PARTITION OF LAND

SUBDIVISION OF LAND
The subdivision of land is a usual task undertaken by surveyors and
engineers in property surveys. When tracts of land are sold or inherited it is
often necessary to divide it into smaller parcels or into areas having certain
proportions to each other.
There are numerous problems which may arise in the subdivision of
land. The process of subdivision may require the application of the principles
of geometry and trigonometry or the use of special techniques in
computations. Other cases are performed by trial and error methods. This
usually involves an initial assumption such as the starting point or the
direction to be taken by a selected cut off line which will separate a certain
area from the main parcel. Most of the problems encountered are so common
and frequently involved in the working out of more complicated cases.
In this lesson and the succeeding lesson, four of the most common
cases encountered in the subdivision of land will be explained. Thses cases
are:
1.Dividing an area into two parts by a line between two points.
2. Dividing an area by a line running through a point and in a given
direction.
3.To cut off a required area by a line through a given point.
4.To cut off a required area by a line running in a given direction.

For any of the above mentioned cases, a resurvey is run, the latitudes
and departures area determined, the surveyed traverse is balanced, and the
area of the entire tract is computed. When computing the desired subdivision
scheme only the adjusted latitudes and departures area used.
47-2. DIVIDING AN AREA INTO TWO PARTS BY A LINE BETWEEN TWO POINTS.
In Figure 47-1, ABCDEF represents an irregular parcel of land to be divided
into two parts (Tract ABCD and tract DEFA) by a cut off line extending from D
to A.
It is assumed that the length and direction of each course has been
earlier determined, the latitudes and departures computed and adjusted, and
the area of the whole tract computed.
The solution ere is to determine the length and direction of the dividing
line DA by computations, and to calculate the area of each of the two tracts
into which the parcel of land is divided.
Either of the two tracts may be considered as a closed traverse with
the length and direction of side DA unknown.
Considering tract ABCD, the latitudes and departures of AB, BC and CD area

known; hence the latitude, departure, length and bearing of DA can be

determined.
Similarly, the same quantities could also be determined by considering
tract DEFA, since the latitudes and departures of DE, EF, and FA are known.
The area of either tract can then be found by any of the methods (DMD, DOD,
Coordinates, etc.) used for determining areas.
A check is obtained by actually determining the length and direction of
the line DA and comparing these with the calculated values. A further check
may also be made by noting that the sum of the areas of the two tracts, each
calculated independently. Is equal to the calculated area of the entire parcel
of land.
47-3. DIVIDING AN AREA BY A LKINE RUNNING THROUGH A POINT IN A GIVEN
DIRECTION.
In Figure 47-2, ABCDEF represents an irregular parcel of land to be
subdivided into two parts by a cut off line (BP) running in a given direction
(Indicated by ) which passes through point B. Out of the desired division,
tract BCDEP is formed on one side of the dividing line and tract FABP on the
other side.
It is assumed that the length and direction of each course area known,
the latitudes and departures computed and adjusted, and the area of the
whole tract computed. The solution will require the calculation of the lengths
BP and PP and the area of each of the two tracts.
Either of the two tracts may be considered as a closed traverse for
which the lengths of two sides area unknown. A trial line BF is first
established. Since the latitude and departure of FA and AB area known, from
these the length and bearing of the trial line BF are computed. Then, in the
triangle BFP the lengths of the sides BP and FP area easily determined by
applying the sine law, and their latitudes and departures area also computed.
The area of tract FABP is calculated by any of the methods used for
determining areas.
In the field, the length and direction of the dividing line area laid off
from B, and a check on fieldwork and computations is obtained if point P thus
established lies on line EF, and if the computed distance FP agrees with the
observed distance.
The computations area further checked by determining if the algebraic
sums of the latitudes and of the departures of AB, BP, PF and FA area equal to
zero.
The length of EP can be determined by subtracting the computed
length of FP from the known length of EF, also its latitude and departure area
computed.
The areas of the two tracts area calculated independently based on the
given and calculated latitudes and departures of their respective courses. As
a check, the sum of the areas of the two tracts should equal the area of the

entire parcel of land.

