Methods of tacheometry - 1.19.2 | 1. Tacheometry | Surveying and Geomatics
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Understanding Tacheometry Basics

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Teacher
Teacher

Today, we’re diving into tacheometry! Can anyone tell me what tacheometry is?

Student 1
Student 1

Is it a method for measuring distances in surveying?

Teacher
Teacher

Absolutely! Tacheometry uses angular observations to determine horizontal and vertical distances, especially useful in rough terrains. It is both quicker and more accurate than chaining or taping. Can anyone think of situations where this method would be particularly useful?

Student 3
Student 3

Like in mountains or swampy areas where leveling is difficult?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! Great examples. Now, let’s talk about the instruments used in this method.

Instruments of Tacheometry

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Teacher
Teacher

The primary instruments are the tacheometer and levelling rod. Can anyone describe the tacheometer?

Student 2
Student 2

It's a transit theodolite with special components for distance measuring, right?

Teacher
Teacher

Correct! Specifically, it has stadia hairs in its telescope that help calculate distances quickly. What do you think is the significance of the multiplying constant and additive constant?

Student 4
Student 4

The multiplying constant helps to scale the staff readings, and the additive constant is usually set to zero to simplify calculations?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! Well said. Let's see how all this works in practice.

Calculating Horizontal Distances

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Teacher
Teacher

Now, let’s break down how we calculate horizontal distance in different scenarios. Can anyone explain what happens when the line of sight is horizontal?

Student 1
Student 1

We use the formula D = K * S + C, right?

Teacher
Teacher

Correct! Where K is typically 100, and S is the staff intercept. What about when the sight is inclined?

Student 3
Student 3

We have to account for the vertical angles and trigonometric functions!

Teacher
Teacher

Yes! For inclines, we involve additional calculations involving sine and cosine. It’s essential for accurately determining both distances and elevations.

Applications of Tacheometry

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Teacher
Teacher

Finally, where do you think we would apply tacheometry methodologies practically?

Student 4
Student 4

In surveying for roads, bridges, or land development!

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! It’s invaluable for any topographical mapping because of its speed and accuracy. Remembering this significance is crucial!

Student 2
Student 2

So, it helps to reduce errors and improve efficiency?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! Remember this as we move forward into more complex applications and computations in surveying.

Introduction & Overview

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Quick Overview

This section highlights the different methods of tacheometry, emphasizing how horizontal distances can be determined through angular observations and staff readings.

Standard

In this section, various methods of tacheometry are discussed, focusing on how to calculate horizontal distances between the tacheometer and levelling staff in both horizontal and inclined sight lines. The significance of the instrument constant and additive constant in calculations is also covered.

Detailed

Methods of Tacheometry

In tacheometry, the determination of horizontal and vertical distances is reliant upon angular observations made using a tacheometer. This method is notably faster and more accurate than traditional chaining or taping techniques, especially in challenging terrains such as steep or swampy areas. It is particularly beneficial in traversing and contouring scenarios.

Key Concepts in Tacheometry:

  1. Instruments Used: The primary instruments include the tacheometer and levelling rod. A tacheometer typically features stadia hairs within its telescope, allowing for quick distance measurements.
  2. Horizontal Distance Measurement:
  3. Case I: When the line of sight is horizontal, horizontal distance (D) is calculated using the formula:
    D = K * S + C
    where K is the multiplying constant (usually 100), and C is the additive constant (often zero).
  4. Case II: If the line of sight is inclined, vertical angles are measured alongside the reading on the staff. The distance calculations integrate trigonometric functions, particularly when assessing elevations.

Importance of Tacheometry:

The methods discussed simplify the complex process of distance measurement in surveying, making it an invaluable technique for topographical mapping.

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Introduction to Tacheometry

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The principle used in tacheometry is that the horizontal distance between an instrument-station and a point where levelling rod is kept can be determined with the staff intercept (difference of top reading and bottom reading).

Detailed Explanation

Tacheometry allows surveyors to quickly calculate horizontal distances between points using a tacheometer. By focusing on a levelling rod (staff) placed at a survey point, the instrument measures the distance based on the difference between its top and bottom readings, known as the staff intercept. This principle makes it easier to gather data without having to measure distances directly, which can be cumbersome, especially in challenging terrains.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine trying to survey a steep mountain. Instead of trekking down to measure distance, you can position your tacheometer at a spot and read the height difference from the bottom to the top of a rod held at the mountain base. This allows for a swift distance calculation without making a long trek.

