Traverse (surveying)

Traverse is a method in the field of surveying to establish control networks. It is also used in geodesy. Traverse networks involve placing survey stations along a line or path of travel, and then using the previously surveyed points as a base for observing the next point. Traverse networks have many advantages, including:

• Less reconnaissance and organization needed;
• While in other systems, which may require the survey to be performed along a rigid polygon shape, the traverse can change to any shape and thus can accommodate a great deal of different terrains;
• Only a few observations need to be taken at each station, whereas in other survey networks a great deal of angular and linear observations need to be made and considered;
• Traverse networks are free of the strength of figure considerations that happen in triangular systems;
• Scale error does not add up as the traverse is performed. Azimuth swing errors can also be reduced by increasing the distance between stations.