Module-2

Tacheometric Surveying
Introduction
Tacheometric is a branch of surveying in which horizontal and vertical distances are
determined by taking angular observation with an instrument known as a tachometer. In this
method, the horizontal distance to the object base is not measured but calculated from the observed
data. Hence the method is fast easy and convenient. It is adopted in rough, hilly areas, river valley
and difficult terrain where direct levelling and chaining are either not possible or very tedious.
Tacheometric survey also can be used for Railways, Roadways, and reservoirs etc. It is
very rapid, and a reasonable contour map can be prepared for investigation works within a short
time based on such survey.
Advantages of Tacheometry:
1. By observing staff intercepts, horizontal and vertical distances can be calculated.
2. Tacheometric surveying is economical for route surveying such as roads, railways, canals
etc.,
3. It avoids the tedious and labories chaining process for the measurement of distances.
4. It is useful for steep terrain and hilly areas where chaining is difficult.
5. It is convenient for reconnaissance surveying for quick acquiring data.

Disadvantages of Tacheometry:
It is less accurate as compared to the chain surveying for longer distances.

Uses of Tachometry:
1. Tachometry is used for preparation of topographic map where both horizontal and vertical
distances are required to be measured.
2. The difficulty in setting the instrument at more points can be avoided.
3. Survey work in difficult terrain where direct methods of measurements are inconvenient;
4. Reconnaissance survey for highways and railways etc.
5. It is used for checking the already measured distances.
6. Establishment of secondary control points.
7. It is not a accurate method, it is a quick and rapid method, hence economical.

Instruments used in Tacheometry

The instruments used in Tacheometric survey are
1. Tacheometer
2. Ordinary levelling staff or a stadia rod
Tacheometer: A Tacheometer is similar to a transits theodolite fitted with a stadia diaphragm (i.e.,
a telescope provided with Stadia hairs in addition to the regular cross hairs placed one above &
one below the central horizontal hair.
Following are the different arrangements of stadia hairs.

Difference between Levelling and Stadia Staff Rod:

For short sights of about 100 m or less, an ordinary levelling staff may be used. For long sights,
special staff called stadia rod is generally used. The graduations are in bold and simple type (face
about 50 mm to 150 mm wide and 15 mm to 60 mm thick) and the stadia rod is 3 m to 5 m long.
To keep the staff or stadia rod vertical, a small circular spirit level is fitted on its backside. It is
hinged to fold up. The stadia rods are generally graduated in meters, decimeters and centimeters.
Systems of Tacheometry
Depending on the type of instrument and method or types of observation, tacheometric survey
may be classified as follows,

1. Stadia Systems
• Fixed Hair Method
• Movable Hair Method
2. Non - Stadia Systems
• Tangential System
• Subtense Bar System

Stadia systems:
In this systems staff intercepts, at a pair of stadia hairs present at diaphragm, are considered.
This is the more extensively used system of tacheometry particularly for detailed work, such as
those required in engineering surveys.
In this system, a tacheometer is first set up at a station, say P, and a staff is held at station
Q, as shown in Figure given below. The difference of upper hair reading, and lower hair reading
is called staff intercept S. All the three hairs including central cross hair are read, and S is
determined. Vertical angle, θ, corresponding to the central hair is also measured. These
measurements enable determination of horizontal distance between P and Q and their difference
in elevation.
The stadia system is further subdivided into two types:
• Fixed-hair method and
• Movable-hair method

Fixed-hair method:
➢ It is the most prevalent method for Tacheometric surveying. In this method, the distance
between top and bottom stadia hairs which is called as stadia interval is fixed.
➢ The staff readings corresponding to these top and bottom hairs are taken and the staff
intercept is calculated.
➢ Staff intercept depends upon the distance between the instrument station and the staff.
Thus, as the staff moves away from the instrument, staff intercept is more and as the staff
comes closed staff intercept is less therefore stadia interval is constant
➢ In this method, the distance between the upper hair and lower hair, i.e. stadia interval i, on
the diaphragm of the lens system is fixed.

Movable- hair method:

➢ In this method, the distance between stadia hairs stadia interval can be varied here, the staff
intercept in kept constant for this staff intercept targets are fixed on the level staff.
➢ Targets on the staff are fixed at a known interval and the stadia hairs are adjusted to bisect
the upper target at the upper hair and the lower target at the lower hair.
➢ Hence, the staff intercept, S is made fixed by two vanes or targets fixed at a constant
spacing usually 3m.
 ➢ Instruments used in this method are required to have provision for the measurement of the
variable interval between the stadia hairs.
➢ It is difficult to measure accurately the stadia interval Thus; in majesty of the practical work
movable hair method is not adopted and only fixed hair method is preferred.

