1. What is the Compass Rule Formula?

The Compass Rule (also known as the Bowditch Rule) is a method used in surveying for adjusting traverses. It distributes the misclosure in latitude and departure proportionally to the length of each traverse leg.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Compass Rule equation:

Where:

• \( \text{Latitude Adj} \) — Latitude adjustment for the segment (m)
• \( \text{Misclose Lat} \) — Total misclosure in latitude (m)
• \( \text{Total Length} \) — Total length of the traverse (m)
• \( \text{Segment Lat} \) — Latitude of the specific segment (m)

Explanation: The formula proportionally distributes the latitude misclosure based on the ratio of segment latitude to total traverse length.

3. Importance of Traverse Adjustment

Details: Traverse adjustment is crucial in surveying to eliminate misclosures and ensure accurate coordinate calculations. The Compass Rule provides a systematic approach to distribute errors proportionally.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the misclosure in latitude (m), total traverse length (m), and the segment latitude (m). All values must be valid (total length > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is traverse misclosure?
A: Traverse misclosure is the error that accumulates during a traverse survey due to measurement inaccuracies, resulting in the final point not closing perfectly with the starting point.

Q2: When should the Compass Rule be used?
A: The Compass Rule is typically used for closed traverses where angular and linear measurements are considered equally precise.

Q3: Are there other adjustment methods?
A: Yes, other methods include the Transit Rule, Crandall's Rule, and Least Squares adjustment, each with different assumptions about error distribution.

Q4: What is the difference between latitude and departure?
A: Latitude is the north-south component of a line, while departure is the east-west component. Both require separate adjustments.

Q5: How accurate is the Compass Rule?
A: The Compass Rule provides a reasonable adjustment for most surveying applications, though Least Squares adjustment is more rigorous for high-precision work.