TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES -

TAGUIG
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIAL LABORATORY MANUAL

NAME: FABULA, JANICE F. SECTION: BETCT1A

SUBJECT: CONSTRUCTION SURVEY 2 SCORE:
GROUP NO.: 2 FIELDWORK NO.: 3
GROUPMATES: BENDAL, BROWA, BUELA, ELQUIERO, GAMAYOT, GARRO, IGHARAS,
POLINAR, RIVERAL
Lesson Title

Missing Data: Closed Traverse

Introduction
In surveying, completing a closed traverse accurately requires identifying and computing any missing
data, such as unknown distances or angles. Addressing these gaps is critical to achieving a balanced
and closed traverse, which ensures the reliability of the survey results. Proper adjustment of traverse
data leads to precise plotting, which is vital for the planning and execution of civil engineering projects.
Objectives
This fieldwork activity aims to:
1. Identify and compute missing elements, such as distances and angles, in a closed
traverse survey.
2. Apply appropriate adjustment methods to ensure the traverse is properly balanced and
closed.
3. Verify and plot the corrected traverse data for an accurate representation of the surveyed
area.
Sketch

Figure 1. TUP-T Open Ground with the location of 5 points (A-E) to determine the distance by
taping.
Source: Google Map
Materials

3. Transit 4. Range Pole 5. Plumb Bob 6. Tripod

Procedure
1. Designate at least five (5) stations in the field and mark each point with marking pins.
2. Refer to the given assigned location to identify the traverse layout, including known
bearings and distances.
3. Set up and level the transit or theodolite at Station A, as indicated in the figure.
4. Orient the instrument to the magnetic meridian, then sight and bisect the range pole at
Station B. Record the forward bearing of Line A–B using the crosshairs.
5. Measure and record the horizontal distances of Line A–B and any other accessible lines
(e.g., A–E).
6. Move the instrument sequentially to the next stations (e.g., B, C, etc.), repeating the
procedure of orientation, sighting, and measuring, until all accessible lines are observed.
7. Plot the traverse using the collected data.
8. Compute the missing bearings and distances of the unknown side to complete the closed
traverse.

Data and Results

LINE LENGTH FORWARD BEARING LATITUDE DEPARTURE
(m)
AB 8.4600 S 23°54’ E -7.7346 3.4275
BC 12.8500 S 69°47’ E -4.4406 12.0583
CD 45.3200 N 55.5°10’ E 25.5608 12.0583
DE 52.1007 N 9°6’22.84’’ E 51.4441 8.2458
EF 36.5000 S 27°14’ W -32.4540 -16.7030
FG 10.4500 N 78°11’ W 2.1359 -10.2090
GH 18.4600 S 42°47’ W -13.5336 -12.5250
HA 23.6100 S 27°0’ W -21.0367 -10.7187
∑=0 ∑=0

Computations:

LATITUDE

AB = 8.4600 cos (23°54’) = -7.7346

BC = 12.8500 cos (69°47’) = -4.4406
CD = 45.3200 cos (55.5°10’) = 25.5608
EF= 36.5000 cos (27°14’) = -32.4540
FG = 10.4500 cos (78°11’) = 2.1359
GH = 18.4600 cos (42°47’) = -13.5336
HA = 23.6100 cos (27°0’) = -21.0367
∑ = 51.4441

DEPARTURE

AB = 8.4600 sin (23°54’) = 3.4275

BC = 12.8500 sin (69°47’) = 12.0583
CD = 45.3200 sin (55.5°10’) = 12.0583
EF= 36.5000 sin (27°14’) = -16.7030
FG = 10.4500 sin (78°11’) = -10.2090
GH = 18.4600 sin (42°47’) = -12.5250
HA = 23.6100 sin (27°0’) = -10.7187
∑ = 8.2458

DISTANCE

√(51.4441)2 + (8.2458)2 = 52.1007m

FORWARD BEARING

8.2458
tan−1 (51.4441) = 9°6’22.84’’

Conclusion/Analysis of Results
BENDAL, RUTH HEIDE CLAIRE

We need to find the missing data using transit as an instrument to get the angle. To find the
distance we measure from point to point then each corner of basd bldg. After gathering all the data,
we compute the angle and distance of the missing side by using latitude and departure then we draw
the building.
BROWA, ZYE

