Comparison of Arc and Chord Definitions

Misunderstandings occur between surveyors in the field concerning the arc and chord definitions. It must be remembered that one definition is no better than the other.

Different Elements
Two different circles are involved in comparing two curves with the same degree of curve. The difference is that one is computed by the arc definition and the other by the chord definition. Since the two curves have different radii, the other elements are also different.

5,730-Foot Definition
Some engineers prefer to use a value of 5,730 feet for the radius of a l-degree curve, and the arc definition formulas. When compared with the pure arc method using 5,729.58, the 5,730 method produces discrepancies of less than one part in 10,000 parts. This is much better than the accuracy of the measurements made in the field and is acceptable in all but the most extreme cases. Table A-5 is based on this definition.