When to use this file
Use this sheet to organize inputs before computation. Template has twenty leg rows; Example has a synthetic square. The workbook records the start coordinates, coordinate system, from/to stations, azimuths and distances, and totals distances only. Closure and adjusted coordinates are computed by the existing tool, keeping a single calculation source.
Column and example preview
The preview shows the file structure. Observation data is synthetic; a dash means a blank field.
| From | To | Azimuth (°) | Distance (m) |
|---|---|---|---|
| P1 | P2 | 90.000000 | 100.000 |
| P2 | P3 | 0.000000 | 100.000 |
| P3 | P4 | 270.000000 | 100.000 |
| P4 | P1 | 180.000000 | 100.000 |
Use the file step by step
Record the start and traversal order
Enter Start E and Start N in metres and the coordinate-system definition. Keep station names consistent. The example starts at E 500000, N 3300000 in EPSG:32636, with legs P1 to P2 to P3 to P4 to P1. Do not sort the rows by leg length; their order represents the traversal.
Distinguish azimuth from an interior angle
The calculator accepts whole-circle azimuths in degrees, clockwise from north: north 0°, east 90°, south 180° and west 270°. This is not an interior-angle sheet. Convert quadrant bearings or degrees-minutes-seconds using the angle converter first, then check the direction of every leg.
Use horizontal distances and compute
Enter horizontal distances in metres; do not use un-reduced slope distances. Copy azimuths and distances to the traverse calculator in sheet order. Enable the closed-loop option for the example and enter its starting coordinates. For an independent check use ΔE = L sin(Az) and ΔN = L cos(Az), taking care to convert degrees if required by your calculation engine.
Check closure before using adjustment
The teaching square totals 400 m with a grid area of 10,000 m², returning to the start within numerical rounding. For real observations, review misclosure and the project tolerance before accepting an adjustment. Bowditch distributes error in proportion to leg length; it does not fix a wrong coordinate system or reversed azimuth. Download the tool’s coordinates after review.
The result to check
The example produces a 100-metre square with a 400-metre perimeter and 10,000 m² grid area. An exactly closing teaching example does not establish instrument or project accuracy, nor a measured field precision ratio.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Entering an interior angle as an azimuth.
- Mixing horizontal and slope distances, or metres and feet.
- Using Bowditch to mask an obvious input error.
Frequently asked questions
Do I upload this workbook to the traverse calculator?
No. The sheet is for preparation and record keeping. Enter the azimuths and distances manually in the tool, which can export computed coordinates as CSV.
Is the example area an official land area?
No. It is the grid area of a synthetic square. An actual land area needs surveyed observations, a defined reference, applicable specifications and appropriate review.