As a conclusion, my role as the group’s computer or solver allowed me to apply my knowledge

and skills in solving traverse problems efficiently. I began by computing the summation of the latitudes
and departures of the traverse, which enabled us to determine the corresponding latitude and
departure for line DE. I then calculated the distance using the error of closure formula and determined
the angle using the arc tangent of the departure over latitude. These steps were essential in solving
for the unknown side and bearing of line DE. Through accurate and systematic computation, I was
able to contribute significantly to the success of our group by ensuring that all values were consistent
with the initial setup and the bearing gathered by our surveyor.
BUELA, KATE SYVEL

During our fieldwork, we tackled Case 1 of traverse with missing data, focusing on determining
unknown lengths and bearings. As the recorder and the right hand of the computer operator, I played
a key role in both documenting and supporting the calculations.

We used known lengths and bearings to calculate latitudes and departures, then applied
trigonometric laws to solve for the missing data. At first, the missing information felt like a setback,
but it became an opportunity to apply what we’d learned in class in a real-world setting.

Recording accurately and assisting with computations taught me the importance of precision
and teamwork. I learned that surveying isn’t just about numbers—it’s about collaboration, attention
to detail, and problem-solving under pressure.
ELQUIERO, RHEA JOY

Today in our Construction Surveying lab, we experienced something completely different: the
practical elimination of our missing data by surveying. It was a good experience because I played a
part as the side tapeman, who assists in gathering accurate data while helping the team set up and
align their equipment. From all this, I've been able to learn that trying things has taught me greatly
about dealing with accuracy and teamwork in surveying. Overall, it was a quite accommodating and
enjoyable experience that further honed my technical skills and teamwork.
FABULA, JANICE

This fieldwork activity, we choose the BASD Building to perform a closed traverse (missing
data) surveying using a transit. As a chief, I assisted the instrumentman by clearing obstructions and
helping set up transit every corner of the BASD building to ensure complete coverage and I also
supported the other team members to make their tasks easier and ensure smooth coordination as
we surveyed every corner of the building. The data was successfully determined the missing data
with the summation resulting in zero, this ensure all data was accurate computed.
GAMAYOT, LIEZEL

The lab is about case 1, two missing data (distance DE & angle DE) using transit. As the
assistant chief man, I assisted whenever manpower was needed, such as clearing barricades. There
were two tasks we needed to do: (1) get the bearings and (2) distance measurements from points A
to I at BASD corners. The team divided for the two tasks. The chiefman helped the instrumentman,
and I helped record the tapemen's data. We completed the task on time by dividing our role wisely
for the 9 points. We got accurate data by getting zero on the summation of latitudes and departures.
GARRO, JHOANNA

Our lab activity, which involved solving closed traverse missing data, was completed today.
We carefully marked the locations to be sighted using our instruments. As the rod man, it was my
responsibility to assure correct measurements by being at particular locations, such as building
corners or designated marks. The workout required a lot of work, especially in the intense sun, which
made standing for extended periods of time difficult. We got to work solving the problem and
analyzing the findings as soon as we had all the data.
IGHARAS, NATHALIE SHANE

Our project group faultlessly performed a traverse survey, using the classical transit-based
methods of construction surveying, with extreme difficulties. On each occasion, the instrument was
set up afresh, always orienting the zero to the North, and only forward bearings were taken. The one
side remains for solution and all other points were measured accurately, double checked and
certified. The team effectively separated the carrying out of bearing measurements and distance
measurements, which enabled us to complete measurements of all 9 BASD corners consecutively.
Accuracy was certified by zero summation of latitudes and departures with all data entries being fully
collected, we completely solve the unsolved side and finalize the traverse.
POLINAR, AVIE GAIL

Our group stayed the same as before, and I was the instrument man again, this time it was
transit. I had many set-ups because we had a lot of points to take due to obstructions. I always made
sure to start from the north. I only took forward bearings, and there was one side we needed to find.
We were able to get all the points except for that one side, which we will solve for. We double-
checked our data to make sure all the bearings and distances were accurate. Now that we have
everything we need, we're ready to solve for the missing side and complete the traverse.
RIVERAL, MA. JUNALIE

In this fieldwork, we need to find the missing data. We use transit to measure the angle by
corner of basd building and using measuring tape to measure the distance for each corner. As a
Rear Tapeman it was so hard to measure due to obstruction. But for me it was so challenging to do
this task.

Bibliography
TUP-T Civil and Allied Department. (2023). Transit Traverse: A Laboratory Manual in Surveying.
A.Y.2022-2023.