Skip to content
ENExplore Calculators

Traverse Closure Error Calculator

Work out traverse closure error instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About Traverse Closure Error Calculator

A closed traverse should return to its starting point, so the algebraic sums of latitudes and departures should both be zero. Their resultant is the linear closure error, and dividing the perimeter by it gives the precision ratio surveyors quote, such as one in five thousand. The bearing of the error often points to which leg contains the mistake.

Formulas

Closure error

e = sqrt((sum of latitudes)² + (sum of departures)²)

Precision

Precision = traverse perimeter / closure error, expressed as 1 in N

Worked example

With the default values below, Traverse Closure Error Calculator returns Linear closure error of 0.4134. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Algebraic sum of latitudesminimum -1,000 m
0.35 m
Algebraic sum of departuresminimum -1,000 m
-0.22 m
Total traverse lengthminimum 0.1 m
850 m
Allowable precision denominatorminimum 100
5,000

Results

Linear closure error
0.4134 m
Precision achieved, one in
2,056
Bearing of the closure error
327.848 °
Allowable closure error
0.1700 m

Step by step

  1. 1Values used
  2. 2Closure error
  3. 3Precision
  4. 4Linear closure error= 0.4134 m
  5. 5Precision achieved, one in= 2,056
  6. 6Bearing of the closure error= 327.848 °
  7. 7Allowable closure error= 0.1700 m

Assumptions and limits

  • The result is derived only from the 4 inputs listed above. Anything not among them is not part of the calculation.
  • In particular, this calculator does not take inflation, tax, fees or charges or compounding frequency into account.
  • Figures are rounded for display to 4 decimal places, so totals built from several rounded parts can differ slightly from the unrounded arithmetic.

How these calculators are built and tested is described on the Methodology page. If a figure looks wrong, please report it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the Traverse Closure Error figure worked out?

e = sqrt((sum of latitudes)² + (sum of departures)²). A closed traverse should return to its starting point, so the algebraic sums of latitudes and departures should both be zero.

What precision is acceptable?

One in five thousand for ordinary cadastral work and one in ten thousand or better for control traverses. A closure much worse than expected usually means a single gross error rather than accumulated small ones.

What values do I need to enter?

This calculator takes 4 inputs: Algebraic sum of latitudes, Algebraic sum of departures, Total traverse length, Allowable precision denominator. The pre-filled defaults are a realistic worked example — replace them with your own site or project figures.

Related Calculators

Traverse Closure Error Calculator | Calcrivo