Land surveying is an important part of civil engineering and building. It entails measuring and mapping land, establishing boundaries, and knowing its terrain. However, only some are experts in the subject and understand how to use professional measurement gear and software for field surveys.
Pacing is entirely realistic and worth considering if you’re looking for a quick, straightforward way while lacking specialized equipment.
The definition, the importance of pacing in surveying, and the use of this measurement method are provided in this article. Before using Pacing as a survey approach, consider the project’s specific requirements and limits.
Table of Contents
What is Pacing in Surveying?
Pacing is a phrase used to describe land survey measurements. The ergometer method of measuring distance on the ground involves counting steps. It works by counting the number of steps taken between two points and converting that number to linear distance using a conversion factor that accounts for the surveyor’s stride length.
Despite its lack of precision, this simple approach is often required. Surveyors employ this method when they don’t have access to more precise distance measurement gear like rulers, wires, total stations, or laser distance meters. Pacing is a straightforward and practical approach to measuring small distances, and it is frequently used for fast surveys or to double-check measurements made with other instruments.
History of Pacing
Pacing measurements extend back to Roman times. The Roman pace is approximately 58.1 inches, measured from the heel of one foot to the heel of the next. Today, this is referred to as the geometric pace, measuring around 5 feet.
In considering whether to use this method or not, or how measuring tempo affects the quality of measurement, here are a few advantages and disadvantages to know about this method:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| No need for specialized equipment.Easy to set up | Topography impacts accuracy.Practice is necessary to maintain a consistent pace. Must be capable of traveling the distance.Only measures the slope distance. |
Notes: With practice, accuracy improves to around 2% of distance paced.
What is the Importance of Pacing in Surveying?
It is not always essential to measure precisely, or to employ complicated methods and materials. Pacing is a centuries-old strategy used by land surveyors to swiftly measure distances during field surveys. It is important in survey work as well as in the history of survey measurements.
Knowing the average length of your steps allows you to compute the distance you’ve traveled. The importance of pacing in surveying is in situations where using equipment such as a tape measure or laser distance meter may not be feasible or accurate.
The quick calculation method to come up with strategies
Land surveyors and civil engineers frequently use speed in a variety of settings, including preliminary surveys, analyzing site conditions, and validating existing measurements. Pacing provides for rapid distance calculations, which aids planning and decision-making.
Replace the measuring method with a tape measure
Using a tape measure is a better means of measurement than measuring tempo. However, you do not always have a tape measure with you. Pacing is a feasible alternative in critical situations. Furthermore, measuring too large distances will be time-consuming or cumbersome. It is also difficult to measure distance along a windy path with tape.
For people who go to the forest
Pacing is utilized when a rapid search for survey monuments/waypoints/points of interest is required but there is insufficient help or time to carry and drop a chain. Pacing is more precise on moderate terrain when a natural step can be taken, but it can be employed in almost any circumstance with practice and the aid of topographic maps or aerial picture maps.
How To Use Pacing in Surveying Effectively?
Pacing in land surveying is a valuable technique that enables surveyors and civil engineers to estimate distances rapidly and accurately. While it may not be as accurate as contemporary surveying technology, it can be a useful tool in some instances. Learn how it works and see an easy calculation example below.
Pacing works as follows:
1. Step Length: The surveyor measures their own step length or stride distance, which is the distance traveled in one full step or stride. This varies from individual to person.
2. Counting Steps: While walking, the surveyor records the number of steps taken between two sites of interest. For example, they may begin at a recognized reference point and count their steps to the location they wish to measure.
3. Conversion: To determine the distance between two points, the surveyor multiplies the number of steps by the length of each step. This provides them with an approximate measurement in units like feet, meters, or yards.
However, it is critical to remember that tempo should be used as a supplement, not a replacement, for exact measurements. Modern surveying equipment, such as total stations and GPS receivers, provide far more accurate results. Pacing is most effective when paired with these advanced techniques for confirming measurements, or when accuracy is not critical.
If you are struggling to measure your garden, the living room of your newly purchased house, etc., refer to the video tutorial below Surveying: Pacing Distances
Bottom Lines
Doing field surveying is a daunting yet interesting task. It’s a dynamic journey where every encounter enriches your understanding of pacing and sharpens your skills.
🌟 For other types of surveys like 360-degree feedback, employee satisfaction survey, instant post-event feedback, and more, you can consider using online survey tools like AhaSlides. It is one of the best tools to shorten the feedback loop and streamline the data collection process effectively with cost-effectiveness.
FAQs
What is the pacing method?
Pacing is a fairly simple and quick way to measure distance in the field. It is used to estimate distance and is frequently combined with a sighting or hand compass. Pacing is typically divided into segments, such as chains, that represent predetermined distances.
What is an example of pacing?
Some examples of using the tempo method in field surveys.
Don’t have a tape measure or measuring tool with you.
Want to quickly measure the garden and small areas around the house for planning.
Forest areas where the measuring device has limited visibility.
Ref: Jerrymahun
