In chain and compass traversing, magnetic bearings of survey lines are measured by a compass and lengths of lines are measured eir with a chain or with a tape.

There are three methods of observing bearings of lines by fast needle method. They are a direct method with transiting, direct method without transiting and back bearing method.

Compass surveying is recommended when area is large, undulating and crowded with many details. It is not recommended for areas where local attraction is suspected due to presence of a magnetic substance.

Compass surveying is not recommended for areas where local attraction is suspected due to presence of a magnetic substance.

Compass surveying is not recommended for areas where local attraction is suspected due to presence of magnetic substance like steel structures, iron ore de, electric cables conveying currents.

Local attraction is term used to denote any influence which prevents needle from pointing to north in a given locality. 

The principle of compass surveying is traversing which involves a connection of series of lines. Magnetic bearings are measured by compass and lengths are measured by a chain.

 Compass traversing, lengths of lines are measured by a chain and magnetic bearings are measured by compass.

The magnetic bearings of traverse lines are measured by a odolite fitted with a compass. The direction of magnetic meridian is not established at each station but, magnetic bearings of lines are measured with a reference so direction of magnetic meridian established at first station.

The errors may be classified as instrumental errors, personal errors, errors due to natural causes. Surveyor errors may come under personal errors.