Unit 9

Tachymetric Surveys
Before the advent of total stations and theodolites, we used to measure
distances using steel tapes. Now, optical instruments such as the aforementioned are
used in measuring long distances.

The benefit of using optical instruments in measuring distances is primarily the

option of not using steel tapes, which you have to makes corrections and adjustments
for the measurement to be accepted. The adjustments due to temperature, pull and sag
is something that will not be experienced with optical instruments. Another advantage of
using optical instruments is the convenience in measuring.

Tachymetry, or tacheometry means “rapid” measurement. It came from the

Greek work tachys, meaning fast. Literally any measurement that could be done rapidly
can be considered tachymetric surveys but tachymetry is limited to stadia, subtense
bars, etc.

This unit will discuss the following topics:

20. Stadia Method, Stadia Constants and Stadia Interval Factor

21. Inclined Stadia Sights

CE 1: Fundamentals of Surveying George P. Palada, RCE

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AY 2020 - 2021
Module 20: Stadia Method, Stadia Constants and Stadia Interval Factor
Author/Contributor: George P. Palada, RCE

To the students:

Please read pages 4 – 16 of the book Higher Surveying by La Putt for an in-depth
discussion on the topic

Stadia Method, Stadia Constants and Stadia Interval Factor

Tachymetric surveys are “rapid” surveys, but EDM surveys are not included on the
classification. Module 7 discusses distance measurement by tachymetry, and we will
look back at how these surveys are done.

Tachymetric surveys are already overshadowed by electronic distance measurement

and laser distance measurement. Books on surveying refer to their older editions if a
student wants to learn the methods of tachymetric surveys. Kavanagh (2010) calls
stadia “outmoded form of distance measurement”, and Mastin and Kavanagh (2014)
calls stadia “obsolete”.

Stadia Surveying

Stadia, as was mentioned, is now an obsolete form of indirect measurement that utilizes
a telescope with crosshairs to determine distances. In stadia surveying, the upper and
lower crosshairs of an optical device are used to measure distances. These upper and
lower crosshairs are called stadia hairs. On most instruments the stadia hairs and the
cross hairs can be seen simultaneously. The surveyor will sight the optical instrument
and will see crosshairs on the optical device that will intercept on a graduated rod or
staff.

Stadia instruments are those that are purely optical, and one of the basic examples is
the engineers’ transit or the theodolite. The main components of a transit or a theodolite
include a sighting telescope and two graduated circles mounted in perpendicular plane.
(Ghilani & Wolf)

Stadia Constants

From module 7, we were given the formula in determining distances using stadia. The
formula mentioned of a stadia constant. Stadia constant, C, is defined as the distance
from the center of the instrument to the principal focus.

CE 1: Fundamentals of Surveying George P. Palada, RCE

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AY 2020 - 2021
Because it is a constant, stadia constants are normally printed on the instrument or on
the case that came with the instrument. The manufacturer of the optical instrument
predetermines the stadia constant for the users.

An Engineers’ Transit
Image source: https://www2.humboldt.edu/scimus/AvH_HSU_Centenial%20Exhibit/Lietz_Transit/Transit.htm

Stadia Principles

CE 1: Fundamentals of Surveying George P. Palada, RCE

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AY 2020 - 2021
Internal focusing telescopes have stadia constant of nearly zero and is disregarded at
times. Anallactic lenses, a special kind of lens, are specially made to make the stadia
constant zero. Recall from module 7 that in order to determine the distance of a rod
from an optical instrument, we need to use the formula

D = Ks + C

If the stadia constant is zero, the formula will be shortened to

D = Ks

Stadia Interval Factor

Stadia Interval Factor, K is dependent on the focal length of the lens (f) and the distance
between stadia hairs (i). Modern internal focusing optical instruments have a fixed
distance between the stadia lines so when the telescope is horizontal and the rod
vertical, the unknown distance D from the center of the instrument center to the rod is
equivalent to 100 times the stadia intercept or:

D = 100s

Example

Determine the values of stadia constants from the following observations:

Instrument Staff Reading Lower Stadia Upper Stadia

Distance (m)
Station on Reading Reading
A 100 1.015 2.600
O B 150 0.980 2.950
B 200 0.750 3.105

Solution:

D = Ks + C

Since the instrument used is the same for A, B and C, K and C are constants.

For the first reading: 100 = K(2.600 – 1.015) + C ; 100 = 1.585K + C

For the second reading: 150 = K(2.950 – 0.980) + C ; 175 = 1.97K + C
For the third reading: 200 = K(3.105 – 0.750) + C ; 250 = 2.355K + C

CE 1: Fundamentals of Surveying George P. Palada, RCE

Course Guide Author
AY 2020 - 2021
Solving the equations simultaneously:

250 = 2.355K + C
175 = 1.970K + C
-----------------------
75 = 0.385K
K = 194.805, C = 0

175 = 1.970K + C
100 = 1.585K + C
----------------------
75 = 0.385K
K = 194.805, C = 0

250 = 2.355K + C
100 = 1.585K + C
---------------------
150 = 0.770K
K = 194.805, C = 0

Therefore, the stadia constant, C = 0 and the stadia interval factor, K

K = 1/3 (194.805 + 194.805 + 194.805) = 194.805.

Example

A survey party wants to determine the distance between two points A and B using a
transit and a leveling rod. The student set up the instrument in between points A and B
and the survey tabulation are as follows:

Rod held at A: Lower stadia hair = 0.90 ; Upper stadia hair = 1.30
Rod held at B: Lower stadia hair = 1.50 ; Upper stadia hair = 3.80

If the instrument constant is 0.35 and the stadia interval factor is 100, determine the
length of distance AB.

Solution:

Let a be the distance between point A and the instrument and b be the distance
between point B and the instrument.

Hence, D = a + b, where D is the total distance of line AB.

For a:

CE 1: Fundamentals of Surveying George P. Palada, RCE

Course Guide Author
AY 2020 - 2021
a = Ks + C
a = (100)(1.30 – 0.90) + 0.35
a = 40 + 0.35
a = 40.35 m

For b:

b = Ks + C
b = (100)(3.80 – 1.50) + 0.35
b = 230 + 0.35
b = 230.35 m

therefore, D = 40.35 + 230.35 = 270.70 m

Self-Assessment Questions

1. What type of lens have a stadia constant of zero?

2. What does tachymetry mean?
3. What is stadia intercept?

Activity

Determine the average stadia interval factor of an optical instrument below. C = 0.

Distance of Rod Upper Stadia Hair Lower Stadia Hair

Point
from Instrument Reading Reading
A 30 m 1.10 1.38
B 60 1.25 1.70
C 90 1.30 1.98
D 120 1.40 2.30
E 150 1.58 2.45
F 180 1.70 2.60

References

La Putt, J. (1990). Higher surveying, (2nd ed.). Baguio City: Baguio Research &
Publishing Center.

Basak, N. N. (2014). Surveying and levelling, (2nd ed.). New Delhi: McGrawHill India.

Duggal, S. K. (2013) Surveying vol I, (4th ed.). New Delhi: McGrawHill India.

CE 1: Fundamentals of Surveying George P. Palada, RCE

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AY 2020 - 2021
Robillard, W., Brinker, R., & Minnick, R. (1995). The surveying handbook. (2nd ed.). New
York: Chapman and Hall.

CE 1: Fundamentals of Surveying George P. Palada, RCE

Course Guide Author
AY 2020 - 2021