A small amount of error may result in the above computations which,
however, is negligible. The error may appear in the summation of latitudes
and departures. This error is attributed to the rounding off of values and in
determining the values computed from the sine or cosine of angles.
It is obvious that the solution of this type of problem is greatly
facilitated by first plotting the traverse before working out the necessary
computations.
47-4. ILLUSTRATIVE PROBLEMS

DIVIDING A TRACT OF LAND INTO TWO PARTS BY A LINE BETWEEN TWO

POINTS. Given the following data of a tract of land, determine the area
east of a line running F to C and calculate the length and bearing of FC.

COURSE
AB
BC
CD
DE
EF
FA

ADJ LAT

ADJ DEP

490.71 m
587.12
-327.41
-1002.76
-122.67
375.01

4727
608.89
786.78
218.32
-1116.62
-544.64

0.00

0.00

SUMS

Solution:
a) Determining Area of tract ABCDEF.
(Area of whole traverse):
COURSE
AB
BC
CD
DE
EF
FA

DMD

DOUBLE AREA

47.27
703.43
2099.10
3104.20
2205.90
544.64
SUM

23,195.86
412,997.82
-687,266.33
-3,112,767.59
-270,597.75
204,245.45
-3,430,192.54

2 X AREA = -3,430,192.54
AREA = -1,715,096.27 sq m or
-171.5096 Hectares (Area of tract ABCDEF with negative sign
disregarded)
b) Considering Tract CDEF (Area east of the dividing line).
lat = NL + SL = Lat

cd

+ Lat

-327.41 -1002.76 122.67 +Lat

Lat

fc

de
fc

+Latef + Lat

fc

=0.0

= 0.0

= 1452.84 m (Latitude of line FC)

Dep = ED + WD = Dep

cd

+Dep

de

+ Dep

ef

+ Dep

fd

= 0.0

Depfc = 111.52 m (Departure of line FC)

Lfc = (latfc)2 + (Dep fc)2
Lfc = (1452.84)2 + (111.52)2
= 1457.11 m (Length of line FC)
Tab (fc) = Depfc/Latfc = 111.52/1452.84 = 0.07676
fc = 0423 (Bearing of line FC is N 0423 E)
Note: A small amount of error may result in the above computations which,
however us negligible. The error is attributed to the rounding off of values
and in determining the values computed from te sine or cosine of angles.
2. DIVIDING A TRACT OF LAND BY A LINE RUNNING IN A GIVEN DIRECTION.
Given the following data of a tract of land, find the area of each of the two
parts into which the tract is divided bu a line through A with a bearing of N
7530 E.
COURSE
AB
BC
CD
DE
EF
FA
SUMS

ADJ

LAT

490.71 m
587.12
-327.41
-1002.76
-122.67
375.01

47.27 m
60.89
786.78
218.36
-1116.62
-544.64

0.00

0.00

Solution:
a) Determining Area of tract ABCDEF

COURSE

DMD

AB
BC
CD
DE
EF
FA

DOUBLE AREA

47.27
703.43
2099.10
3104.20
2205.90
544.64

23,195.886
412,997.82
-687,266.33
-3,112,767.59
-270,597.75
207,245.45

2 X AREA = -3,430,192.54
AREA = -1,715,096.27 sq m or
= -171.510 Hectares (Area of tract ABCDEF with negative sign
disregarded)
b) considering Tract EFA
lat = NL + SL = Lat

cd

+ Lat

-122.67 + 375.01 + Lat

ae

= 0.0

Lat

ae

de

+Latef + Lat

ae

=0.0

= -252.34 m (Latitude of line AE)

Dep = ED + WD = Dep

cd

+Dep

de

+ Dep

ef

+ Dep

ae

Depae = 1661.26 m (Departure of line AE)

Lfc = (latfc)2 + (Dep fc)2
Lfc = (-252.34)2 + (1661.26)2
= 1680.32 m (Length of line AE)
Tab (fc) = Depfc/Latfc = 1661.26/-252.34 = 6.5834192
fc = 8122 (Bearing of line AE is N 8122E)
c) Analyzing Trangle APE
Tan( ae) =1217 (Bearing of line PE is S 1217 E)

A = 180 - 75(30 +8122) = 2308

E = 8122 1217 = 6905
P = 7530 + 1217 = 8745
Check

A +E +P = 180
2308 +6905 + 8745 = 180
180 = 180 (Checks)