Case I: Horizontal Line of Sight

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The staff intercept reading is multiplied by the instrument constant (K) and added with an additive constant (C) to get the horizontal distance between tacheometer and levelling staff. The horizontal distance (D) is computed as;

D = K S + C (1.16)
Where K is the multiplying constant (usually 100), S is the staff intercept and C is the additive constant (usually zero).

Detailed Explanation

In this scenario, when the line of sight is horizontal, surveyors simply read the staff intercept and apply the known constants: the multiplying constant (K) and the additive constant (C). Typically, K is set to 100, which means that the distance calculated from the intercept is straightforward: you just multiply the reading from the staff intercept by 100, and with C as zero, you get the direct horizontal distance. This method simplifies calculating the horizontal distance, making it efficient and reliable.

Examples & Analogies

Consider a rectangular swimming pool. If you are positioned at one end and want to find out how far it is to the opposite end, using a measuring tape would be laborious. In this case, if you can read the height difference on a stick held at the opposite end, string it together with the known distance your eyes are from the water's surface and apply some simple math, you could easily find out how far it stretches without diving in.

Case II: Inclined Line of Sight

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In case the ground is undulating and horizontal sights are not possible, inclined sights are taken. In this case, the staff may be held either vertical or normal to the line of sight. In general, most commonly adopted method is when the staff is held vertical as it is simpler in calculation.

Detailed Explanation

When the terrain is not flat, using a horizontal line of sight may not be feasible. Hence, tacheometry allows the surveyor to take measurements with an inclined sight. This means the staff can be positioned either upright or angled relative to the tacheometer. Holding the staff vertically is preferred since it reduces calculation complexity while accurately gathering data no matter the slope's steepness. Measurement might include both the distance and vertical angles to get accurate results.

Examples & Analogies

Picture trying to measure the height of a tree on a hill. If you can't measure straight across to the base from your vantage point because of jagged terrain, you can position the measuring stick vertical next to it. As you read the angle between your eyes and the top of the stick, you can compute not just its height but also the distance to the tree without having to traverse all the uneven ground.

Definitions & Key Concepts

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Key Concepts

  • Instruments Used: The primary instruments include the tacheometer and levelling rod. A tacheometer typically features stadia hairs within its telescope, allowing for quick distance measurements.

  • Horizontal Distance Measurement:

  • Case I: When the line of sight is horizontal, horizontal distance (D) is calculated using the formula:

  • D = K * S + C

  • where K is the multiplying constant (usually 100), and C is the additive constant (often zero).

  • Case II: If the line of sight is inclined, vertical angles are measured alongside the reading on the staff. The distance calculations integrate trigonometric functions, particularly when assessing elevations.

  • Importance of Tacheometry:

  • The methods discussed simplify the complex process of distance measurement in surveying, making it an invaluable technique for topographical mapping.

Examples & Real-Life Applications

See how the concepts apply in real-world scenarios to understand their practical implications.

Examples

  • Using a tacheometer positioned at Point A and a levelling staff at Point B, horizontal distance is calculated using the staff intercept.

  • In an inclined sight scenario, vertical angles are recorded along with staff readings to determine precise distances.

Memory Aids

Use mnemonics, acronyms, or visual cues to help remember key information more easily.

🎵 Rhymes Time

  • Through hills and swamps we go, tacheometry makes measurements flow!

📖 Fascinating Stories

  • Imagine a surveyor lost in a swamp. With a tacheometer, they effortlessly measure distances, avoiding the slow methods that trap others in lengthy chains.

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • To remember K - Keep it 100, C - Count it Zero!

🎯 Super Acronyms

TAS

  • Tacheometry
  • Angular observations
  • Staff intercepts.

Flash Cards

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Glossary of Terms

Review the Definitions for terms.

  • Term: Tacheometry

    Definition:

    A surveying method that determines horizontal and vertical distances through angular observations.

  • Term: Tacheometer

    Definition:

    An instrument used in tacheometry, typically a transit theodolite equipped with stadia hairs.

  • Term: Staff Intercept

    Definition:

    The difference between the top and bottom readings on the levelling staff, used to calculate distances.

  • Term: Multiplying Constant (K)

    Definition:

    A constant used in distance calculations, usually set to 100 in tacheometry.

  • Term: Additive Constant (C)

    Definition:

    A constant added during calculations, ideally set to zero in tacheometry.