Traverse Summary

Closure Type

Displays the current closure type: Closed loop, Closed Point-to-Point, Open. If you have not yet select a closure type for a traverse, TPC selects a closure type for you based on the relative error (how close the traverse is to closing on itself).

Having TPC choose closed loop traverses correctly is important for assessment work since only closed loop traverses compute an area and error of closure automatically.

To set the Closed Loop limit, choose Tools | Program Settings | Limits.
Enter the percentage you want in the Closed Loop field in the Tolerance section.

Points From and To

Points From and To are the number of points included in the length and area computations. This is particularly useful when summarizing a segment of a traverse using the closing points.

Note: By definition, the first and last points in a closed loop traverse count for only one point.

Horizontal Distance and Slope Distance

The horizontal distance and slope distance are computed from the initial point to the closing point.

Note: Side shots are not included in the length computations.

Area

TPC first determines if the traverse direction is clockwise or counterclockwise. Then TPC looks at each curve in the traverse and automatically adds/subtracts the segment area of the curve to the traverse, depending on which direction the curve is going.

The area summary pertains only to Closed Loop traverses.

Note: If you are working with a Closed Loop traverse and the traverse does not close, TPC supplies a temporary course (line) from the actual closing point to the correct closing point in order to compute the area.

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