Search the courses, subjects, tracks, games and features, or jump straight to a page.
Learn it your way
A short class with Sarah and her students. The other ways are under More.
Sign up free to listen. Transcripts are free to read.
Today, we’re learning about plane tabling, often referred to as the father of mapping. Does anyone know why it's called that?
I think it's because it's one of the first methods used for creating maps.
Exactly! Plane tabling allowed surveyors to create maps directly in the field, which was revolutionary. This method enables observations, mapping, and contouring to happen simultaneously. Remember, we can use the acronym MAP to help us remember: M for Mapping, A for Accuracy, and P for Placing details.
How accurate is plane tabling compared to other methods?
Great question! While plane tabling is accurate, modern technologies like Total Stations and GPS have enhanced precision, making plane tabling less common today.
So, plane tabling is becoming obsolete?
Correct! Its traditional use is diminishing due to advancements. But understanding its fundamentals is vital for historical context in surveying.
In summary, plane tabling helps surveyors map the terrain accurately and has a significant historical background. Keep MAP in mind as we proceed!
Now let's talk about the advantages and disadvantages of plane tabling. Would anyone like to start with an advantage?
It allows for map creation right in the field, reducing office work!
Excellent! That's an essential benefit. Since we’re physically there, we can observe the details firsthand, which makes it more reliable. Can anyone identify a disadvantage?
Weather can affect the survey results, right?
Exactly! Weather can be unpredictable and might delay work. Let’s summarize: while field preparation is quick and observations are immediate, we face challenges from environmental factors. Use the acronym PAWS - P for Preparation in field, A for Accurate observations, W for Weather dependency, and S for Surveying details.
What about the heavy equipment?
Good point! The equipment can be cumbersome, making relocations a challenge. So, remembering PAWS can help us keep these pros and cons in mind!
Let’s dive into the methods of plane tabling. Who can explain the three main steps involved?
I think they are leveling, centering, and orienting the plane table.
That's correct! Let's remember that with the mnemonic LCO - L for Leveling, C for Centering, and O for Orienting. Why do you think these steps are crucial?
Sounds like they ensure accuracy in our measurements.
Exactly! Accurate leveling ensures the table is horizontal, centering precisely positions it over the survey point, and orienting aligns it with known points. Each step is critical for accurate mapping. Let's wrap up by stating that these methods ensure the effectiveness of the plane tabling technique through LCO.
Next, we talk about the different surveying methods used in plane tabling. Can anyone name a method?
Radiation!
Yes! Radiation is used to locate objects based on distance and direction. Remember RAD for Radiation, A for Accurate, and D for Distance. What’re other methods?
Intersection and traversing?
That's right! Intersection helps in identifying an object using two different directions, while traversing is for mapping around obstructed areas. So we can use RAIN to remember the methods: R for Radiation, A for Area (traversing), and I for Intersection.
Is resection included too?
Correct! Resection helps accurately plot unknown ground stations. So, RAIN should help you remember all methods. Well done!
The primary purpose of plane tabling is to facilitate map preparation in the field.
It allows simultaneous observation and mapping, reducing the loss of detail during surveying.
The primary methods include Radiation, Intersection, Traversing, and Resection.
In the field we make maps, no time for laps, with a plane table here, we have no fear!
Imagine a surveyor standing on a hill with a plane table, sketching the landscape as the sun rises, ensuring every detail of the terrain is captured that day.
Remember LCO for leveling, centering, and orienting the plane table for effective surveys.
Use PAWS to recall the pros and cons: Preparation in the field, Accurate observations, Weather dependency, Surveying details.
Term
Plane Tabling
Click to flip
Term
Radiation Method
Click to flip
Term
Intersection Method
Click to flip
Term
Resection
Click to flip
A graphical method of surveying for mapping where observations are made in the field.
A method of locating points on a map based on distance and direction from a known point.
A method to locate points by drawing two or more rays from known points to the unknown point.
A technique to determine the position of an unknown point by drawing rays from it to two or more known positions.
A surveying method that establishes a series of connected survey lines and measures the angles and lengths.
Plane tabling is a graphical surveying method for map preparation conducted in the field, enabling simultaneous observation and contouring.
The section discusses plane tabling as a key method in field surveying for creating maps, detailing its advantages and disadvantages alongside the various methods employed within the technique. Despite its historical significance, modern technology has largely replaced these practices.
Plane tabling is renowned as the foundational technique for mapping, primarily utilized for creating various maps directly in the field. This graphical methodology enables simultaneous observations, mapping, and contouring, thus enhancing accuracy despite its time-consuming and labor-intensive nature. The fundamental equipment used is a wooden drawing board mounted on a tripod, facilitating accurate plots influenced by the surveyor's direct interactions with the landscape.
However, with advancements in surveying technologies such as Total Stations, GPS, and remote sensing techniques, plane tabling has seen a decline in use. The section further delves into the advantages and disadvantages of this approach:
The section outlines the operational methods of plane tabling involving levelling, centering, and orientation practices, alongside primary surveying methods: Radiation, Intersection, Traversing, and Resection. These methods assist surveyors in plotting details efficiently while capturing significant aspects of the territory. Despite its original utility, the obsolescence of plane tabling reflects the rapid technological evolution in civil engineering mapping procedures.