GY 301: Geomorphology
Laboratory 1: Pace Count & Closed Traverse
Your Task: Today’s first lab exercise consists of 3 specific tasks, all of which are important first steps in being able to
read, interpret and ultimate to manufacture contour maps. The first two problems were conceived by Dr. Allison and will
require you to get hot and sweaty outside as well as to use a calculator. The last problem set is something I threw in to
remind you about map scales. Have fun with them!
Due Date: Thursday August 27th by 5:00 PM (my mailbox in LSCB 136)
Problem 1: The class will meet outside the Life Sciences building near the parking lot for orientation. You will
determine your pace count (feet per stride) in this lab, along with statistics on accuracy. Next to the LSCB will be several
stakes set at 200 feet apart. Using these stakes measure the number of paces between the stakes 20 times. Use the below
table to record the data. After recording the data use the worksheet to calculate:
1. Average (mean) pace count (feet/pace)
2. Standard deviation of pace count
3. Percent standard error of pace count
Problem 2: Marked on the property east of the LSCB are 8-9 stations consisting of painted trees (White or Yellow).
Using a pocket transit you should locate each station with a closed traverse by pacing the distance between each station
and measuring the azimuth direction as you walk from one station to the next. Your instructor will walk you through the
entire set of stations before you begin. Make a map of the closed traverse at a scale of 1 inch = 100 feet on unlined 8.5 x
11 inch paper. Plot the original course as a solid line, and the error-adjusted closed traverse as a dashed line on a single
page. Use the error adjustment technique described in lecture. Include a north arrow and a scale on your map.
Problem 3: SCALE CONVERSION
1) 1 inch = 57 miles
3) 1:1,500,000
RF = _____________
1 inch = __________ miles
2) 1 cm = 12 km
4) 1:45,000
RF = ___________
1 cm = ___________ km
5) As you are aware, there is a lot of talk these days about reforming health care. On one side, your have the “Trust
me it will all be okay group”. On the other, the “they’re gonna kill granny group!” On the way to the next town
meeting, Bob and Bill who represent each side of the debate decide to “clear the air” and sort out the truth on the
matter. They agree to meet at a school some 34 miles from Bill’s office. On the map Bob draws, the town hall
meeting is 1 and 11/16ths inches away from Bill’s office. What is the RF of the map?
BONUS: Bill never made it to the meeting. On the way, he ran into a garbage truck and was last seen being rushed
to hospital. Incidently, after arriving at the hospital, he learned to his horror that the quality Private medical plan he
boasted about had a garbage truck exclusion rider. Bubba managed to travel 32 miles before his accident. He got that
far in 7 minutes. How fast, in miles per hour was he driving when he hit the truck ? [1 POINT BONUS]
1
GY 301: Geomorphology
Laboratory 1: Pace Count & Closed Traverse
Pace Count Data Sheet
Colum
n 1:
Trial
Column 2:
# Paces for
trial
Column
3:
Distance
(feet)
Column 4:
Pace
Count(feet/pace)
Column 5:
Deviation2 =
(PCi-Average)2
3
3
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
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GY 301: Geomorphology
Laboratory 1: Pace Count & Closed Traverse
Average (mean) Pace Count Calculation (feet/pace):
N
∑ Pace Count
i
i=1
________________
N
Standard Deviation Calculation:
N
∑(Pace Count - Average Pace Count)
2
i
i=1
_________________
N -1
Percent Standard Error Calculation:
2 x Standard Deviation x 100
Average
__________________
3
GY 301: Geomorphology
Laboratory 1: Pace Count & Closed Traverse
Traverse Data Sheet
Stati
on
to
Station
Paces
Distan
ce
Azimuth/Bearin
g
4
Notes