The Non Stadia system is further subdivided into two types:

• Tangential method and
• Subtense bar method

Tangential method:
➢ In this method, readings at two different points on a staff are taken against the horizontal
cross hair and corresponding vertical angles are noted.
➢ In this system, observations are not taken on stadia hairs.
➢ Instead vertical angles θ1 and θ2 to the two targets fixed on a staff are recorded shown in
the Figure given below.
➢ The targets are at a fixed distance S. Vertical angles θ1, θ2 and staff intercept S enable
horizontal distance D and the difference of elevations to be determined.

Subtense Bar System:

➢ Subtense bar is a bar of fixed length generally 2 m fitted with two targets at the ends.
➢ The targets are at equal distance apart from the centre.
➢ The subtense bar can be fixed on a tripod stand and is kept horizontal.
➢ As shown in Figure given below, angle α subtended by the two targets at station P is
measured by a theodolite.
➢ The distance s between the targets and the angle α enable the distance D between station P
and Q to be determined.
Principle of Stadia Tacheometry:
The method is based on the principle that in similar isosceles triangles the ratio of the
perpendicular to the base is constant.
As in the field of tacheometric surveying ‘Stadia Method’ is the most widely used
procedure so we will discuss the principle behind it. If two rays OA & OB are equally inclined to
the central ray OC, Then the staff intercept bears a constant ratio with its distance from O.

In fig. let two rays be equally inclined to the central ray. Here central ray is shown as OC.
A2B2, A1B1, and AB are staff intercepts i.e difference between upper and lower stadia reading.
𝑂𝐶2 𝑂𝐶1 𝑂𝐶
Evidently, = = = constant K= 0.5cot (β/2)
𝐴2 𝐵2 𝐴1 𝐵1 𝐴𝐵
This constant depends entirely on the angle β. Let, the constant is found to be 100. It means
the distance between the staff and the point O will be 100 times the staff intercept.

Principle of Stadia Method:

Fig. shows the outline of an external focusing telescope with its axis horizontal and Staff
held vertical at C.
Let, O =Optical Centre of the object glass.
F = Principal focus of the objective
OF = f = focal length of the object glass,
a,b,c = Bottom, Top, Central cross hair
A,B,C = Points cut by three hairs on the staff
ab = i = stadia hair interval,
AB = S = staff intercept,
d = Horizontal distance from the O to the vertical axis of the tacheometer.
u = Horizontal distance of the staff from O,
v = Horizontal distance of the cross hairs from O
 D = horizontal distance from the vertical axis to the staff.

From the fig, D = u + d -------------- (1)

From similar triangle AOB and aob

u S
=
v i
1 S
Or v
=
iu
-------------- (2)

Here u & v are the conjugate focal length. Hence, From lens Principle
1 1 1
= + -------------- (3)
f u v

Substitute equ. (2) in (3)

1 1 𝑆 1 𝑆
= + = (1 + 𝑖 )
𝑓 𝑢 𝑖𝑢 𝑢

𝑆 𝑓
Or u = f (1 + ) = 𝑓 + 𝑆 -------------- (4)
𝑖 𝑖

Substitute equ. (4) in (1)

𝑓𝑖
D=f+ +𝑑
𝑆
𝑓
Or D = ( ) 𝑆 + (𝑓 + 𝑑)
𝑖

D = KS + C
𝑓
Where K = is the multiplying constant and C = (𝑓 + 𝑑) is additive constant.
𝑖

Note: The values of multiplying constant (K) varies from 50 to 200. But, it is generally made 100
by suitably selecting the values of f and i. The value of additive constant(C) is 0.30 to 0.6m in
external focusing telescopes and 0.08 to 0.2 m in internal focusing telescopes. But this is eliminated
or made zero by introducing an additional convex lens called anallatic lens in between the objective
and diaphragm.
Fixed-hair method of tacheometry
To determine the horizontal distance and elevation of various points, the tacheometer is set
up at a point & an ordinary levelling staff or stadia rod is held at point whose distances & elevations
are required.
While taking observations, the telescope of the tacheometer may be horizontal or inclined
according to the position of staff station. The different cases are explained below:
Case 1: Line of sight horizontal and staff held vertical
The tacheometer is set up at A and the vertical circle is set to zero. The three hair readings
are taken on the staff held at B. The staff reading on BM is also taken.

