Control survey II (GEOM204)

Control survey (GEOM204)

A control survey provides a framework of survey points whose relative positions
in two or three dimensions are known to a prescribed degree of accuracy. A control
network may extend over a whole country and form the basis (called geodetic datum) for
the national maps of that country or it may extend to a relatively small area encompassing
a project site providing a control network depending upon the purpose. A control network
provides a reference framework of points for: Topographical mapping and large scale
plan production, Dimensional control of the construction work, Deformation surveys of
structures, The extension and densification of the exesting control network, Study of
geodynamics like tectonic plate movements, inter continental shifts, crustal movement
etc. There are several methods of control survey
Traversing
Triangulation
Trilateration
Traingulateration
Satellite position fixing
Inertial positioning
We have already studied about traversing and triangulation in GEOM202, here we
will discuss on Trilateration, (theodolite) Intersection and (theodolite) Resection and
Field Astronomy.

Trilateration
Trilateration is the method of control survey in which all the sides of the triangle
together with the azimuth of one of them are measured in order to determine the
coordinates of the stations fixed at the vertices of the triangle.
A network of control stations forming a net of triangles is established first by
monumenting permanent stations. The lengths of the sides of each triangle are measured
with some appropriate distance measuring equipment. The azimuth of one of the sides is
determined either by carrying out from some survey line of known azimuth or some
astronomical observation. Proper corrections for the errors to the measured distances are
applied and then each and every angle of all the triangles is computed by applying
trigonometric relationships to the measured distances.
The formulae used to compute the angles from the measured sides are
a 2 = b 2 + c 2 − 2bcCosA
b 2 = c 2 + a 2 − 2caCosB
c 2 = a 2 + b 2 − 2abCosC
Or
2Δ 2Δ 2Δ
SinA = , SinB = and SinC =
bc ca ab
Where

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 Control survey II (GEOM204)

Δ = s (s − a )(s − b )(s − c ),
1
s= (a + b + c )
2
Or
= s (s − a )
A
Tan
2 (s − b )(s − c )
Tan = s(s − b )
B
2 (s − c )(s − a )
Tan = s (s − c )
C
2 (s − a )(s − b )
Where
Δ = s (s − a )(s − b )(s − c ),
1
s= (a + b + c )
2

Exercise1.
In a Trilateration network as shown in the figure has the following distance observations
determine the values of angle 1 to 21. What is the sum of angles 16 to 21 is there any
error?

Observations
G F E D C B A
A 6282.32 7810.90 11405.77 7954.20 0.00
B 5191.05 4464.12 0.00 7954.20
C 6182.59 6695.96 0.00 4464.12 11405.77
D 6064.38 5857.87 4278.64 0.00 6695.96
E 8024.89 5202.27 0.00 4278.64
F 4179.28 0.00 5202.27 5857.87 7810.90
G 0.00 4179.28 8024.89 6064.38 6182.59 5191.05 6282.32

Prepared by:
Madhusudan Adhikari
 Control survey II (GEOM204)

Advantages and disadvantages of Trilateration

Advantages:
• Trilateration can be considered as a rapid and economic method of control survey
because the locations of the points can be fixed by measuring the sides of
triangles only.
• Because each and every sides of the triangle are measured the scale error is highly
controlled in this method.
• For small areas cheaper instruments like tapes can be used for distance
measurement and in such a case there is no need of inter-visibility between the
satiations.
• Now a days long range EDMI’s are available with very precise measuring
capability up to ppm accuracy which has made the Trilateration applicable in
control survey of very large area.
• All the angels are computed from the measured sides and there is no need of angle
measurement except the initial azimuth and some check angles for large network.
• The theory of Trilateration is very easy to understand and its field work is easy to
conduct.

Disadvantages:
• Although the scale error is highly controlled in the method of Trilateration the
azimuth error may be accumulated and hence affects in overall accuracy.
• Slope distances measured with EDMI”s need to be reduced to the horizontal
distance which demands the measurement of either vertical/zenithal angle or
difference in elevation between the points together with height of instrument and
height of target.
• EDMI’s are calibrated under certain meteorological condition which doesn’t
match with the real field working situation and hence necessary arrangements are
required for their measurement and correction.
• For highly accurate works simultaneous reciprocal observations are required or
the correction for refraction and curvature are to be applied and the effect of the
deflection of vertical should be taken in to account which increases the volume of
works to be done.
• There are less internal checks in comparison with the triangulation and
triangulateration. This can be seen from the following table.

Number of internal checks

Triangulation Trilateration Triangulateration
Triangle 1 0 1
Baraced quadrilateral 4 1 9
Pentagon 6 4 15

• In trilateration, to provide more internal checks more complicated figure is

required, so the network design is critical and complex as well.
• The more the network is complex the more the computation is cumbersome.

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 Control survey II (GEOM204)

• It has less accuracy in comparison with the traverse, triangulation and

triangulateration.

Triangulation vs. Trilateration

Triangulation
1. All angles are measured in triangulation
2. Distance of baseline is measured
3. Some check base lines are also measured
to control scale error
4. The error in azimuth is highly controlled
but the scale error is accumulated
5. Intervisibility between stations is
essential
6. There are more internal checks in
comparison with trilateration in the sane
geometric figure
7. The side lengths are computed on the
basis of measured angles applying sine
law
Trilateration
1. All sides are measured in trilateration
2. Azimuth of the initial line is measured
3. Some check angles are measured to
control azimuth error
4. The scale error is highly controlled but
the error in azimuth is accumulated
5. For small areas it is possible to measure
distances without intervisibility
6. There are less internal checks in
comparison with triangulation in the
sane geometric figure
7. The angles are computed on the basis of
measured side lengths applying cosine
law

Trilateration figures

Chain of Triangles:

The chain of triangles system of trilateration network is used if the area to be surveyed is
a narrow belt. If the belt is a bit wider and single chain cannot cover it, the double chain
of triangle is used. The chain of triangle provides no checks on computed angles and it
requires frequent check angle measurements to ascertain accuracy of the work by
controlling error in azimuth.

