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Land Surveyor's Dictionary is an ongoing community project to crowdsource surveying definitions and terms with examples for the next generation land surveyor to learn from. If you are a Land Surveyor, add a term to the Almanac with its definition and examples. Help improve the collective knowledge of the community by improving upon terms added by other surveyors by commenting with your examples and applications in your local surveying environment.
Land Surveyor

Pacing

Pacing

Pacing is a fundamental aspect of land surveying that involves measuring distances by counting the number of steps taken by a person. This technique has been used for centuries and remains relevant today because it is a simple and cost-effective way to measure distances accurately. Pacing is particularly useful in remote areas or places where other measuring tools are not available.

The importance of pacing in land surveying cannot be overstated. It is a valuable tool that enables surveyors to obtain accurate measurements of distances, which is critical in establishing boundaries, determining property lines, and creating maps. Pacing is also a valuable tool for assessing terrain and determining the best routes for roads and other infrastructure projects.

One of the key benefits of pacing is its simplicity. Unlike other measuring tools that require specialized training or expensive equipment, pacing can be done by anyone who can walk. Surveyors can quickly and easily measure distances by counting their steps, making it an ideal method for small-scale surveys or for use in remote areas where other measuring tools may be difficult to access.

Another benefit of pacing is its accuracy. When done correctly, pacing can produce highly accurate measurements. Surveyors can achieve this by establishing a consistent stride length and pacing rhythm, which helps to ensure that each step covers the same distance. In addition, pacing can be combined with other measuring techniques, such as compass bearings and angles, to produce even more accurate results.

Pacing is also an essential tool for surveyors who work in challenging terrain. In areas where the terrain is steep or uneven, it can be difficult to use other measuring tools, such as lasers or total stations. In these situations, pacing can provide a quick and effective way to measure distances without the need for specialized equipment.

However, it is important to note that pacing does have its limitations. For example, it may not be the most accurate method of measuring distances over long distances or in areas with significant obstacles or changes in terrain. In addition, pacing requires a relatively flat and even surface, which may not always be available in certain environments.

Pacing and Land Surveying

How Does Pacing Work in Land Surveying?

Pacing consists of counting the number of steps or paces in a required distance. Distances obtained by pacing are sufficiently accurate for many purposes in surveying. Pacing is also used to validate survey work and eliminate any taping blunders.
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Measuring your pace length requires a measured 100-foot distance. You then walk this distance and count the number of steps. It is best to repeat the process four times and average the results.
Pacing in Land Surveying
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It is possible to adjust your pace to an even three feet, but this should usually be avoided. It is very difficult to maintain an unnatural pace length over a long distance. Accurate pacing is done by using your natural pace, even if it is an uneven length such as 2.6 feet. It is difficult to maintain an even pace when going up hill or down hill.
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Using your natural pace will make this easier.
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Another error can occur if you are not consistent in starting with either the heel or toe of your shoe. If you place your toe at the start point, then also measure the end point with your toe. Starting with the heel and ending with the toe is a common mistake.
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Some surveyors prefer to count strides. A stride is two steps or paces. This reduces the counting but often requires using part of a stride to determine the total distance.
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Pacing is a valuable skill for surveyors. It requires some practice and concentration. Experienced pacers can measure distances within 1/50 to 1/100 in open and level terrain.
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In conclusion, pacing is an important tool for land surveying that offers a simple, cost-effective, and accurate way to measure distances. While it does have its limitations, pacing remains a valuable technique that can be used to complement other measuring tools and to provide quick and reliable measurements in remote or challenging environments. Whether used alone or in combination with other methods, pacing is a valuable skill that every surveyor should have in their toolkit.
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Land Surveyor

Knoxville Land Surveying
2704 Cherokee Farm Way, Suite 101
Knoxville, TN 37920
Phone: (865) 249-0447

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