Let, S = stadia intercept

D = distance between A and B
h1 = staff reading on BM.
𝑓
Then horizontal Distance, D = ( ) 𝑆 + (𝑓 + 𝑑) or D = KS + C
𝑖
𝑓
Where K = is the multiplying constant and C = (𝑓 + 𝑑) is additive constant.
𝑖

Elevation or reduced level of staff station B = RL of line of sight – Central hair reading (h)
Where, RL of line of sight = RL of BM + Staff reading on BM ( h1)
Or RL of line of sight = RL of P + Height of instrument

Case 2: Line of sight inclined and staff held vertical

If the surface of ground is undulating staff readings are not possible with line of sight
horizontal. Hence staff readings are to be taken with line of sight inclined upwards or downwards.
i)Line of sight inclined upwards

A is the tacheometer station B is the staff station. The tacheometer is set up at A and the
vertical circle is set to zero. The staff reading on BM is also taken. Then the telescope is raised till
the three hairs cut the portion of the staff and the telescope is clamped. Then the vertical angle and
three hair readings are noted.
Let, S = stadia intercept
θ = angle of inclination of the line of sight (central hair) from horizontal,
D = horizontal distance between the instrument and staff station.
V = vertical distance from the instrument axis to the central hair
h1 = staff reading on BM.
H = central hair reading on the staff at B

Horizontal distance, D = KS cos2θ + C cos θ

𝐾𝑆 sin 2θ
Vertical component, V = + C sin θ
2

Now RL of staff station B = RL of line of sight + V – h

Where, RL of line of sight = RL of BM + h1
Or RL of line of sight = RL of A + Height of instrument
ii)Line of sight inclined downwards
The tacheometer is set up at A and the vertical circle is set to zero. The staff reading on BM
is also taken. Then the telescope is lowered till the three hairs cut the portion of the staff at B and
the telescope is clamped. Then the angle of depression θ and three hair readings are noted.

Horizontal distance, D = KS cos2θ + C cos θ

𝐾𝑆 sin 2θ
Vertical component, V = + C sinθ
2

Now, RL of staff station B = RL of line of sight - V – h

Where, RL of line of sight = RL of BM + h1
Or RL of line of sight = RL of A + Height of instrument

Tangential method of tacheometry

The tangential method of tacheometry is being used when stadia hairs are not present in
the diaphragm of the instrument.
In this method, the staff sighted is fitted with two big targets spaced at a fixed vertical
distance(S) of 2m or 3m. Vertical angles corresponding to the vanes, say θ1 and θ2 are measured
by sighting the two targets. The horizontal distance, D and Vertical intercept, V are computed from
the values of θ1 and θ2. This method is less accurate than the stadia method.
Hence the angles to the tangent can be above or below the line of sight depending on this
condition following are the 3 conditions in tangential methods.
Case I: Both angles are in elevation
Case II: Both angles are in depression
Case III: One angle is in elevation and the other is in depression.
Case I: Both angles are in elevation
The instrument is set up at P and the staff with targets is held at Q. The vertical circle
vernier is set to zero to take the staff reading on BM. Then the telescope is raised in the vertical
plane. Top and bottom targets are bisected and the vertical angles θ1 and θ2 are observed.

Let, D = horizontal distance between P and Q.

V = vertical distance from the horizontal line of sight to the lower target B.
S = Staff intercept between the targets.
h = lower target reading from ground level
From the ∆le P1BQ1 V = D tan θ2------------------- (1)
From the ∆le P1BQ11 V + S = D tan θ1------------------- (2)
Subtracting eqn (1) from (2)
V – V + S = D tan θ 1 – D tan θ 2
S= D (tan θ 1 – tan θ 2)
𝑆
D = tan θ 1 – tan θ 2
𝑆 tan θ2
From V = D tan θ2 V = tan θ 1 – tan θ 2

Now, RL of Q = RL of instrument axis + V – h

RL of instrument axis = RL of BM + h1 or RL of P + height of instrument.
Case II: Both angles are in depression

Fig. shows both angles θ1 and θ2 are the angles of depression.

From the ∆le P1BQ1 V = D tan θ2------------------- (1)
From the ∆le P1BQ11 V - S = D tan θ1------------------- (2)
Subtracting eqn (1) from (2)
S = D (tan θ 2 - tan θ1)
𝑆
D = tan θ 2− tan θ 1
𝑆 tan θ2
From V = D tan θ2 V = tan θ 2− tan θ 1

Now, RL of Q = RL of instrument axis - V – h

RL of instrument axis = RL of BM + h1 or RL of P + height of instrument.

Case III: One angle is in elevation and the other is in depression.

Fig. shows when angle θ1 is the angle of elevation to the upper target and θ2 is the angle of
depression to the lower target.
From the ∆le P1BC V = D tan θ2------------------- (1)
From the ∆le P1AB S - V = D tan θ1------------------- (2)
Adding eqn (1) from (2)
S = D (tan θ 1 + tan θ 2)
𝑆
D = tan θ 1+ tan θ 2
𝑆 tan θ2
From V = D tan θ2 V = tan θ 1+ tan θ 2

Now, RL of Q = RL of instrument axis - V – h

RL of instrument axis = RL of BM + h1 or RL of P + height of instrument.