Measured check angle

Measured initial azimuth
Single Chain of Triangles

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 Control survey II (GEOM204)

N
Measured initial azimuth

Measured check angle

Double Chain of Triangles

Braced Quadrilaterals:

In this system, braced quadrilateral, the quadrilaterals with diagonals are measured at the
corner stations but not at the intersection of the diagonals. Since the braced quadrilaterals
consist of four overlapping triangles, this arrangement provides different triangles to
calculate the angles of the triangles from the measured sides.
Measured initial azimuth N

Measured check angle

Braced Quadrilaterals:

Polygons with diagonals:

In order to obtain sufficient redundancy for check on the accuracy the geometric figures
become quiet complicated, it has been suggested that it is better to use hexagons with all
20 sides measured because it provides 10 internal checks, but it is not always practicable
in the field

N
Measured initial azimuth
N

Measured initial azimuth

Polygons

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 Control survey II (GEOM204)

Combined system:

In the system the combination of two or more of the above systems are used to form the
trilateration net. This is used when the area to be surveyed is large and only a system is
not suitable.

Measured check angle

Measured initial azimuth

Combined figure

Computation of the trilateration network

The network may be computed by the method of variation of coordinates or some other
less rigorous methods may be applied some of which are as follows
Method 1
The reduced and adjusted sides of the triangle are used to compute angles by using cosine
formula or half-angle formula or so, and then the network may be treated as a
triangulation network.
Method 2
In this method the coordinates of the points are obtained directly but there is an
assumption that the points A, B and C are in clockwise order. Let the coordinates of A
and B are known and all the sides a, b and c are measured.
a2 − b2
1
Ec = (E A + E B ) + 2
(E A − EB ) − 2Δ2 (N A − N B )
2 2c c
a −b
(N A − N B ) + 2Δ2 (E A − EB )
2 2
1
N c = (N A + N B ) + 2
2 2c c
Where
1
Δ = s (s − a )(s − b )(s − c ), s = (a + b + c )
2
Method 3
This method is offered by Dr. T L Thomas in which the coordinates of the points are
obtained directly but there is an assumption that the point C is in the left of AB . Let the
coordinates of A and B are known and all the sides a, b and c are measured.

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 Control survey II (GEOM204)

Ec = E A + pk − qh
Nc = N A + qk + ph
Where
EB − E A NB − N A b2 + c2 − a2
p= , q= k= , h = b2 − k 2
c c 2c
Exercise2.
In a Trilateration network as shown in the figure has the following distance observation if
the coordinates of A and B are as given below

Observations

G F E D C B A
A 6282.32 7810.90 11405.77 7954.20 0.00
B 5191.05 4464.12 0.00 7954.20
C 6182.59 6695.96 0.00 4464.12 11405.77
D 6064.38 5857.87 4278.64 0.00 6695.96
E 8024.89 5202.27 0.00 4278.64
F 4179.28 0.00 5202.27 5857.87 7810.90
G 0.00 4179.28 8024.89 6064.38 6182.59 5191.05 6282.32

Coordinates of A and B

Station Easting (m) Northing (m)

A 351240.22 3038628.80
B 356788.67 3044328.27

a) Determine the coordinates of stations C, D, E, F and G using method 1.

b) Determine the coordinates of stations C, D, E, F and G using method 2.
c) Determine the coordinates of stations C, D, E, F and G using method 3.

Hint: put the formulae in excel, or in any other computation software like mat lab, python

Prepared by:
Madhusudan Adhikari
 Control survey II (GEOM204)

Theodolite Intersection
Intersection is the method of locating a point by sighting it from two or more
known control points. This method is suitable for the case where there is difficult to
occupy the point to be located. There are different approaches to compute the coordinates
of the intersection point, the following two are the most commonly used.

Method 1: Bearing Method

Let the point P is to be located by sighting from known points A and B. the
bearings of the lines AP and BP are computed first by observing PAB and PBA and
computing the bearing of the line AB with the known coordinates of the points A and B.
then the coordinates of P are computed as follows:
Let coordinates of A and B are (EA, NA ) and ( EB , NB) respectively and that
of P be (EP , NP), then,
EP – EA = PL
NP – NA = AL

PL
But, = Tanα L
AL M P

Therefore,
(1) E P − E A = (N P N A ) Tan α β
Similarly, B α
(2) E P − E B = (N P − N B ) Tanβ
A
Subtracting (2) from (1) we get,
E B -E A = N P(Tanα − Tanβa+ Ν Β Tanβ − N ATanα

E B -E A + N ATanα − N BTanβ
Or, N p = -----------------------------------------(3)
(Tanα − Tanβ )
Again,
N P - N A = (E P - E A ) Cotα -----------------------------------------------------------(4)

N P - N B = (E P - E B ) Cotβ -----------------------------------------------------------(5)

Subtracting (5) from (4)

N B -N A = E P (Cotα − Cotβ + Ε Β Cotβ − E ACotα

N B - N A + E A Cotα − E B Cotβ
Or, EP = ------------------------------------------------- (6)
Cotα − Cotβ

Thus using the equations (3) and (6) the values of EP and NP are computed.

Prepared by:
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 Control survey II (GEOM204)

Note that P is always assumed to be to the right of A→B in the equations.

Exercise 1
Find the coordinates of a point P, which was observed from two known points A and B
whose coordinates are as follows:
Station Easting Northing
A 1000 m 1000 m
B 500 m 1200 m
And the bearings of the lines AP and BP are 65014’21” and 350 12’40” respectively.

Method 2: Angle Method

This method involves the

coordinates of point P using the
observed angles α and β and the Ψ
coordinates of A and B as shown in Q
fig. B
EP-EA=CDTanβ β
α
EP-EB=CQTanα C
NB-NA= QC+CD β
= (EP-EB)Cotα+(EP-EA)Cotβ
Or,
NB-NA = EP (Cotα+Cotβ)-(EBCotα+
EACotβ) Φ
P
Or,
EP(Cotα+Cotβ)= NB-NA +(EBCotα+ α
EACotβ)
A D
Or,
N -N + (E B Cotα + E ACotβ )
EP = B A
(Cotα + Cotβ )
Similarly the formula for northing of P can be obtained by considering the coordinate
axes to be rotated through right angle with the E-W direction reversed

E A -EB + (N B Cotα + N ACotβ )

NP =
(Cotα + Cotβ )
Exercise 2
Find the coordinates, by the second method, of a point P, which was observed from two
known points A and B whose coordinates are as follows:

Station Easting (m) Northing (m)

A 345780.67 3050394.05
B 351629.10 3044899.07

And the bearings of the lines AP and BP are 53.359660g and 35.150278g respectively.

