Research Article
Nov 1978
An Old Trick Recalled
Publication: Journal of the Surveying and Mapping Division
Volume 104, Issue 1
Abstract
Adopting practices that reliably orient land descriptions with respect to a time invariant meridian is seen as a necessity for land surveyors. As land values increase, the importance of precisely retracing originally intended boundaries increases. Orienting land surveys to an absolute meridian with improved reliability will permit future retracement with minimal effort and evidence. The solar altitude method of azimuth determination is suggested as a convenient technique that meets these requirements. Procedural improvements that enhance accuracy, convenience, and economy for this technique are presented. Computerized data reduction is emphasized. Error sources are evaluated through statistical inferences from experimental data. Anomalous atmospheric refraction is shown to generate systematic errors that are the most serious offenders in the solar altitude error regime.
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Published In
Journal of the Surveying and Mapping Division
Volume 104 • Issue 1 • November 1978
Pages: 35 - 49
Copyright
© 1978 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Published in print: Nov 1978
Published online: Feb 12, 2021
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Authors
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Donald W. Smith, M.ASCE
Deceased; formerly, Assoc. Prof. and Land Surveying Program Dir., Dept. of Civ. Engrg., Virginia Polytechnic Inst. and State Univ., Blacksburg, Va.
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ASCE Library Cards let you download journal articles, proceedings papers, and available book chapters across the entire ASCE Library platform. ASCE Library Cards remain active for 24 months or until all downloads are used. Note: This content will be debited as one download at time of checkout.
Terms of Use: ASCE Library Cards are for individual, personal use only. Reselling, republishing, or forwarding the materials to libraries or reading rooms is prohibited.
Terms of Use: ASCE Library Cards are for individual, personal use only. Reselling, republishing, or forwarding the materials to libraries or reading rooms is prohibited.