Control Traverses and Their Adjustment

The arbitrary application of any of the standard adjustments to transit traverse can result in unrealistic corrections to the field data. The determination and use of separate probability of error weights for angular and linear measurements can help to keep corrections compatible with the quality of the field work. An alternative procedure in the adjustment of third-order traverses is to maintain the precision of the measurements of the angles and distances in approximately equal balance and apply the simple compass rule. The results of any control traverse program can be improved by reducing, to the extent economically feasible, systematic errors occasioned by both filed and adjustment procedures. When a large number of integrated traverses are to be adjusted by simultaneous equations for consistent junction point values, the development and use of a digital computer program can be amply justified.