A. Introduction

1. Traverse

A traverse is a series of connected lines whose lengths and adjacent angular relationships are measured. Traverses are used to determine horizontal positions, relative locations, and areas. A traditional traverse is two-dimensional in a horizontal plane. As Total Station Instrument technology evolved, more and more traverse data was collected in all three dimensions, incorporating elevation. This topic will address only two-dimensional horizontal traverses although many of the concepts are easily adopted to three-dimensions.