Traverse & Leveling Calculations Flashcards

A closed traverse has ΣLat = +0.42 ft and ΣDep = −0.31 ft. What is the linear error of closure (LEC)?

Answer: 0.52 ft

LEC = √(0.42² + 0.31²) = √(0.1764 + 0.0961) = √0.2725 ≈ 0.52 ft.

A traverse with a total perimeter of 3,240 ft has a linear error of closure of 0.81 ft. What is the precision ratio?

Answer: 1:4,000

Precision ratio = perimeter ÷ LEC = 3,240 ÷ 0.81 = 4,000, expressed as 1:4,000.

When using the Compass (Bowditch) Rule to balance a traverse, the correction to each course is distributed proportionally to:

Answer: The length of each individual course relative to the total perimeter

The Compass Rule assumes that angular and linear errors are equally likely, so it distributes corrections proportionally to course length.

A traverse course has a bearing of N 62°15' E and a length of 387.42 ft. What is the departure of this course?

Answer: 343.0 ft

Departure = L × sin(bearing angle) = 387.42 × sin(62°15') ≈ 387.42 × 0.8849 ≈ 343.0 ft.

A 6-sided closed traverse has measured interior angles summing to 721°30'. What is the angular misclosure?

Answer: 1°30'

Theoretical interior angle sum for a hexagon = (6−2)×180° = 720°; misclosure = 721°30' − 720°00' = 1°30'.

In traverse computation, the term 'departure' specifically refers to:

Answer: The east-west component of a course (positive east, negative west)

Departure is the horizontal east-west component of a traverse course; latitude is the north-south component.

When using the Transit Rule to balance a traverse, the correction applied to the latitude of a course is proportional to:

Answer: The absolute value of that course's latitude divided by the sum of all absolute latitudes

The Transit Rule weights latitude corrections by each course's absolute latitude relative to the total sum of absolute latitudes.