Resection
Definition
A method of determining the instrument station's own coordinates by measuring angles and distances to two or more points of known position. Useful when the instrument cannot be set directly over a pre-established datum peg.
- Domain
- Land and forensic survey
- Purpose
- Determine instrument's own position
- Method
- Angles and distances to known points
- Needs
- Two or more visible known points
Common questions
When is resection used instead of setting up over a known point?+
It is used when the instrument cannot physically be placed over a pre-established survey peg or datum, for example due to obstructions or terrain, so its position is calculated from sightings instead.
How many known points does resection typically require?+
At least two points of known position must be visible and measured to, though surveyors often use three or more to improve accuracy and check for errors.
Related terms
- Backsighting
- The process of orienting a total station by pointing it at a known reference point (backsight) after setting it over the instrument...
- Datum Peg
- A fixed ground marker with precisely recorded coordinates that serves as the origin point for a site grid. All spatial measurements on...
- RTK-GPS
- Real-Time Kinematic Global Positioning System: a satellite-positioning technique where a static base station transmits correction data to a roving receiver in real...
- Site Grid
- A rectangular coordinate system established across a site, usually with the origin at a datum peg and axes aligned to magnetic north...
- Total Station
- An electronic instrument that simultaneously measures horizontal and vertical angles and distance to a reflective prism, computing three-dimensional coordinates directly. Typical angular...