NAME: TALIB TWETU

MATRIC NO.: 210402524

DEPARTMENT: CIVIL AND
ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
GROUP: FOUR
COURSE: SVY 211
TITLE: COMPASS SURVEYING OF A PART OF
UNILAG LAGOON FRONT
SITE: UNILAG LAGOON FRONT, UNIVERSITY
OF LAGOS, AKOKA, YABA, LAGOS
MAINLAND LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA,
LAGOS STATE.
DATE PERFORMED: FEBRUARY 09, 2022
DATE SUBMITTED: MARCH 17, 2022
SUBMITTED TO: SURV. (MRS) OGUNLADE,
F.S.
INTRODUCTION:
Compass surveying is a type of surveying in which the position of an
item is determined by using a compass to determine angular
measurements and linear measurements made with a chain or tape.
Compass surveying is used in following circumstances:

• When the measuring region is large, chain surveying is not

used, and instead compass surveying is used.
• If the surveying plot has several impediments and
undulations, chaining is impossible.
• When surveying time is limited, compass surveying is
generally used.

When using this process for the perimeter of the land, geometric
principles are used for calculating the area of the plot of land. This is
done using the Sine and Cosine rules and Heron’s Formula:

1
Sine Rule: 𝑎𝑏𝑠𝑖𝑛𝐶
2

Heron’s Formula: Area = √𝑠(𝑠 − 𝑎)(𝑠 − 𝑏)(𝑠 − 𝑐)

𝑎+𝑏+𝑐
Where s =
2

Compass surveying is not employed in areas where there is an iron

core, power lines, or other structures that attract magnets due to their
natural and electromagnetic qualities. Traversing is used in compass
surveying. A traverse is made up of a succession of straight lines that
connect the plot's elements.
Magnetic compass

The magnetic bearing of survey lines is determined using a magnetic

compass. Depending on the type of compass used, the bearings can be
measured in either a Whole Circle Bearing (W.C.B) or a Quadrantal
Bearing (Q.B) system. The basic idea of a magnetic compass is that if a
strip of steel or iron is magnetized and pivoted perfectly in the middle
so that it may swing freely, it will fix itself in the magnetic meridian at
the arrangement location.

Major types of magnetic compass are:

1. Prismatic compass
2. Surveyor’s compass
3. Level compass

The steps for compass survey are as follows:

1. Reconnaissance:
Reconnaissance is the term for a preliminary inspection of the region to
be surveyed. The surveyor surveys or develops an index sketch or key
plan after inspecting the area to be surveyed. Walk around the entire
region, meticulously inspecting the land, noting the location of
boundaries, roads, and rivers, as well as different problems to compass
lines, selecting stations, and preparing clean sketches known as index
sketches or key plans.
2. Marking stations:
Stations are marked with a ranging rod, a wooden peg, a nail or spikes if
the surface is firm, or a cross mark embedded in the stone.
3. Reference sketches:
After marking, the station should be referred, that is, found using ties
drawn from three permanent sites that are easily identifiable, such as a
building corner.
4. Running survey line:
Following the preliminary work, compassing begins at the baseline and
continues across the framework's lines. As a result, the compass is
placed and left in place, and an offset is calculated to locate the
neighboring features. Make a range wherever it's needed. Measure the
difference and offset in the field book.
Recording the measurements in the Field Book:
• The compass is represented in the field book by one or two red or
blue lines drawn down centrally along the length of each page,
and it is an oblong book with a hinge at the narrow edge.
• The field job booking, or recording began at the bottom of the
first page. Because the primary compass line readings are isolated
from offset readings, the double line book is preferable.
• A small rectangle or triangle is made in the field book to surround
the compassing figure at the station points, and the station points
are lettered or numbered.
• The lines that intersect at the station point are also marked, and
reference sketches are produced on a field book, and then lines
are run by compassing after this line survey.
• When doing a compass survey, the essential equipment should be
brought along, as well as a reconnaissance or preliminary
assessment of the region.
• The surveyor can assess the network based on this inspection.
 • The station points are marked with wooden pegs and range rods.
• The stations are then identified, reference sketches are produced
in a field book, and the survey lines are sketched using a compass.
Precautions:
The following points should be kept in view while booking the field
notes.
(i) All the measurements should be recorded as soon as they are taken.
(ii) Each compass line should be recorded on a separate page of the
field book.
(iii) Figuring and writing should be neat, and legible overwriting of the
figures should be avoided completely.
(iv) The notes should be complete, and nothing should be left to
memory.
(v) Notes should be so full and neat that the draftsman who is
unfamiliar with the area surveyed may plot easily
(vi) Neat reference sketches should be given in the field book, and
explanatory notes should be added.
(vii) The field book should be kept clean, and no entry should be made
in it, nor should it be rubbed.
If an entry is wrong, a line should be drawn through it, and the count
entry is made over it.
If an entire page of the Field book is to be discarded, it should be
crossed and marked canceled and reference of the other page in which
the correct entries are made should be given on the canceled page.
ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES OF COMPASS SURVEYING

Advantages

● They are portable and light weight.

