A traverse is a series of connected lines whose length and direction are measured in the field. In traversing two types of measurement are needed that is angular measurement and linear measurement.

Check in close transverse

Linear measurements

(a) Every line of the traverse is measured twice. The two measurements are done with the same precision, on different days, and in opposite directions.

(b) Sum of the northings should be equal to the sum of the southings. The Sum of eastings should be equal to the sum of westings.

Checks on angular measurements

(a) Traversing by included angles. The sum of the interior included angles should be = (2n − 4) right angles, and the sum of exterior included angles should be = (2n + 4) right angles, where 7 is the number of sides of the traverse.

(b) Traversing by deflection angles The algebraic sum of the deflection angles should be = 360° (the right-hand deflection angles are taken as positive and the left-hand deflection angles are taken as negative).

(c) Traversing by direct observation of bearings The fore bearing of the last line is compared with the back bearing of the line at the initial station. The two values should have a difference of 180°.