Traverse field procedure between two known stations

A traverse run between two known stations (a link traverse) starts and ends on stations of known coordinates, so it can be fully checked.

 RO1        1          2          3        RO2
  *  K1 o-------o--------o--------o  K2 o  *
 known start                      known end

Field procedure

1. Reconnaissance and station selection: inspect the route between the known stations K1 and K2, choose stations 1, 2, 3 ... which are intervisible, on firm ground, with long and nearly equal sides.
2. Marking and referencing: fix pegs or nails, give each a number, and reference it to nearby permanent objects.
3. Setting up at K1: centre and level the theodolite, sight the reference object (RO1, or a known station) whose bearing is known, then turn clockwise to station 1 and read the angle (both faces, mean).
4. Measuring the length K1-1 with a calibrated tape (forward and backward) or EDM, applying corrections.
5. Moving forward: set up at station 1, back-sight K1, fore-sight station 2, read the angle on both faces, and measure the length 1-2. Continue to the end.
6. At the last known station K2, observe the angle between the last traverse station and the reference object RO2 (a known station) with a known bearing, and the length of the last line.
7. Booking: record angles, lengths, station descriptions and checks in the field book while observing.
8. Field checks: compare forward and backward lengths and the face left and face right angles; the computed bearing of the last line (from the known first bearing and the angles) is compared with the known bearing of K2-RO2.

Computation

Balance the angular misclosure, compute latitudes and departures, compare the computed coordinates of K2 with the known ones, and distribute the linear misclosure by Bowditch's rule.