- 1). Create a "base line" by marking out a straight line through the center of the survey area. Ideally the base line should be as long as, or longer than, the strip of land subject to the survey.
Clearly mark each end of the line using survey pegs, and then measure the distance between the two ends. Repeat the measurement several times until you are certain that the value is correct. Record this value. - 2). Place the tripod with its center point directly over one end of the base line. Ensure that the tripod top is horizontal, and then place the compass on it.
Identify the first feature to survey and take a compass bearing on it, while making sure that the compass remains in the center of the tripod. Record the position, bearing and a description of the feature.
For example, if you stand at the southern end of the base line and take a 290 degree bearing to the end of a wall, record:
Location: Southern end of baseline.
Bearing: 290 degrees
Feature: Southern end of main farm wall. - 3). Take bearings on other features and record them in an identical format. Move the tripod to the other end of the base line and reposition it exactly over the baseline. Repeat the bearings to the previously surveyed features.
Record the position, bearings and features as before.
For example:
Location: Northern end of baseline
Bearing: 350 degrees
Feature: Southern end of main farm wall. - 4). Plot the baseline to scale on a large sheet of graph paper, using the most detailed scale that fits your paper.
For example, if the baseline is 100 feet long and the paper is 300 squares wide, use a scale of two squares to one foot so the base line fits the paper with sufficient room around it for plotting the surveyed features.
Mark, and then label, the two survey points on the base line. Check that the measurement of the base line is correct before proceeding to plot features around it.
Place a protractor so its base aligns with the base line on the paper, and the center mark is directly over the first survey point. - 5). Transfer the bearings from your records to the paper. Locate the angles on the rim of the protractor and make corresponding marks on the paper. Draw faint lines, originating from the survey point and passing through the angle points. Label each line with the name of the feature to which it corresponds.
- 6). Repeat the process for the other survey point. Two crossed bearing lines indicate the location of a feature.
Erase the guidelines and the base line from the survey map, and clearly label the features. Add a scale and an indication of North. The survey is complete.
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