This technique merges the principles of triangulation, which measures angles between points, and trilateration, which measures the distances between them. Surveyors use this combined approach to build highly redundant and rigid control networks. Measuring both parameters simultaneously strengthens the geometry of the network and allows for rigorous least-squares adjustment, minimizing positional errors across large sites.
The control network for the dam deformation study relies on triangulateration to keep the error ellipses under two millimeters.
While pure triangulation was standard before electronic distance measurement, total stations make measuring both angles and distances simultaneously the default procedure.
Related terms
Triangulation
A method of determining locations by measuring angles to them from known points at either end of a fixed baseline.
Occupy
To set up a surveying instrument precisely over a known control point.
Close
To complete a traverse and return to the starting point or another known control point with acceptable accuracy.