Solved Problems
1) Two distances 50 and 80 m were accurately measured out and the staff intercepts on the
staff were 0.496m and 0.796m respectively calculate the tacheometric constants.
Solu: Horizontal Distance, D = KS + C
50 = K x 0.496 + C -------(1) 80 = K x 0.796 + C -------(2)
Subtracting eq (1) from (2),
(80 – 50) = (0.796 – 0.496) K = 0.3K
30
K = 0.3 = 100

Substituting the value of K = 100 in eq (1),

50 = 100 x 0.496 + C
C = 50 – 49.6 = 0.4 m

2) The following set of measurements taken from tacheometer. Calculate the tacheometric
constants.

Distance 30m 60m 100m 120m

Staff intercept (S) 0.295 0.595 0.995 1.195
Solu: Considering first set of observations,
D = KS + C
30 = K x 0.295 + C -------(1) 60 = K x 0.595 + C -------(2)
Subtracting eq (1) from (2),
(60 – 30) = (0.595 – 0.295) K = 0.3K
30
K = 0.3 = 100
Substituting the value of K = 100 in eq (1),
30 = 100 x 0.295 + C
C = 30 – 29.6 = 0.5 m
Considering Second set of observations,
D = KS + C
100 = K x 0.995 + C -------(1)
120 = K x 1.195 + C -------(2)
Subtracting eq (1) from (2),
20
(120 – 100) = (1.195 – 0.995) K = 0.2K K= = 100
0.2

Substituting the value of K = 100 in eq (1),

100 = 100 x 0.995 + C
C = 100 – 99.5 = 0.5 m
Therefore, K = 100, C = 0.5 m

3) The stadia reading with horizontal sight at a vertical staff held 50 m away from the
tacheometer were 1.385 and 2.380. the focal length of the object glass was 25cm. The length
of the object glass was 25cm. The distance between the object glass and trunion axis of a
tacheometer was 15 cm. Calculate the stadia interval
Solu: Here D = 50m D = KS + C
S = 2.380 – 1.385 = 0.995 D = (f/i) S + (f + d) ........... (1)
f = 25cm = 0.25m Put the all value in equation no 1
d = 15cm = 0.15m 50 = ((0.25 x 0.995) / i) + (0.25 + 0.15)
i = 0.005 m
i = 5 mm

4) To determine the constant multiplier of a tacheometer. The following observations were

taken on a staff held vertically at distances measures from the instrument:

Observations Horizontal Vertical angle Stadia readings

distance in m
1 60 00 0’ 0.835, 1.425
2 120 10 15’ 1.140, 2.345
3 180 0
1 40’ 1.250, 2.990
Find the mean value of the constant given that the additive constant was 0.25m
Solu: Staff intercepts,
S1 = 1.425 – 0.835 = 0.590 D1 = K1S1 + C
S2 = 2.345 – 1.140 = 1.205 60 = K1 x 0.59 + 0.25
59.75
S3 = 1.250 – 2.990 = 1.740 K1 = = 101.27
0.59

D2 = K2S2 cos2θ + C cos θ

120 = K2 x 1.205 x cos2 10 15’+ 0.25 x cos 10 15’
120 = 1.205 K2 + 025
119.75
K2 = = 99.37
1.205

D3 = K3S3 cos2θ + C cos θ

180 = K3 x 1.740 x cos2 10 40’+ 0.25 x cos 10 40’
180 = 1.74 K3 + 025
179.75
K3 = = 103.304
1.74

K1+ K2+K3 101.27+ 99.37+103.304

Average = = = 101.31
3 3

5) To determine the distance between A and B, and RL of B, the following observations were
taken: Height of tacheometer at A = 1.350m
Vertical angle at A = + 40 35’
Staff reading with staff held vertical = 0.650, 1.105, 1.550
RL of A = 100.000m, K = 100 & C = 0.00m
Solu: h1 = HI at A = 1.350m
Axial hair reading, h = 1.105m
Vertical angle, θ = + 40 35’, K = 100 & C = 0.00m
Staff intercept, S = 1.550 – 0.650 = 0.90m
Distance between A and B,
D = KS cos2θ + C cos θ
D = 100 x 0.90 x cos240 35’ + 0 = 89.425m
𝐾𝑆 𝑠𝑖𝑛 2𝜃
Vertical component, V = + C sinθ
2

100 𝑥 0.90 𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛(2 𝑥40 351 )

= + 0 = 7.168m
2

RL of B = RL of A + h1 +V – h = 100.00 + 1.350 + 7.168 – 1.105 = 107.413 m

6) A tacheometer was set up at a station A and the following readings were obtained on a
vertically held staff. Take K = 100 and C = 0.40

Station Staff station Vertical angle Hair readings Remarks

A BM -2018’’ 3.225, 3.550, 3.875 RL of BM =
437.655m
B +8036’’ 1.650, 2.515, 3.380

Calculate the distance between A & B and RL of B.

