Name: Ralph Cristobal O. Capuyan
Year and Program: BSME-2
Date: 04/22/25
Methods of Traverse Adjustment
Traverse adjustment is the process of distributing the errors of a traverse survey proportionally to the
measured values to ensure the traverse geometrically closes. According to *Elementary Surveying: An
Introduction to Geomatics (13th Edition)* by Ghilani and Wolf, there are several methods of traverse
adjustment, particularly discussed in Chapters 10.6 to 10.7. These include:
1. Bowditch Method (Compass Rule):
- Basis: Assumes that both linear and angular measurements have the same relative accuracy.
- Error Distribution: The total error in latitude and departure is distributed in proportion to the lengths of the
traverse lines.
- Application: Suitable for traverses where angles and distances are measured with comparable accuracy.
- Formula:
- Correction to Latitude = (Total Latitude Error) * (Length of the Line / Perimeter)
- Correction to Departure = (Total Departure Error) * (Length of the Line / Perimeter)
2. Transit Rule:
- Basis: Assumes angular measurements are more accurate than linear ones.
- Error Distribution: Distributes the errors in proportion to the latitude and departure of each line rather than its
length.
- Application: Suitable when angles are measured more precisely than distances.
- Formula:
- Correction to Latitude = (Total Latitude Error) * (Latitude of the Line / Sum of Latitudes)
- Correction to Departure = (Total Departure Error) * (Departure of the Line / Sum of Departures)
3. Crandall Method:
- Basis: Utilizes least-squares principles for adjustment.
- Error Distribution: Distributes the errors based on a statistical minimization of residuals.
- Application: Used in high-precision surveying and when more detailed data processing is necessary.
- Requirement: More complex and often requires computational tools.
4. Graphical Method
- Basis: Visual/manual adjustment by plotting and redistributing error graphically.
- Application: Useful for small surveys or where high precision is not essential.
- Limitation: Less accurate and more subjective.
These methods help ensure that traverse surveys produce geometrically closed figures and maintain internal
consistency by appropriately distributing measurement errors.