By Sine Law:

= 0.0

AP/Sin E = PE/ Sin A = AE/Sin P

AP = (AE)Sin E/Sin P = 1680.32 Sin(6905)/Sin (8747) = 1570.76 m (Length
of dividing line AP)

AP = (AE)Sin A/Sin P = 1680.32 Sin(2308)/Sin (8747) = 660.65 m

(Distance of point P from station E)
d) Considering Tract PEFA

TABULATION FOR TRACT PEFA

COURSE

LAT

DEP

LAT CORR

ADJ LAT

ADJ DEP

0.05
0.00
0.00
0.05

DEP
CORR
0.01
0.00
0.00
0.01

PE
EF
FA
AP

-645.53
-122.67
375.01
393.29

140.55
-1116.62
-544.64
1520.73

-645.58
-122.67
375.01
393.24

140.54
-1116.62
-544.64
1520.72

SUMS

+0.10

+0.02

+0.10

+0.02

0.00

0.00

Latap = (AP) Cos (7530) = 1570.76 Cos (7530) = 393.29

Depap = (AP) Sin (7530) = 1570.76 Sin (7530) = 1520.73
Latep = (AP) Cos (1217) = 660.65 Cos (1217) = -645.53
Depep = (AP) Sin (1217) = 660.65 Sin (1217) = 140.53
COURSE

DMD

PE
EF
FA
AP

140.54
-835.54
-2496.80
-1520.72

SUMS

DOUBLE
AREA
-90,729.81
102,495.69
-936,324.97
-598,007.93
1,522,567.02

2 X AREA = -1,522,567.02
AREA = -761,283.51 sq m or of Tract PEFA with negative sign disregarded
Note: A small amount of error may result in the above computations which,
however us negligible. The error is attributed to the rounding off of values
and in determining the values computed from te sine or cosine of angles.

48-1 . TO CUT OFF A REQUIRED AREA BY LINE THROUGH A GIVEN POINT.

In Figure 48-1, ABCDEF represents an irregular parcel of land with courses of
known lengths and directions, with comuted and adjusted latitudes and
departures, and its total area already determined.
A dividing line is to pass through point F cutting a required area from
the tract. The traverse may be subdivided into tracts of equal areas or into
any desired proportional parts.
Before the length and direction of the dividing line can be determined,
a trial line BF is drawn to that corner of the traverse which. From inspection of
the sketch, will come nearest to the required line of division. In the known
except those of BF. This is a simple case of omitted bearing of BF area easily
determined. By the DMD or DPD method, the area of ABD is calculated and
the difference between this area and that required for tract FABQ is found.
In the figure it is assumed that ABD gas an area lesser than the desired
size, FQ bearing the correct position of the dividing line. Triangle BFQ
represents the difference in there two areas. In this traignle, angle FBQ may
be computed from known bearings of the trial line and course BC. Since one
side BF, one angle FBQ, and the area of BFQ area known, the length of BQ is
computed as follow:
Area BFQ = (1/2)(BF)(BQ) Sin(FBQ) and BQ = 2 (Area BFQ)/(BF) Sin (FBQ)
Where : FBQ = included angle
BFQ = triangle formed by the trial line, dividing line, and side
BQ
BF = known side (trial line)
The triangle is then solved for the length of the dividing line FQ by applying
the cosine law. Also, by applying the sine law, angle BFQ is determined and
the bearing of FQ is computed. The latitudes and departures of lines FQ, BQ ,
and Qc area also computed.
As a check, the areas of the two tracts area calculated independently
based on the given and calculated latitudes and departures. The sum of the
areas of the two tracts should equal the area of the entire parcel.
In the field , the length FQ is laid off im the required direction, and a
check on fieldwork and computations is obtained if points Q thus established
falls on lines BC and if the computed distances BQ and QC agrees with the
measured distances.
Sometimes, te tract will be of such shape that a line drawn from the
fiven point in the boundary to any corner will cut off an area nowhere near
that required. Under these circumstances or when the traverse has a large
number of sides, it is advisable to first plot the traverse to scale and to
establish a trial line of subdivision.
As a rough check the planimeter may be used to advantage for
determining the area cut off by a trial line. The line may be shifted until the

area cut off agrees closely with that required.

