LABORATORY EXERCISE 2
TAPING OVER SMOOTH AND
SLOPING GROUND
Introduces students to the basic techniques of measuring distances using measuring
tape. Students learn to ensure precise horizontal distance measurement in various
ground conditions.
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NARRATIVE TECHNICAL REPORT
I.​
TITLE. ​​
​
LABORATORY EXERCISE 2 - TAPING OVER SMOOTH AND SLOPING
GROUND
SEPTEMBER 18, 2025
II.​
DATE CONDUCTED.​
III.​
NAME OF STUDENT / SIGNATURE.
MARK EMMANUEL B. AVILA
DUANE MEREDITH A. BORLAGDAN
ANNA JANE S. CAGANG
PATRICK NYLLE A. SIABOC
CHIERLYN ELLOIS R. JAYOMA
IV.​
OBJECTIVES.
Here are the objectives of the Laboratory Exercise:
●​ To determine the horizontal length of a line over smooth and sloping ground with
the tape supported throughout its length.
V.​
MATERIALS AND INSTRUMENTS USED.
●​ Markers
●​ Measuring Tape
●​ Range Pole​
VI.​
●​ Field Notebook
●​ Calculator
●​ Safety Vest
●​ Pencil​ ​
​
​
PROCEDURE.
1.​ A team of five to six members will be organized to perform this laboratory activity.
The team will include a leader to oversee the task, three to four members in charge
of securing the tape at both ends, keeping it level, and handling the range pole, and
one member assigned as the recorder.
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Figure 1. Group team organization and assigned roles during the laboratory activity.
2.​ Select an area free from obstructions, ensuring that at least 40% of the established
line is on level ground while the remaining portion is sloped. Using hubs, mark both
ends of the line—measuring 120 to 150 meters—and label these endpoints as A and
B, as shown in Figure 2.
Figure 2. Line A to B
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3.​ Starting from point A, position a range pole behind each station and set up
intermediate points along the line using the “breaking tape” method to measure the
distance from A to B, as illustrated in Figure 3. Make sure the tape remains straight
and level at every measurement point and throughout the entire course.
Figure 3. Intermediate points along AB
4.​ As the line nears its endpoint and the final full tape length has been measured,
conduct a second measurement in the reverse direction, this time from point B back
to point A.
Figure 3.1. Distance measurement between points A and B using
the breaking tape method, checked by a reverse measurement from B to A.
5.​ Record the observed values from both the first and second courses in a table (Table
1).
6.​ Calculate the difference and the average of the two measurements to obtain the
most probable length of the line, applying Equations 1 and 2.
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7.​ Determine the relative precision of the measurements by applying Equation 3.
VII.​
DATA AND RESULTS.
A.1. USING TAPING TO DETERMINE DISTANCE
The data and results demonstrate how to use the tape method to measure the
horizontal distance between two reference locations, A and B, over sloping, smooth terrain.
The first trial measured from A to B, while the second trial measured from B to A. The
difference, most probable value (MPV), and relative precision (RP) were then calculated
using the recorded values. These figures form the foundation for assessing the precision
and dependability of the taping procedure. Table 1 displays the results that have been
summarized.
Table 1. Observed Distance of Line AB
Trial
Line
Length
1
AB
136.80 m
2
BA
136.83 m
Difference
Mean
Relative
Precision
0.003 m
136.82 m
1/4560
The results show the observed horizontal distances between Points A and B from
tape in two trials: one from A to B (forward) and one from B to A (reverse). The calculated
difference of 0.03 m indicates that there is very little fluctuation in these observed values.
The most accurate estimate of the actual distance between the two reference places was
determined to be 136.82 m based on these measurements. Additionally, the calculated
relative precision (RP) of 1/4560 demonstrates the excellent level of accuracy and
consistency attained during the tape process, demonstrating meticulous method execution
even in the presence of sloping and smooth ground conditions.
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VIII.​
ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION.
The taping activity showed that the tape method can give reliable measurements of
horizontal distance even over sloping but smooth ground. By measuring in both directions,
from A to B and then from B to A, possible errors such as tape misalignment, sagging, or
uneven ground were minimized. The small difference of only 0.03 m between the two trials
indicates that the results were very consistent and that errors were kept to a minimum.
The most probable value (MPV) of 136.82 m gives the best estimate of the actual
distance between the two points. This shows that using repeated measurements and
averaging values is an effective way to increase accuracy in fieldwork. The calculated
relative precision (RP) of 1/4560 further supports the high quality of the procedure, proving
that the taping was done carefully and systematically.
In general, the results confirm that the taping method, when carried out properly
with attention to keeping the tape level and aligned, can produce very accurate and
dependable distance measurements. The close agreement between the forward and
reverse trials strengthens the reliability of the results and shows that the method is suitable
even under less-than-perfect terrain conditions.
IX.​
CONCLUSION.
