In land surveying, the method of triangulation is preferred over traversing primarily when
- Athe area is small and flat with no obstructions
- Bhigh accuracy over long distances and hilly terrain is requiredCorrect
- Conly linear measurements are possible without angle measurement
- Dthe survey is for a narrow strip of land like a road or canal
Solution
Concept
Suitability of triangulation in hilly terrain
Formula
NONE
Step-by-step solution
1. Triangulation establishes control over large, undulating areas by measuring angles between mutually visible summits. 2. Traversing requires direct chaining of every line, which is slow and inaccurate over rough topography. 3. Therefore, triangulation is preferred when high accuracy over long distances and hilly terrain is required. Answer: B
Explanation
Triangulation is preferred over traversing across vast, hilly, or mountainous terrains where intervisible high peaks provide ideal station points and linear chaining is difficult. Traversing requires measuring all line lengths on the ground, which becomes impractical in rugged terrain, whereas triangulation relies on measuring angles and one baseline. Thus, option B is correct.
Why the other options are wrong
A) In small, flat areas, traversing or plane tabling is simpler and faster. C) Triangulation relies on angle measurement, not purely linear chaining. D) Narrow corridors like roads and canals are best surveyed by traversing.
Shortcut
Triangles for hills & long ranges (angles only); Traversing for flat strips & roads.
Common mistake
Choosing traversing for hilly terrain despite the severe difficulty of chaining across valleys and steep slopes.
Correct answer: B) high accuracy over long distances and hilly terrain is required