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A chain is made of steel, which has good stability and less bulk than a Stylon reel, but is more prone to damage and wear. Chains are used for the measurement of linear distance.

Examples of Usage:

  • Measuring distances for a variety of survey purposes, such as the length of a base line between two survey stations.
  • Setting out a chain line as part of a chain and offset survey to carry out, for example, detail mapping.

Factors Influencing the use of Chains:

  • Measured distances are limited to the length of the chain, usually 50 or 100 metres.
  • Clear paths of travel, unimpeded by physical obstacles, are needed between the end points of the distance.
  • Large undulations in ground level can make chaining difficult.
  • Distance accuracy is dependent on correct field procedures and often the application of corrections for various factors.

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Maintained by:

Joiana Nascarella, Department of Geomatics.
Email: jlnasc@yahoo.com

Created: 27 January 2000
Last modified: 28 January 2000 		Authorised by:
Mark Shortis, Assistant Dean, Computing and Multimedia, Faculty of Engineering.

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Department of Geomatics, University of Melbourne.