The exercise demonstrated that taping is a reliable method for measuring
horizontal distances on both smooth and sloping ground when executed carefully. By using
the breaking tape method, measuring in both directions, and applying computations such
as the most probable value and relative precision, errors were minimized and accuracy was
ensured. The results showed only a small difference between forward and backward
measurements, confirming the consistency of the procedure. The objectives of determining
the horizontal length of a line over varying terrain were successfully achieved, highlighting
the importance of teamwork, proper instrument handling, and adapting techniques to
surface conditions.
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X.​ REFLECTION QUESTIONS.
1.​ How did the type of ground surface (smooth or sloping) influence the way you approached
the measurement process?
In the Taping Over Smooth and Sloping Ground lab, the type of surface—smooth or
sloping—affected how the group measured distances, especially since the tape was
elevated, measuring from the range pole's bubble level area.
When measuring on smooth ground, the process was easier. Since the surface was
flat, the group used the range poles to hold the tape at a level height, checking the bubble
levels on each pole to ensure the tape stayed horizontal. The main task was to keep the
tape straight and tight beside the poles. Because there were no significant changes in
height between the points, the measurements were more consistent. The smooth ground
made it easier to keep the bubble levels steady, which helped ensure the tape stayed level.
In measuring from point A to B, the group measured in sections—first from A to B,
then from B to C, C to D, and so on—until they reached point B, making a total of 28 points.
After that, they measured again in reverse to check the measurements and make sure
everything was accurate. Since the ground was flat, the only concern was ensuring the tape
was tight and level beside the range poles.
When the group moved to sloping ground, the measurements became a little more
complicated. The tape was still elevated, but because the ground sloped, the bubble levels
on the range poles were more difficult to keep steady. The group had to adjust the levels
carefully to make sure the tape remained horizontal, even though the ground was tilted.
As the slope changed, the height at each range pole also changed, so the group
needed to pay attention to those differences. They still measured from point A to B, then B
to C, C to D, and so on, but they had to be more careful because the slope could affect the
measurements. To check that everything was accurate, they measured back from the last
point to the starting point. This helped catch any errors caused by the slope and ensured
the measurements were correct.
The type of surface made a big difference in how the measurements were taken. On
smooth ground, the tape stayed level easily, and the measurements were consistent. On
sloping ground, the group had to adjust the bubble levels more often to keep the tape level,
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and they needed to be extra careful to account for changes in height. Measuring both
ways—forward and backward—helped ensure the measurements were accurate. This
process showed how important it is to adjust your technique based on the surface you're
working on.
2.​ What specific skills or techniques did you develop while ensuring accuracy in taping over
uneven terrain?
In the Taping Over Smooth and Sloping Ground lab, the group learned several
important skills and techniques to make sure their measurements were accurate while
taping over uneven ground. One key skill was adjusting the bubble levels on the range
poles. On sloping ground, it was harder to keep the tape straight, so the group had to be
extra careful to make sure the bubbles stayed in the right spot on each pole. Another
important skill was keeping the tape tight. The group learned to make sure the tape didn’t
sag or stretch, as this could affect the measurements. They also had to pay close attention
to changes in height at each range pole due to the slope, making sure they adjusted their
measurements to get the correct horizontal distance.
To double-check their work, the group measured both ways—forward and backward.
This helped them spot any mistakes and make sure everything was accurate. Good
communication and teamwork were key. Each person had a specific job: Avila and Siaboc
were in charge of holding the range poles and making sure the bubbles were in the right
place; Cagang held the tape and made sure it was tight and didn’t sag; Borlagdan read the
measurements when everything was ready; and Jayoma made sure the tape stayed
horizontal, even on sloped ground. By using these skills and working together, the group
was able to get accurate results, especially on uneven ground where keeping everything
precise was more difficult.
3.​ In what ways can the experience of taping on different grounds prepare you for handling
real-world surveying tasks?
In the Taping Over Smooth and Sloping Ground lab, the experience of measuring on
different types of ground helped the group develop important skills that can be used in
real-world surveying tasks. First, learning how to adjust the bubble levels on the range
poles was crucial. In real-world surveying, the ground might not always be perfectly flat, so
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being able to keep the tape level on sloping ground will be very important to getting
accurate measurements. The group also learned how to maintain the right tension on the
tape to avoid mistakes from sagging or stretching. In real surveys, this skill will help ensure
that the measurements are precise, even when the terrain is challenging.
Another important lesson was how to measure both forward and backward to check
the accuracy of the work. In real surveying tasks, it’s common to double-check
measurements to make sure everything is correct. The experience of working together as a
team also helped the group understand how to divide tasks clearly and communicate well,
which is essential in real surveying projects where teamwork is key. Overall, the lab
experience prepared the group for the kinds of problems they might face in real-world
surveying, especially when dealing with different types of terrain.
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