Solu: θ1 = 2018’’, θ2 = 8036’’, h1 = 3.550, h2 = 2.515
Staff intercept, S1 = 3.875 – 3.225= 0.65 m
S2 = 3.380 – 1.650 = 1.73 m
When instrument is at A and staff at BM
𝐾𝑆1 𝑠𝑖𝑛 2𝜃1 100 𝑥 0.65 𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛(2 𝑥 20 181 )
V1 = + C sin θ1 = + 0.4 sin 2018’’= 2.62m
2 2

RL of instrument axis at A = RL of BM + h1 +V
= 437.655 + 3.55 + 2.62 = 443.82 m
When instrument is at A and staff at B
𝐾𝑆2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 2𝜃2 100 𝑥 1.73 𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛(2 𝑥 80 361 )
V2 = + C sin θ2 = + 0.4 sin 8036’’= 25.64m
2 2

RL of B = RL of inst. at A + V2 – h2
= 443.82 + 25.64 - 2.515 = 466.945 m
Distance between A & B
D = KS2 cos2θ2 + C cos θ2
D = 100 x 1.73 x cos280 36’ + 0.4 cos 80 36’ = 169.526 m

7) Following readings were taken from a tachometer felted with an analytic lens find the
horizontal distance AB and RL of point B

Station Staff At Vertical angle Hair readings Remarks

A BM -6000’’ 1.100, 1.153, 2.063 RL of BM = 976.0

B +5000’’ 0.980, 1.085, 1.190

Solu: θ1 = 6000’’, θ2 = 5000’’, h1 = 1.153, h2 = 1.085

Staff intercept, S1 = 2.063 – 1.100 = 0.963 m
S2 = 1.190 - 0.980 = 0.210 m
When instrument is at A and staff at BM
𝐾𝑆1 𝑠𝑖𝑛 2𝜃1 100 𝑥 0.963 𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛(2 𝑥 60 001 )
V1 = + C sin θ1 = + 0= 10.01 m
2 2

RL of instrument axis at A = RL of BM + h1 +V
= 976.0 + 1.153 + 10.01 = 987.163 m
When instrument is at A and staff at B
𝐾𝑆2 sin 2θ2 100 𝑥 0.210 𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛(2 𝑥 50 001 )
V2 = + C sin θ2 = + 0 = 2.89 m
2 2

RL of B = RL of inst. at A + V2 – h2
= 976.0 + 2.89 - 1.085 = 988.972 m
Distance between A & B
D = KS2 cos2θ2 + C cos θ2
D = 100 x 0.210 x cos250 00’ + 0 = 20.6 m

8) A tachometer was setup at a station A and the following readings were obtain on a staff
held vertically, calculate the horizontal distance AB and RL of B, when the constant of
instrument and RL of B, when the constant of instrument are 100 and 0.15
Station Staff At Vertical angle Hair readings Remarks
A BM 0
-6 40’’ 1.200, 1.900, 2.600 RL of BM =
850.50m
B +8020’’ 0.800, 1.600, 2.400

Solu:

In the first observation S1 = 2.600 – 1.200 = 1.400m

Θ1 = - 60 40’ (Depression) K = 100 and C = 0.15
Vertical Desistance V1 = KS Sin2θ/2 + C Sin θ
= 100(1.400) sin (2 x 6040’)/2 + 0.15 Sin 60 40’
= 16.143 + 0.0174
= 16.160m
In the second observation S2 = 2.400 – 0.800 = 1.600
Θ2 = + 8020’ (Elevation)
Vertical Desistance V = KS Sin2θ/2 + C Sin θ
= 100(1.600) sin (2 x 8020’)/2 + 0.15 Sin 8020’
= 22.944 + 0.022
= 22.966m
Horizontal distance D2 = KS Cos2 θ + C Sin θ
= 100 (1.600) Cos28020’+ 0.15 Sin80201
= 156.639 + 0.148
= 156.787m
RL of Instrument Axis = RL of BM + h1 + V1
= 850.500 + 1.900 + 16.160
= 868.560m
RL of B = RL of Inst. axis + V2 – h2
= 868.560 + 22.966 – 1.600
RL of B = 889.926m

9) The following observations were taken with the tacheometer at station ‘P’ to staff at Q
held normal to line of sights. Staff readings are 1.450, 1.920, 2.380 and vertical angle is –
10030’ RL of P is 201.170 and height of columniation axis at ‘P’ is 1.315m determine the
horizontal distance between P & Q and RL of Q if k = 100.00 and C is 0

