Basic Traverse Table Builder
Builds a traverse table from bearings and distances, computing latitudes, departures and coordinates.
Traverse legs
| Bearing (DD) | Distance (m) | |
|---|---|---|
Bearings are whole-circle (0–360°, clockwise from north). Runs in your browser — nothing is uploaded.
Traverse table
| Bearing | Dist | Lat | Dep | E | N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0° | 100.000 | 100.000 | -0.251 | 999.749 | 2100.000 |
| 90° | 100.000 | 0.000 | 99.749 | 1099.499 | 2100.000 |
| 180° | 100.000 | -100.000 | -0.251 | 1099.248 | 2000.000 |
| 270° | 99.000 | -0.000 | -99.248 | 1000.000 | 2000.000 |
Coordinates use the Bowditch (compass-rule) adjusted latitudes and departures, so the traverse closes back on the start.
Before you rely on this: First-pass guide only. Verify safety-critical or regulated work against the relevant standards, your project requirements and a qualified professional.
How to use this calculator
- Enter the start easting and northing of your first station.
- Choose a bearing format, then add each leg's bearing and distance.
- Read the full traverse table — latitudes, departures and the closed coordinates of every station.
How it works
The builder reduces each leg to its latitude and departure, applies the Bowditch (compass-rule) adjustment so the traverse closes, then carries the coordinates forward: each station's E and N are the previous station's plus the adjusted departure and latitude.
Because the adjusted values are used, the last station lands back on the start of a closed traverse.
Worked example
From E 1000, N 2000. A near-closed square with a 1 m short final leg is adjusted so the coordinates return to E 1000, N 2000 rather than drifting off by the misclose.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to enter the closing leg back to the start?
Yes — for a closed traverse include every leg, including the one returning to the start station, so the misclose and adjustment are computed correctly.
Is this official course material?
No. It is free study support mapped to surveying course levels — not official North Metropolitan TAFE content or advice. Always follow your lecturer and the official assessment brief, and check your own working.
Related tools
- Latitudes and Departures Tutor
- Bearing & Distance to Coordinates Calculator
- Interior Angle Balance Table
- Missing Line & Measurement Solver
- Exterior Angle Balance Table
- Angular Misclose Calculator
Explore more in Surveying, Coordinates, GIS & CAD.
Cite this tool
Zerdly. (2026). Basic Traverse Table Builder. Retrieved from https://www.zerdly.com/tools/basic-traverse-table-builder/
Tip: Enter any known values to calculate the remaining results.
All calculations run in your browser. Your inputs are never saved or transmitted.