1.5 - Example 1.23: Horizontal Distance and RL Calculation
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Interactive Audio Lesson
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Introduction to Tacheometry
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Welcome, class! Today we'll learn about tacheometry, which is a fast method of measuring distances using a tacheometer. It's quite useful in surveying!
How does a tacheometer actually work?
Great question! A tacheometer measures distances indirectly by using the angles of elevation or depression. We can calculate horizontal distances thanks to the differences in stadia readings.
What are stadia readings?
Stadia readings are the measurements taken from the staff using the tacheometer. They help us determine distances when combined with tacheometric constants.
What are these tacheometric constants?
Tacheometric constants are specific to the instrument you’re using. They allow us to relate stadia readings to horizontal distances. Typically, you'll have a constant K and a vertical offset C.
Can you give an example?
Of course! Let’s refer to Example 1.23 we’re discussing. The equation used was D = KS + C, where S is the difference in staff readings.
Remember, K helps us translate staff differences to distance, and C adjusts for instrument position. Keep that in mind!
Calculating Horizontal Distance
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Let's take a closer look at how to calculate horizontal distance using the data from Example 1.23.
How do we find the horizontal distance D?
First, we find S by subtracting the lowest stadia reading from the highest. In our case, S = 2.750 - 1.050, which equals 1.700 m.
What do we do with that number?
Next, we plug S into the equation with our constant K. For Example 1.23, K = 100. So, D = 100 * 1.700 + 0, yielding a distance of 170 meters.
And what’s next after finding D?
After finding D, we need to calculate the reduced level of point Q using the equation RL of Q = RL of P + height of the instrument - staff reading at Q.
So if I understand correctly, we also take into account the height of the instrument?
Exactly! That's a critical step to ensure our calculations are accurate.
Applications of Tacheometry
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Tacheometry is widely used in several applications. Can anyone tell me where it might be applied?
Is it used in construction projects?
Yes! It’s used to quickly gather data over large areas, especially where direct measurement is difficult.
What about in fields like GIS or mapping?
Absolutely! Tacheometry speeds up the surveying process considerably by minimizing manual measurements and time spent in the field.
How does that help with accuracy?
Using instruments like tacheometers reduces human error and increases the reliability of the measurements, providing higher accuracy for final maps or plans.
So it's really beneficial for large-scale projects?
Yes! Tacheometry is essential for large-scale surveying work, allowing for efficient and effective data collection.
Introduction & Overview
Read summaries of the section's main ideas at different levels of detail.
Quick Overview
Standard
The section discusses how to calculate the horizontal distance between two points using tacheometric constants and reduced levels, highlighting the importance of instrument height and staff readings.
Detailed
Detailed Summary
In this section, we analyze Example 1.23 which involves a tacheometric calculation. The tacheometer was set up at station P with a known reduced level (RL) of 1850.95 m and an instrument height of 1.475 m above point P. Multiple readings taken with a staff held vertically at station Q allow us to compute the horizontal distance (D) and the RL of point Q. The first step is to determine the stadia reading S, which is calculated from the difference in the three staff readings. Using the constant obtained from previous calculations, the horizontal distance D is given by the formula:
D = KS + C, where K and C are the tacheometric constants. Finally, the RL of point Q is calculated by incorporating the height of the instrument and the staff readings. This example emphasizes the direct application of tacheometry in surveying for calculating distances and RLs.
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Tacheometric Setup and Readings
Chapter 1 of 3
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Chapter Content
The tacheometer instrument was setup over a station P of RL 1850.95 m and the height of instrument above P was 1.475 m. The staff was held vertical at a station Q and the three readings were 1.050, 1.900 and 2.750 m with the line of sight horizontal.
Detailed Explanation
In this example, a tacheometer is set up to measure the horizontal distance and the Reduced Level (RL) of a point (Q). The RL at point P is provided, along with the height of the instrument (which is the height above point P where the tacheometer is set up). The vertical staff held at point Q gives three readings, which are used to calculate the horizontal distance and RL at Q.
Examples & Analogies
Think of the tacheometer as a specialized surveying tool similar to a highly accurate camera. Just as a camera captures images from a specific height, the tacheometer captures distance measurements from a given height above a point on the ground (RL). The readings taken from the staff are akin to taking snapshots that help us determine not only where point Q is positioned horizontally but also its height relative to point P.
Calculating Horizontal Distance
Chapter 2 of 3
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Chapter Content
D = KS + C
Now, S = 2.750 – 1.050 = 1.700 m
D = 100 (1.700) + 0 = 170 m
Detailed Explanation
To find the horizontal distance (D) between points P and Q, we use the formula D = KS + C, where S is the difference between the highest and lowest staff readings taken at Q (2.750 m and 1.050 m). K is a constant related to the tacheometer, which here equals 100, and C is a constant added for adjustments (in this case, it equals 0). Thus, the calculation leads to D = 170 m.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine you're measuring the distance between two tree branches, one higher than the other. By determining how much higher one branch is compared to the other (the difference, S), and applying a scaling factor (K), you can calculate how far apart the branches are horizontally, much like we do with the tacheometer here.
Calculating Reduced Level (RL) at Point Q
Chapter 3 of 3
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Chapter Content
RL of Q = 1850.95 + 1.475 – 1.900
= 1850.525 m
Detailed Explanation
After calculating the horizontal distance, we move on to determine the Reduced Level (RL) at point Q. This is done by taking the RL of point P (1850.95 m), adding the height of the instrument above P (1.475 m), and subtracting the staff reading (1.900 m) measured at Q. The calculation shows that the RL of point Q equals 1850.525 m.
Examples & Analogies
Think of RL as your elevation above sea level. If you start at a point that's 1850 meters above sea level and climb up 1.475 meters with a measuring tape but then step down 1.900 meters (like walking down a hill), you can easily compute your new elevation at point Q, which is similar to how we determine the reduced level here.
Key Concepts
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Tacheometry: A method for distance measurement through angles.
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S and D Calculations: Understanding the equations involved in converting readings.
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Reduced Levels (RL): Importance of accounting for instrument height.
Examples & Applications
Example 1.23 illustrates how to calculate horizontal distance and RL using tacheometric readings.
Memory Aids
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Rhymes
D's the distance we seek, with K, S, and C, not weak; vertical heights we must know, to calculate where Q will go.
Stories
Once upon a time, a surveyor named Sam used his magical tacheometer. He could speak to the staff readings, transforming numbers into distances, helping him measure vast lands quickly!
Memory Tools
Remember 'KSC' for calculating D in tacheometry: K is constant, S is the staff difference, C is the correction!
Acronyms
D–T–R
Distance (D)
Tacheometer (T)
Reduced Level (R)
helps keep your surveying clear and efficient!
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Tacheometer
An instrument used in surveying to measure distances indirectly via angles of elevation and depression.
- Stadia Reading
The measurement taken from a staff held vertically at a survey point, used to calculate distances.
- Horizontal Distance (D)
The distance measured on a horizontal plane, often calculated using tacheometric readings.
- Reduced Level (RL)
The vertical distance of a point from a reference level, usually mean sea level or a specific benchmark.
- Tacheometric Constants (K and C)
Specific instrument constants used in tacheometry to convert stadia readings into horizontal distances.
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