What are Arrows in Surveying | Uses, Advantages & Materials Used

What are Arrows in Surveying?

In surveying, arrows are the marking pins that are most commonly used in chain surveying. If the length of the line to be measured exceeds a chain length, they are used to indicate the end of the chain length.

Arrows are thus a tool used by surveyors to measure linear distances or to establish a series of points on a surface. They can be either bare arrows, made from wood and steel, or fiberglass-reinforced concrete arrows.

Depending on the intended task and environment, fiberglass-reinforced concrete is usually favored over wood and steel because it is stronger than the latter.

The arrow is placed into the ground at the end of each chain length, however if the ground is hard and tough, a scratch with the pointed end of the arrow may be formed.

They have a minimum tensile strength of 700 N/mm2 and a diameter of 4 mm. Arrows range in length from 250 to 500mm. The overall length of arrows is 400mm, with a 50 mm diameter loop, according to IS 1842.

To boost the visibility of the arrows, white or red tape is affixed to the ring of the arrows.

The length and the width of the arrow vary according to the application. In surveying, they can be used to measure horizontal distances or establish a series of points on a surface. They are also used as alignment indicators.

In surveying, arrows are the marking pins that are most commonly used in chain surveying. If the length of the line to be measured exceeds a chain length, they are used to indicate the end of the chain length.

Uses of Arrows in Surveying

Arrows are used in measuring and drawing boundaries, in the case of longitude and latitude, to establish a series of points that can be used for survey, coordinate measurements or triangulation.

The distance between two points can be determined from the arrows lying on the ground.

Furthermore, arrows are marked on the surface with a target length, to determine only the location of the target.

Arrays of points can be found and measured with a chain-transverse unit that is approximately equivalent to an arrow-unit.

Arrows are used by surveyors to measure linear distances, or to establish a series of points on a surface.

The arrows that are made from wood and steel or fiberglass reinforced concrete are sometimes referred to as “spider” arrows because of the spider-like shape they take when they are placed in the ground.

Arrows are placed in the ground at the end of each chain length, however if the ground is hard and tough, a scratch with the pointed end of the arrow may be formed.

The overall length of arrows is 400mm, with a 50 mm diameter loop, according to IS 1842.

To boost the visibility of the arrows, white or red tape is affixed to the ring of the arrows.

The length and the width of the arrow vary according to the application.

In surveying, they can be used to measure horizontal distances, or establish a series of points on a surface.

They are also used as alignment indicators.

Materials Used in Arrows in Surveying

In surveying, arrows are made of steel or fiberglass reinforced concrete.

The arrow shaft can be either round steel rods or square concrete blocks.

As for the diameter, it ranges from 12.5 to 18 mm, and is usually made from aluminum alloy or steel. To boost the visibility of the arrows, white or red tape is affixed to the ring of the arrows.

The arrow tip is made from aluminum alloy, bronze or steel.

When the arrow is a concrete arrow, the tip is made of steel.

To strengthen the tip, it has a ring of reinforced concrete.

The tips are made in various shapes like “thistle” or “crown”, and short ones in order to enable simple removal. The diameter of the tip is 4mm and the thickness is 3mm.

For spider arrows, customized tips can also be made. To indicate the end of a line, a fiberglass-reinforced concrete arrow can be used as a marking pin or target indicator.

According to IS 1842, two types of arrows are defined:

The diamond-shaped arrow consists of a tip and two arrows that are perpendicular, one on each side.

The cross-shaped arrow is similar to the diamond-shaped arrow, with the difference that there is only one shaft.

Advantages of Arrows in Surveying

They include;

1. When surveying large regions, arrows assist you in accurately locating locations on the ground.
2. Fixed arrows on the ground may be used to identify a region, giving you a feel of the map.
3. Survey arrows are lightweight and simple to use.
4. Because to their enamel coating and composition, these arrows may be utilized in any conditions.
5. The arrow shafts are made from a smooth and solid material; hence arrows may be easily removed from the ground with only slight effort.
6. Their use in survey makes the undertaking quicker, giving you a feel of the map at a glance.
7. Arrows are relatively inexpensive and easy to replace if damaged.
8. Arrows may be used according to your wish, including being made with different forms such as “thistle” or “crown”.
9. An arrow can easily be placed in the ground due to its weight and shape.
10. Because they are made from a single piece of material, these arrows tend to be more durable than other survey equipment.

Application of Arrows in Surveying

In boundary survey arrows are used to mark the end of a line.

In topographical survey they are used to show the end of a line and the commencement of another line or a boundary. Directional survey arrows may also be marked in topographical maps so that they can be easily seen on aerial photos.

They may also be used in open-air survey, where they are placed at different angles in order for them to be seen and mapped.

In mining Survey, arrows are used for detecting the location of an ore deposit, to determine the direction in which a mine is opened and to detect a change.

In geodetic survey arrows are used to establish locations on the ground, and not only to mark the end of a line.

In road engineering arrows serve as alignment indicators and control markers.

For other applications in survey, survey arrows may be made with different forms such as “thistle” or “crown”, among others.

