27.1 : Adjusting a Traverse

In the site survey of a four-sided traverse, internal angles are essential to ensure geometric accuracy. The survey revealed that the sum of the measured internal angles was 359 degrees and 48 minutes, which is 12 minutes less than the expected 360 degrees. This discrepancy signals an error likely arising from measurement inaccuracies during the fieldwork.

To rectify this error, the adjustment process involved distributing the 12-minute shortfall equally across the four internal angles. By adding three minutes to each angle, the corrected values were recalculated. The adjusted sum confirmed the accuracy of the traverse with a total of 360 degrees, ensuring that the traverse conforms to geometric principles.

Following this correction, the bearings of the traverse sides were computed. The magnetic bearing of side AB was used as the reference starting point. Using the corrected internal angles, the bearings for the remaining sides were systematically determined. This process ensures that the angular and linear relationships between all sides are accurately aligned, which is critical for precise plotting and mapping.

This method rectifies potential errors and highlights the importance of careful measurement and error adjustment in field surveys, reinforcing the accuracy and reliability of the resulting data.