Traverse Coordinates – Sign Convention for Total Latitude of a Point In traverse computations, the total latitude (algebraic north–south displacement) of a point is taken as positive under which positional condition relative to the reference parallel?

Introduction:
Traverse closure and coordinate computations use latitudes (north–south components) and departures (east–west components). A consistent sign convention is vital for balancing and plotting. This question checks the standard algebraic sign of latitude for a point's position.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Latitude is the projection along the meridian (N–S axis).
• Departure is the projection along the east–west axis.
• Reference parallel/meridian define the coordinate origin or baseline.

Concept / Approach:

By convention in surveying, northings are positive and southings are negative. Hence, any net displacement north of the reference parallel yields a positive total latitude. Eastings are positive departures; westings are negative, but these affect departure, not latitude.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Check a simple case: a single northward leg yields positive latitude; a southward leg yields negative—consistent with convention across textbooks and practice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

(b) reverses the sign; (c) and (d) refer to departures, not latitudes; (e) is unrelated to the sign definition.

Common Pitfalls:

Confusing latitude with departure; mixing local grid conventions with geodetic signs—always confirm the project standard.

Final Answer:

When the point lies north of the reference parallel (northing)