● They have fewer settings to fix it on a station
● The error in direction produced in a single survey line does
not affect other lines.
● It is suitable to retrace old surveys.

Disadvantages

● It is less precise compared to other advanced methods of

surveying.
● It is easily subjected to various errors such as errors adjoining
to magnetic meridian, local attraction etc.
● Imperfect sighting of the ranging rods and inaccurate leveling
also causes error.

ERRORS IN COMPASS SURVEY

Errors can be arising due to various reasons during the process of

surveying, they are classified as:

● Instrumental errors
● Personal errors
● Natural errors

Instrumental errors
As the name suggests they arise due to the wrong adjustments of the
instruments. Some other reasons are:

● If the plane of sight not being vertical, it causes error in

sighting and reading.
● If the magnetic needle is not perfectly straight or if it is
sluggish, readings may not be accurate.

Personal errors

They arise mainly due to the carelessness of the surveyor. They are:

● Inaccurate leveling
● Inaccurate reading
● Inaccurate centering

Natural errors

Natural errors are occurring due to the various natural causes which
affect the working of compass. It has nothing to do with the surveyor
and to minimize them, some corrections in calculations applied. They
are:

● Local attraction
● Proximity to the magnetic storms
● declination
AIM:
The aims of this practical are:
1. To know the dimensions of a given portion of land.
2. To determine the bearing and distances of survey boundary.
3. To calculate the area of the portion of land using compass survey
method.
4. To test the ability if students on compass survey methods.

OBJECTIVES:
The objectives of this practical are:
1. To carry out station marking around the corners of the plot.
2. Determine the distance between two stations using 100m tape.
3. Take compass readings across the plot.
4. Calculate area of the plot.

SCOPE:
The scope of this practical is as follows:
1. Reconnaissance diagram
2. Measuring of distances
3. Measuring of bearings
4. Corrections of forward and backward bearing readings
5. Calculation of area using graphical method
PERSONNEL:
1. Ariyo Oluwagbemileke Imoleoluwa
2. Alani Shoroye Muadh
3. Odinachukwu Okoli Solomon
4. Omoruyi Blessing Prince
5. Salami Yusuf
6. Ogunlewe Aderinmola Sayofunmi
7. Adewusi Oluwatoyin Esther
8. Twetu Talib
9. Tonwe Stacy Ogheneruvekwe
10. Olojede Deborah Temidayo
11. Azeez Raheemat Remilekun
12. Olumide Ayodeji Akande
INSTRUMENTS USED:
While performing the experiment, the following instruments were
used:
1. Linen tape of length 100m
2. Ranging poles
3. Magnetic Compass
4. Tripod Stand
Diagrams:
1. Linen Tape:
It's a 100m long variegated strip of tightly woven material. When
doing compass surveys, it is utilized to estimate distances
between corners. It's utilized by extending the tape until it's
completely covered, and then taking readings.
2. Ranging Poles:
While measurements are taken, ranging poles are positioned
vertically at the plot's corners. It's commonly used for identifying
stations, points, and sighting those stations, as well as ranging
straight lines. Teak, pine, or deodar are commonly used as two
thin, light bamboo woods.

3. Magnetic Compass:
A magnetic compass can be used to determine the magnetic
bearings of a line. Bearings can be measured in two ways: whole
bearing system (WBS) and quadrantal bearing system (QBS) (QBS).
This is solely determined on the sort of compass used to take the
measurements.
When a thin strip of steel or iron is magnetized and suspended at
its center, allowing it to freely oscillate along the vertical axis, the
strip establishes itself in the magnetic meridian at the observation
point. The functioning principle of a magnetic compass is as
follows.
The magnetic needle's purpose is to locate the magnetic
meridian. Through the compass, a line-of-sight aids in sighting the
other end of the survey line. A graduated circle is employed to
read the directions of the lines. It can be attached either to the
box or to the needle. To house the above parts, a compass box is
used. The whole housing is then supported by means of a tripod
or a suitable stand.
In general, it is used to find out bearings of survey lines by reading
a graduated circle, through a peep hole.

The figure below shows the sectional view of a surveyor's

compass. It consists of a circular brass box housing a magnetic
needle. This needle swings over a bass circle which is divided into
360 degrees.
It consists of a pair of sights which is used to measure the
horizontal angle. This is in the north-south axis. The surveyor's
compass is usually mounted over a tripod and leveled by using
ball and socket mechanism.
The temporary adjustments for the surveyor's compass are:
1. Centering
2. Levelling
3. Focusing the Prism
1. Centering: In this step, the instrument is kept exactly over the
station point. This can be done either by adjusting the tripod
stands or by using a plumb-bob. Sometimes, a pebble can be
freely dropped from this center to the bottom of the instrument
to check the centering.

