Surveyors use a variety of tools to measure distances and angles in the field. These include ranging rods, chains, tapes, theodolites, compasses, levels, and other instruments. Chains are available in different lengths and units - the Gunter's chain is 66 feet long divided into 100 links of 0.66 feet each, while the engineer's chain is 100 feet divided into 100 links of 1 foot each. Metric chains are made of steel wire with markings every meter and 5 meters.

2. ranging rods,
chaining
arrows
wooden pegs
chains,
steel & linen
tapes ,
measuring
bands.
theodolites,
compasses,
optical squares,
cross staff,
sextant e.t.c.
surveyors level,
Abney levels,
Clinometers ,
Altimeters
e.t.c.

3. • is graduated in imperial units, with a total length of 66ft (22yards) and consists of 100
links each measuring 0.66ft.
• is graduated in imperial units with a total length of 100ft. The Engineers chain has 100
links each measuring 1ft long.
Engineers/builders Chain
• made steel wire and consists of links, with brass handles. Graduated in metric units.
Tally markers are attached at every whole metre position and at each 5m position, the
tally markers indicates a different colour.
Metric Chain
• Is an improvement of the steel band and comes in lengths of 100 and 180m. The 2mm
band is the most common band and is used for accurate ground measurements.
Cadastral Band

4. Ranging
• is the process of fixing intermediate points on a
straight line between the end points.
Chaining
• is the process of direct measurement of a line.

5. Ranging
• is the process of fixing intermediate points on a
straight line between the end points.
Tape
• Is the use of a tape to make measurements.

6. The Surveying Handbook, Russell C. Brinker & Roy Minnick.
OPENMAPS SURVEYORS RESOURCES