text: A traverse is said to be open traverse when the traverse starts at one point and terminates at another point as shown in the figure. Open traverse is also called as unclosed traverse. It is suitable for surveying of roads, coastal lines, etc.
  Closed Traverse
  A traverse is said to be closed traverse when the traverse formed a closed circuit as shown in the figure. In this case, both starting and terminating points of the traverse coincide with each other. It is suitable for the survey of boundaries of ponds, sports grounds, forests, etc.
  Methods of Traversing
  Chain Traversing
  Compass Traversing
  Theodolite Traversing
  Plane Table Traversing
  Chain Traversing
  Chain traversing is done by taking linear measurements only. Hence, chain or tape is enough for chain traversing. The angle between the adjacent traverse lines is measured using the chain angles concept. Chain traversing is performed in areas such as ponds etc. where it is difficult to adopt triangulation.
  The chain angles concept is nothing but finding the angle between two adjacent sides by establishing the third side using tie stations. This angle between the sides can also be fixed by establishing a chord of known length between the sides.
  Compass Traversing
  In the case of compass traversing, both linear and angular measurements of traverse lines are taken by using chain and prismatic compass respectively. Both fore bearing and back bearings are measured and required corrections for local attraction are applied. If any closing error is obtained while plotting of traverse, then Bowditch rule is applied for the adjustment of error.
  Theodolite Traversing
  In the case of theodolite traversing, the linear measurements are done by using chain or stadia method and angular measurements are done by theodolite. Using theodolite, the magnetic bearing of the first traverse line is measured and from that magnetic bearing of other sides are calculated. This method is very accurate compared to other methods.
  Plane Table Traversing
  In the case of plane table traversing, the measuring and plotting of the traverse on the paper are done simultaneously. The plane table equipment is set up at every traverse station one by one in a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction. The sides of each traverse station are drawn on paper to a suitable scale. If there is any closing error, graphical methods are used for its adjustment.