Traverse:

A traverse is a framework of survey lines obtained by connecting a series of survey lines in which the length and direction of survey lines are measured with the help of tape and angle measuring instrument. In chain traversing, the overall work is done along with the chain and tape. No angle measuring instruments is used and the directions of the lines are fixed entirely through linear measurements.

A traverse is termed a closed traverse if a complete circuit of survey line is given. The interconnected main survey lines forms a closed polygon (Figure(a)) so in which the originating station and end station are one and the similar. This category of traverse is designed for locating the boundaries of the area of interest, example for lake, wooded land or plot of land to construct buildings, reservoirs, dams, industrial structures and etc.

If the inter-connected main survey lines do not form a closed polygon and generally extend in one common direction then the traverse is known as an open traverse (Figure(b)). End station in an open traverse will never coincide along with the originating station. An open traverse survey is conducted to decide the alignment of highway, pipeline, railway track, or transmission lines etc.

(a) Closed Traverse                          (b) Open Traverse

Figure: Traverse