Prepared by:
Madhusudan Adhikari
 Control survey II (GEOM204)

Exercise 3
Find the coordinates, by the second method, of a point P, which was observed from two
known points A and B and two another known points C and D whose coordinates are as
follows: D

P
B

Table Theo-Res 2 : Coordinate List of the stations

Station Easting (m) Northing (m)
A 351240.22 3038628.80
B 347490.50 3045480.79
C 356442.71 3048778.96
D 350044.25 3050752.70

And the angles of the lines AP, BP, CP and DP with their respective base lines AB and
CD are 35.820432g, 59.232747g, 62.236821g and 64.118981g respectively.

Discuss on the results obtained from these two independent observations.

Prepared by:
Madhusudan Adhikari
 Control survey II (GEOM204)

Theodolite Resection
Resection is the method of determining the position of the point occupied by the
instrument by taking measurements of horizontal angles between at least three known
control points. This method is considered to provide a weaker solution than other
methods, even than the method of intersection, so it is preferred to take horizontal angles
measurements at more than three control points so that more checks and adjustments can
be applied. This method is very useful when we need to fix the position very quickly.
Since it needs only a single instrument setup it obviously reduces the fieldwork.
Moreover no need of linear measurement is its another plus point. Its computation
process is very lengthy and tedious; however, computer programming has provided a
remedy in this regard. There are several approaches for the solution of the resection
problems, the most commonly used methods are as follows:
• Photonot-Snellius Method (φ-45 Method)
• Dr. T L Thomas’s Method
• Teinstra Method
• Collin’s Point Method (Bessel’s Method)
• Anonymous Method

Photonot-Snellius Method (φ-45 Method) of Resection:

Let point P be the point to be fixed by resection from the three known control
points A B and C. Let P lies inside the control triangle ABC and α and β are the observed
angles as shown in the figure.
C

α β
x P y
A B
Fig: Theo-Res1
Now, if we can find either of the angles x or y we will easily determine the rest of
the angles of the figure and the bearings of the directions AP BP or CP and then we will
easily find the coordinates of the point P by using the method of intersection from any
two of the known control points A B and C.
To solve for x and y
We have from fig.
x + y + α + β + C = 360 ------------------------------------------------------------ (1)
Or, x + y = 360 – (α + β + C) = S (say), a known quantity.
Now, from fig, using sine law,

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 Control survey II (GEOM204)

AC PC BC PC
= , =
Sinα Sinx Sinβ Siny
AC × Sinx BC × Siny
∴ PC = =
Sinα Sinβ
Siny AC × Sinβ
Or, = (= K _ say ) ---------------------------------------------------- (2)
Sinx BC × Sinα

Hence, we have two equations in x and y so we can solve them to get their values.
Knowing the values of x and y we will compute the coordinates of P by the method of
Intersection. There are two approaches of getting solutions for x and y solving above two
equations.

Method 1
Siny AC × Sinβ
Let = = Tanφ
Sinx BC × Sinα
We know that,
Siny
Tanφ − 1 Sinx − 1
Tan(φ − 45) = =
1 + Tanφ Siny
1+
Sinx
⎛ y− x⎞ ⎛ y+ x⎞
2 Sin⎜ ⎟Cos ⎜ ⎟
Siny − Sinx ⎝ 2 ⎠ ⎝ 2 ⎠
= =
Siny + Sinx ⎛ y+ x⎞ ⎛ y− x⎞
2 Sin⎜ ⎟Cos ⎜ ⎟
⎝ 2 ⎠ ⎝ 2 ⎠
⎛ y+ x⎞ ⎛ y− x⎞
= Cot ⎜ ⎟Tan⎜ ⎟
⎝ 2 ⎠ ⎝ 2 ⎠
⎛ y− x⎞ ⎛ y+ x⎞
∴ Tan⎜ ⎟ = Tan(φ − 45)Tan⎜ ⎟ --------------------------------------------- (3)
⎝ 2 ⎠ ⎝ 2 ⎠
From the equations (1) and (2) the RHS of the equation (3) can be computed and
hence the value of y-x. Knowing the value of y-x and solving it with equation (1) we will
get the values of x and y.
Method 2

Putting the value of y from equation (1) in equation (2) we will get
Siny Sin( S − x) SinS × Cosx − CosS × Sinx
K= = =
Sinx Sinx Sinx
= SinS × Cotx − CosS

Prepared by:
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 Control survey II (GEOM204)

K + CosS
∴ Cotx =
SinS
Whence, the value of x is found all the angles of the figure can be deducted and
then the point P will be coordinated by the method of intersection.
Note: If the Resection point P lies outside the control triangle ABC the comparable
relationships between the angles will be
C P

α β

A x B
y

α β x y

A B
P
Fig: Theo-Res2a Fig: Theo-Res2b

x + y + α + β + C = 360 x + y +α + β −C = 0

To compute the coordinates of P let θ 1 andθ 2 be the reduced bearings of the lines
AP and BP respectively, then
XP − XA X − XB
= Tanθ1 , P = Tanθ 2
YP − Y A YP − YB
Solving these two equations we can get Xp and Yp. If we form another relation using the
bearing of line CP, we will have three pairs of equations yielding three sets of coordinates
for point P. We will get mpv by taking their average.

