FIELD EXERCISE 3

CREATING A TOPOGRAPHIC MAP USING TOTAL STATION

Section: EF-2L

Group Number: 2

Members:

Alviar, Miguel Carlo S. - Rodman

Baral, Ara May F. - Leader

Fajardo, Adrian Carlo A. - Rodman

Lawas, Ma. Vida Lorraine G. - Recorder

Parducho, Guian Paolo A. - Rodman

Villarubi, Marc T. - Instrumentman

I. Introduction
A topographic map is a representation of the earth wherein contour lines are used to
show the shape of its surface. This type of map also includes other geographic features like
bodies of water, boundaries, roads, etc. Topographic maps are especially useful to civil
engineers because these provide enough information that can be used when planning and
designing structures and roads, and when performing earthworks.
In this field exercise, we used the total station to obtain the location and elevation of
points around Copeland Gymnasium. The obtained data was used in creating a contour map
via Surfer, Windsurf, and/or Topcon Software.

II. Methods
In conducting the survey, the surveyors utilized various surveying equipment such as
the total station, a measuring tape, a prism, 2 surveyor’s rods and a notebook. Before doing
anything, the surveyors made some initial configurations and made sure that the mode was set
to Prism Mode. Also, the surveyors first set an origin point before proceeding in the actual
recording of measurements of the chosen points.
In this survey, the surveyors were tasked to plot at least 50 points on the area they
were designated to survey. To have an accurate topographic map, the surveyors then decided
to make a sketch of the area that was required for the creation of the map and plot specific
points to where the rod mans would stand. This was then followed by the peeking of the
instrument man through the lens of the total station and spotting the prism. After clicking on
the measure button, the instrument man saved the outputted value and the recorder would
then write the measurement on a notebook. Meanwhile, the leader would instruct the rod men
to move to the irregular parts of the area to emphasize the bumpy and rough formation of the
land. The surveyors finished with 64 points, including backsight from point (0,0,0), and was
saved in a file in the total station.
After gathering the data of the other surveyors, the topographic map was then
generated using the Surfer application.

III. Results and Discussion

The data gathered, as well as from other groups, was collected and was used to make
a topographic map of Copeland gymnasium. Two groups presented their data by N, E, Z, HA-
R and ZA while the other groups presented their values by SD, HD, VD, HA-R and ZA.
Since in the Surfer, coordinates are needed to make a topographic map, these values
presented in distances were converted to coordinates by the principles of latitudes and
departures and referencing the points to (0,0,0). Initially, the group’s reference north is (0,0,0)
and the points we gathered were in reference with the point where instrument is located. To
correct these mistakes, our group uses formulas for translation and rotation of points to
correct the errors. Upon checking the data points through post map, it is seen that the group
facing the building has misplaced its group of points. To solve this, the group uses estimation
to locate where should it be placed, and then it was translated in that point. After that, data
values in coordinate form (N,E, Z) are now with reference to point (0,0,0) and in line with the
magnetic north.
 Figure 1. Top view of Copeland gym, with points gathered by different group

In the figure above, it shows the points where each group gathered their data. List of
data values can be found at the appendix part of the paper. From these points, topographic
map is made and printed on a separate paper in A3 size. In the map, orange part has higher
elevations and blue represents lower elevations. Viewing from the front side of the building,
it shows increasing elevation from right side to left side. Also, in our surveyed area (right
side), it accurately shows the change in elevation of the area. It is because in the right side of
the building, there are presence of canals and higher elevation of land mass, in which the
topographic map shown. Upon the accuracy of other groups’ data, it is unknown because data
gathered is a class data, and the area assigned to be surveyed is the only consideration of
groups.

For the previous topographic surveying, we had used other instruments like
Theodolite to gather data points. This seems convenient but the convenience of the use of
total station is more than what we expected. It stores data that are readily available after the
survey which can be extracted from the instrument by external devices like flash drive, which
can be used directly to create a topographic map in software. Transit requires manual
recording of data which takes longer time compared to the storage of data in total station.
Sighting points is also faster in total station since the points are stored and accumulated
automatically on the total station.
 The first difficulty that the group encountered was positioning the total station. The
group has to make sure that the position of the instrument will be able to sight the reference
point and all the important points in the area. There were difficulties in leveling the
instrument, so the group has to find a strategic location to avoid leveling whenever
transferring the total station. Secondly, there are some students that passed on our area so
there was some delay in sighting points. Also, it took the group long time finding the right
configuration on the total station that is needed for topographic surveying.

It would be more accurate for the class data if two groups would share in two areas.
For example, group 1 and 2 will conduct the survey on area 1 and 2. More points will be
gathered in the areas which will make the topographic map closer to the actual area. It is
important to do a topographic survey in an area where establishments are to be constructed.
Topographic map can help if there are projects on the area that involves earthworks. The map
shows the unevenness of the area with corresponding elevations in every significant point.
This is a requirement for earthworks project on the site.

IV. Conclusion
The area around the Copeland Gymnasium where divided into four parts where each
group had made a topographic survey. The data of each group served as a class data to make
the whole topographic map around the gymnasium. For unison of data, a single point was set
to be (0,0,0) where all the groups had gathered points relative to that starting point.
There was a little unevenness around the gymnasium especially on the right side
which has the least flat ground among the parts. The back side of the gym is the flattest part
of the area. Followed by the left side where a canal was found. The front of the gymnasium
seems sthe highest part around the gymnasium.
Topographic surveying is important especially if there are establishments that will be
constructed in an area. The different elevations of the area needed for the earthworks in the
area. The topographic map shows the important details of the area which are needed to start
the construction plan.