2. Levelling: The instrument must be held such that the graduated

disc swings freely and when viewed from the top edge it must
 appear level. If it is not used as a hand instrument, a tripod is used
to support the instrument for levelling.

3.Focusing the Prism: Till the readings are observed sharp and
clear, the prism attachment is slid up and down for proper
focusing.
The permanent adjustments are sometimes necessary for the
surveyor's compass-like:
1. Adjustments in Levels
2. Adjustment of needle
3. Adjustment of Sight vanes
4. Adjustment of the Pivot
4. Tripod Stand:
This is used to hold the compass, and allow for a levelled, easy
reading of compass bearing.
RECONNAISSANCE DIAGRAM:
A preliminary investigation of the region to be surveyed is referred to
as "reconnaissance." The surveyor conducts a survey or develops an
index sketch or key plan after viewing the area to be surveyed. Walk
over the entire region and take detailed notes on the ground, noting
the locations of boundaries, highways, and rivers, as well as the
numerous problems encountered when compassing lines, picking
stations, and creating clean sketches known as index sketches or key
plans.

Reconnaissance Diagram Shewing an Area of Land Within UNILAG

Lagoon Front, University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos Mainland Local
Government Area, Lagos State.
PROCEDURE/METHODOLOGY:

DATA ACQUISITION:
To obtain the data, the following steps were taken:
We rapidly sketched a reconnaissance diagram to get a general idea
of how the site appeared and to note noteworthy aspects on the
site, such as permanent infrastructure such as sidewalks and
buildings.
After that, we chose the stations or corners of the site where we
would take measurements.
We measured the distances between the ranging poles and installed
them on each station. Ground measurements were collected where
practicable, but they were not taken in all situations.
The walkways' distances from the boundary line were also accurately
measured.
The walkway's width was then measured.
Any remarkable features that were accessible were taken as an
offset.
We then removed any metallic objects from the area.
The tripod was subsequently placed at each station, and we began
taking compass readings.
Then we checked to see if the compass was level, and then we took
forward bearings.
We then proceeded to the next station and retraced our steps
backwards. This process was continued until all readings and values
were recorded.
 DATA PROCESSING:
In the table below are the bearings observed and appropriate
corrections of the forward and backward bearings:
OBSERVED CORRECTED DISTANCE
LINES CORRECTIONS REMARKS
BRG BRG (m)

AB 173°18’ 0° 173°18’
38.166
BA 355°40’ -2°22’ 353°18’

BC 266°44’ -2°22’ 264°22’

41.102
CB 80°55’ +3°27’ 84°22’

CD 337°47’ +3°27’ 341°14’

41.297
DC 161°14’ 0°00’ 161°14’

This is the line with the least

DA 86°44’ 0°00’ 86°44’
effect of local attraction. A
49.818
correction of +0°00’ was
AD 266°44’ 0°00’ 266°44’
made to the back bearing

DATA PRESENTATION:
Attached is the group Compass survey plan shewing the plot of land
measured. The plan was drawn to a scale of 1:500.
PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED:
The major problems encountered during the survey were:
● Local attraction.
● The land to be surveyed had a lot of trees and bushes, especially
along boundary lines BC and CD.
● The boundary lines were not completely level.
● Sagging of the chain.

SOLUTIONS:
To solve the above listed challenges, the following steps were taken:
• At the sites with the least local attraction, the compass was
positioned, and bearings were taken.
• While the survey was being conducted, all metallic things on
the bodies of students (e.g., watches, chains, etc.) were
removed and set aside.
• To get the true distance of the boundary line, we divided each
of the boundaries into shorter distances, took measurements,
and added the distances together.
• To avoid misleading measurements due to unleveled ground,
we took measurements of the boundary lines above ground
level.
• Before taking readings, we tensioned the compass to ensure it
was as straight as possible.
CONCLUSION:
The angles between boundary lines, their bearings from one other, and
the distance between stations can all be determined using a compass
survey. The area can be established by measuring these distances and
drawing them using CAD software. The sine rule can also be used to
find the plot's area as an alternative way.
The measurements derived using compass surveying are not 100%
accurate, due to local attractions. But the values gotten will be close to
the actual/real values.
Thus, the area of the Plot of Land we measured at the University of
Lagos Lagoon Front is:
1775.473m2

RECOMMENDATIONS:
Ahead of future practical lab sessions, I make the following
recommendations:
1. The students can be subjected to more challenging situations
during the practicals.
2. More practicals can be done by the students to help them see
different applications of Compass survey.
3. The students can be taken to a work site to view the compass
Survey process being done in a professional setting.
4. The students can be shown a sample of a compass Survey plan,
which has been worked on by certified surveyors.