48-2. TO CUT OFFA REQUIRED AREA BY A LINE RUNNING IN A GIVEN
DIRECTION
In Figure 48-2. ABCDEFG represents an irregular parcel of land with courses of
known lengths and bearings, the latitudes and departures computed and
adjusted, and the total area of the tract calculated. The parcel of land is to be
divided into two parts, each of a required area, bya line MN running in a given
direction. The subdivision scheme may require the division of the whole
parcel into equal area or into any other desired proportional parts.
Sides AQ and QE area unknown. These unknown quantities area easily
determined by considering traverse EFAQ as on with two omitted quantities.
A closing line AE is established and its latitude, departure, length, and
bearing calculated.
Before the lengths of AQ and QE area determined from triangle AEQ. Since
the latitudes and departures of the traverse EFAQ area either known or can
be calculated, the area cut off by the trial line may then be determined by the
DMD or DPD method. The difference between this area and the trapezoid
MNEQ in which side QE is known. The angles and can be computed from
the known bearings of adjacent slides.
The altitude of the trapezoid (d) represents the distance of the dividing line
from the trial line. Its value is found by solving the above equation since it is
the only unknown in the equation. The length of the dividing line is then
determined as follows:
MN = QE NR +MP
= QE d Tan + d Tan
= QE d (Tan Tan)
In the field, the points M and N area established on lines AB and DE, at
the calculated distances from the measured value agrees with the computed
value, a check is provided. A further check is made on the computations by
calculating the area of tract BCDNM and comparing it with the required area.

PROBLEM SETS
In the succeeding pages area different problem sets which area intended to
be worked out by students in this course of study. Each problem set
corresponds to a specific group of lesson modules. They area arranged in a
particular order of presentation and are properly titled to facilitate easy cross
referencing. These problem sets area aimed at helping students attain
enough mastery f the theories and principles discussed in this book.
The problems given have varying degrees of difficulty and area
designed to provide a good balance between theory and applications. Some
problems involve extension of topics presented in the lesson modules which
could not be treated because of space limitations. An attempt should be

made by the student to solve these problems immediately after a group of

lesson modules has been completely read and understood. It must not be put
aside and done at a latter time. He should only proceed to the next group of
lesson modules after he is able to solve the corresponding problem set.
A number of problems given in some sets require solutions that area
relatively long. By constant practice in solving these problems the student
develops a feeling of mastery in this course of study. He will conscientiously
develop within himself a feeling of preparedness and self-confidence in taking
examinations. His solutions tend to become orderly and thoroughly
presented, and skill in the use of an electronic calculator is also developed.
It is suggested to the instructor that the students be required to submit
their solutions for each problem set after a group of lessons have been
completed, preferable during a quiz or a major unit examination. Submitted
solutions should be given a corresponding grade which should in turn form
part of the final grade of the student in the course.
Where difficulty arises, the student should feel free to consult his
instructor or classmates, or preferably read back the particular lesson
concerned in order to have a better grasp and understanding of the required
solution. The student should, however, be cautioned and made to understand
that he will only be depriving himself of the correct learning process by not
working out the assigned problems or by just copying the completed work of
others. It is extremely important for the student to be honest with himself.
PROBLEM SES
PS NO. 1: INTRODUCTION TO SURVEYING
PS NO. 2: MEASUREMENT OF HORIZONTAL DISTANCES
PS NO. 3: MEASUREMNT OF VERTICAL DISTANCES
PS NO. 4: LEVELING METHODS
PS NO 5: MEASUREMENT OF ANGLES AND DIRECTIONS
PS NO 6: THE ENGINEERS TRANSIT AND THEODOLITE
PS NO 7: TRAVERSING AND TRAVERSE COMPUTATIONS
PS NO 8: OMITTED MEASUREMENTS
PS NO 9: AREA COMPUTATIONS
PS NO 10: PARTITION OF LAND