Solu: S = 2.380 - 1.456 = 0.93 m

h1 = 1.920 m θ = -10030’ K = 100.00 C= 0.0
RL of P = 201.170 H.I at P = 1.315m
Horizontal distance for staff held normal condition
D = KS cos2θ + C cos θ
= 100 x 0.93 x cos2 (10030’) + 0 = 91.1m
𝐾𝑆 sin 2θ
Vertical component, V = + C sinθ
2

100 𝑥 0.93 𝑥 sin(2 x100 301 )

= + 0 = 16.36 m
2

RL of B = RL of A + h1 +V – h = 201.170 + 1.315 + 16.36 – 1.920 = 216.925 m

10) The following notes refer to a line levelled tacheometrically with an anallatic tacheometer,
the multiplying constant being 100
 Inst. Staff Height Vertical Hair reading
station station of axis angle
P B.M 1.5 -6012’’ 0.963, 1.515, 2.067
P Q 1.5 +705’’ 0.819, 1.341, 1.863
Q R 1.6 0
+ 12 23’’ 1.860, 2.445, 3.030
RL of BM 460.50m, staff being held vertically. Compute the reduced levels of P, Q and R
and the horizontal distances PQ and QR.
Solu: θ1 = 6012’’, θ2 = 705’’, θ3 = 12023’’ h1 = 1.515m, h2 = 1.341m, h3 = 2.445m
HI at P = 1.5 m, HI at Q = 1.6 m
Staff intercept, S1 = 2.067 – 0.963 = 1.104 m
S2 = 1.863 - 0.819 = 1.044 m
S3 = 3.030 - 1.860 = 1.17 m
When instrument is at P and staff at BM
𝐾𝑆1 𝑠𝑖𝑛 2𝜃1 100 𝑥 1.104 𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛(2 𝑥 60 121 )
V1 = + C sin θ1 = + 0= 11.85 m
2 2

RL of instrument axis at A = RL of BM + h1 +V1

= 460.50 + 1.515 + 11.85 = 473.865 m
RL of P = RL of instrument axis – HI at P = 473.865 – 1.5 = 472.365m
When instrument is at P and staff at Q
𝐾𝑆2 sin 2θ2 100 𝑥 1.044 𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛(2 𝑥 70 51 )
V2 = + C sin θ2 = + 0 = 12.77 m
2 2

RL of Q = RL of inst. axis at P + V2 – h2
= 473.865 + 12.77 - 1.341 = 485.294 m
When instrument is at Q and staff at R

𝐾𝑆3 sin 2θ3 100 𝑥 1.17 𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛(2 𝑥 120 231 )

V3 = + C sin θ3 = + 0 = 24.50 m
2 2

RL of instrument axis at Q = RL of Q + HI of Q
= 485.294 + 1.6 = 486.894 m
RL of R = RL of inst. axis at P + V3 – h3
= 486.894 + 24.5 - 2.445 = 508.949 m
Distance between PQ & QR
D = KS cos2θ + C cos θ
PQ = D1 = KS2 cos2θ2 + C cos θ2 = 100 x 1.044 x cos270 5’ + 0 = 102.8 m
QR = D2 = KS3 cos2θ3 + C cos θ3 = 100 x 1.17 x cos2120 23’ + 0 = 111.6 m

11) During the course of a tacheometric survey the following reading were recorded:

Inst. Staff Height Vertical Hair reading

station station of axis angle
O B.M 1.750 -8024’’ 1.250, 1.600, 1.950
O A 1.750 +7012’’ 1.430, 1.580, 1.730
P A 1.570 0
+ 9 36’’ 1.670, 1.950, 2.230
RL of BM is 312.670 m. The tacheometer is fitted with anallatic lens. Calculate the RL of P.
The staff was held vertically.
Solu: θ1 = 8024’’, θ2 = 7012’’, θ3 = 9036’’ h1 = 1.600m, h2 = 1.580m, h3 = 1.950m
HI at O = 1.750 m, HI at P = 1.570 m
Staff intercept, S1 = 1.950 – 1.250 = 0.70 m
 S2 = 1.730 - 1.430 = 0.30 m
S3 = 2.230 - 1.670 = 0.560 m
When instrument is at 0 and staff at BM
𝐾𝑆1 𝑠𝑖𝑛 2𝜃1 100 𝑥 0.70 𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛(2 𝑥 80 241 )
V1 = + C sin θ1 = + 0 = 10.116 m
2 2

RL of O = RL of BM + h1 +V1– HI = 312.67 + 1.6 + 10.116 – 1.75 = 322.636 m

When instrument is at O and staff at A

𝐾𝑆2 sin 2θ2 100 𝑥 0.30 𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛(2 𝑥 70 121 )
V2 = + C sin θ2 = + 0 = 3.73 m
2 2

RL of A = R L of O + HI - V2 – h2 = 322.636 + 1.75 - 3.73 – 1.58 = 319.076 m

When instrument is at P and staff at A

𝐾𝑆3 sin 2θ3 100 𝑥 0.56 𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛(2 𝑥 90 361 )

V3 = + C sin θ3 = + 0 = 9.20 m
2 2

RL of P = RL of A + V3 + h3 – HI = 319.076 + 1.95 - 9.2 – 1.57 = 310.256 m

12) Determine the gradient from a point A to B from the following observations with a
tacheometer fitted with an anallatic lens. The constants of the instruments was 100 and
staff was held vertically.

