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Chapter 1 of 12 • Page 1 of 248🔒 Protected PDF • Watermarked
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CivilAdvanced Survey
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In order to measure the magnetic bearing of a line, the theodolite should be provided with ___.

A

extra telescope

B

spirit level

C

compass

D

tabular or trough compass

Correct Answer

⚙️ TE • Technical Concept & PrincipleCivilAdvanced Survey
Option D

tabular or trough compass

Quick Summary:

To measure the magnetic bearing of a line with a theodolite, it must be equipped with a tubular or trough compass. This attachment allows the surveyor to orient the horizontal circle of the theodolite with the magnetic north.

⚙️TETechnical SolutionConcept & Principle
💡 Explanation

To measure the magnetic bearing of a line with a theodolite, it must be equipped with a tubular or trough compass. This attachment allows the surveyor to orient the horizontal circle of the theodolite with the magnetic north.

🔢 Key Formulas

Bearing=θmeasured+δBearing = \theta_{measured} + \deltaBearing=θmeasured​+δ

δ\deltaδ represents the index correction or local magnetic declination.

⚙️ Working Principle

The trough compass consists of a magnetic needle suspended on a pivot, enclosed in a rectangular box (trough). When the needle is free, it aligns itself with the magnetic meridian. By rotating the theodolite until the needle coincides with the zero-markings at the ends of the trough, the horizontal circle is aligned to Magnetic North, allowing the measurement of bearings of other lines relative to this datum.

📌 Key Points
  • ▸

    The trough compass is specifically designed to be attached to the standards or the plate of a theodolite.

  • ▸

    It helps in determining the magnetic meridian at any survey station.

  • ▸

    Unlike a circular compass, a trough compass provides higher precision for orienting the instrument.

  • ▸

    The magnetic bearing is the horizontal angle measured clockwise from the magnetic north.

✅ Advantages
  • ▸

    Allows for orientation of the survey in magnetic north without separate compass equipment.

  • ▸

    Increased accuracy compared to integrated circular compasses due to longer needle sensitivity.

❌ Disadvantages / Limitations
  • ▸

    Susceptible to local attraction from metallic objects or power lines.

  • ▸

    Needle requires frequent calibration if the pivot point becomes dull.

🛠️ Applications / Uses
  • ▸

    Reconnaissance surveys.

  • ▸

    Traverse surveying where magnetic orientation is required.

  • ▸

    Determining the magnetic declination at a specific site.

📄 Additional Information
  • ▸

    A standard trough compass has a graduated arc only at the ends, limiting its use for orientation rather than independent bearing measurement.

  • ▸

    Option B (spirit level) is used for leveling the instrument, not for direction orientation.

  • ▸

    Option A (extra telescope) is typically used for specific engineering tasks like tunnel alignment or steep sight measurements.

📊 Diagram / Illustration
Magnetic Bearing SetupTheodolite Main BodyTrough Compass Attachment
✅

D is correct — The theodolite must be fitted with a tabular or trough compass to align its horizontal circle with the magnetic meridian.

Core Concepts Used
Click any tag to open in AI Tutor
Magnetic Meridian Trough Compass Theodolite Orientation
💡 EXAM TIP

Always remember that in surveying, the 'Trough Compass' is used to identify the Magnetic North, whereas 'Spirit Levels' are strictly for establishing a horizontal reference plane.

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