INTRODUCTION TO SUREYING
Note: Upon completion of the different lessions listed under this part of your
course of study, you will be required to solve all the problems givin in this set.
The problems may be solved with books, notes , and other references
opened. You may consult your instructors, classmates, and other whom you

feel could help you better understand and solve the problems. You should,
however, refreain from copying previously prepared solutions since this will
only defear the purpose and objectives of this requirement. Althought no time
limit is specified to solve each problem, all solutions and answers must,
howeer, be submitted during the scheduled examination date for the same
group of lesson modules. All solutions must b e done on short size bond paper
and write on one side only.
1. LINEAR MEASUREMENTS. The measured length of airport runways in five
major cities in the Philippines are: 125.00, 1375.50, 1410.75, 1550.25, abd
1750.00 neters. Determine the equivalent length of each runway in
kilimeters, decimeters, and centimeters. Tabulate values accordingly.
2. AREA MEASUREMENTS. Given the dimenstions of the following tracts of
land:
a) 108.75 m by 76.82 m
b) 940.05 m by 1296.73 m
c) 13.36 m by 50.05m
d) 1258.30 m by 624.03 m
e) 8476.55 m by 121.79 m

Determine the area of each tract in square meters, square kilometers, areas,
and hectares.
3. AREA MEASUREMENTS. Given the area and width of the following
rectangular - shaped pieces of property:
a) 2.575 ha and 195.42 m
b) 125.42 sq m and 545.0 cm
c) 0.85 sq kmn and 925.09,
d) 50.0 ares and 100.0 m
e) 42545.19 sq m and 346.72 m
Determine the length of each property in meters
4. VOLUME MEASUREMENTS. Following area dimension, length, width and
depth of five excavated borrow of a highway project:
a) 133.26 m, 35.48 m, abd 18.60 ,
b) 50.05m, 39.25 m, and 7.14 m
c) 243.55 m, 76.18m, and 26.66 m
d) 42.055 m, 8.605 m, and 12.332 m
e) 9.5 m, 6.3m, and 4.9m

Determine the volume of each pit in cubic meters.

5. VOLUME MEASUREMENTS. Given the approximate flat area and depth of
excavation of the following borrow pits:
a)3750.0 sq m and 758.0 cm
b) 0.035 sq km and 180.0 m
c) 15.6 ares and 495.0 m
d) 9.250 ha and 250.0 m
e_ 6750 sq n and 195.0 m
Determine the volume of earth removed from each pit in cubic meter.
6. SIGNIFICANT FIGURES. Given the following numbers: 45.63 ,5.700, 4010,
0.00037, 0.000940, 6.0090, 7.00, 9.5 x 19 8, 4.00 x 107, 2.604 x 1018 and
3.00 x 10 -6. For each number. identify the significant figures and state the
number of significant figures. Tabulate alues accordingly.
7. ROUNDING OFF NUMBERS. Given the following numbers: 0.333333,
0.412342 , 50.2155, 48.5455, and 16.3545. Round off each number to three,
four and five figures. Tabulate alues accordingly.
8. MOST PROBABLE ALUE. The three angles of a triangle were measured with
the following results: A=42 05', B=115 38' and C=2208'. Determine the
most preobable value of each angle.
9. MOST PROBABLE VALUES. The angles about a point have the following
observed values: 8707'50'', B=11844'15'', C=8054'35'', and D=5945'50''.
Determine the most probable value of the three angles.
10. MOST PROBABLE VALUE. The interior angles of a quadrillateral were
observed to be : A=10035'40'', B=11844'15''. and C=8054'35'', and D =
5945'50''. Determine the most probable value of each of these angles.
11. PROBABLE ERROR. A quantity was measured ten times with the following
results: 340630, 34.626, 34.634, 34.628, 34.629, 34.626, 34.627, 34.633,
34.625, and 36.624 meters. Determine the probable error of the mean and
the relatie precision of the mean.
12. PROBABLE ERROR. A surveying instructor sent all the 40 students in his
class out to measurea distrance between two points marked on a runway. The
students working in groups of four came up with 10 different measurements
as follows : 920.45, 921.05, 921.65, 920.25, 920.15, 921.85, 921.95, 920.45,
921.15, abd 921.35 meters. Assuming these values area equally reliable and
that ariations result only from accidental errors, determine the relative
precision of a single measurement and the relative precision of the mean.
13. PROBABLE ERROR. The following values were determined im a series of
rod readings made under identical conditrions" 3.312. 3.307, 3.304, 3.306,
3.309, 3.301, 3.311, 3.308, 3.312, 3.306, and 3.313 meters.