Difference Between Compass Surveying and Chain Surveying

Introduction

Surveying is the art, profession, and science of precisely finding the three-dimensional position of points, as well as their distance and angle from one another. These locations are typically found on the earth’s surface and are frequently used to build land maps and ownership boundaries.

What is Chain Surveying

Chain surveying is a type of surveying in which only linear measurements are taken in the field. This is appropriate for surveying small regions with minimal features in a somewhat level location.

It gets its name from the fact that the main piece of equipment employed is a chain.

Chain surveying is a technique which helps to minimize errors in production and surveying because you take measurements over many points instead of only one.

The idea behind chain surveying is that when you steadily progress from point to point without irregularity, the chance of error at each stage will be minimized.

Advantages of Chain Survey

Chain Surveying consists of various advantages, these include:

1. The great thing about chain surveying is that it is fast, effective and convenient to use as a survey method.
2. It can be used on small areas with undulating surfaces or large areas with even terrain. It avoids the consequence that surveying is expensive and slow in large areas of arid or mountainous countries where the land is rugged in structure and the measurement must be accurate for manipulation purposes.
3. It is a quick method of surveying using only three basic components: compass, chain and pencil. It is not known to be difficult to use.
4. It can be used in most land forms and may be used in almost any weather conditions.
5. The system of measurement is already known, so it makes surveying easy and convenient.
6. The equipment needed for surveying is very simple, less expensive and compact compared to other methods such as theodolite, laser levels, etc.

Disadvantages of Chain Survey

Some disadvantages of chain surveying are:

1. It has its disadvantages as well. It does not have as many uses as other methods do. The most significant disadvantage is the lack of ability for someone to calculate the measurements of a point using only three measurements and compass, chain, and pencil.

2.It is not a perfect method, like a normal surveyor’s level, which can be used to determine the points on a line or surface so that it will be exactly horizontal and perpendicular to its surroundings.

3. The chain has no ability to measure vertical or horizontal distances. Therefore, it is a not a complete survey method.
4. Like any other method of surveying, it is not capable of being used in any situation where the measurements are marked on every surface, especially when they are not marked in every spot.
5. The chain has a problem measuring small spaces because the distances that must be measured don’t allow for smaller spaces to be measured accurately.
6. It cannot be used in places where the land is not flat and even.
7. People with little experience have a difficult time using chain because they are unfamiliar with their use. It is easy to become confused and make errors.

Chain Survey importance

Some major importance of Chain Surveying has been explained below

1. The process of chain surveying guarantees the user to know where he’s at and how far away he is from the end points.
2. The process of chain surveying helps to be in control of your production from start to finish, since the measurements have a huge bearing on the final product.
3. Chain surveying helps you travel anywhere without need for stops or measured distances, which means more freedom for exploration, adapting and changing behavior without having to draw exact positions or paths beforehand.
4. Chain surveying means that you can take one chain of measurements and use it to obtain an unlimited number of results. Chain surveying enables the user to make accurate decisions based on measurements, giving the user huge operational efficiency and freedom.
5. Chain surveying makes the process of surveying flexible, allowing for quick changes without having to redraw a whole chain survey.
6. Chain surveying eliminates the need for maps, since information regarding positions and distances can be obtained from one chain survey.

What is Compass Surveying

Compass surveying is a kind of surveying in which surveying lines’ directions are established using a magnetic compass and their lengths are measured using a tape, chain, or laser range finder.

A compass is often used to draw a traverse line. The compass computes line bearings with regard to the magnetic needle. The included angles can then be determined using appropriate formulae in the case of clockwise and anti-clockwise traverses.

A prismatic compass is a navigation and surveying tool that is widely used to determine the bearing of the traveling and the angles between them, waypoints (course endpoints), and direction.

Surveyors take two bearings for each survey line in the traverse, fore bearing and back bearing, which should differ by 180° if local attraction is insignificant.

It is called a Prismatic compass because it is primarily made up of a prism that is used to take more precise observations.

Compass surveying is the use of the simplest surveying instrument, a compass, to establish land or boundary lines. Unlike Total Station Surveying which is more precise, Compass Surveying is quick and most often used for construction estimates.

