2
PQ  10126.53 m2  100.63 m

Difference in level 1 1 1
Gradient of PQ    
Distance b/w PQ Distance b/w PQ 100.63 6.29
Difference in level 16

 Falling Gradient from P to Q = 1 in 6.29 (since P is at higher level).

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