Example: Look at the fig. Theo-Res3, take angles from the table Theo-Res1 and
Coordinates from the table Theo-Res2, calculate the coordinates of point G as if it were
resected from the points A B and C.
Solution:
Given,
A (351240.22, 3038628.80) ∠20 = 50.202840 g
B (356788.67, 3044328.27) ∠21 = 96.928889 g
C (356442.71, 3048778.96)

Prepared by:
Madhusudan Adhikari
 Control survey II (GEOM204)

Fig: Theo-Res3
Table Theo-Res1 : Observed Angles and their corrected values
Angles of Observed Angles Least Square Adjusted Angles
Triangulation net (g) Correction (g) (g)
1 35.820617 -0.000185 35.820432
2 26.209136 0.000463 26.209599
3 18.992654 -0.000154 18.992500
4 57.869475 -0.000463 57.869012
5 88.047377 -0.000370 88.047006
6 61.750710 -0.000556 61.750154
7 62.237284 -0.000463 62.236821
8 64.119815 -0.000833 64.118981
9 45.549043 0.001265 45.550309
10 65.939630 0.000123 65.939753
11 53.359228 0.000432 53.359660
12 30.664228 -0.001296 30.662932
13 50.038272 -0.000617 50.037654
14 80.173056 -0.000617 80.172438
15 59.232253 0.000494 59.232747
16 104.946451 0.000370 104.946821
17 39.126975 0.000000 39.126975
18 35.149877 0.000401 35.150278
19 73.644722 -0.000525 73.644198
20 50.202840 0.000000 50.202840
21 96.928827 0.000062 96.928889

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Madhusudan Adhikari
 Control survey II (GEOM204)

Table Theo-Res 2 : Coordinate List of the stations

Station Easting (m) Northing (m)
A 351240.22 3038628.80
B 356788.67 3044328.27
C 356442.71 3048778.96
D 350044.25 3050752.70
E 345780.67 3050394.05
F 347490.50 3045480.79
G 351629.10 3044899.07

∠BCG +∠BAG + ∠20 + ∠21 + ∠B = 400, i.e.

x + y + ∠20 + ∠21 + ∠B = 400
Let us calculate the value of ∠B (= bearing of BC-Bearing of BA)
⎧ ⎛ 356442.71 - 356788.67 ⎞⎫ ⎧ −1 ⎛ 351240.22 - 356788.67 ⎞ ⎫
∠B = ⎨400 − Tan −1 ⎜ ⎟⎬ − ⎨200 + Tan ⎜ ⎟⎬
⎩ ⎝ 3048778.96 - 3044328.27 ⎠⎭ ⎩ ⎝ 3038628.80 - 3044328.27 ⎠⎭
= 145.9160778
∴x + y = 400-145.9160778-50.202840-96.928889 = 106.952193 (=S say)
Again,

ABSin∠20 (351240.22 - 356788.67 )2 + (3038628.80 - 3044328.27 )2 Sin(50.202840)

=
BCSin∠21 (356788.67 - 356442.71)2 + (3044328.27 - 3048778.96)2 Sin(96.928889 )
=1.265408651
Siny
∴Tanφ = 1.265408651 = K =
Sinx
Using method1
⎛ y − x ⎞ Tanφ − 1 ⎛ y + x ⎞ 1.265408651 − 1 ⎛ 106.952193 ⎞
Tan⎜ ⎟= Tan⎜ ⎟= Tan⎜ ⎟
⎝ 2 ⎠ 1 + Tanφ ⎝ 2 ⎠ 1 + 1.265408651 ⎝ 2 ⎠
= 0.1307043321
∴(y-x)/2 = Tan-1(0.1307043321) = 8.273992374 -------------------------------------------- (1)
& (y+x)/2 = 53.4760966 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- (2)
Solving equations (1) and (2)
y = 61.75008922
x = 45.20210447

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 Control survey II (GEOM204)

Now,
351240.22 - 356788.67 ⎞
Bearing of BA = 200 + Tan −1 ⎛⎜ ⎟ = 249.1452949
⎝ 3038628.80 - 3044328.27 ⎠
356442.71 - 356788.67 ⎞
Bearing of BC = 400 + Tan −1 ⎛⎜ ⎟ = 395.0613728
⎝ 3048778.96 - 3044328.27 ⎠
Bearing of AG = Bearing of BA + (400-x) – 600 = 3.9431905
Bearing of CG = Bearing of CB + y – 200 = 256.81146200
Now,
EG − E A
= Tan(3.9431905)
NG − N A

EG − 351240.22
Or, = Tan(3.9431905)
N G − 3038628.80
Or, EG – 0.062019NG = 162788.038 ---------------------------------------------------------- (3)
EG − EC
= Tan(256.81146200)
NG − NC

EG − 356442.71
Or, = Tan(256.81146200)
N G − 3048778.96
Or, EG – 1.240656NG = -3426043.9---------------------------------------------------------- (4)
Solving (3) and (4)

EG NG 1
1 – 0.062019 -162788.038 1 – 0.062019
1 – 1.240656 3426043.9 1 – 1.240656

EG NG
=
- 0.062019 × 3426043.9 - 162788.038 × 1.240656 - 162788.038 - 3426043.9
1
=
- 1.240656 + 0.062019

EG = 351629.0945 (5.5 mm error)

NG = 3044899.065 (5 mm error)

Prepared by:
Madhusudan Adhikari
 Control survey II (GEOM204)

Problem1:
Compute the coordinates of the station G as if it were resected from the stations B
C and D; look at the fig. Theo-Res3, take angles from the table Theo-Res1 and take
coordinates from the table Theo-Res2
Problem2:
Compute the coordinates of the station G as if it were resected from the stations C
D and E; look at the fig. Theo-Res3, take angles from the table Theo-Res1 and take
coordinates from the table Theo-Res2
Problem3:
Compute the coordinates of the station G as if it were resected from the stations D
E and F; look at the fig. Theo-Res3, take angles from the table Theo-Res1 and take
coordinates from the table Theo-Res2
Problem4:
Compute the coordinates of the station G as if it were resected from the stations E
F and A; look at the fig. Theo-Res3, take angles from the table Theo-Res1 and take
coordinates from the table Theo-Res2
Problem5:
Compute the coordinates of the station G as if it were resected from the stations F
A and B; look at the fig. Theo-Res3, take angles from the table Theo-Res1 and take
coordinates from the table Theo-Res2
Problem6:
Compare these five set of coordinates of the station G with its tabulated value
from the table Theo-Res2, analyze the results, can you interpret the variations?