Compass Surveying Advantages

They include:

1. Magnetic compass is used by all types of people, both young and old.
2. It is a great way to learn about the art of original surveying which are located everywhere in the world.
3. Compass survey techniques require very little physical exertion, making it comfortable for everyone involved.
4. It can be used to measure any distance when there is no overhead power supply or the lighting conditions are not suitable for using a laser rangefinder
5. The compass reading can be corrected by comparing it with the base map which was pre-established.
6. Compass surveying is not affected by magnetic fields and can therefore be utilized in any location of the world.
7. It is a great way to spend your time since you don’t have to pay for education or equipment, nor do you need training or practice because it’s used in many industries.
8. There is no need for any formal education or training since it is self-explanatory to anyone who is interested.
9. There are no requirements for a license, permit or experience.

Compass Surveying Disadvantages

The main disadvantages of Compass Surveying are outlined below.

1. The compass is an old method of surveying, which involves a lot of manual calculations, making the process complicated and the data not very precise.
2. The compass is not very accurate, nor can it be easily relocated after it has been set or moved.
3. Calculations can be time-consuming, depending on the distance between the points to be surveyed.
4. Some places require a permit to conduct compass surveying
5. It takes longer to survey a large area since calculations have to be done manually and cannot be done electronically.
6. The compass does not give an exact coordinate of an object, making it unreliable for certain projects and applications.
7. Compass surveying can be difficult to measure distances during night time, requiring the use of a light source
8. Compass is not considered reliable for very long distances- a few hundred meters or kilometers.
9. Compass can make wrong turns, while a laser rangefinder works perfectly in all directions.

Compass Surveying uses

The major uses of Compass Surveying are as outlined below.

1. It is useful for checking plans and subdivision maps.
2. It is helpful to establish a point of reference to make the total station or GPS systems more accurate.
3. it is used for temporary surveying as well as permanent work such as land surveys, boundary surveys, topographical maps, aerial surveys and layout projects.
4. Compass surveying is used to determine the length of each side of a triangle, any curve, and any circle.
5. It is also used in the construction industry to measure slopes and as a checking tool when constructing lines and relative positions of objects.
6. In road and railway construction, it is used to check elevations while the straightness of alignments.
7. It is also used in mining, oil prospecting and land grading.
8. Compass Surveying is also used in gas exploration, oil drilling and other fields that require measurements in remote locations.

Difference Between Compass Surveying and Chain Surveying

The differences between compass surveying and chain surveying are highlighted below.

1. A framework in compass surveying is a series of connected lines that form an open or closed polygon.

In chain surveying, the framework is made up of a series of triangles.

2. Compass surveying is utilized for broad areas where precision is essential.

Chain surveying is utilized for small regions where accuracy is not necessary.

3. Check lines are not typically used in compass surveying, but they are required in chain surveying.
4. Compass surveying uses a compass to determine angle measurements whereas chain surveying uses chains and tapes to determine linear measurements.
5. In Chain surveying, no angular measurements are taken, however in Compass surveying, angular measurements are taken along with simple linear measurements.
6. Chain surveying is simple to execute, and the area is simply mapped; however, compass surveying is more complicated to perform, and calculations are difficult to plot.
7. Chain surveying necessitates tape adjustments, but compass surveying necessitates both tape and compass corrections.
8. Chain surveying is inexpensive, whereas compass surveying is costly.
9. Compass surveying is utilized for big regions with uneven ground and various features and undulations, whereas chain surveying is used for small with well leveled areas.

Summary

The above comparison of chain surveying and compass surveying has highlighted the differences between the two techniques.

Chain surveying is a more moderate and easier to perform technique that shows a bigger accuracy than compass surveying.

Compass Surveying has become popular in the last decade, largely due to its simplicity, effectiveness and low cost with almost no require for training or education.

This method is fast and can be used anywhere in the world with no requirement for permits, license or training.

However, it is much more time-consuming than Chain surveying; therefore, if you need a fast and accurate survey that is to be used in a large area, then you should use Chain Surveying.

On the other hand, if you need an inexpensive method that works during night time, then you should use compass surveying.

This method of survey has many advantages and disadvantages; however, the equipment and knowledge needed for performing them are very affordable.

FAQs

What is compass surveying?

