Trilateration as Basis for Radial Staking

Abstract

If a perimeter control network is established on a construction site, electronic distance measuring equipment can be used to determine the positions on the site of points to be used in building layout. Radial surveying techniques can then be used for actual staking from the point so occupied. Analysis of such a procedure showed that staking point positions determined by averaging distance‐distance intersections to three perimeter control stations closely approximated a rigorous least squares solution for the same position. The need for geometrically strong intersections was recognized together with the need for sufficient perimeter control to enable such solutions. Baseline data for positional accuracy by radial staking is provided together with field techniques designed to minimize staking errors.