Angle and Survey Ft
U N I T
2
BASIC SURVEY MATH
Edward Zimmerman, PLS
California Department of Transportation
Introduction
The purpose of this video unit is to present basic math concepts and principles useful to survey computations. It has been assumed that most viewers are already familiar with some or most of the topics presented in the beginning of the unit. It is important to have a developed understanding of the basic operations of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. This unit is not designed as a complete math course, but rather as an overview and guide to computation processes unique to surveying and mapping. Surveyors who need to work on math operations and fundamental skills addressed in the video will find sources for further study in the reference section at the end of this unit.
Caltrans LS/LSIT Video Exam Preparation Course
Survey mathematics generally consists of applications of formulas and equations that have been adapted to work toward the specific needs of the surveyor such as:
• Units of measurement and conversions
• Check and adjustment of raw field data
• Closure and adjustment of survey figures
• Calculations for missing elements of a figure
• Working with coordinates (COGO)
• Intersections of straight lines and of circles
It is hoped this video unit will help viewers to recognize solution formats for problems and then make correct and effective use of appropriate methods to solve these particular survey problems.
Performance Expected on the Exams
Recognize solution formats, and make correct and effective use of appropriate mathematical solutions to particular survey applications.
Key Terms
Absolute value
Algebra
Arc
Arithmetic
Azimuth
Bearing
Central angle
Chord
Circular curve
Circumference
Complementary angle
Coordinate conversion
Cosecant
Cosine
Cotangent
Cubes
Decimal system
delta x, delta x
Departure
External distance
Geodetic north
2
BASIC SURVEY MATH
Edward Zimmerman, PLS
California Department of Transportation
Introduction
The purpose of this video unit is to present basic math concepts and principles useful to survey computations. It has been assumed that most viewers are already familiar with some or most of the topics presented in the beginning of the unit. It is important to have a developed understanding of the basic operations of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. This unit is not designed as a complete math course, but rather as an overview and guide to computation processes unique to surveying and mapping. Surveyors who need to work on math operations and fundamental skills addressed in the video will find sources for further study in the reference section at the end of this unit.
Caltrans LS/LSIT Video Exam Preparation Course
Survey mathematics generally consists of applications of formulas and equations that have been adapted to work toward the specific needs of the surveyor such as:
• Units of measurement and conversions
• Check and adjustment of raw field data
• Closure and adjustment of survey figures
• Calculations for missing elements of a figure
• Working with coordinates (COGO)
• Intersections of straight lines and of circles
It is hoped this video unit will help viewers to recognize solution formats for problems and then make correct and effective use of appropriate methods to solve these particular survey problems.
Performance Expected on the Exams
Recognize solution formats, and make correct and effective use of appropriate mathematical solutions to particular survey applications.
Key Terms
Absolute value
Algebra
Arc
Arithmetic
Azimuth
Bearing
Central angle
Chord
Circular curve
Circumference
Complementary angle
Coordinate conversion
Cosecant
Cosine
Cotangent
Cubes
Decimal system
delta x, delta x
Departure
External distance
Geodetic north