Compass surveying is a type of surveying in which surveying lines’ directions are determined using a magnetic compass and their lengths are measured using a tape, chain, or laser range finder. A compass is typically used to draw a traverse line.

What are the uses of compass surveying?

Compass surveying is a significant part of surveying that is commonly used to determine the location of an item using both angular and linear measurements.

A compass is used to obtain angle measurements, while chain or tape is used to calculate linear measures.

What are the applications of compass surveying?

Compass surveying is a significant part of surveying that is commonly used to determine the location of an item using both angular and linear measurements.

A compass is used to obtain angle measurements, while chain or tape is used to calculate linear measures.

What is Chain surveying?

Chain surveying is a subset of surveying that uses solely linear measurements in the field. This is appropriate for surveying small regions with modest details and a somewhat flat area. It gets its name from the fact that the chain is the most regularly utilized piece of equipment.

Difference between chain surveying and compass surveying?

The difference between Chain surveying and Compass Surveying is highlighted below

• A framework in Chain surveying is made up of a series of triangles, while compass surveying forms an open or closed polygon.
• Chain surveying uses the chain to determine linear measurements and compass surveying uses a compass to get the angle measurements.
• In chain surveying, no angular measurements are taken, however in compass surveying, angular measurements are taken along with simple linear measurements.
• Chain surveying is simple to execute, and the area is simply mapped; however, compass surveying is more complicated to perform, and calculations are difficult to plot. Chain surveying necessitates tape adjustments but compass surveying necessitates both tape and compass corrections.
• Chain surveying is inexpensive and can be purchased in small quantity, but compass surveying is expensive and has a high variance that makes the cost increase rapidly if not properly handled in large quantities.

What are the types of compass survey?

The Surveyor’s compass and the Prismatic compass are the two major types of magnetic compass used in surveying, and both are featured in the collection.

The surveyor’s compass is the bigger and more precise instrument, and it is frequently mounted on a stand or tripod.

Where is compass surveying suitable?

The surveyor’s compass is suitable for any location that does not have an overhead power supply, or where the lighting conditions are not suitable for using a laser rangefinder.

Do you need a license for compass surveying?

You do not require any license to conduct compass surveying, but there are certain restrictions that should be followed.

Compass surveys may only take place between 6am and 6pm. You should also follow the established rules regarding trespassing and vandalism.

Is compass surveying dangerous?

Compass surveying is not an offensive or dangerous activity. It can be done by adults of all ages, including children over the age of 14. It is not a quick process and can take several hours to survey an entire area.

Does compass surveying require previous experience?

No. It can be used by anyone who is interested and has a basic understanding of the subject, since the calculations are very simple.

How long does simple chain survey take?

Simple chain survey takes less than an hour.

What kind of equipment is needed to perform simple chain survey?

Primary and secondary chains and pencils are enough equipment to perform simple chain survey. Pencils are used to note measurements on the 100-meter tape.

What is a primary chain?

Primary chains are the lines that connect two points on the field that serve as reference points. Primary chains use 100-meter tapes to measure distances between them at every ten meters.

What is chain surveying plot?

Chain surveying plot is a map that is made according to a certain measurement system. In this method of surveying, the primary chains are plotted, and then the secondary chains are connected to them in order to decrease the number of errors that may occur.

What is the purpose of chain surveying?

Chain surveying is a method of surveying that uses solely linear measurements in the field. The fundamental idea behind chain surveying or chain triangulation is to offer a framework made up of a number of well-conditioned triangles or nearly equilateral triangles.

It is used to determine the size of the field.

What is the need of chain surveying?

Chain surveying is required because linear measurements are required. Its benefit is its simplicity, as well as the fact that it may be particularly useful in regions with rocky terrain.

How long is a survey chain?

The chain is a length unit equal to 66 feet (22 yards). It’s separated into 100 links or four rods.

Who invented chain survey?

The surveyor’s chain, sometimes known as Gunter’s chain, is a measuring equipment and arbitrary measurement unit that is still commonly used in English-speaking countries for surveying.

Gunter’s chain, invented in the early 17th century by the English mathematician Edmund Gunter, is exactly 22 yards (approximately 20 m) long and divided into 100 links.

How much does chain survey cost?

It costs about $500 for a 100-meter chain, which may include its cost of purchase, labor, and shipping