Prepared by:
Madhusudan Adhikari
 Control survey II (GEOM204)

C
Dr. T L Thomas’s Method
Let A B C be the three known φ
control points and the occupied position P is
to be coordinated by taking measurements of
horizontal angles between these control
points. Dr. T L Thomas has suggested the
following solution for the point P A B
EP = EA + ZV/(V2+W2)
NP = NA + ZW/(V2+W2)
Where,
V = ΔE1Cotα-ΔE2Cot(α+β)+NC-NB
W = ΔN1Cotα-ΔN2Cot(α+β)+NB-NC α β
Z = XCotα-XCot(α+β)+Y-Y P
γ
CotαCot(α+β)
X =ΔE1ΔE2+ΔN1ΔN2 Fig: Theo-Res4

Y =ΔE1ΔN2-ΔN1ΔE2
ΔE1 = EB- EA
ΔE2 = EC- EA
ΔN1 = NB- NA
ΔN2 = NC- NA
Example:
Compute the coordinates of the station G using Dr. T L Thomas’s Method as if it
were resected from the stations C D and E; look at the fig. Theo-Res3, take angles from
the table Theo-Res1 and take coordinates from the table Theo-Res2
Solution:
Given,
C (356442.71, 3048778.96)
D (350044.25, 3050752.70)
E (345780.67, 3050394.05)
∠18 = 35.150278
∠19 = 73.644198
ΔE1 = ED- EE = 4263.58 ΔN1 = ND- NE = 358.65
ΔE2 = EC- EE = 10662.04 ΔN2 = NC- NE = -1615.09
X =ΔE1ΔE2+ΔN1ΔN2 = 44879208.47
Y =ΔE1ΔN2-ΔN1ΔE2 = -10710006.07

Prepared by:
Madhusudan Adhikari
 Control survey II (GEOM204)

Z = XCot∠18 -XCot(∠18 +∠19)+Y-Y Cot∠18 Cot(∠18 +∠19) = 70797331.79

W = ΔN1Cot∠18 -ΔN2Cot(∠18 +∠19)+NB-NC = -6040.824613
V = ΔE1Cot∠18 -ΔE2Cot(∠18 +∠19)+NC-NB = 6429.5157
EG = EE + ZV/(V2+W2) = 351629.2012
NG = NE + ZW/(V2+W2) = 3044899.087
Problem7:
Compute the coordinates of the station G using Dr. T L Thomas’s Method as if it
were resected from the stations B C and D; look at the fig. Theo-Res3, take angles from
the table Theo-Res1 and take coordinates from the table Theo-Res2
Problem8:
Compute the coordinates of the station G using Dr. T L Thomas’s Method as if it
were resected from the stations A B and C; look at the fig. Theo-Res3, take angles from
the table Theo-Res1 and take coordinates from the table Theo-Res2
Problem9:
Compute the coordinates of the station G using Dr. T L Thomas’s Method as if it
were resected from the stations D E and F; look at the fig. Theo-Res3, take angles from
the table Theo-Res1 and take coordinates from the table Theo-Res2
Problem10:
Compute the coordinates of the station G using Dr. T L Thomas’s Method as if it
were resected from the stations E F and A; look at the fig. Theo-Res3, take angles from
the table Theo-Res1 and take coordinates from the table Theo-Res2
Problem11:
Compute the coordinates of the station G using Dr. T L Thomas’s Method as if it
were resected from the stations F A and B; look at the fig. Theo-Res3, take angles from
the table Theo-Res1 and take coordinates from the table Theo-Res2
Problem12:
Compare these five set of coordinates of the station G with its tabulated value
from the table Theo-Res2, analyze the results, can you interpret the variations?

Prepared by:
Madhusudan Adhikari
 Control survey II (GEOM204)

Teinstra Method
Let ABC be the
known Control points A
in clockwise manner
and the α β and γ are 1 2
the angles between the n
directions PB and PC,
PC and PA, and PB θ
and PA respectively in β P γ
m
clockwise direction. α
An anticlockwise
convention throughout 3
6
is also permissible but C 5 4
B
the random is not.
We know from Fig: Theo-Res5
the trigonometry that
(m+n)Cotθ = nCotC-mCotA ------------------------------------------------------------ (1)
(m+n)Cotθ = mCot4-nCot3 ------------------------------------------------------------ (2)
Let EP and NP be the coordinates of point P, then from the cotangent formula of
the intersection we will get three solutions for each EP and NP using the three triangles
ABP, BCP and CAP
EP(Cot2+Cot3) = EACot3+ EBCot2-NA+NB
EP(Cot4+Cot5) = EBCot5+ ECCot4-NB+NC
EP(Cot6+Cot1) = ECCot1+ EACot6-NC+NA
Adding these equations we get,
EP(Cot1+Cot2+Cot3+ Cot4+Cot5+ Cot6) = EA(Cot3+ Cot6)+ EB(Cot2+ Cot5)+
EC(Cot1+Cot4)
E A L1 + E B L2 + E C L3
∴ EP = --------------------------------------------------------- (3)
L1 + L2 + L3

Where, L1= Cot3+ Cot6, L2= Cot2+ Cot5 and L3= Cot1+ Cot4
Similarly,
N A L1 + N B L2 + N C L3
NP = ------------------------------------------------------------ (4)
L1 + L2 + L3
From the relations (2) and (1) in triangles ABC and APC
(m+n)Cotθ = mCot4-nCot3 and
(m+n)Cotθ = nCot6-mCot1
m(Cot1+ Cot4) = n(Cot3 + Cot6)

Prepared by:
Madhusudan Adhikari
 Control survey II (GEOM204)

n L3
i.e. mL3 = nL1 or, =
m L1
Again, from the relations (1) and (2) in triangles APC and ABC
(m+n)Cotθ = mCot(180-α)-nCot(180-γ )
= -mCotα + nCotγ and
(m+n)Cotθ = nCotC-mCotA
n CotA − Cotα K 3 1
i.e. = = ( say ) _ where, K 1 = etc
m CotC − Cotγ K 1 CotA − Cotα

