What defines a closed traverse in land surveying?

A closed traverse in land surveying is defined by the connection of lines to enclose an area with predetermined coordinates. This means that the surveyor establishes a series of survey points that connect back to the starting point, effectively creating a polygon that fully encircles a specific area. This method is essential in ensuring that all angles and distances can be accurately measured and calculated, thereby confirming the area within the traverse.

The significance of the closed nature of the traverse is that it allows for checks on the accuracy of the work; when the starting and ending points are the same, it can indicate that the measurements taken along the traverse have been precise. In practical applications, this is critical for establishing property boundaries, construction planning, and various other land development projects.

While other options describe different aspects of surveying, they do not capture the essence of what constitutes a closed traverse. Random connections of points do not create a defined area, and only connecting vertical lines lacks the comprehensive nature required to fully enclose an area. A continuous path around irregular shapes is more reflective of an open traverse, which may not return to the starting point, further differentiating it from the definition of a closed traverse. Thus, the connection of lines to enclose an area with predetermined coordinates is