Arrows may be used for the alignment of roads, for road geodetics and aerial photography. In order to prevent the edge of a road from moving, long-term survey arrows are placed in order to mark the edge.

In military survey arrows are used to mark the boundaries and positions for artillery fire.

Arrows in surveying can also be used to determine the direction of magnetic lines of force.

When laying out garden paths, long tape arrows are used in order to locate the end points of a string.

In metrology, arrow marks can be used in order to calibrate equipment such as a geodetic transit and a transit compass, using an arrow pointer on a map.

Difference between arrows and pegs 

The differences are as follows;

1. Steel is used to make arrows, whereas wood is used to make pegs.
2. Arcs are used to mark the end of a line when using arrows in surveying, whereas pegs are used to mark the commencement of a line when using pegs.
3. The overall length of an arrow is 400mm, and its width (the distance between the arms of the arrow) is 50mm while the average length of a peg is 150mm

4.Pegs are utilized in all forms of surveying, although arrows are predominantly employed in chain surveying.

5. Arrows having one pointed end and the other curved into a loop, whereas pegs have one tapering end.
6. The diameter of the arrows is 4mm, while the sides of the pegs range from 25mm to 30mm.

FAQs

What are arrows in Surveying?

In surveying, arrows are the marking pins that are most commonly used in chain surveying. They are used in surveying to indicate the direction of a line or the location of a point.

They are most commonly made of wood, aluminum, or plastic, and are about 1 foot long and 1/4 inch in diameter.

If the length of the line to be measured exceeds a chain length, they are used to indicate the end of the chain length.

How do Arrows work?

Arrows work with the help of an alignment bar which guides the arrow along its path. The alignment bar contains a notch which is commonly known as V-groove, and this is preformed along the shaft, while another one is performed on the tip.

This is quite common in the majority of arrow type applications since this is the most cost-effective method to make such a protrusion.

When an arrow goes through its course, a single point made of steel or fiberglass reinforced concrete, is attached at the tip end and this acts as a guide to hold it on course while passing through the V-groove.

What is the difference between arrows and pegs?

The main differences between arrows and pegs:

• Arrows are made from steel, whereas pegs are made from wood.
• Arrows have an axis connecting them, whereas pegs have just one.
• The overall length of an arrow is 400mm, and its width (the distance between the arms of the arrow) is 50mm while the average length of a peg is 150mm.
• Arrows are mainly used in chain surveying, while pegs are used in the open-air survey.
• Arrows consisting of two shafts that are perpendicular to each other, whereas pegs is composed of one shaft and two arms, one on each side.
• The diameter of the arrows is 4mm, while the sides of the pegs range from 25mm to 30mm.

What are the Uses of arrows in surveying?

Arrows are used in surveying to mark locations on the ground. This is done through the use of a tapered end, which may be filled with glue or an enamel.

The tapered end of arrows is used to mark locations on the ground, in order to indicate the start and/or end range of survey lines. Arrows are sometimes placed in specific positions, in order to give a feel of the map.

How do arrows in Surveying work?

In surveying, arrows are used to locate or pinpoint a location.

What is the type of arrow for Surveying in use?

For arrow type, there are two types:

• “Cross” type: it consists of one shaft and two arms, on both sides of the shaft.
• “Diamond” type: it is narrow at the ends and wider in the middle, with a tip at one end.

Arrows for Surveying come in different shapes and sizes. For example, there are arrows that you can purchase from stores, then have them custom-made by your surveyor to fit your needs. Other arrows are already made by surveyors or designers to meet specific surveying needs.

What are arrows in chaining?

Arrows are sometimes known as marking or chaining pins. Each chain is accompanied by 10 arrows, which are used to indicate the end of the chain throughout the chaining process. They are pointed on one end and feature a ring or eye on the other for carrying convenience.

How many arrows do you need for chain surveying?

In order to perform a survey, you will need arrows. 10 arrows are required for each chain, and that is to say that for a distance of 48 meters, you will need 480 arrows.

What are the uses of arrows in road surveying?

In road surveying, arrows are used to show the line where a road should be laid. The official seal is considered as the one and only way to properly indicate information about this.

What is a Boundary Arrow?

Boundary arrows are used to show where boundaries were established. This is something that you will often find in maps but rarely in reality.

What are the Uses of Arrows in Geodetic Surveying?

In geodetic surveying, arrows are used to show the direction of magnetic lines of force. This is something that you will often find in maps but rarely in reality.

What are the Uses of Arrows in Land Survey?

In land surveys, arrows are used to demarcate property boundaries and for subdividing lands. They are very commonly used especially after an earthquake has taken place and there was a need for boundary markers.

What is a peg in the survey?

Pegs are building materials that are placed in the ground to mark points of reference and for measuring distances. There are two types of pegs:

1. Round pegs: these are usually used in surveying to mark the end of a line, especially when surveying a chain. They will be used on both sides of the chain, depending on where you want your arrows to be placed.
2. Square pegs: these are also ideal for surveying, although they are mostly utilized in open-air surveying projects. Square pegs can also be used on both sides of a chain, depending on where you want your arrows to be placed.