UNIVERSITY OF DAR ES SALAAM
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING
TR111: ENGINEERING SURVEYING I
PRACTICAL REPORT
GROUP 4
HORIZONTAL ANGLE MEASUREMENTS I
PARTICIPANTS
S/N NAMES REGISTRATION SIGNATURE
NUMBER
1. Gombanila Edson Ngulimi 2022-04-10334
2. Goodluck Joseph Mapunda 2022-04-06207
3. Mwajabu Saidi Mzee 2022-04-09824
4. Oliva Cyprian Mwamlima 2022-04-09396
5. Novatus Mutegeki Panda 2022-04-10961
6. Nasma Adi Marshed 2022-04-06280
7. Naifat Nasib Abdalla 2022-04-00026
8. Suleiman Abdulmutik Ayob 2022-04-00583
9. Omar Mohammed Juma 2022-04-03248
Field Practical Date:19/12/2022
Submission date:23/12/2022
1.0 Introduction
Angular measurements refer to the observed horizontal and vertical angle readings on the
ground. During the survey of an area, in order to create accurate maps and plans two important
measurements are required:
Distance measurements
Horizontal angles
Accurate angle measurements (horizontal or vertical) are carried out using an instrument known
as a theodolite, and it could either be an optical or electronic one. Prior to carrying out
horizontal angle measurements the theodolite has to be mounted on a tripod, centered and
levelled on the respective point.
1.1 Objectives
To enable students to centre and level a theodolite, read directions to points of interest, reduce
angles from observed directions and test the reliability of angles observed.
1.2 Task
To select a suitable site for carrying out horizontal angular measurements.
Establish four temporary points P, X, Y, Z using wooden pegs or iron pins on the ground.
Determine interior and exterior angle at one point.
Assess the quality and accuracy of the angles measured.
1.3 Equipment
Theodolite
Tripod Stand
Ranging poles(3)
Ranging pole stands(3)
Iron pin
Hammer
Field Book Frame
1.4 Methods used
Points P,X,Y and Z were established on the area close to the football pitch in the main
campus. X,Y,Z were each approximately 40m away from P.
The theodolite was setup, centred and levelled at point P.
Ranging poles were setup at points X,Y and Z with the help of ranging pole stands to
ensure their verticality.
Point X was chosen as a reference object and with the theodolite on face left, point X was
sighted through the telescope and the initial horizontal circle reading was set to 15
degrees.
The theodolite’s telescope was rotated clockwise to sight points Y and Z respectively
while on face left. At each point the horizontal circle readings were recorded.
The theodolite’s telescope while at Z was then made to face right and the reading
observed was recorded. The instrument was then turned anticlockwise to sight points Y
and X respectively. The horizontal circle readings at each points were taken and
recorded.
With the theodolite at point X, the telescope was rotated vertically to face left and the
procedures above were repeated with the initial horizontal circle reading being 30
degrees.
With the theodolite still at point P, the reference object was changed to point Z. The point
was sighted by the telescope and the initial horizontal circle reading was set to 15
degrees.
The telescope was rotated clockwise to sight point X. The horizontal circle reading was
then recorded.
While still at point X the telescope was made to face right and the horizontal circle
reading was recorded again.
The telescope was made to face left and rotated in an anticlockwise direction to sight
point Z. The initial horizontal circle reading was set to 30 degrees and the procedures
above were repeated again to obtain the face left and face right readings for the exterior
angle from point Z to X.
1.5 Sources of error
Non verticality of ranging poles.
Inaccuracy of levelling the theodolite at point P.
Tripod stand not being firmly placed on the ground.
Parallax error in reading the theodolite(optical theodolite)
1.6 Precautions
Sight the points X, Y and Z at the lowest possible part of the ranging poles since they are
vertically accurate points for recording the horizontal angles.
Stability of the tripod should be checked before field work commences.
Firm ground should be chosen for more accurate angle measurements to be carried out.
1.7 Results and Data Analysis
Considering table below
TARGE FACE FACE MEAN DIR. FINAL REMARK
T LEFT RIGH REDUCED DIRECTIO S
T MEAN N
◦ ꞌ ꞌꞌ ꞌ ꞌꞌ ◦ ꞌ ꞌꞌ ꞌ ꞌꞌ ◦ ꞌ ꞌꞌ
At P
X 15 0 1 07 13 15 0 1
7 0 7 2
Y 61 3 1 30 07 61 3 0 46 2 5 46 22 48 XPY
0 0 0 9 2 7
Z 10 4 2 42 15 10 4 1 88 3 0 88 35 09 XPZ
3 2 0 3 2 8 5 6
X 30 0 0 05 05 30 0 0
5 1 5 3
Y 76 2 5 27 55 76 2 5 46 2 4
7 0 7 2 2 9
Z 11 4 1 40 13 11 4 1 88 3 1
8 0 5 8 0 4 5 1
At P
Z 15 1 0 10 05 15 1 0
0 3 0 4
X 28 3 5 34 57 28 3 5 27 2 5 271 24 49 ZPX
6 4 3 6 4 5 1 4 1
Z 30 0 0 07 09 30 0 0
7 4 7 7
X 30 3 5 31 54 30 3 5 27 2 4
1 1 4 1 1 4 1 4 7
Misclosure=True Value – Observed Value
Misclosure= (θ1+ θ2+ θ3)-360○
Misclosure= (46○22ꞌ48ꞌꞌ +42○12ꞌ21ꞌꞌ +271○24ꞌ49ꞌꞌ) -360○
Misclosure= -0○0 ꞌ02ꞌꞌ
1.8 Conclusion and Recommendations
Angular measurement procedures enhance familiarity on the proper usage of theodolites
and other instruments in determining horizontal and vertical angles.
In order to eliminate errors in angular measurements it is essential to ensure that the theodolite is
established at a point on a firm ground and that the tripod stand on which the theodolite is
mounted is steady. This will prevent any change in the established point and also ensure that the
theodolite remains levelled while observing readings thus ensuring precise and accurate angles
are obtained.
