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Adjusting a Traverse

Adjusting a Traverse

In the site survey of a four-sided traverse, internal angles are essential to ensure geometric accuracy. The survey revealed that the sum of the measured internal angles was 359 degrees and 48 minutes, which is 12 minutes less than the expected 360 degrees. This discrepancy signals an error likely arising from measurement inaccuracies during the fieldwork.To rectify this error, the adjustment process involved distributing the 12-minute shortfall equally across the four internal angles. By...

Variation in Acceleration due to Gravity near the Earth's Surface

Variation in Acceleration due to Gravity near the Earth's Surface

An object's apparent weight is its weight measured by a spring balance at its location. It is different from its true weight, the force with which the Earth pulls it, because of the Earth's rotation. Mathematically, an object's apparent weight equals its true weight minus the centripetal force that keeps it in a circular motion along with the Earth's surface every 24 hours.
The difference between the true and apparent weights is proportional to the square of the Earth's angular speed. Since the...

Design Example: Traverse Angle Computations

Design Example: Traverse Angle Computations

Traverse angle computations are a critical component of surveying, used to compute the internal angles within a closed traverse. A traverse consists of a series of connected lines forming a closed loop, often used for land boundary delineation or mapping. Calculating the internal angles ensures accuracy in the traverse geometry and is essential for checking survey data integrity.The process begins with known azimuths and bearings of the traverse sides. Internal angles at each vertex are...

Inclination of a Line

Inclination of a Line

The inclination of a line describes its angle of tilt with respect to the horizontal axis. While a line itself is an abstract object with no thickness, its orientation on the Cartesian plane is determined by its slope, which reflects how steeply it rises or falls. The inclination angle, always measured counterclockwise from the positive x-axis, varies between zero and π radians for nonhorizontal lines. This angle directly relates to the slope, providing a geometric interpretation of the line's...

Apparent Weight and the Earth's Rotation

Apparent Weight and the Earth's Rotation

Since all objects on the Earth's surface move through a circle every 24 hours, there must be a net centripetal force on each object, directed towards the center of that circle. The points of the north and south poles are the only exception to this rule.
For an object on the Earth's equator, the net centripetal force that accounts for its rotation is the Earth's pull towards its center, or the weight minus the normal force that prevents it from piercing into the Earth's surface. This force,...

Meridians

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In surveying, meridians are vital reference lines to measure directions and establish accurate land orientations. Meridians run from the north to the south poles, providing a stable framework for angular measurements and mapping. Meridians are fundamental in survey design, with the primary types being astronomic, magnetic, and assumed meridians. Each type offers distinct benefits and limitations, selected based on the project's scale and precision needs.The astronomic meridian is aligned with...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 24, 2026

Three-Dimensional Mapping of the Rotation of Interactive Virtual Objects with Eye-Tracking Data

Three-Dimensional Mapping of the Rotation of Interactive Virtual Objects with Eye-Tracking Data

Published on: October 18, 2024

Geometric orientation by humans: angles weigh in.

Danielle M Lubyk¹, Brian Dupuis, Lucio Gutiérrez

¹Department of Psychology, University of Alberta, Biological Sciences Building, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E9, Canada. lubyk@ualberta.ca

Psychonomic Bulletin & Review

|March 3, 2012

Summary

Humans prioritize angular information for navigation, even when other cues like wall length are present. This suggests angles are a key spatial orientation cue.

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Area of Science:

Cognitive Psychology
Spatial Navigation
Virtual Environment Studies

Background:

Understanding spatial orientation mechanisms is crucial for cognitive science.
Virtual environments offer controlled settings to study human navigation.
Previous research suggests diverse cues contribute to spatial memory.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate how humans utilize geometric cues for spatial orientation.
To determine the relative importance of angular, wall length, and symmetry information.
To compare human spatial cue utilization with findings in other species.

Main Methods:

Participants trained in a parallelogram virtual environment with multiple geometric cues.
Testing involved manipulated environments isolating or conflicting geometric information.
Performance analyzed based on accurate corner selection in modified environments.

Main Results:

Participants accurately navigated when angular cues were removed or wall length information was absent.
In conflict scenarios, angular information was prioritized over wall length and symmetry.
Human performance mirrored findings in avian spatial navigation studies.

Conclusions:

Angular information is a highly salient cue for human spatial orientation.
Humans integrate multiple geometric cues but show a preference for angles.
Findings suggest conserved mechanisms of spatial cue utilization across species.