Running (cumulative) measurements are a fundamental surveying and setting-out technique. Instead of measuring each section individually (compounding errors), all dimensions are taken from a single datum point.
Running vs Individual Measurements
Method
Error Accumulation
Best For
Running (cumulative)
None — each point independent
Setting out walls, piers, posts
Individual (successive)
Errors compound
Short runs, few points
Calculation
Running Total at Point N = Sum of all segments from 1 to N. To convert back: subtract each running dimension from the previous one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are running measurements?
Cumulative dimensions from a single datum. Instead of 3m, 4m, 2m between points, you record 3m, 7m, 9m from the start.
Why use running dimensions?
Each measurement is independent — an error at one point does not affect others. Individual measurements compound errors.
How to convert back to individual?
Subtract each running dimension from the previous. E.g., 2400, 5000, 7200 → 2400, 2600, 2200mm.
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