A different traverse type might be conducted depending on the circumstance.

Closed travese

This is the most common type. All angles and distances in the traverse are read. Beginning from an initial point eg. 'A' of known coordinates. The traverse takes the form of a number of lines of known bearing and distance, closing back onto the initial point. the traverse is closed in order to check that the distance and angle readings have been made correctly.

Open traverse

The traverse starts on a fixed coordinated point SSM52 and finished on another fixed coordinated point SSM29. The bearings SSM52®SSM50 and SSM29®SSM32 can be calculated. Angles at SSM52,A,B,C,SSM29 are measured and the angular misclose can be found and apportioned. Distances are also measured allowing the coordinated positions of the points to be found.

Initial bearing

As the object of traversing is to coordinate the stations of the traverse, then it is necessary to determine the bearing of one of the traverse sides. Usually this is the starting side in a traverse. Click this link for more information.