Inst. station Staff point Bearing Staff reading Vertical angle

P A 134 0 1.360, 1.925, 2.470 +100 32’
B 224 0 1.065, 1.885, 2.705 +50 6’
Solu: θ1 = 100 32’’, θ2 = 506’’, h1 = 1.925m, h2 = 1.885m,
Staff intercept, S1 = 2.470 – 1.360 = 1.110 m
S2 = 2.705 - 1.065 = 1.640 m

D1 = PA = KS1 cos2θ1 + C cos θ1 = 100 x 1.11 x cos2100 32’ + 0 = 107.29 m

D2 = PB = KS2 cos2θ2 + C cos θ2 = 100 x 1.64 x cos2 50 6’ + 0 = 162.7 m
𝐾𝑆1 𝑠𝑖𝑛 2𝜃1 100 𝑥 1.11 𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛(2 𝑥 100 321 )
V1 = + C sin θ1 = + 0 = 19.94 m
2 2

𝐾𝑆2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 2𝜃2 100 𝑥 1.64 𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛(2 𝑥 50 61 )

V2 = + C sin θ2 = + 0 = 14.52 m
2 2
 From fig. ∟APB = 2240 – 1340 = 900

∴ AB2 = PA2 + PB2

AB = √107.292 + 162.72 = 194.89 m
Assuming the RL of instrument axis = 100.00
RL of A = RL of instrument axis + V1 – h1 = 100 + 19.94 – 1.915 = 118.025 m
RL of B = RL of instrument axis + V2 – h2 = 100 + 14.52 – 1.885 = 112.635 m
Difference level between A & B = 118.025 - 112.635 = 5.39 m
Distance 194.89
Gradient = = = 36.15
Difference 5.39

Gradient of line AB = 1 in 36 (falling)

13) The vertical angles to vanes fixed at 1m and 3m above the foot of the staff held vertically at
station Q were + 3020’ & 6040’ respectively from instrument station P. if the elevation of
instrument axis at station P. if the elevation of the instrument axis at station P is 101.520m
Calculate (1) the Horizontal distance between P & Q and
(2) the elevation of the staff station Q

Solu: S = 3 – 2 = 1
θ1 = 60 40’ θ2 = 30 20’
h=1

𝑆 2
D= = = 34.13m
tan θ 1− tan θ 2 tan 60 401 − tan 30 201

𝑆 tan θ2 2 tan 30 201

From V = D tan θ2 V= = = 1.99 m
tan θ 1− tan θ 2 tan 60 401 − tan 30 201

Elevation of Staff Station Q = RL of HI + V – h

= 101.520 + 1.99 – 1.0
= 102.510m
14) The vertical angles to vanes fixed at 1m and 3m above the foot of the staff held vertically at
station Q were - 3020’ & - 6040’ respectively from instrument station P. if the elevation of
instrument axis at station P. if the elevation of the instrument axis at station P is 101.520m
Calculate (1) the Horizontal distance between P & Q and
(2) the elevation of the staff station Q

Solu: S = 3 – 2 = 1
θ1 = - 30 20’ θ2 = - 60 40’
h=1

𝑆 2
D= = = 34.13m
tan θ 2− tan θ 1 tan 60 401 − tan 30 201

𝑆 tan θ2 2 tan 60 401

From V = D tan θ2 V= = = 3.99 m
tan θ 2− tan θ 1 tan 60 401 − tan 30 201

Elevation of Staff Station Q = RL of HI - V – h

= 101.520 - 3.99 – 1.0
= 96.530m
15) The vertical angles to vanes fixed at 1m and 3m above the foot of the staff held vertically at
station Q were + 3020’ & - 6040’ respectively from instrument station P. if the elevation of
instrument axis at station P. if the elevation of the instrument axis at station P is 101.520m
Calculate (1) the Horizontal distance between P & Q and
(2) the elevation of the staff station Q

Solu: S = 3 – 2 = 1
θ1 = + 30 20’ θ2 = - 60 40’
h=1
 𝑆 2
D= = = 11.43m
tan θ 2+ tan θ 1 tan 60 401 + tan 30 201

𝑆 tan θ2 2 tan 60 401

From V = D tan θ2 V= = = 1.34 m
tan θ 2+ tan θ 1 tan 60 401 + tan 30 201

Elevation of Staff Station Q = RL of HI - V – h

= 101.520 - 1.34 – 1.0
= 99.180 m
16) A Tachometer was fitted with an analytic lens and was step at a station ‘D’ with the
following observations.

