Open and Closed Traverse

A traverse is a series of connected lines whose lengths and directions are known. A closed traverse is one enclosing a defined area and having a common point for its beginning to end (For Example a close property boundary). An open traverse is one which does not close on the point of the beginning (For example: the line center survey of a highway, railroad, etc). All topgraphical surveys should have a skeleton or network of traverses to serve as horizontal control. To plot a traverse you must have a bearing (Direction) and Length of line (For example: line length from A to B is North 50 degrees 0 degrees East). On a plotting table the reading might look like this (AB=N50 00E X 550.00')

Closed Traverse: Boundry is closed

Open traverse; Boundry is not closed.