L3 K 3
∴ =
L1 K 1
Similarly,
L2 K 2 L1 L L
= ∴ = 2 = 3 = W ( say )
L3 K 3 K1 K 2 K 3
Then,
L1 = K1W , L2 = K 2W , L3 = K 3W

∴ L1 + L2 + L3 = W ( K 1 + K 2 + K 3 )

L1 K1 L2 K2 L3 K3
∴ = , = , =
L1 + L2 + L3 K 1 + K 2 + K 3 L1 + L2 + L3 K 1 + K 2 + K 3 L1 + L2 + L3 K 1 + K 2 + K 3

Putting these values in (3) and (4) we get

E A K1 + E B K 2 + E C K 3
EP =
K1 + K 2 + K 3

N A K1 + N B K 2 + N C K 3
NP =
K1 + K 2 + K 3

1 SinαSinA
Where, K 1 = = ,
CotA − Cotα Sin(α − A)
1 SinβSinB 1 SinγSinC
K2 = = , K3 = =
CotB − Cotβ Sin( β − B) CotC − Cotλ Sin(γ − C )

Prepared by:
Madhusudan Adhikari
 Control survey II (GEOM204)

We can apply a check for the computed coordinates of P using the relations
(E P − E A )K1 + (E P − E B )K 2 + (E P − EC )K 3 = 0
(N P − N A )K1 + (N P − N B )K 2 + (N P − N C )K 3 = 0
Example:
Compute the coordinates of the station G using Teinsrea Method as if it were
resected from the stations B C and D; look at the fig. Theo-Res3, take angles from the
table Theo-Res1 and take coordinates from the table Theo-Res2
Solution:
Given, D
B (356788.67, 3044328.27)
C
C (356442.71, 3048778.96)
D (350044.25, 3050752.70)
∠19 =β = 73.644198
19
∠20 =γ = 50.202840 20
∠BGD = α = 276.152963 G
B
Fig: Theo-Res6
Now,
Bearing of CB = 195.0613728 Bearing of BC = 395.0613728
Bearing of CD = 319.0483138 Bearing of BD = 348.4533814
∴∠C = 123.9869410 ∴∠B = 46.6079914
Bearing of DC = 119.0483138 Bearing of DB = 148.4533814 ∴∠D = 29.4050676
1 SinαSinC 1 SinβSinB
K1 = = =- -1.26768, K 2 = = = 1.48526
CotC − Cotα Sin(α − C ) CotB − Cotβ Sin( β − B)
1 SinγSinD
K3 = = = 0.985074
CotD − Cotλ Sin(γ − D)
E C K1 + E B K 2 + E D K 3 422887.651
EG = = = 351629.089
K1 + K 2 + K 3 1.202652636

N C K 1 + N B K 2 + N D K 3 3661955.902
NG = = = 3044899.076
K1 + K 2 + K 3 1.202652636

∴G =G (351629.089, 3044899.076)
For Check
(EG − EC )K1 + (EG − E B )K 2 + (EG − E D )K 3 = 0

Prepared by:
Madhusudan Adhikari
 Control survey II (GEOM204)

=(351629.089-356442.71)× -1.26768+(351629.089-356788.67)× 1.48526+(351629.089-

350044.25)× 0.985074 = -0.004514
(NG − NC )K1 + (NG − N B )K 2 + (NG − N D )K3 = 0
=(3044899.076-3048778.96)× -1.26768+(3044899.076-3044328.27)×
1.48526+(3044899.076-3050752.70)× 0.985074 = -0.006139496
Derivation of the Cotangent formula for Theodolite Intersection
Intersection is the method of locating a point by sighting from two or more known
control points. This method is suitable for the case where there is difficult to occupy the
point to be located.
Let the point P is to be located by sighting from known points A and B. the
bearings of the lines AP and BP are computed first by observing PAB and PBA and
computing the bearing of the line AB with the known coordinates of the points A and B.
then the coordinates of P are computed as follows:
Let coordinates of A and B are (EA, NA ) and ( EB , NB) respectively and that
of P be (EP , NP), then,
EP – EA = PL
NP – NA = AL
But, PL/AL = Tanα

Therefore, M L P
(1) EP – EA = (NP – NA) Tanα

Similarly, β
(2) EP – EB = (NP – NB) Tanβ B α
Subtracting (2) from (1) we get, A
EB – EA = NP(Tanα - Tanβ)+ NB Tanβ - NATanα

Or, NP = EB – EA + NATanα - NB Tanβ -----------------------------------------(3)

(Tanα - Tanβ)
Again,
NP –NA = (EP – EA) Cotα -----------------------------------------------------------(4)
NP –NB = (EP – EB) Cotβ -----------------------------------------------------------(5)

Subtracting (5) from (4)

NB –NA = EP (Cotα - Cotβ)+ EB Cotβ - EA Cotα

Or, EP = NB –NA + EA Cotα - EB Cotβ ------------------------------------------------- (6)

(Cotα - Cotβ)

Thus using the equations (3) and (6) the values of EP and NP are computed.
Note that P is always assumed to be to the right of A→B in the equations

Prepared by:
Madhusudan Adhikari
 Control survey II (GEOM204)

Problem13:
Compute the coordinates of the station G using Teinsrea Method as if it were
resected from the stations A B and C; look at the fig. Theo-Res3, take angles from the
table Theo-Res1 and take coordinates from the table Theo-Res2
Problem14:
Compute the coordinates of the station G using Teinsrea Method as if it were
resected from the stations C D and E; look at the fig. Theo-Res3, take angles from the
table Theo-Res1 and take coordinates from the table Theo-Res2
Problem15:
Compute the coordinates of the station G using Teinsrea Method as if it were
resected from the stations D E and F; look at the fig. Theo-Res3, take angles from the
table Theo-Res1 and take coordinates from the table Theo-Res2
Problem16:
Compute the coordinates of the station G using Teinsrea Method as if it were
resected from the stations E F and A; look at the fig. Theo-Res3, take angles from the
table Theo-Res1 and take coordinates from the table Theo-Res2
Problem17:
Compute the coordinates of the station G using Teinsrea Method as if it were
resected from the stations F A and B; look at the fig. Theo-Res3, take angles from the
table Theo-Res1 and take coordinates from the table Theo-Res2
Problem18:
Compare these five set of coordinates of the station G with its tabulated value
from the table Theo-Res2, analyze the results, can you interpret the variations?

