Whole Circle Bearing (WCB) vs. Quadrantal Bearing (QB) in Surveying

Introduction of WCB Vs. QB

When discussing wcb in surveying, it’s essential to understand that Whole circle bearing(WCB) and Quadrantal bearing(QB) are the two types of bearing used in the field of surveying for the purpose of measurement of the bearings. In this article, you will get to know about the whole circle bearing and Quadrantal bearing and their differences.

What Is Whole Circle Bearing (WCB)

For those wondering ‘define whole circle bearing‘, the whole circle bearing (WCB) is defined as the bearing of the line at any point which is measured with respect to the Meridian.
The Whole Circle bearings values range from 0° to 360°.
The Whole circle bearing is generally used in the Prismatic compass.
The whole circle bearing is used to measure the angle in the clockwise direction from the magnetic North.
The Prismatic compass is graduated by Whole circle bearing.

Example of Whole Circle Bearing (WCB)

If the survey line falls between the first quadrant then the Whole Circle Bearing lies between the 0° to 90°.
If it lies between the second quadrant then the Whole Circle Bearing of that survey line lies between 90° to 180°. If it lies in the third quadrant then the Whole circle bearing will be between the 180° to 270°.
And in the fourth quadrant, the Whole Circle Bearing values range between 270° to 360°.
The Whole circle bearing of any line can exceed up to 90°. When converting whole circle bearing to reduced bearing or wcb to qb, it can be reduced to the corresponding angle which is less than 90°.
This type of angle is also known as a Reduced bearing.
The examples of whole circle bearing are as follows.
- 30°,45°,80°,120°,230°, and 320°, etc

What Is Quadrantal Bearin (QB)

The Quadrantal bearing, often referred to as reduced bearing in surveying, is also known as a Reduced bearing. Quadrantal bearings are generally measured from the North or South direction towards the East or West direction. The quadrantal bearing or reduced bearing can be measured either in a clockwise or anticlockwise direction.

The quadrantal bearing varies from 0° to 90°. In the quadrantal bearing or reduced bearing system, the bearings are taken either from the magnetic North or the magnetic south direction. It will depend on which one is nearer to that line. In the Quadrantal bearing system, magnetic North and magnetic South lines are considered as reference line.

Example of Quadrantal Bearing

In the quadrantal bearing system, you can take both clockwise as well as anticlockwise angle from the reference line. It is necessary to state the particular quadrant in which that line lies. The letters N(north), S(south), E(east), and W( west) are used to represent the quadrant. Reduced bearing is observed by the surveyor’s compass.

The quadrants are represented are as follows.

1st quadrant = N – E
2nd quadrant = S – E
3rd quadrant = S – W
4^th quadrant = N – W

The example of the quadrantal bearing are as follows

N35°E,S49°E,N65°W,S25°W etc.

Difference Between Whole Circle Bearing and Quadrantal Bearing

Understanding the difference between whole circle bearing and reduced bearing is crucial. The whole circle bearing and quadrantal bearing or reduced bearing are the two bearings that are usually used in the compass surveying.

In order to choose between the whole circle bearing and quadrantal bearing, you must know the difference between them. he difference between the whole circle bearing and quadrantal bearing are as follows.

Sr.No.	Whole Circle Bearing	Quadrantal Bearing
1	The horizontal angle which is made by the survey line, with the magnetic north in a clockwise direction is known as the Whole circle bearing.	The horizontal angle which is made by a survey line with the magnetic North or South whichever is near the line in the eastward or westward direction is known as quadrantal wearing or reduced bearing.
2	In the whole circle bearing, the magnetic North line is considered as the reference line.	In the quadrantal Bearing, both magnetic North as well as South lines are considered as a reference line.
3	In the whole circle bearing only clockwise angle is taken from the reference survey line	In the quadrantal bearing both clockwise, as well as the anticlockwise angle from the reference line, is taken
4	The value of the whole circle bearing ranges from 0° to 360°	The value of the quadrantal wearing for reduced bearing ranges from 0° to 90°
5	The example of a whole circle bearing are 30°,45°,80°,120°,230°, and 320°, etc	Example of quadrantal bearing or reduced bearing are N35°E, S49°E, N65°W, S25°W, etc.

Observation of the Bearings

When considering the whole circle bearing system in surveying, consider the bearing of the line is AB to be observed.
Set up the instrument and at station A and then carry out the temporary adjustments.
Fix one of the ranging rods at the station B.
Turn the compass box until the ranging rod present at station B is not bisected by the horsehair when seen through the vertical slit above the prism.
When the needle comes to rest, bisect it by the ranging rod at station B accurately and write down the reading.
Hence you will get a bearing of the line AB.

FAQs on Whole Circle Bearing (WCB) vs. Quadrantal Bearing (QB) in Surveying

What is the Whole Circle Bearing (WCB)?

The Whole Circle Bearing (WCB) is the bearing of a line measured clockwise from the magnetic North. Its values range from 0° to 360° and are commonly used in the Prismatic compass.

What is the Quadrantal Bearing (QB)?

The Quadrantal Bearing (QB), also known as the Reduced Bearing, is measured from either the magnetic North or South towards the East or West. The values range from 0° to 90° and can be measured both clockwise and anticlockwise.

How is Whole Circle Bearing (WCB) measured?

WCB is measured in a clockwise direction from the magnetic North. The bearing values are taken directly from 0° to 360°.

How is Quadrantal Bearing (QB) measured?

QB is measured from the North or South direction towards the East or West. The angle can be taken clockwise or anticlockwise depending on which reference line (North or South) is closer to the line being measured.

What are the main differences between WCB and QB?

Reference Line: WCB uses the magnetic North as the reference line, while QB uses both magnetic North and South.
Measurement Direction: WCB measures only in the clockwise direction, whereas QB can measure in both clockwise and anticlockwise directions.
Bearing Range: WCB ranges from 0° to 360°, while QB ranges from 0° to 90°.
Examples: WCB examples include 30°, 45°, 120°, etc. QB examples include N35°E, S49°E, etc.

Can WCB be converted to QB?

Yes, the Whole Circle Bearing can be converted to Quadrantal Bearing. The conversion involves reducing the WCB angle to a corresponding angle less than 90°, which is known as the Reduced Bearing.

In what surveying applications are WCB and QB commonly used?

WCB is generally used with the Prismatic compass for precise bearing measurements. QB is used in various surveying tasks where directions from both the magnetic North and South are needed for accurate angle measurements.

How do you observe a bearing using the WCB system?

To observe a bearing using the WCB system, set up the instrument at the station, fix a ranging rod at the target station, and turn the compass box until the rod is bisected by the horsehair seen through the vertical slit. Read the bearing when the needle comes to rest.

What is a Prismatic compass and how is it related to WCB?

A Prismatic compass is a type of compass used in surveying that is graduated with Whole Circle Bearings. It allows surveyors to measure angles in the clockwise direction from the magnetic North.

What are some examples of WCB and QB?

Examples of WCB: 30°, 45°, 120°, 230°, 320° Examples of QB: N35°E, S49°E, N65°W, S25°W