Station Bearing Staff ready Vertical angle

A 340’30’ 0.800, 1.855, 2.910 +60 30’
B 70’30’ 0.660, 2.200, 3.740 -40 20’
Calculate the distance AB and gradient from pt. A to B
Solu: The horizontal distance A + B. Horizontal distance is obtained by
DA = D = KS cos2 θ θ = 60 30’
Here K = 100 S = 2.910 - 0.800 = 2.11
DA = 208.296 m DB = 306.241 m
Gradient between A & B = RLA = HIA + V – r
V = 23.73m r = 1.855,
RLA = 121.875m

17) A theodolite was set up in between 2 towers ‘x’ & ‘y’ the distance of the theodolite station
from x is 10m & from y is 120m observations were taken from theodolite to the top of
lowers X & Y as 33026’ & 30050’ resp. the RL of turnout axis of theodolite was 139.675m.
Determine the RL of top of towers X & Y.
Solu: RL of top of tower ‘X’ = HIP +hx = 139.675 + hx
hx,= D tan θx = 60tan 33026’ = 39.612
RL of top of tower X = 139.675 + 39.613
RL of top of tower X = 179.288m
RL of top of tower ‘X’ = HIP +hy
Hy,= D tan θy = 120 tan 30050’
RL top tower ‘Y’ = 211.304m
 18) In a 2 peg test on a dumpy level following readings were taken determine the correct staff
reading on B when the LOS is horizontal at A Also find the collimation error.

Inst at Reading on Remarks

A B P is exactly midway b/w A+B

P 1.555 1.250 Distance b/w A+B = 80000mt
A 1.325 1.010
Solution:
To find Readings At B,
Collimation = ?
Now, the exact difference in elevation b/w pt.A & pt.B = 1.555-1.250 = 0.305m
But the apparent (actual) difference in elevation between A & B
Here 0.315-0.305=0.010
As the apparent difference in RL is more than the true difference in RL we are taking lesser reading
at B (LOS is inclined downwards) true staff
The true staff reading at B
1.010+0.010 = 1.020
(Reading on B + diff of RL)
Reading at ‘B’ is 1.020 (is the correct value)

19) To determine the distance b/w the two stations A & B a tachometer was set up at a point on
line AB and the following observations were made.
i. Staff head at A
Staff readings: 2.225, 2.605, 2.985
Vertical angle: +8024’
ii. Staff head at B
Staff readings: 1.640, 1.920, 2.200
Vertical angle: -10 10’
Also find RL of B if RL of A is 315.675m taking k = 100, C = 0

1. While finding the distance the horizontal angle between the two ends in determined as the
distance between targets in taken as ‘S’ hence the angle between the midpoint & one end
is and the corresponding distance is S/2
In AB’C’
AB’-distance between A & B’ = D
B’C’ = s/2
B’AC’ = β / 2
 tan β/2 = s/2
Hence, D = (s/2) / tan (β/2)
β in radians
D=s/β
β in seconds, D = 206265 x s /β
20) Determine the gradient from pt p to another pt. Q from the following observations with
a tachometer fitted with analectic lens the constant of instrument was 100.00

Inst At R R
Staff held normal P Q
WCB 1300 2200
Vertical angle -10032’ +506’
Staff Read 1.255, 1.810, 2.365 1.300, 2.120, 2.940

21) A line was levelled tacheometrically with a tacheometer fitted with anallatic lens, the
value of the constant being 100. The following observations were made, the staff having
been held vertically.

Inst. Staff Height Vertical Hair reading

station station of axis angle
A B.M 1.44 -2024’’ 1.20, 1.83, 2.46
A B 1.44 0
+4 36’’ 1.35, 1.82, 2.29
B C 1.41 0
+ 6 12’’ 0.72, 1.88, 2.04
RL of BM 37.725m, Compute the elevations of A, B and C.
19) To determine the gradient between two point P and Q a tacheometer was set up at a R
station and the following observation where taken keeping the staff held vertical, if the
horizontal keeping the staff held vertical, if the horizontal angle PRQ is 36020’ determine the
avg. Gradient between P and Q Point take K = 100 and C = 0 and RL of HI = 100m

Inst. station Staff point Staff reading Vertical angle

A P 1.210, 1.510, 1.810 +40 40’
Q 1.000, 1.310, 1.620 -00 40’