Prepared by:
Madhusudan Adhikari
 Control survey II (GEOM204)

The Collin’s point or Bessel’s Method

A

I
α
β
P B β
α
B α C
β

180-β C P
I 180-α
Fig: Theo-Res7b
Fig: Theo-Res7a

Let us draw a circle through the two known points B, C and the new point P, the point to
be fixed by resection. Let us produce the line AP to meet the circle at point I. the point I
can be coordinated by the method of intersection as we know the angles CBI and BCI
from the geometry of the figure.
E B Cotα + EC Cotβ + N B − N C N Cotα + N C Cotβ + EC − E B
EI = NI = B
Cotα + Cotβ Cotα + Cotβ
Knowing the coordinates of the point I we can calculate the bearing of the line AI that is
the bearing of the line AP as
⎛ E A − EI ⎞
β AP = Tan −1 ⎜⎜ ⎟⎟
N
⎝ A − N I ⎠

⎛ E Cotα + E A Cotβ − E B Cotα − EC Cotβ + N C − N B ⎞

= Tan −1 ⎜⎜ A ⎟⎟
⎝ N A Cotα + N A Cotβ − N B Cotα − N C Cotβ + E B − EC ⎠
Using this bearing of the line AP and the observed angles α and β we can calculate the
bearing of CP and BP easily and hence we can find the coordinates of P by the method of
Intersection from BA and CA.

Prepared by:
Madhusudan Adhikari
 Control survey II (GEOM204)

Example:
Compute the coordinates of the station G using Bessels Method as if it were
resected from the stations D E and F; look at the fig. Theo-Res3, take angles from the
table Theo-Res1 and take coordinates from the table Theo-Res2
Solution: E D

D (A) (350044.25, 3050752.70)

F (B) (347490.50, 3045480.79)
E (C) (345780.67, 3050394.05)
∠17 (α) = 39.126975
∠18 (β) = 35.150278 18
F 17
Let us put these values to the formula G

⎛ E A Cotα + E A Cotβ − E B Cotα − E C Cotβ + N C − N B ⎞

β AP = Tan1 ⎜⎜ ⎟⎟ to calculate the
⎝ N A Cotα + N A Cotβ − N B Cotα − N C Cotβ + E B − EC ⎠
bearing of the line EG , i.e.
bearing of the line EG =
⎛ 350044.25 Cot 39.126975 + 350044.25 Cot 35.150278 − 347490.50 Cot 39.126975 − 345780.67 Cot 35.150278 + 3050394.05 − 3045480.79 ⎞
Tan 1 ⎜ ⎟
⎝ 3050752.70 Cot 39.126975 + 3050752.70 Cot 35.150278 − 3045480.79 Cot 39.126975 − 3050394.05 Cot 35.150278 + 347490.50 − 345780.67 ⎠
= 148.017019
Bearing of GD = 148.017019+ 35.150278+200 = 383.167297
∴ Bearing of DG = 183.167297
Again,
Bearing of GF = 148.017019+(400- 39.126975)-200 = 308.890044
Bearing of FG = = 108.890044
EG − E F
= Tan( 108.890044)
NG − N F

EG − 347490.50
Or, = Tan( 108.890044)
N G − 3045480.79
Or, EG + 7.114433NG = 22014360.52 ---------------------------------------------------------- (3)
EG − E D
= Tan(183.167297)
NG − N D

EG − 350044.25
Or, = Tan(183.167297)
N G − 3050752.70
Or, EG+0.270746NG = 1176024.861---------------------------------------------------------- (4)

Prepared by:
Madhusudan Adhikari
 Control survey II (GEOM204)

Solving (3) and (4)

Or, EG + 7.114433NG = 22014360.52 ---------------------------------------------------------- (3)
Or, EG+0.270746NG = 1176024.861---------------------------------------------------------- (4)

EG NG 1
1 7.114433 -22014360.52 1 7.114433
1 0.270746 -1176024.861 1 0.270746

EG NG
=
7.114433 × −1176024.86 + 0.270746 × 22014360.52 - 22014360.52 + 1176024.86
1
=
0.270746 − 7.114433

EG =351629.0995
NG = 3044899.071

Problem19:
Compute the coordinates of the station G using Bessel’s Method as if it were
resected from the stations A B and C; look at the fig. Theo-Res3, take angles from the
table Theo-Res1 and take coordinates from the table Theo-Res2
Problem20:
Compute the coordinates of the station G using Bessel’s Method as if it were
resected from the stations C D and E; look at the fig. Theo-Res3, take angles from the
table Theo-Res1 and take coordinates from the table Theo-Res2
Problem21:
Compute the coordinates of the station G using Bessel’s Method as if it were
resected from the stations E F and A; look at the fig. Theo-Res3, take angles from the
table Theo-Res1 and take coordinates from the table Theo-Res2
Problem22:
Compute the coordinates of the station G using Bessel’s Method as if it were
resected from the stations F A and B; look at the fig. Theo-Res3, take angles from the
table Theo-Res1 and take coordinates from the table Theo-Res2

Prepared by:
Madhusudan Adhikari
 Control survey II (GEOM204)

Anonymous Method
Let A B C be the three known control points and the occupied position P is to be
coordinated by taking measurements of horizontal angles between these control points.
Let us draw the circles with centers O1 and O2 passing though the points ABP and BCP.
Then the coordinates of the centers O1 and O2 are O1 (E1, N1) and O2 (E2, N2)

