4 Types of Measuring Tapes Used in Surveying

Posted on November 10, at 4:21 pm by /

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Surveying is the act of collecting measurements and dimensions of a particular physical area. It plays an essential role in many scenarios, from setting property boundaries for construction to conducting geographic studies and research. There are numerous ways to collect surveyed data and various tools for the job. Here are four common types of measuring tapes used in surveying and their roles.

1. Heavy-Duty Steel

Steel measuring tapes are the most common type of measurer. They offer multiple uses, including construction, woodworking, chain standardization, and manufacturing. Steel tape blade material provides many beneficial properties, from high durability to straight and sturdy structural readings, making them a reliable and popular heavy-duty tape measure. In surveying, steel tapes collect readings on flat and leveled grounds, covering significant distances and providing accurate measurements.

2. Vinyl

Vinyl measuring tapes provide surveyors with a more flexible form of measurement than their steel counterparts. They are also lighter in weight, making them easier to handle and carry. Vinyl measuring tapes are often used for offset and topographical measurements that feature unleveled surfaces and don&#;t require a low margin of error.

3. Precise Invar

Invar tape measures carry a reputation for producing accurate measurements. Their alloy composition of steel and nickel gives them a sturdy tape that holds its shape but also bends and adapts to curved and slanted surfaces. Their multi-metal structure also increases durability against natural elements. It minimizes expansion and shrinkage from temperature changes, withstands water exposure, and provides an easy-to-clean material that makes getting rid of mud and dirt a breeze.

4. Synthetic Tape

Synthetic tapes provide a mix of qualities mirroring their other variations. Like steel and invar tapes, they consist of durable material composition&#;fiberglass coated in vinyl&#;making them perfect for outdoor surveying conditions. However, compared to steel and invar, synthetic tape measures provide more benefits when surveying areas with highly conductive features in the vicinity, like electric fences and railways. They also provide maximum flexibility and work well for gaining measurements on unlevel land.

These four types of measuring tapes used in surveying offer varying qualities suitable for different tasks on the job. They make collecting measurements easy, no matter the terrain or outdoor setting. At Perfect Measuring Tape Co., we offer a wide variety of tapes to explore, including ones fit for surveying. Check out our selection and find the right measurement tool for you and the job at hand.

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Tapes are used in surveying to take linear measurements. They are available in different lengths and can be made of different materials. The 5 most common types of tapes used in surveying are discussed in this article.

Types of Tapes Used in Surveying

There are 5 types of tapes available in surveying for linear measurements and they are as follows :

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1. Linen Tape
2. Woven Metallic Tape
3. Steel Tape
4. Synthetic Tape
5. Invar Tape

1. Linen Tape

Linen tape, also known as cloth tape is a varnished strip made of closely woven linen. The width of the strip is about 12 to 16 mm. It is available in different lengths such as 10m, 20m, 30m, and 50m. Both ends of the linen tape are provided with metallic handles and the whole tape is wounded in leather or metal case.

Fig 1: Cloth Tape

Linen tapes are light in weight and easy to handle.  These tapes may shrink when exposed to water and also elongate when pulled. Hence, these tapes are not suitable for accurate surveying measurements. These are generally used for measuring offsets and for ordinary works.

2. Woven Metallic Tape

The metallic woven tape is an improved version of linen tape. Brass or copper made wires are used as reinforcement for the linen material. Hence, it is more durable than normal linen tape. A brass ring is provided at the end of the tape which is included in the length of the tape.

Fig 2: Woven Metallic Tape ( Metal wires reinforcement can be seen in close look)

These tapes are available in different lengths of 2m, 10m, 15m, 20m, 30m, and 50m. These are used for survey works such as topographical survey works where minor errors are not taken into consideration.

3. Steel Tape

A steel tape is made of steel or stainless steel. It consists of a steel strip of 6mm to 16mm wide. It is available in lengths of 1m, 5m, 8m, 10m, 20m, 30m and 50m. Meters, decimeters, and centimeters are graduated in the steel strip. Steel tapes generally came up with the metal case with automatic winding device. The tape is withdrawn from the case by using a hand during measuring and it is rewound into the case by just pressing button provided on the case.

Fig 3: Steel Tape

Steel tapes are not flexible and are suitable for measuring leveled surfaces only. They may corrode easily when exposed to moisture and to prevent this tape, it should be cleaned and oiled after every use. These tapes are generally used for standardizing chains, measurements of constriction works, etc.

4. Synthetic Tape

Synthetic tapes are made of glass fibers coated with PVC. These are light in weight and flexible. They are available in lengths of 5m, 10m, 20m, 30m, and 50m. Synthetic tapes may stretch when subjected to tension. Hence, these are not suitable for accurate surveying works. However, synthetic tapes are recommended in place of steel tapes where it is essential to take measurements in the vicinity of electric fences and railway lines, etc.

Fig 4: Synthetic Tape

5. Invar Tape

Invar tapes are made of an alloy which consists of 36% of nickel and 64% of steel. Invar tape contains a 6mm wide strip and is available in different lengths of 30m, 50m, 100m.

The coefficient of thermal expansion of invar alloy is very low. It is not affected by changes in temperature. Hence, these tapes are used for high precision works in surveying such as baseline measurement, triangulation surveys, etc. Invar tapes are expensive than all the other types of tapes. These tapes should be handled with care otherwise bends or kinks may be formed.

Fig 5: Invar Tape

Also Read: Methods of Measurements and Units of Civil Construction Works
Also Read: Modern Surveying Instruments and Their Uses

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