What is Ranging in Surveying? Explained with Video

The process of fixing or establishing intermediate points in between the survey line is called as ranging.

No Time to Read????? Watch Video Below on Ranging

If we have a survey line of 30 m, which is AB. A and B are terminal stations. A chain or a tape can be used to measure the line. If the length of line is less than the length of chain or tape, then the measurement can be proceeded. If not, we need to divide the line into different parts to proceed the measurement using the measuring tape or chain.

As shown above, we divide the line into two parts using a ranging rod and that point of partition is called as intermediate points.

Methods of Ranging

1. Direct Ranging
2. Indirect Ranging

Direct Ranging in Surveying

Direct ranging is performed when two ends of the survey lines are intervisible. It is done either by:

1. Ranging by Eye
2. Ranging by line ranger or theodolite

1. Ranging by Eye

In ranging by eye methods, given two ends of a survey line  are A and B. We need to locate an intermediate point C, for which,

a. A ranging rod is placed at B

b. A surveyor stands with a ranging rod at A

C. Tells the assistant to bring a ranging rod and locate roughly between A and B

Next attempts are to make the assistant move traverse as per the surveyor instructions so that the ranging rod at C becomes inline with A and B.

Ranging by Eye In Surveying

Watch Video at 2.21 minute

2. Ranging by Line Ranger

Line ranger is an instrument that is used to locate and establish intermediate points between two distant points on a chain line. This avoids the necessity of sighting from one of them.

Watch video at 5:19.00

Indirect Ranging or Reciprocal Ranging

Indirect ranging is performed when two ends of the survey lines are not intervisible.

Watch Video in 10:19.00

Also Read: 

1. What is Compass Surveying?
2. What is Principle of Surveying?
3. What is Chain Surveying?
4. Reconnaissance Survey and Index Sketch in Chain Surveying
5. What is a Site Plan? What is the Purpose of Site Plan? When is Site Plan Required? What are the Types of Site Plans?
6. Linear Measurements in Surveying