UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES DILIMAN

College of Engineering
Department of Geodetic Engineering
Diliman, Quezon City 1101

Fieldwork 1: Pacing

2019 - 04380
AGUILAN, Kim Elijah M.

GE 10: General Surveying I

GE 10 1A – 1

Engr. Florence Galeon

Date of Survey:
August 31, 2019

Submission of Report:
September 14, 2019
 UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES DILIMAN
College of Engineering
Department of Geodetic Engineering
Diliman, Quezon City 1101

I. Introduction

Pacing is one of the most convenient methods of distance measurement. For one, it
requires almost no equipment and conveniently gives a rough estimate of the size of a relatively
small surveying area. Pace factor is defined as the ratio of the measured distance and number
of paces by a surveyor to cover the said distance. Determining one’s unique pace factor is one
of the earliest foundations of becoming a surveyor. Thus, in this field experiment, the
objectives are as follows: a.) to determine each student’s pace factor and; b.) to quickly
estimate distances by means of pacing method. However, it is necessary to consider that due to
technological developments, pacing method is not any longer reliable in determining the exact
measurements of an area. A lot of variables also affect the results of the experiment, which will
be discussed later.

II. Survey Area and Condition

The survey area was the perimeter of Melchor Hall in the University of the Philippines
Diliman.

Figure 1. The survey area with the paced distance highlighted in green.
 UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES DILIMAN
College of Engineering
Department of Geodetic Engineering
Diliman, Quezon City 1101

The fieldwork was conducted from 8 AM to 9:30 AM on August 31, 2019. During this,
the skies were relatively clear, but the air was humid. There were few people in the area as it
was a Saturday. The sidewalks of Melchor Hall were not conducive for the pacing method as
the bricks were not properly leveled with each other due to poor maintenance. Several academic
buildings were encompassed by the block; the area is purely urban.

III. Equipment

The following materials were used in this experiment: a.) tape; b.) chalk and; c.) range
poles.

IV. Data Gathered

By following the indicated procedures, the following data were gathered:

Table 1. Pace Factor Determination.

LINE TAPED TRIAL NO. AVERAGE RESIDUALS SQUARE PRECISION OF PACE
DISTANCE OF PACE OF THE MEASUREMENT FACTOR
PACES RESIDUALS (meter/pace)
1-2 1 72.1 0.2 0.04
2-1 2 72.3 0.4 0.16
1-2 50 meters 3 71.5 71.9 - 0.4 0.16 0.0023 0.695
2-1 4 72.5 0.6 0.36
1-2 5 71.2 - 0.7 0.49

The 50-meter taped distance for the gathering of data in Table 1 was in the Melchor
Hall Parking Lot. To ensure that the surveyor was walking on a straight path, the line was
located on top of a straight fissure in the concrete pavement.
 UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES DILIMAN
College of Engineering
Department of Geodetic Engineering
Diliman, Quezon City 1101

Table 2. Discrepancy and Relative Precision

LINE NO. OF PACED MAP DISCREPANCY RELATIVE
PACES DISTANCE DISTANCE (meter) PRECISION
(meter) (meter)
1-2 192.7 134 137
2-3 299.2 208 208 1
3-4 196.2 136 136 5 137
4-1 294.0 204 206
∑ = 682 ∑ = 687

V. Discussion of Results

As stated earlier in the introduction, there were extraneous variables which affected the
results. The consistency of a pace can easily fluctuate due to factors such as topography, soil
surface, type of shoes, fatigue, weight, and height of the surveyor. The steps were done by a
relatively small person, thus the small value of the pace factor. The paces, however, were
consistent, as shown by the calculated precision of measurement.

The calculated pace factor was used to determine the relative precision of the conducted
pacing. More errors may have affected the calculations. Specifically, as the vicinity of Melchor
Hall was bounded by acacia trees, the GPS tracker of Google Maps had a difficulty in locating
the exact position of the surveyor, thus giving an erroneous map distance measurement. In this
measurement, only a small perimeter was measured, therefore a difference of a meter between
the actual distance and perceived actual distance (map distance) can significantly affect the
value of the relative precision. Fortunately, as the skies were relatively clear, the GPS tracker
can locate the accurate position of the surveyor after a few minutes of standing still. The
computed relative precision was within the accepted range for the pacing method which was
1 1
to 200.
100
 UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES DILIMAN
College of Engineering
Department of Geodetic Engineering
Diliman, Quezon City 1101

VI. Conclusion

As a surveyor, it is important to determine your unique pace factor. However, as pacing

is largely dependent on humans and estimation, this method is prone to errors and mistakes—
no matter how critical the procedures. Note that the smaller the paced distance, the larger the
effect of inconsistency in the calculations. Pacing is also affected by a lot of uncontrolled
variables, both from the surveyors and environment. It may not be reliable in measuring actual
distances but when done properly, it can help engineers and surveyors to determine a rough
estimate.

VII. Acknowledgement

The Survey Instrument Room is acknowledged for the success of this survey. Without
the necessary materials, this experiment would not be possible.

Engr. Florence Galeon is acknowledged, as well, as he imparted the necessary knowledge

to his students.
 UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES DILIMAN
College of Engineering
Department of Geodetic Engineering
Diliman, Quezon City 1101

VIII. Documentation

Figure 2. Photos as I pace through the 50-meter taped distance in the Melchor Hall Parking Lot.

Figure 4. Our group as we pose with the range poles after the
fieldwork.

Figure 3. Photo as I pace the

perimeter of Melchor Hall.