V. Appendices

Table 3.1. Data gathered from the right side of Copeland gymnasium

POINT N E Z ZA HA-R HR
1 -33.49 108.87 0.83 1.6
2 -32.46 110.70 -1.07 1.6
3 -31.15 113.31 -1.98 271º01'59" 263º08'16" 2.3
4 -30.98 114.82 -2.23 270º12'35" 261º55'38" 2.3
5 -29.85 117.92 -1.58 270º45'37" 259º09'30" 1.6
6 -30.85 107.14 -1.26 271º05'50" 267º58'07" 2.3
7 -29.80 109.04 -1.26 271º06'13" 266º01'10" 1.6
8 -29.14 110.13 -3.2 270º31'41" 264º52'10" 3.6
9 -29.83 109.05 -1.25 272º17'16" 266º01'29" 1.6
10 -29.14 110.13 -1.89 270º31'54" 264º52'28" 2.3
11 -28.65 111.10 -0.92 271º24'40" 263º53'25" 1.6
12 -28.03 112.18 -2.05 270º23'31" 262º45'38" 2.3
13 -27.49 113.81 -1.59 270º48'12" 261º13'55" 1.6
14 -25.32 117.01 -2.24 270º12'54" 257º44'23" 2.3
15 -26.85 104.96 -0.69 271º44'09" 268º27'05" 1.6
16 -26.54 106.60 -2.77 270º58'40" 266º52'11" 3.6
17 -25.16 106.86 -1.63 272º07'02" 266º05'39" 1.6
18 -24.48 108.39 -1.58 270º53'05" 264º27'09" 2.3
19 -23.55 109.90 -1.48 270º59'18" 262º42'43" 1.6
20 -21.96 112.58 -2.27 270º12'23" 259º37'52" 2.3
21 -17.74 100.85 -1.2 272º18'33" 268º56'32" 2.3
22 -17.37 101.94 -3.33 3.6
23 -16.88 102.95 -3.25 271º26'11" 266º17'17" 3.6
24 -16.26 103.72 -0.87 271º03'50" 265º09'57" 1.6
25 -15.65 104.79 -2.04 271º20'05" 263º43'07" 2.3
26 -13.50 107.52 -1.54 270º17'06" 259º40'28" 1.6
27 -10.73 95.20 -0.99 273º05'18" 272º45'19" 2.3
28 -9.07 98.46 -1.1 270º58'07" 267º35'05" 1.6
29 -8.08 94.23 -0.97 272º17'33" 272º56'41" 2.3
30 -7.25 101.19 -1.53 271º22'11" 262º56'02" 1.6
31 -6.81 96.75 -1.82 272º04'56" 268º39'44" 2.3
32 -6.34 97.66 -0.95 271º16'04" 267º05'36" 1.6
33 -4.92 98.96 -2.18 271º34'13" 264º20'49" 2.3
34 -4.94 92.71 -0.19 272º39'32" 273º47'08" 1.6
35 -4.93 98.91 -3.47 271º34'38" 264º25'53" 3.6
36 -1.91 95.89 -0.87 271º35'56" 266º52'37" 1.6
37 -3.33 93.89 -2.24 273º51'29" 271º01'41" 2.3
38 -1.06 97.11 -1.41 271º53'19" 264º19'17" 1.6
39 0.58 100.05 -2.18 270º31'29" 258º31'29" 2.3
40 1.24 89.18 -0.39 272º53'31" 277º11'04" 1.6
41 2.02 90.76 -3.7 274º23'50" 273º32'40" 3.6
42 2.92 92.65 -0.83 273º30'47" 269º07'18" 1.6
43 3.59 93.98 -2.19 270º37'47" 265º56'55" 2.3
44 5.96 97.84 -1.62 271º51'35" 256º13'39" 1.6
45 4.73 87.40 -0.52 273º02'50" 279º27'58" 1.6
46 6.24 86.21 -0.62 273º01'02" 281º46'17" 1.6
47 2.77 86.73 -0.44 1.6
48 8.23 85.34 -0.8 272º49'14" 283º21'15" 1.6
49 11.13 83.39 -0.59 274º01'18" 288º44'52" 1.6
50 14.29 81.67 -0.78 274º09'58" 295º35'14" 1.6
51 18.65 79.44 -1.22 273º13'12" 310º47'08" 1.6
52 19.83 78.25 -0.94 275º08'14" 320º14'43" 1.6
53 22.25 77.20 -1.23 273º51'07" 335º22'00" 1.6
54 23.51 74.47 -1.25 273º10'58" 352º27'59" 1.6
55 6.47 88.25 -2.37 275º26'09" 276º27'28" 2.3
56 12.49 84.93 -2.05 271º34'36" 282º58'48" 2.3
57 15.09 82.94 -2.04 271º56'15" 290º16'25" 2.3
58 20.06 80.52 -2.03 277º53'28" 307º13'46" 2.3
59 23.92 80.99 -1.67 280º08'53" 315º54'25" 2.3
60 22.90 79.16 -1.94 274º51'44" 326º57'47" 2.3
61 26.32 82.51 -2.29 276º18'15" 304º39'14" 2.3
62 19.02 89.03 -1.59 270º58'41" 256º05'32" 1.6
63 22.24 92.62 -1.56 271º07'51" 230º59'09" 1.6