O2
O1
αβ
P
A
C
Fig: Theo-Res8a

αβ

O2
O1 C

B
Fig: Theo-Res8b
1
E1 = [E A + E B + ( N A − N B )Cotα ]
2
1
N 1 = [N A + N B − (E A − E B )Cotα ]
2
1
E 2 = [E B + EC + ( N B − N C )Cotβ ]
2
1
N 2 = [N B + N C − (E B − EC )Cotβ ]
2
Thus the bearing of O1→O2 is obtained in the usual way
⎡ E − E1 ⎤
i.e δ = Tan −1 ⎢ 2 ⎥
⎣ N 2 − N1 ⎦
E P = E B + 2[(E B − E1 )Sinδ − ( N B − N 1 )Cosδ ]Sinδ
N P = N B + 2[(EB − E1 )Sinδ − (N B − N1 )Cosδ ]Cosδ

Prepared by:
Madhusudan Adhikari
 Control survey II (GEOM204)

Example:
Compute the coordinates of the station G using Anonymous Method as if it were
resected from the stations D E and F; look at the fig. Theo-Res3, take angles from the
table Theo-Res1 and take coordinates from the table Theo-Res2
Solution:
F (A) (347490.50, 3045480.79) ∠17 (α) = 39.126975
E (B) (345780.67, 3050394.05) ∠18 (β) = 35.150278
D (C) (350044.25, 3050752.70)
Putting these values to the equations
E D
1
E1 = [E A + E B + (N A − N B )Cotα ]
2
1 O2
N 1 = [N A + N B − (E A − E B )Cotα ]
2 O1 18
1
E 2 = [E B + EC + ( N B − N C )Cotβ ] F
17
2 G
1
N 2 = [N B + N C − (E B − EC )Cotβ ]
2
i.e.
1
E1 = [347490.50 + 345780.67 + (3045480.79 − 3050394.05 )Cot (39.126975 )] = 343154.93
2
1
N1 = [ 3045480.79 + 3050394.05 − (347490.50 − 345780.67 )Cot (39.126975)]= 3046726.14
2
1
E 2 = [345780.67 + 350044.25 + (3050394.05 − 3050752.70 )Cot (35.150278 )] = 347621.37
2
1
N 2 = [3050394.05 + 3050752.70 − (345780.67 − 350044.25 )Cot (35.150278 )] = 3054033.78
2
Now,
⎡ E 2 − E1 ⎤
δ = Tan −1 ⎢ ⎥ = 0.548615487
⎣ N 2 − N1 ⎦
E G = E B + 2[(E B − E1 )Sinδ − ( N B − N 1 )Cosδ ]Sinδ
N G = N B + 2[(E B − E1 )Sinδ − ( N B − N 1 )Cosδ ]Cosδ
EG =351629.091
NG = 3044899.07
(There is some mistake in calculation of E1, N1 and E2,N2)
Problem23:
Compute the coordinates of the station G using this Method as if it were resected from
the stations A B and C, B C and D, C D and E, D E and F, E F and A and F A and B;
look at the fig. Theo-Res3, take angles from the table Theo-Res1 and take coordinates
from the table Theo-Res2

Prepared by:
Madhusudan Adhikari
 Control survey II (GEOM204)

Danger Circle

Fig: Danger Circle 1

The triangle formed by joining the three control points from which resection is to
be fixed is called great triangle and the circle circumscribing this great triangle is called
great circle. If the point where the resection is desired lies on or near the circumference of
the great circle then the circle is known as danger circle. This circle is danger in the sense
that the strength of fixing goes on decreasing as the point lies nearer the circumference.
You can see from fig. Danger Circle 1 that the angles observed on B and C, C and A
from P and Q are equal because angles at circumference by the same arc are equal. The
angles 1 and 3, and 2 and 4 are equal so no separate solutions for P and Q possible from
the same angles and coordinates. Hence such resection points are not reliable and
accurate. So, for better solution it is recommended that the resection points should not lie
on or in the periphery of circumference by ⅓rd of the radius of the great or danger circle.
Compute the coordinates of the Points P and Q using any of the above methods
look at the fig. Danger Circle 1, take angles from the table Danger Circle 1and take
coordinates from the table Danger Circle 2 and examine the effect of the Danger Circle.

Table: Danger Circle 2 Table: Danger Circle 1

Station Easting Northing Angle Value (g)
A 351240.22 3038628.80 1 36.472813
B 347490.50 3045480.79 2 59.818224
C 351629.10 3044899.07 3 36.075418
P 345254.39 3042031.34 4 59.924880
Q 347355.05 3038459.54

Prepared by:
Madhusudan Adhikari
 Control survey II (GEOM204)

Precautions to be taken:
In theodolite resection the strength of fix depends upon the relative position of the
known points A B, C and the occupied station P. In order to get strong fix following
precautions should be taken.
1) When the occupied station is inside the great triangle, the station should be
selected near the centroid of the great triangle .Strength of fix is a maximum when P is at
the centroid of the great triangle ABC.
2) In case of outside resection the occupied station P should be selected near the
middle known station. This makes the fix stronger
3) Occupied should never be selected near the circumference of the great circle .It
reduces the strength of fix. It should not be near the periphery of circumference by ⅓rd of
the radius of the great or danger circle
4) Occupied station should never be selected on the circumference of the great
circle, because at the circumference the position of P is indeterminate.
5) Observation and computations should be carried out very carefully to avoid
possible errors and mistakes.

Advantages and disadvantages:

Advantages

1) It needs less field work because only a single setup can fix the position of the
occupied station.
2) Measurement of distance is not needed that also further reduces the volume of
field work and lance the cost of project
3) Position of a point at any desired place can be established without visiting the
known control points. So, it is the quickest method for establishing a control.
4) No Need of figural adjustment, only adjustment for horizontal misclosure is
needed.

Disadvantages:

1) As only a single station is occupied it provides a weaker solution than

intersection.
2) Visibility of at least three known control is needed which might not be possible
from the desired location.

3) Difficult to judge whether the occupied station lies on the circumference of the
great circle or not.
4) The computation is cumbersome as it needs lengthy formula

Prepared by:
Madhusudan Adhikari