Republic of the Philippines
Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology
Andres Bonifacio Avenue, Tibanga, Iligan City, 9200, Philippines
College of Engineering
Department of Civil Engineering
GEE-141 | Fundamentals of Surveying (Field)
LABORATORY REPORT NO. 1
DISTANCE MEASUREMENT BY PACING
Made by Brent Julien M. Cordero, BSCE-2
I.
PRINCIPLE OF THE ACTIVITY
Pacing in surveying is a method of measuring distances by counting the number of steps
taken by a person. It is a reasonably easy and quick technique used to measure distance in the
field, often in conjunction with a sighting or a hand compass. The principle of pacing
involves counting the number of steps or paces in a required distance, and by determining
one's own pace, distance can be estimated. Pacing is commonly used to measure tree height,
distance between plots, and to traverse property lines or boundaries where distance and length
are important. In this fieldwork, the students were required to determine their Pacing Factor
PF which can be determined using the following equation.
𝑷𝑭 =
𝑫
𝑷𝒂𝒗𝒆
Eq. 1-1
where:
PF = Pacing Factor
Pave = Average Number of Paces
D = Taped Distance
The Paced Distance is the distance estimated by counting the number of paces taken to
cover a specific distance. In surveying, it is a method of measuring distances by walking and
counting the number of steps or paces. This can be determined using the following equation.
where:
II.
𝑷𝑫 = (𝑷𝑭)(𝑷𝒂𝒗𝒆 )
Eq. 1-2
PD = Paced Distance
Pave = Average Number of Paces
OBJECTIVES
1. Determine the individual Pacing Factor.
2. Calculate the distance covered through pacing from the MSU-IIT exit to the
COE landmark.
III.
RESOURCES
1 unit
Tape Measure
1 unit
Chalk or Marker
IV.
PROCEDURES
A. Determining Individual Pace Factor
1. A measurement of 50 meters was taken in front of the COE Building to
establish a baseline for pacing.
2. The number of paces required to cover the distance of fifty meters was
meticulously counted and documented.
Republic of the Philippines
Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology
Andres Bonifacio Avenue, Tibanga, Iligan City, 9200, Philippines
College of Engineering
Department of Civil Engineering
GEE-141 | Fundamentals of Surveying (Field)
3. A total of five trials were carried out, and the average number of paces was
calculated.
4. The pace factor (PF) was determined using Eq. 1-1.
B. Estimation of Distance through Pacing
1. The route extending from the COE landmark to the MSUIIT exit underwent
a pacing procedure, during which the count of paces was meticulously
documented.
2. Three separate trials were executed to ensure accuracy and reliability.
3. The distance (D) from the COE landmark to the MSU-IIT exit was
approximated utilizing Eq. 1-2.
V.
RESULTS
Trials
1
2
3
4
5
Pave
Table 1-1: Number Paces per Trial in 50 meters
Number of Paces
84
82
84
78
82
82
Trials
Number of Paces
1
550
2
560
3
550
Pave
553.33
Table 1-2: Number of Paces per Trial from COE Landmark to MSU-IIT Exit
VI.
CALCULATIONS
A. Determining Individual Pace Factor
𝑃𝐹 =
𝐷
𝑃
𝑃𝐹 =
𝑷𝑭 = 𝟎. 𝟔𝟏 𝒎/𝒑𝒂𝒄𝒆
B. Estimation of Distance through Pacing
𝑃𝐷 = (𝑃𝐹)(𝑃 )
𝑃𝐷 = (0.61 𝑚/𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑒)(553.33 𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑠)
𝑷𝑫 = 𝟑𝟑𝟕. 𝟒𝟎 𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔
Republic of the Philippines
Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology
Andres Bonifacio Avenue, Tibanga, Iligan City, 9200, Philippines
College of Engineering
Department of Civil Engineering
GEE-141 | Fundamentals of Surveying (Field)
VII.
DISCUSSION
The precision of determining the distance from the COE Landmark to the MSU-IIT exit is
contingent upon several factors, notably the pace of ambulation and the topographical
characteristics of the pathway. Primarily, the pace at which individuals walk assumes
significance in the computation of distance. Disparities in walking speeds among individuals
can introduce inconsistencies in the number of paces taken to cover a specific distance.
Standardizing the pace is imperative to ensure uniform and dependable measurements.
Variations in walking speeds may result from factors such as fatigue, urgency, or personal
comfort. Therefore, meticulous control over this variable is essential during the distance
computation process to maintain accuracy. Additionally, the presence of sloped pathways
introduces complexity to the distance computation. Uneven terrain can influence the length of
each pace, thereby impacting the overall measurement. Sloped surfaces may lead individuals
to unintentionally alter their step lengths, depending on the incline. This variance in step
length can compromise the accuracy of the calculated distance. Consequently, accounting for
the topography of the pathway and making appropriate adjustments become imperative for
obtaining precise measurements.
VIII. CONCLUSIONS
The student's individual pacing factor was determined to be 0.61 meters per pace.
Utilizing this pacing factor, the approximate distance from the COE landmark to the MSUIIT exit was computed to be 337.40 meters.
IX.
SITE SKETCH
Republic of the Philippines
Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology
Andres Bonifacio Avenue, Tibanga, Iligan City, 9200, Philippines
College of Engineering
Department of Civil Engineering
GEE-141 | Fundamentals of Surveying (Field)
X.
DOCUMENTATIONS