About Survey Observations

Observations are measured to survey points in relation to a setup.

You use the Toolspace Survey tab and the Observations Editor to add, edit, and manage observations at a specific setup.

Observations are used to measure locations on the Earth's surface that have been determined by surveying (geometric) methods. You can locate points by known coordinates, or in reference to some other known location, such as an angle and distance from an existing point.

When automatic point numbering is off, you must specify the point numbers. If automatic point numbering is on, the points are automatically numbered. Subsequent points are assigned the next available number in sequential order.

It is helpful to establish a point numbering system for all your projects. A recommended point numbering method might be to number traverse points sequentially, starting with 1. If the job contains fewer than 100 traverse points, then number all sideshots observed from point 1 with numbers 101 to 199, and sideshots taken at point 2 with numbers 201 to 299. This method makes it easy to determine where any given point was observed from.

In addition to creating and editing observations at a specific setup in the Observations Editor, you can create observations using the Survey Command Window using one of the following methods:

• Angle: Creates an observation using an angle turned from either a specified reference line or a previously determined backsight point. For an example and illustration of this method, see To Create an Observation by Angle and Distance.
• Deflection: Creates an observation using a deflection angle and distance from an established line. For an example and illustration of this method, see To Create an Observation by Deflection Angle and Distance.
• Face1/Face2 angle: Creates an observation from a traverse station using a horizontal angle measured on Face1 or Face2 of your instrument. For an example and illustration of this method, see To Create an Observation Using a FACE 1 or FACE 2 Angle.
• Azimuth: Creates an observation from an occupied traverse station by entering a recorded azimuth and distance. For an example and illustration of this method, see To Create an Observation Using an Azimuth.
• Bearing: Creates an observation in reference to the occupied point using bearing and distance. For an example and illustration of this method, see To Create an Observation by Bearing and Distance.