Head (Forward) Tapeperson
Leads with zero end of tape, heading directly toward desired point
Sets chaining pins or keel marks when at end of tape or when "breaking
Reads graduations on tape to determine fractions of a foot
Applies correct tension as suggested by tape manufacturer
10 pounds on a flat tape suspended along its length
20 pounds suspended (a suspended tape needs more pull due to sag from
effect of gravity)
Records distances in survey notebook
Follows with "100 ft" end of tape, notifying first person when end is being
Maintains alignment by guiding forward tapeperson towards desired point
Maintains level by eyeballing or by using hand level or other instrument
Picks up chaining pins and notes total full tape lengths measured
TAPING ON LEVEL GROUND
Mark the line at both ends and at intermediate points as necessary.
The rear tapeperson calls "Tape" when reaching end of tape.
Plumbing (of suspended tapes)
The forward tapeperson is lined in holding the zero end of the tape.
Tape should be straight and held at the same elevation.
A specified tension is applied to the tape.
Required when obstacles or surface irregularities make it undesirable
to lay the tape on the ground.
Marking Tape Lengths
Tape is held in a horizontal position with a plumb bob over the point
used to mark the tape length.
The rear tapeperson holds the "100 ft" end of the tape over the rear
(or first) point, and calls "Stick" when ready.
Reading the Tape
The forward tapeperson places a pin exactly opposite the zero mark
on the tape, and calls "Stuck" when the pin is in place.
The pin location is checked by repeating the measurement (as many times
The forward tapeperson paces off 100 feet and the process is repeated
until a final partial tape length is measured.
Two types of tapes
Recording the Distance
adding tape -- is actually 101 feet long
Measure the distance.
cut tape -- is 100 feet long, and requires subtraction to use
Double check measurement.
After the partial tape length has been measured, the rear tapeperson
determines the number of full tape lengths by counting the number of pins
This number is called out to the forward tapeperson, who adds it to
the partial tape distance, and records the total distance.
TAPING ON UNEVEN OR SLOPING GROUND
On gentle slopes, hold the tape horizontal and use a plumb at one or both
On a steep slope, a method of finding horizontal distance is "breaking
Breaking Tape -- Measuring shorter distances at a time to allow the
tape to be held horizontal at or below chest height.
TAPING ON A STEEP SLOPE
On steep slopes it is often better to measure along the slope and determine
the angle of inclination or the difference in elevation.