(a) Explain the term Traversing (b) A traverse along a path in a school compound produced the following field records: LINE LENGTH (in metres) BEARING AB 10...

Traversing

Traversing is a surveying method in which a series of connected straight lines is measured. For each line, the surveyor records its length and its bearing (direction measured clockwise from north). These measurements are then plotted to scale to show the route or boundary.

Plotting the traverse (scale: 1 cm represents 50 m)

Divide each ground length by 50 to obtain the plotted length. Starting at A, draw AB as 2.0 cm on a bearing of \(70^\circ\). From B, draw BC as 7.0 cm on a bearing of \(120^\circ\). Continue with CD, 2.4 cm on a bearing of \(85^\circ\), and DE, 1.5 cm on a bearing of \(55^\circ\).

Distance between A and E along the traverse line

The words “along the traverse line” mean the total distance travelled from A to E through B, C and D, not the straight-line distance from A to E.

\[AE = AB + BC + CD + DE\]

\[AE = 100 + 350 + 120 + 75 = 645\text{ m}\]

Therefore, the distance from A to E along the traverse is 645 m.

The straight-line distance between A and E would be a different measurement. It can be found from the completed scale drawing or by resolving bearings, and is approximately \(585\text{ m}\); however, this is not what “along the traverse line” asks for. In an examination, add the lengths of all traverse legs whenever the question asks for distance along the route.