Traverse coordinates – name of the component measured perpendicular to the parallel In latitude–departure (coordinate) computations, the coordinate of a point measured perpendicular to the parallel (i.e., along the meridian) is called:

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Total latitude

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Closed traverses are commonly resolved into two orthogonal components: one along the meridian (north–south) and the other along the parallel (east–west). Correct terminology is essential for balancing traverses and computing adjusted coordinates. This question checks whether you can correctly name the north–south coordinate measured from the origin/reference when working with latitude–departure methods.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Reference meridian is north–south; reference parallel is east–west.
  • “Total” refers to the cumulative value from the chosen origin (not just between consecutive stations).
  • Standard sign convention: northing positive, southing negative.


Concept / Approach:

The component measured perpendicular to the parallel (hence along the meridian) is the latitude. When measured from the origin to a given point, it is called total latitude. The component along the parallel is the departure (total or consecutive, depending on reference). “Meridian distance” is a different term used mainly in area computations for coordinates referenced to a particular meridian, not the north–south ordinate itself.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Resolve a leg of length L at bearing θ into N–S and E–W parts.Latitude = L * cos θ (north or south); Departure = L * sin θ (east or west).From the origin, sum successive latitudes to obtain total latitude at any station.Therefore, the perpendicular-to-parallel coordinate is total latitude.


Verification / Alternative check:

Traverse balance by Bowditch rule uses totals of latitudes (ΣLat) and departures (ΣDep); examples in textbooks verify the nomenclature: total latitude (N/S) vs total departure (E/W).


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Meridian distance: relates to distances of points from a reference meridian measured along parallels, not the N–S ordinate itself.

Total departure: is E–W, not N–S.

Consecutive coordinate: refers to incremental components between consecutive stations, not the total from origin.


Common Pitfalls:

Swapping latitude and departure; mixing “total” with “consecutive”; using incorrect sign conventions which later spoil area and closure checks.


Final Answer:

Total latitude

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